Rediscovering My True Self: A Boudoir Experience to Remember
A blog post submitted by an anonymous past client about her experience. Photos in this post are not of the same client, but are of clients who wanted to sign a full model release and are placed in this blog for visual appeal.
“I want to share my personal journey, one that I embarked on hesitantly but emerged from with a newfound sense of self-love, empowerment, and confidence. In the quest to rediscover my true self, I turned to an experience that many may consider unconventional: a boudoir photoshoot.
The decision to book a boudoir session was not an easy one. Like many, I had insecurities, doubts, and fears about how I would look in front of the camera. But I had reached a point in my life where I felt a deep need for self-acceptance and self-love. I hated what I saw when I looked at myself in the mirror. I felt empty and like I was missing a piece of myself… or, well, like I had lost a piece of myself would be a more accurate description. I didn’t see the young, vibrant, hopeful, beautiful, radiant woman I used to see. I saw everything my body wasn’t. Basically, every time I tried on a different outfit, I would have a serious mental breakdown in my bathroom.
After one too many of those breakdowns, some research and a little soul-searching, I finally decided how I was going to begin this journey I so desperately needed into self-love. I joined a few boudoir photography Facebook groups, but none of them really resonated with me the way Kearstyn’s did. The initial consultation was crucial; it allowed me to express my doubts and fears and to understand the process better. Kearstyn was understanding, patient, and assured me that the experience would be a celebration of my beauty, strengths, and my weaknesses… We talked about how those are still a part of us, our flaws, and to embrace fear, embrace the unknown, accept our flaws, is to grow. It is a part of this journey (which by the way, I am still figuring out as I write this).
We started to plan and prep for my session, and I felt this relief wave over me. It was short lived, but it felt nice. I was excited. I finally took this step out of my comfort zone and pushed myself into booking a boudoir session… with someone I only met online… (mind blown). This was so unlike me. If I could tell you who I am, you would understand what I mean! Anyway, Kearstyn helped me prepare for the session. She sent me an overwhelming amount of information and lingerie ideas. I almost bought them all because she said, “the more the better,” as do all of her blog posts and guides, but I refrained. I chose the ones that I thought would fit me best, but also a couple that pushed me even further outside of my comfort zone. Then… remember how I mentioned the relief was short lived? Well… session day came.
The day arrived, and I'll admit my heart raced as I stepped into the studio. That relief I felt after booking was long gone. I thought about cancelling, I thought about making up some excuse as to why we had to post-pone… but I didn’t do any of that.
When I arrived to the little studio shed and walked inside, Kearstyn and the professional hair and makeup artist, Marki, greeted me. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, designed to make me feel comfortable and at ease. Marki worked wonders, enhancing my features without masking my identity. I never really wear makeup, but this was amazing. I felt so incredibly pampered and at ease. That anxiety that was building up earlier that morning before I arrived sort of subsided. We talked a lot, laughed a lot, and it was like we were old friends catching up.
We started the actual session with some more of the tame lingerie choices, the ones I thought suited me best. As the session began, Kearstyn guidance was invaluable. She helped me find the perfect poses that celebrated my body's natural beauty, and… she showed them to me before I did them. I felt a connection to my own sensuality and a sense of empowerment that I had never experienced before.
During the photoshoot, I realized that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Embracing my vulnerabilities and flaws allowed me to tap into my true self and capture moments of sheer authenticity. The camera became a mirror reflecting my inner strength.
The moment of truth arrived when I viewed the final images. To say I was moved would be an understatement. I saw a version of myself that I had never fully acknowledged—a confident, sensual, and beautiful woman. The images were a testament to the journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance I had embarked upon.
Kearstyn preaches this in her VIP group all the time, about how boudoir photography experiences show you from a whole different perspective, or how others see you, and I never knew it could be true for me, too. I always thought maybe for those other women, but not for me. I was the shy, awkward, chubby, “nice eyes” girl, never the powerful, fearless, sexy, strong, woman in these photos. But that all changed the day of my session. I saw someone so intimately sexy, someone who might be chubby all the same, but my rolls were beautiful. I don’t really think this boudoir experience changed my body, or how I look when I look in the mirror because it didn’t. It taught me to accept all that I am. It forced me to look myself dead in the eyes and go, “holy sh*t, that’s what I look like?” I felt like I was really seeing myself for the first time without the haze of judgement.
I am still the same awkward, shy, chubby girl BUT I no longer see those things as negative traits. I now say: “I am awkward, shy, chubby, beautiful, sexy, strong, powerful, resilient, smart.” I understand now what she means when she says its a different perspective. It’s all in how you view yourself after. Its not some cure to the hate you have for your body, but it definitely helps change your mindset.
This boudoir experience transformed me in ways I never expected. It was a reminder that beauty is not defined by society's standards but by how we perceive ourselves. It taught me the importance of self-love, embracing my uniqueness and flaws, and celebrating my sensuality without shame or guilt.
In sharing my anonymous perspective, I hope to inspire others to consider a boudoir experience as a means of self-discovery and self-empowerment. It's an opportunity to celebrate who you are, rediscover your true self, and embark on a journey of self-love and self-acceptance. I emerged from this experience not as a different person, but as a truer version of myself—a woman who now walks through life with confidence, grace, and unapologetic self-love.”
I am so appreciative of this anonymous past client for sharing her story with me to share on the blog. If you want to share your story, please email: kmphotographyllc@hotmail.com
If you want to book your session and take her advice, click the button below to schedule a call, or book online.