A Gift for Him, A Revelation for Me:
What My Boudoir Session Taught Me About Self-Love
Introduction
Boudoir photography is often seen as a gift for a partner, a way to capture intimate, beautiful moments to share with someone special. But what if I told you it could also be an incredible gift to yourself? That’s exactly what my boudoir photoshoot was—a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and love. I had the pleasure of working with One Soul Photography for my first boudoir session, and what I experienced throughout that day was far more than I ever expected. Here’s how this shoot taught me to embrace my beauty, see myself through new eyes, and understand what true self-love feels like.
The Nerves and Excitement
I’m no stranger to pushing through discomfort, and I’ve learned to embrace the nerves that come with stepping outside my comfort zone. About six years ago, I had a life-changing moment at a yoga retreat in Panama with my best friend. It was there, under the full moon, that I skinny-dipped for the first time with a group of women from all walks of life. We celebrated our bodies, our strength, and our shared womanhood, and it was a deeply empowering experience. I left that retreat with a renewed appreciation for my body—grateful for its health, its ability to adventure, and the two beautiful children it gave me.
Yet, despite this newfound respect, there were still moments when I didn’t feel beautiful in my own skin. How many times had I stood in front of a mirror, feeling confident and ready to go out, only to see a picture later and feel less than pretty? It made me question if a camera could ever capture the strength I felt in my body or the beauty I saw when I was getting ready.
The Shoot Itself
When I arrived at the studio, I was immediately put at ease. From the moment I stepped through the door, I felt welcomed and cared for by Jill, co-owner and one of the photographers, and Brittania from the Beauty Team. They took the time to get to know me, understand how I wanted to look, and make sure I felt comfortable in every way. That sense of warmth and care allowed my nerves to melt away, and by the time we started the first set, I felt ready to dive in.
Jill guided me through the first two sets with expert direction on posing, helping me tap into my inner strength and beauty. What surprised me most was how quickly I became comfortable in front of the camera. By the time David, Jill’s husband and the other half of One Soul Boudoir, joined us, I had already come to trust their vision completely. They knew exactly how to bring out different aspects of me—each shot reflecting something unique, from my playful side to my more seductive, serious moments. I wasn’t just posing for the camera; I was fully embracing the experience and letting every facet of my true self shine through.
The Emotional Impact
When I finally saw the photos, I was overwhelmed—in the best way possible. I had expected something special, but what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply these images would affect me. Seeing myself captured through Jill and David’s lens helped me realize how much beauty I had been overlooking in myself. In all the years I had spent embracing my body for what it was—strong, capable, and life-giving—I hadn’t fully appreciated the way it looked. These photos gave me the opportunity to see myself in a new light, a way I hadn’t been able to see before.
In the 20 years I’ve been with my husband, he’s always looked at me like a goddess. I never doubted for a moment that he sees me as beautiful—no matter my weight changes, pregnancies, stretch marks, what I’m wearing, or whether I have makeup on. The woman he loved at 18 is still the woman he finds captivating at 38. However, I couldn’t understand what he saw. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, or glanced at photos on my phone, I saw someone very average in all the physical ways. But through these photos, I finally got a glimpse of how he sees me. It’s a revelation, not just about how he sees me, but how I can start seeing myself.
The Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the experience as a whole, I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to rediscover myself. Boudoir photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images—it’s about embracing all that we are, inside and out. Through this shoot, I saw parts of myself I had forgotten or overlooked, and I’ve come to realize how much beauty lies in embracing our vulnerabilities, our imperfections, and our strengths.
The journey didn’t just stop with the photos. It sparked something in me—a deeper sense of self-love and acceptance that I carry with me today. I am no longer waiting for a camera to validate how I feel about myself. I can see now that the beauty was always there, even if I couldn’t recognize it right away.
If you’ve been considering boudoir photography, I say go for it. It’s not just a gift for someone else—it’s a gift for you. It’s a chance to reconnect with your body, your strength, and your beauty, and to feel empowered in a way that stays with you long after the session is over.
Bio
Jamie has spent over 13 years in the fitness and wellness industry, currently serving as a VP of Marketing for an up-and-coming franchise. A proud mother of two, wife, and dog lover, she is passionate about embracing self-love, fitness, and the beauty in every individual. When not working, Jamie can be found hiking, traveling, and cherishing quality time with family and friends. With a love for helping others find their inner strength, she believes that every person deserves to feel empowered and confident in their own skin.