Boudoir photography is so much more than just taking stunning photos—it’s about celebrating who you are and falling back in love with yourself.

No one embodies this transformation quite like Crystal, a truly special woman I’ve had the honor of photographing not just once, but twice!

Crystal’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment. She’s a mother of five (yes, FIVE!) kids, two dogs, and several farm animals, and she balances it all with strength and determination. Whether she’s driving trucks professionally or working toward her pilot’s license, Crystal’s journey is anything but ordinary.

The First Session: Facing Fears and Finding Confidence

I first met Crystal in 2019 when she signed up for a promotion I was running. At the time, she was gearing up for gallbladder surgery, 20 weeks pregnant, and adjusting to life in a body that had just lost 180 pounds. Needless to say, her plate was full!

Despite all of her nerves, Crystal decided to push past her self-doubt and step into the studio for her first boudoir session. She admitted to having some serious jitters about being so vulnerable in front of a stranger. She had just gone through a massive weight loss and was feeling self-conscious about her new body and some excess skin.

But here’s what makes Crystal so special—she leaned into the experience, trusted the process, and allowed herself to feel seen. She later told me, “You were able to relate to my fears, help me through some flaws, and work through everything with me.”

Crystal had done boudoir sessions with other photographers in the past, but she said my studio felt different. “The way she bubbles and just overflows with happiness is non-comparable,” she shared.

That’s exactly the kind of experience I want every woman to have when they step into my studio. Boudoir is about creating a safe, fun, and uplifting environment where you can let go of your nerves and embrace your beauty.

Her First Photos: A Gift to Herself and Her Partner

After the session, Crystal was overjoyed with the photos. She purchased an album and a framed image for her boyfriend, and I can only imagine how blown away he was when he saw them.

But here’s the thing about boudoir—it’s not just about creating a gift for someone else. It’s about giving yourself the gift of confidence. And for Crystal, that’s exactly what her first session became—a celebration of everything she had already accomplished and a reminder of just how beautiful she is.

The Second Session: Embracing Her Transformation

Fast forward a year, and Crystal was back in the studio for her second session—this time as a total pro! Between her first and second shoots, she had undergone a circumferential tummy tuck, lost even more weight, and given birth to her fifth child.

By the time her second session rolled around, she was radiating confidence. Crystal walked in saying she was “ready to roll” and totally embraced the experience. The nervous jitters were gone, replaced with excitement and a willingness to try new poses that highlighted every part of her transformation.

We worked with poses that both hid her tummy tuck scar and revealed it because that’s what boudoir is all about—embracing your whole self, scars and all. Every mark and line tells a story, and for Crystal, her scar was a testament to her journey and strength.

A Mental and Emotional Transformation

One of the most rewarding parts of being a boudoir photographer is witnessing the transformation my clients go through—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. For Crystal, the physical changes between her two sessions were incredible, but what stood out even more was the shift in her mindset.

Her confidence had blossomed. She was glowing with pride and self-love, and it showed in every single photo.

After her second session, Crystal told me she collaged some of her new images with the ones from her first shoot. Seeing the side-by-side transformation was amazing, but what really mattered most was how empowered and beautiful she felt in both sets of photos.

Making Boudoir a Yearly Celebration

Crystal is now making boudoir sessions an annual tradition—a way to celebrate herself, her journey, and everything she’s accomplished. I love the idea of using boudoir as a yearly investment in self-love and confidence. It’s such a powerful way to honor where you are in life and how far you’ve come.

Making Boudoir a Yearly Celebration

Crystal is now making boudoir sessions an annual tradition—a way to celebrate herself, her journey, and everything she’s accomplished. I love the idea of using boudoir as a yearly investment in self-love and confidence. It’s such a powerful way to honor where you are in life and how far you’ve come.