Tag: Empowerment

10 Reasons Why You Should Do a Boudoir Photoshoot

December 27, 2022

Bohemian Visions Richmond, Virginia

topless woman with red and black tattoo on her body

Debating on whether or not a Boudoir photo shoot is right for you? A Boudoir photoshoot is a unique experience that allows you to capture special moments in time, special memories that you can look back on and cherish for years to come. A Boudoir photo shoot session is an experience that enables you to explore boldness, sensuality, and confidence. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. Connect with the hidden side of yourself. A Boudoir session is fun and exciting for many reasons. Here are ten of the most common that I see from my clients. Which one applies best to you?

1. A Perfect Holiday Gift.
Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s, or any other holiday, a boudoir photoshoot is the perfect holiday gift because it captures a particular moment in time that you can cherish forever with the special people in your life. A boudoir session is a uniquely creative gift that can be tailored to the individual or couple’s interests. Whether you choose a fun-themed activity, a shoot centered around a hobby, or a more formal glam session, the photos will capture your special moment in a way that will be cherished for a lifetime. Plus, the recipient will have something to look back on whenever they need a reminder of the holidays and all the joy that comes with them.

2. A Wedding or Anniversary Gift.
Whether you’ve been married for two years or twenty, a boudoir session is a very special and personal way to tell your spouse, “I love you.” The photoshoot is a perfect wedding or anniversary gift to commemorate your love and bond, creating new memories to fondly look back on. Boudoir sessions also allow couples to express themselves in creative and intimate ways, capturing their love story and their special bond. Plus, the photos make for beautiful heirloom: whether on the wall, as a centerpiece on a coffee table, or as a momento for the privacy of your bedroom. It’s a truly wonderful gift that will be treasured forever.

3. You got your body done.

You didn’t go through all that trouble of getting your body done just to hide it. So what’s a better way to show off your new body? With a sexy photoshoot, of course. You deserve to celebrate your new look. It’s a great way to celebrate your achievement and keep yourself motivated. Plus, it’s always fun to have a collection of photos celebrating the new and improved you that you can look back on.

woman wearing black floral spaghetti strap top

4. It’s your Birthday or your Lover’s.

Why not give yourself or your lover a birthday to remember by taking a photo in your birthday suit? You only have this moment once a year. Then, surprise your honey with a sexy and unique gift that will make them smile from ear to ear. It’s said a picture is worth a thousand words right? Let your boudoir photo album be a love letter that reflects the depth of your affection for your special someone.

5. An Engagement Gift.

Want to get away from the cliche engagement photoshoot or cliche gifts? Like standing in a park or open field, a boudoir session with your betrothed is a novel way to share something unique and intimate for yourself and your beloved. An amazing silhouette is a great way to publicly announce your engagement.

6. Celebrate your Fitness Goal.

A photoshoot after hitting a fitness milestone is a great way to celebrate and document your hard work. Capturing your progress in photos is a great way to motivate yourself and reflect on how far you have come. Additionally, it’s a great way to share your success with family and friends and to show them what is possible with dedication and hard work.

7. Unique Maternity.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Maternity photoshoots can be so much fun and are a great way to capture a significant life milestone. You can get creative with your style, poses, and props. Have you thought about a photo shoot in a beautiful lingerie or sheer robe? Or, if you prefer something outside the box? Have fun with it, and make it your own. Get away from the cliche style.

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8. Falling in love with yourself.

Celebrate falling in love with yourself by scheduling a boudoir photoshoot. Whether you want to capture beautiful memories, highlight how awesome you are, or just treat yourself to a special day, a professional boudoir photoshoot is a great way to show yourself some love and appreciation. With the help of a skilled photographer, you can create stunning images that will make you feel confident, empowered, and beautiful.

9. After a diagnosis.

A professional photo shoot can be a great way to celebrate your journey, strive toward healing, or achieve closure. Carefully done, a Boudoir Session can be a great way to commemorate the strength and bravery it takes to face a diagnosis. It reminds you and those appreciating your portraits that you are capable of so much. It can help create a legacy for the future, a reminder of the journey you have gone through and the courage it took to face it.

10. Just because.

What a great idea! Like Nike, just doing it can be the most powerful reason to take the plunge. Why not make it more special by organizing a photoshoot with a professional photographer? Find someone who specializes in Boudoir photography and can help you capture the perfect shots. You can also make the photo shoot more meaningful by choosing a theme that has special significance to you. Whether it’s your favorite movie or theme it will make your photos even more special. Remember to bring your imagination, a lot of outfits some props, and accessories to make your photos unique. Have fun, and don’t be afraid to be creative.

Ten great reasons to celebrate you or the people you love. If one of these reasons particularly resonates with you (or you want to make the 11th reason for next year’s list), let’s connect now schedule your consult.

Schedule Your Consult to Book Your Boudoir Session

Until then,

Do you, Be you, Love you

Male Boudoir: Men You Deserve to Feel Sexy and be Naked Too.

May 21, 2020

Bohemian Visions Photography

Every man should experience a male boudoir session. Imagine spending a year working on improving your self-care regimen, fitness, and overall well being. Training for a marathon, preparing for a new position at work with increased visibility and responsibility. You are feeling and looking your best in decades. Friends and family commenting on how good you look. Your walk has a little extra pep in your step. Your newfound physical, mental, and emotional changes are spilling over to all aspects of your personal and professional life. Even your spouse is seeing a difference in “performance.” So how do you celebrate this new sense of self? You truly deserve to treat yourself to something special or even a gift to the spouse to celebrate this new phase in your life. Something to look back on and truly be proud of.

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Boudoir Photography is often associated with women. They do it for themselves or a gift to their spouse. Boudoir photographers promote self-love, empowerment, and self-discovery. It’s more than just taking pictures. It is a way of seeing your true self in an intimate way. In a society where everyone is subjected to the pressures of an unrealistic beauty standard. Embracing your flaws and imperfections is hard. While the standard of beauty has been primarily geared towards women, we often forget to ask, “What about the men?”

Men deserve to have a moment to feel sexy and appreciated without the pressure society places on their shoulders. Contrary to what society portrays, men are body conscious as well. When discussing the idea to a man who isn’t a model, the number of reasons to not do it was quite surprising. Ranging from body consciousness to needing to lose weight.

Many are insecure about their frame, shape, and weight. Personally, I don’t blame them. Society says in order to be deemed attractive men are required to have chiseled abs, a defined chest, and a toned body. What about the men who don’t possess those physical attributes? Are they deemed worthy? Jokes about the soft “Dad Bod” are made toward male celebrities who have gained weight. It is referenced to poke fun at their diminished physique. But what about the everyday dad or husband who doesn’t have the physical features society via the mainstream media deemed sexy and alluring; the so-called “Dad Bod”?

The pressure to perform at a high caliber can be for most mentally exhausting and crushing. The workplace, at home, in bed. When was the last time you really felt appreciated in a safe space? To be yourself stripped down of the titles and roles? Where does a man go to feel appreciated, spoiled, and pampered even for a day, without the pressure and stress of performing? Not required to make decisions, fix problems, or lead? While many defaults to the status quo to escape the nuances of societal pressures, are you free to be your true self?

Men participating in a Boudoir photoshoot isn’t exclusive to just young aspiring models, fitness models, or underwear campaigns. Like women it’s about discovering who you are stripped down of roles and titles coming face to face. It’s seeing yourself at your best in a safe vulnerable space. While sports and exercise are a good form of self-care, there is a certain level of competition to perform.

Like women, the amount of skin shown is all dictated by the client. From t-shirt and boxers to just full-on nudity is all the comfort of the client. A Boudoir session is not pornography. Many photographers to include me have limitations on what will be photographed. Anything that borders on pornography is an absolute no. Safety is another concern. In the age of the #MeToo era, total professionalism is important to avoid any uncomfortable situations that can lead to any legal issues. Avoid being a creep. Nudity is no more uncomfortable for men than women. The difference is men don’t publicly advertise it as frequently as women. Unlike women who can share their insecurities. Men don’t.

Men like women deserve a space to see themselves in their authentic form. Feeling pampered and spoiled. To celebrate milestones and overcoming struggles and obstacles that may have had crushing effects. Purchasing a Boudoir session for yourself or a loved one is a personal and unique gift to celebrate a special milestone. Let’s end the notion that Boudoir is not only for women it’s for everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin.

So if the idea of investing in yourself while being pampered and spoiled crosses your mind, let’s have a conversation. Don’t be the person who ends up regretting an opportunity to celebrate an important milestone. Check out some male boudoir sessions here. Come schedule a consultation and let’s have a conversation to create a day special and unique for you. Looking forward to having a conversation.

Do You, Be you, Love you
Bohemian Life

Igniting Your Self-Worth With An Amazing Boudoir Photoshoot

woman in bikini lying on gray corner sofa

March 11, 2020

Bohemian Visions Photography

Many people don’t know that Boudoir is French defined as a woman’s private sitting room or bedroom. Some people recognize Boudoir as a genre of photography that is sensual or sexual. Others see it as nude photography. The majority of the time it is taken of women but men and couples participate as well. Despite this style of photography have been around for 100 years. Many don’t know what it is. When I tell people what type of photography I shoot I still get asked what it is. The most simplified answer I give is intimate portrait photography in various stages of undress. It ranges from T-shirt and shorts or fully nude. It’s all about the client(s) level of comfort.

Igniting Your Self-Worth With An Amazing Boudoir Photoshoot 9 — Photo by Yohann LIBOT on Unsplash

As a Professional Boudoir Photographer, I will tell you its more than just taking pictures. It’s about connecting or reconnecting with yourself on an intimate level. Boudoir photography isn’t without its own set of challenges. Some people feel its just a way for pervert photographers to see women naked. A means to kidnap women or force women into sex trafficking. I would be lying if that wasn’t the case. A small number of men with cameras who claim to be photographers have done it and the risk is there. Like other scams as a potential client do your thorough research. Be diligent in asking all questions.

Once you decide you want to do a Boudoir photoshoot, research the photographer. Do they have a website outside of social media? Are there customer testimonials and reviews like Google, Youtube, Yelp, or Bing? What type of women is in their gallery/portfolio “models” or “regular” everyday women? Are you comfortable having a man or a woman photographer? What type of services, packages are offered? Most important can you bring a friend? As a photographer, I would caution hiring a photographer that refuses to have a friend or partner come to your session. Especially if the location in their home. If you are not comfortable with this policy do speak up. This is your session don’t allow anyone to make you feel uncomfortable.

So you have selected your photographer, schedule your consultation, and now anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, excitement is all going through your mind. I will tell you those feelings are completely normal. You are not alone. During your consultation ask all the questions, you can think of. Trust me these are nothing new many times some questions are so common they are located in the FAQ on the website.

Ask yourself do you feel comfortable with the photographer during the initial conversation? Are you comfortable with them photographing you in the most flattering way? Do you feel comfortable having a stranger take pictures of you in lingerie or less? Trust your gut if there is a lemon poppy seed of doubt move on. There are plenty of other photographers. Are they experienced in photographing women of all sizes? Are their services inside of your price range? If the answer is yes and you are ready its time to make the leap. You pay your deposit and schedule your photoshoot.

You go home and look in the mirror and now fear and anxiety start to go into overdrive. Every scar, stretchmark, and imperfections seem to magnify. Insecurity begins to take over. STOP!!!!! Breathe!!! Take a deep breath. There is no such thing as perfection. Refocus on why you wanted to do this. Remember what it was that gave you the idea to do this. Your deposit is paid you are all in. You are beautiful your partner tells you this already. You get compliments from strangers. You are amazing, your Kid(s) show you this. Remember every commercial photo of celebrities and influencers is photoshopped. This includes social media posts. It’s layered with filters and Facetune modifications. Many of them go under the knife to look like each other. You are a special gem.

It’s the day of your session you are nervous and that is perfectly ok. Those feelings are very normal. Your hair looks amazing, your makeup is beautiful. Your outfit is selected. Your photographer will ensure you are comfortable and will take a few frames to check the lighting and composition. You will be guided and assisted. Soon your session is over. You have seen your photos and you are in love. You didn’t think you could look so beautiful. You didn’t think you can be seen as sexy. Yet you are. When I do a reveal with my clients I show them the unedited photos to reassure them of their beauty. Editing should only focus on color correction and enhancements. Any major changes to the client’s body completely defeat the purpose of body positivity.

nervous spongebob gif GIF by SpongeBob SquarePants

Your so call imperfections is what makes you uniquely you. You don’t need to lose any more weight. Your photographer is a professional and will listen to your concerns. They will shoot you in the most flattering way and make you feel amazing and comfortable. Your fears and concerns will go away halfway through your session. The positive affirmations and previews of your photos will give you the confidence to allow you to push those insecurities away.

Your Boudoir album should serve as a reminder you are beautiful and sexy. You are brave and bold. You are feeling a sense of confidence and accomplishment because you finally overcame a fear or insecurity. When overcoming a fear or sense of doubt it gives you the courage to overcome anything. What started off as a “scary” photoshoot has now become a tool of empowerment. Your pictures serve as a reminder that you are worthy, courageous, and strong.

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While many critics will try to make you feel bad or ashamed for doing a Boudoir Session don’t give them that power. Don’t let anyone try to diminish your self worth and value. Don’t let their insecurity of themself make you feel any less. Their insecurities projected on to you has more to do with them and less to do with the decisions you make about your body and choice to do what makes you happy in your life. Don’t let their insecurities steal your joy.

A Boudoir photoshoot will bring you face to face with the stripped-down version of yourself. It is a moment where it is about you and only you. Then you begin to realize the newfound sense of power. The power of knowing your worth and value. The power of feeling proud of your self-love and empowerment. You will no longer be a bill payer to someone else’s insecurities. You are worthy. Look in the mirror and tell yourself this. As uncomfortable this may seem to try it. You are beautiful. You are more. The more you tell yourself this the more you begin to believe it the more you will embody this.

Knowing your value and worth will open up so many opportunities that fear would typically restrict you from doing. So if you are considering adding a Boudoir photoshoot to your bucket list it will be an exciting and scary experience and so worth the investment. It is never too late to invest in your self.

Do you, Be you, Love you
Bohemian Life