"How Boudoir Photoshoots Helped Shape My Confidence" // Rochester, NY Boudoir Photographer
Were you nervous when you did your first boudoir photoshoot?
I was SO nervous. I wasn’t sure what to expect, what I was going to look like, etc. I was most scared that I wouldn’t like how my body looked, but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences. It’s something I will never forget!
After your session, how did you feel? (directly after your session before viewing your photos)
Well besides HUNGRY, I felt really good about myself. I felt confident, which was somewhat new to me. I had just danced around in my underwear listening to Beyonce for an hour. I also got to spend time laughing and working with my best friend. How could I not feel good?
After viewing your images, what did you feel? Were you excited? Were you shocked?
I was honestly in shock. I looked over the pictures so many times and I was like “That’s me?! That’s my body?!”. It gave me a confidence I had never felt before. I was so excited to show my boyfriend at the time and to post them on Instagram. I wanted to show everyone basically and be like “Hey!! This is ME!!!”
Looking back to your past boudoir shoots, how do you think it’s contributed to your confidence?
It has definitely helped my self-esteem and confidence so much. The first time I did it, I was in a pretty healthy mental state and it just made me feel better than I already had. The second time I did it, almost two years later, I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and just had a lot going on. Let me tell you- just being in the moment of the shoot, worked WONDERS. Being in a public place in lingerie was honestly empowering. You get these thoughts like “I’m a boss ass bitch who don’t need no man”. And that truly put me in a different mental state. It was wonderful. I wish I could experience that over and over again.
Do you think you're a little more comfortable with your body, and femininity?
Yes! Each time gets better and better. You learn what you like about yourself, what angles don’t photograph the best, etc. I could probably do a nude shoot with you and feel comfortable at this point. When I look at my boudoir photos, instead of tearing everything apart, I can learn to really appreciate it. It’s MY body. It’s ME. I love it, even when I feel like I don’t at times. I feel like when you take vulnerable pictures such as these, it empowers femininity. I want every woman to do a boudoir shoot so they can experience that feeling of empowerment and entitlement over their own body.
What advice do you have for girls struggling to pick out outfits for their session?
Ugh the best and worst part is the outfits. I would say to wear what you’re comfortable in and what you feel is flattering on your body! Wear what you feel sexy in- whether that’s a t-shirt and undies or an all lace bodysuit. If you want to show up in an all leather bondage outfit- we won’t judge. It’s YOUR choice.
What advice do you have for girls who are really afraid to do these sessions, but want to feel more comfortable with their bodies?
Just DO IT! You will not regret it- I promise! You are going to learn to appreciate your body. Whether it was a booty pop that made a picture your favorite, or some major cleavage- you will learn to slowly love parts about yourself that you didn’t love before.
What is the biggest reason you continue to do boudoir photoshoots?
It’s a rewarding experience. I get to spend time laughing with my best friend, and I get to feel like a total babe doing it! Every time I do it, I feel so good about myself. I would do one every month if I could!
How was Megan able to keep you comfortable during your sessions?
Megan will become your friend within the first minute of shooting. She is so easy to talk to and directs the shoot so well! She will make everything very light and fun. She will also make you laugh (which makes for a great candid photo). She will be your photographer/director but will also be your biggest fan during the photoshoot. She is one of a kind <3
