As an everyday woman with a typical life, I often found myself feeling less than fabulous about my appearance. My body has changed over the years—my curves are definitely not what they used to be. After two pregnancies, my skin has stretch marks that tell the story of motherhood. So, when a friend of mine mentioned she was getting boudoir photos taken for her milestone birthday, I was both horrified and intrigued.
“I’ve always wanted to do it,” she said, “and time is not on my side. They’re not scandalous shots; they’re elegant and beautiful. Plus, it’s a woman photographer, so I’ll feel comfortable.” I admired her bravery and began to consider it for myself.
Body confidence has always been a struggle for me. In my teenage years, I was self-conscious about being flat-chested, and by my twenties, I was worried about a non-existent belly. Fast forward to 30, and after having two kids, I had gained a total of 100 pounds. My body felt like a deflated balloon, and I regretted not appreciating my younger self more. Why didn’t I love my 25-year-old figure?
So, I thought, why not take the plunge? I reached out to the photographer and booked a session. What was the worst that could happen? A few photos that would stay hidden away forever?
On the day of the shoot, I woke up with a stomach full of nerves, akin to the feeling before a marathon. I could hardly eat and kept telling myself, “You’ve got this!”
The makeup artist who arrived with the boudoir package was around my age and instantly put me at ease. She had experience with boudoir shoots as well, offering me posing tips and a glass of wine, which I quickly accepted despite it being only 11 a.m. I felt vulnerable in my bare face and hoodie, but once she was done, I looked like a million bucks! With curled hair, false lashes, and perfectly lined lips, I felt transformed.
The studio resembled a cozy master bedroom, complete with a bed and soft lighting. I brought an assortment of lingerie and a couple of cute tops. At first, posing in my undies felt awkward as the photographer and her assistant guided me through various stances—arch your back, stick your butt out, and pop that chest! But as I changed outfits and saw previews on the camera, my confidence soared. I couldn’t believe how good I looked.
After the shoot, I felt like the hottest woman in town. Sure, I didn’t have the perkiest assets, but I still felt fabulous. We celebrated with dinner and drinks, and as I tucked my false lashes into my wallet, I realized I hadn’t told my husband or kids. This was a personal journey for me, and if things didn’t turn out well, I could easily forget about it.
When the photographer sent me the final images, I was taken aback—I literally cried. It was me, but I looked like art—soft, beautiful, and confident. My husband was thrilled with the photos and praised my courage, but the most touching thing he said was, “I’m just happy you see yourself the way I’ve always seen you.” And he was right.
If you’re considering a boudoir shoot, I encourage you to go for it! It was a transformative experience that helped me embrace my body and feel empowered. For more resources on home insemination, check out this helpful guide on IVF. And if you’re looking for the right tools, visit Cryobaby for great home options.
For those interested in the topic, you can also dive into discussions on this blog post about home insemination.
In summary, getting boudoir photos taken was not just a gift; it was a celebration of who I am and a reminder to love my body at every stage.