A boudoir photoshoot can heal oneself. It’s a way to reconnect, reclaim experiences/your body, and gain confidence in yourself. I asked Sarah to talk more about her experience and life journey that lead her into booking a boudoir session for herself. Please read more of her story below.

Tigger warning- sexual assault.

What inspired you to book a boudoir session?

There are several reasons that I ended up booking this photo shoot. First of all, I was curious! It’s something I always thought would be fun to try. Secondly, I wanted to feel sexy again after having two kids followed by an unexpected hysterectomy at 35. But what pushed me over the edge and made me finally book the appointment was my deep desire to reclaim my identity, my femininity, and even my sense of self worth.

Were you nervous about your session?

I was absolutely nervous to come in for my session! I had never done a photo shoot like this before… In fact, I don’t think I had done any kind of a photo shoot for myself since my senior high school portraits! This was stepping so far outside of my comfort zone; so while I was nervous, it was such an incredible experience that I firmly believe every woman should take the opportunity to try this at some point in their life.

I experienced a traumatic event a couple of years ago when I was sexually assaulted at my workplace. For so long, I kept the experience to myself, and kept everything all bottled up inside. I felt ashamed and embarrassed, even though I knew it wasn’t my fault. I need to break myself out of this box that I had placed myself in, and I needed to take back what I felt I had lost. I thought one of the best ways to reconnect with myself again and reclaim what had been stolen from me would be to connect with my sexuality again in a healthy and controlled way- and this boudoir session was truly a healing experience for me.

What did you like best about your boudoir experience?

Everything! Emily has such a natural talent for making you feel comfortable, confident, and at ease… Despite what you may (or may not😉) be wearing! The hair and makeup began to set the tone for the session, the musical playlist of your choice sets the stage further, and then Emily makes the magic happen. I walked away from this opportunity feeling confident and sexy, having a new friend in my corner, and most importantly, connecting with myself on an even deeper level.

Did the experience help give you a more positive perception of yourself?

Without a doubt! I feel like I look at myself through an entirely different lens now after the experience. I’m stronger and more confident than before. While everyone is flawed and we all have something (or things) that we aren’t entirely comfortable with, I found this experience provided me with the ability to both appreciate and accept myself in a new way now. I look at the pictures and it’s hard to believe that it’s me. I hope that someday down the road I have an opportunity to go back and do this again.

What made you choose Emily Steele Studios?

I chose Emily Steele Studios for my boudoir session because of the positivity and support I found in the online Facebook group, as well as Emily’s overall personality. She was candid, open, honest, and friendly and I knew before ever even meeting her in person that I could trust her to help guide me through the experience. She is so much more than just a photographer- she is a confidante, a friend, a cheerleader, and a healer all rolled into one amazing human.

Would you recommend this experience to a friend?

Hands down, without a question or hesitation I would recommend everyone give this a go at least once. Provided the opportunity, I’d go do it again in a heartbeat.

Is there anything we can do to make the experience better for you in the future?

I can’t think of anything I would change or do differently, other than make Kansas City and Des Moines a bit closer so I could see you again sooner! 😂

Check out more of her images from her session here:

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My group on Facebook is a place for humans to talk about boudoir photoshoots.  It is a safe space for humans to lift each other up and encourage one another. 

If you’re a client, or thinking about doing a session, this is the place to be.  We also run contests and special sales in our group from time to time.

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A boudoir photoshoot can heal oneself in a variety of ways.

If doing a boudoir photoshoot for yourself has been on your mind, there is no better time than the present. We would love to schedule a time to chat with you and answer any questions you have before scheduling your session. Please reach out to us here.