Boudoir photography is waaaaay more than just a sexy photoshoot.

A boudoir photoshoot at Embodied Art Boudoir is a creative, profound experience that brings you home to yourself.

All the brave and unique women who undergo a shoot have their reasons for doing a boudoir shoot and what brought them in. In this blog, we’ll discuss nine reasons to do a boudoir shoot!

Why do a Boudoir Shoot #1: Using Boudoir For Post-Relationship Healing

Many clients find themselves at a crossroads post-break-up. Some feel liberated, joyful, excited, and happy. Others feel lonely, isolated, afraid, insecure, bogged down with layers of trauma & self-doubt.

The immense strength it takes to remove oneself from a toxic or abusive relationship is the same strength that guides them on their healing journey.

One client shared how her boudoir shoot led to increased empowerment & healing,

“Coming out of a relationship that kept me silent and brainwashed me into thinking that I was less than, not worthy of happiness, and an ugly person (physically and internally), these photos are visually symbolic of my journey not only to love and accept myself, but are a physical display of taking back the power to own my happiness, my life, my mind, and body. I was powerless in my relationship, and I have taken back my mind, body, and spirit.”

For another client, the boudoir shoot sparked her confidence & self-image,

“I went through a breakup with a toxic ex and am finally turning myself around. I have been working on my own self-image.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot #2: Feeling At Home in Your Skin

Too many women go through life feeling awkward in their own bodies. We’re scared to look in the mirror, to be in photos, stand up in front of a crowd, because we’re so self-conscious about how we look.

Which takes us out of our bodies. It makes us feel anxious & disconnected.

Maybe you can relate to what this client told me,

“I don’t really love myself or my body. I want to love my body; I want to like looking in the mirror. I think a boudoir shoot would give me more confidence and self-love.”

If you’re tired of this status quo, you might turn to boudoir photography to see & accept the unique magic of who you are. When you see & accept yourself fully, you can finally be at home in your own skin.

Like one client told me,

“This allowed me to see myself as my lovers do. It didn’t change the way I am, it showed me in ways I never see because I don’t have a photographer following me at my best, but I finally can see myself as I am, a strong, soft, joyful, sexy person.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot #3: Creating a Positive Anchor

In moments of triumph & utter joy, we wish we could capture that feeling forever. A boudoir photo shoot can do that, serving as a positive anchor.

Like this client told me in the beginning about her why of doing a boudoir shoot,

“I want something I can look back on when I need to remember why I love the body I’m in.“

A boudoir photoshoot is your chance to freeze a moment, a lovely reminder of who you are, at your best.

One client loved the artistic expression,

“I had such a good time and now I have great photos to remember the day and remind me that I AM confident, beautiful, and sexy.”

And that’s exactly what this client got from her session,

“My essence was captured in such an undeniable way. You can see the sparkle in my eye and my sassy nature.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot #4: Using Boudoir to Connect To Your Feminine, Sexual, and Sensual Sides

Doing a boudoir shoot connect you with aspects of yourself that may have been suppressed, hidden, or shamed in the past. It can be world-shakingly liberating to give yourself a safe space for self-expression without judgment.

Maybe something in your past caused you to disconnect from your sexuality.

You might relate to the experience of one of my clients,

As someone who has had an eating disorder and experienced sexual trauma in the past, this was truly cathartic.

Maybe you’re a young woman who has always been “cute” and want to feel like sexy for the first time.

One client told me,

“I love myself even more and I know how fun and sexy I can be!”

Maybe you’ve always been a more masculine, hard-ass, powerful woman, wanting to get more in touch with your femininity, vulnerability, and soft beauty.

“This experience allowed me to see parts of myself that I have been disconnected from while feeling safe and supported the entire time.”

When you’re ready to connect to lost & hidden parts of yourself, the boudoir experience can be extremely supportive & empowering.

Whys do a Boudoir Shoot #5: A Mega Confidence Boost!

My passion is being your professional hype woman—even if it’s not officially listed as a career option (sigh…one day!)

My goal is to celebrate & honor the beauty of your body, heart, and soul. Nothing about you needs to change and once you see yourself, I have a feeling you will agree.  

One client said,

“My favorite part was really just the whole approach Gabby takes to making women feel seen, sexy, and confident. If you want a confidence boost and to work with an extremely talented photographer who gives an all-around phenomenal boudoir experience, go work with Gabby!”

For those seeking to reclaim their self-image, boudoir photography offers an empowering perspective,

“I’ve gained some weight in recent years, so I would love to gain my body confidence back with some HOT pictures!”

Another said,

“The experience helped me see my body and myself in a different, more affirming light.“

Why do a Boudoir Shoot: #7 Body Image Reset

If there’s one thing ALL bodies to do, it’s change. All bodies change. Pregnancy, illness, injuries, aging, weight loss/gain, childbirth…

These changes can be challenging, especially in a society that is OBSESSED with pure, youthful beauty. 

If you find yourself stuck in this mindset, a boudoir photoshoot offers a “body image reset,” allowing you to embrace & celebrate your body as it is now. Right now! Flaws, imperfections, scars, extra lbs…. all perfect.

Stop comparing yourself to years-old photos of yourself and reset your current mental snapshot of what you look like.

One client expressed about why she wanted to do a boudoir shoot,

“I’m learning to love the new me and want help feeling more comfortable with myself.”

Another gushed,

“Learning to accept chronic illnesses and the insane amount of large scars on my body, that and the body changing as it does with older age.”

Boudoir photography challenges you to let go of self-comparison & focus on the unique beauty of your present self.

Closely related, one client shared,

I think seeing myself in a different light would show me how much my body is actually beautiful and show me how my body was able to create new life three times.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot #8: Healing Body Image

Who else is utterly exhausted from a negative body image?

There are many path ways to healing body image, and a boudoir photo shoot can be a significant step.

I’ve been on a self-growth journey this year and this was part of it.

Please note: If you’re struggling with strong body dysmorphia, it’s important to approach boudoir photography with caution. If seeing your naked body in the mirror evokes a strong negative reaction, a photoshoot alone won’t magically resolve those feelings. It’s best to reach a more neutral state first.

When you’re ready & willing to take a bold step toward seeing your body as beautiful & worthy of being photographed, a boudoir session can be the perfect complement to your body image journey.

A client shared how transformative the experience was for her,

“Her photography of my body erased years and years of critical thoughts about my body. I loved all of my photos so much and found a new deep love and appreciation for my body!”

Or in other words,

“It is a whole new way of seeing yourself and loving what you see.“

As another client shared,

“I have decided to heal myself, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and really grab life by the balls and put myself out there. What a better way to put myself out there, literally, and really see myself and my body as something to be proud of and empowered by.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot: #9 A Celebration of How Far You’ve Come

I’ve had clients who are feeling good about their bodies for the first time…ever.

Since we live in a ~hellscape~ society that trains us to have self-doubt & body hate, that is a really big deal…

…and 100% a cause for celebration!

One client expressed about why she wanted to do a boudoir,

“I’ve done a lot of healing and shadow work; I’m ready to move to light work, celebrating, and creating a positive foundation for my future.”

Another said,

“I wanted to do a boudoir session to celebrate my relationship with my body. I want to love her well wherever we are at in our story.”

Why do a Boudoir Shoot: Beyond A Sexy Photoshoot

I want to end where I started: boudoir is SO much more than a sexy photoshoot. Trust me: you will leave with sexy, beautiful, bold images!! That’s a given 😉

You will also undergo a deeply personal & transformative experience that can help you reconnect with yourself on multiple levels.

Sit with yourself, set an intention, and unearth what your “why” for doing a boudoir shoot.

Whatever your reason, a boudoir session is a safe & supportive environment to explore your identity.

It’s a chance to spend the day tuning out the busy, outside world & connecting with the most important person you’ll ever meet: yourself.