How to Address Insecurities & Self-Doubt During Your Boudoir Shoot

Doing a boudoir session is like discovering a fresh & inspiring self-portrait. It’s a unique chance to view yourself through a new lens: radiant, powerful, and self-governing.

Boudoir photography dares us to rebel against the overwhelming narrative that women should not embrace & show off their bodies! Unless you literally look like a model in a magazine (which is photoshopped a lot),  excluding most of us. 

One of my favorite aspects of boudoir photography is the chance to reflect to my clients their undeniable beauty. It’s astounding how women feel after seeing themselves from another perspective which can bring about powerful healing & empowerment.

These sessions are about carving out a space for body confidence, & celebrating the vessel that carries you throughout life. Intimate photographs peel back layers of self-doubt, revealing the radiant you hidden beneath any insecurities.

But: what happens when that critical voice tries to sabotage your session?

Pre Shoot Prep

Not letting your inner critic ruin this empowering artistic experience starts before you step foot in the studio.

Let me get one thing off my chest: you do NOT need to change a SINGLE thing about yourself to do your boudoir photoshoot. No, you do not need to lose weight. No, you don’t need to “tone” up. You are perfect just the way you are, today. 

Rather than succumbing to a strict regime of dieting & self-denial, embrace the time leading up to your session with a balanced life teeming with joy-sparking & fulfilling activities.

My studio is a special, body-neutral/body-positive zone designed for you to embrace your body today & transform your internal dialogue through pampering, posing, guided meditation, and the celebration of your body as art.

Nerves are normal. They make you feel alive & can actually be quite helpful in propelling you forward into the unknown realm of a boudoir photoshoot.

A big way to combat nerves if you are having them pre-shoot is with information & preparation. First things first, I will send you PLENTY of pre-shoot resources including information on:

• A play-by-play of the day 
• What to wear on your shoot day 
• How to prepare your skin & hair 

I will also encourage you to think about your boudoir “why”: why are you doing this shoot & what you hope to get out of the experience.

Intentions are everything. Your intention can make the difference between experiencing a sexy photoshoot, and experiencing your entire being shift when it comes to self-acceptance, self-love, and body confidence.

Your intention can be whatever you want, but if you have been struggling with self-confidence, I encourage you to focus on this theme. Here are some inspirations for intentions to consider: 

• I will have an open heart & willingness to see something beautiful in myself  
• I will celebrate my body’s story
• I strive to embrace all parts of myself 
• My body is a blessing
• I will express my sensuality, sexiness, and joy 

Sit with your intentions, write them down, repeat them and remember them on the day of your shoot.

Make your intentions more powerful, and your inner critic more quiet, by exploring your body image history. 

This may feel a bit like untangling knots, depending on your progress. Try to delve into the root of your feelings by considering external factors like media influence, close relationships and other elements.  

When reflecting on your body image, allow yourself the freedom to fully experience every emotion that arises, treating yourself with tenderness & kindness. A heaping dose of self-compassion can make a world of difference here.

This can be tough to do on your own, so I’ve made resources to help my clients. A few weeks before your session I’ll send you the Dig Deep Body Image Questionnaire, which is basically a bunch of journaling prompts to guide you through this process!

The Day Of The Shoot

I notice that ALL women have nerves, but sometimes they are more intense for people who struggle with body confidence. To support every body & person that comes into my studio,  I have lots in place to support you through when your nerves start whispering false narratives & insecurities try to pop in. 

Before your photoshoot, we have time to talk about what you can expect during the photoshoot, which will lead us to discussing your intentions. It’s so important to refocus on your intention for this experience to avoid falling into old habits of self-doubt or self-criticism during your shoot.

We also chat about boundaries and consent! If there are certain things you feel particularly shy or nervous about showing, we can discuss poses & photography styles to accommodate this. I will always respect your autonomy, boundaries, and needs. 

On the day of your shoot, we will engage in a pre-shoot meditation that is focused on getting grounded, centered, and relaxed. I will lead these meditation sessions from a gentle & peaceful place.   

I’m a huge proponent of mindfulness in everyday life & boudoir photoshoots. 

When we are mindful, we are aware of when & how we’re being consumed by our inner critic so we can intentionally pause, observe, and change our thinking. Mindfulness allows us to connect with ourselves & properly understand what we need.

So I will ask you to lean into mindfulness & focus on your breath throughout the shoot, connecting to your body in the present moment. In doing so, you can get out of your mind, and into your body.

If I am noticing anything becomes too much, I will always offer you a break to take the time away you need to have some water, do some breathing, stretch, or do whatever helps you to return to the present moment. This is your photoshoot & you can ask for a pause at ANY moment. 

No matter how you are feeling, I will be your hype woman while actively listening to what you’re feeling and find a way to navigate how you’re feeling without any pressure. I approach every single photoshoot from an empowering, empathetic, body-neutrality mindset. I love to show you images as we go, as I adore watching a lady’s eyes light up with joy mixed with some shock as they say “That’s me?!” 

After The Photo Shoot 

Following your shoot, your boudoir album & images will be available the same day! 

These are powerful. They serve as a bold reminder of your beauty & sensuality. It will showcase your bravery & boldness, representing a significant accomplishment as you triumph over fears and insecurities!

By overcoming this challenge, you will gain the courage to conquer anything & enjoy your newfound confidence. What may have initially been a “scary” photoshoot will transform into an empowerment tool. Your pictures will serve as a constant reminder that you are worthy, courageous, & strong, reaffirming your sense of self-worth & providing inspiration for your journey ahead.

I also encourage you to lean into what serves you & energizes you following the shoot. For example, you’ll have your hair & makeup done, so if you’re a social butterfly, arrange a date night with your favorite friends, family, or partner. Or, if you are someone who needs to process & relax, head for a comforting massage or indulge in a warm bath or shower. 

Fill in the sheet below for a life-changing boudoir shoot.