10 Reasons to Book a Boudoir Shoot That Have Absolutely Nothing to Do With Your Partner
Disclaimer: this is my favorite blog post ever
I love a good boudoir album given as a gift.
Anniversary?
Yes.
Wedding?
Absolutely.
Birthday?
Happy birthday, my love!
But somewhere along the way, women got the idea that we need to justify having beautiful photographs of ourselves by giving them to someone else.
No ma'am.
You are allowed to want photographs of yourself because...
YOU WANT PHOTOGRAPHS OF YOURSELF.
Wild concept, I know.
So if you've been looking for permission to book a boudoir session just because you freaking want one, here it is.
And just in case “because I want to” doesn't feel sufficiently responsible, I've prepared ten additional excuses.
You're welcome.
1. Because You Keep Saying “Someday”
Someday when I lose weight.
Someday when the kids are older.
Someday when work calms down.
Someday when I feel confident.
Someday when...
Girl.
Someday has terrible availability.
Book the damn photoshoot.
2. Because You Have a Birthday Coming
Turning 30?
Perfect.
40?
Even better.
50?
YES.
60?
PLEASE CALL ME.
There is something incredibly powerful about documenting yourself exactly where you are in life instead of constantly worshipping some younger version of yourself.
You are not past your prime.
You ARE your prime.
And frankly, we're changing the definition of prime whenever necessary.
3. Because Your Body Has Done Some Sh*t
Maybe you had babies.
Maybe you didn't.
Maybe you've gained weight.
Lost weight.
Gotten stronger.
Gotten softer.
Gone through a major life change.
Whatever your story is, your body has been carrying you around this entire time.
Maybe instead of criticizing her for five minutes, we take some really beautiful photographs of her.
Crazy idea.
4. Because You Just Got Divorced
Listen.
I am not saying a boudoir shoot should be included in every divorce settlement.
I'm just saying I would support the legislation.
New chapter.
New energy.
New photographs.
And possibly new lingerie.
5. Because You Fell in Love
With someone else?
Lovely.
With yourself?
Even better.
Either one works.
6. Because You're Terrified to Do It
This is actually one of my favorite reasons.
There is something incredibly satisfying about doing the thing that makes you nervous and discovering:
Oh. I can do hard things.
Also:
HOLY CRAP, LOOK AT MY ASS.
Both are valuable personal revelations.
7. Because You Don't Have Beautiful Photographs of Yourself
Open your camera roll.
How many photographs are there of your kids?
Your partner?
Your dog?
Your lunch?
A parking spot you photographed so you wouldn't forget where the car was?
Now how many photographs exist of you that you absolutely love?
Exactly.
8. Because You've Spent Enough Years Avoiding Cameras
You know the move.
Someone pulls out a camera and suddenly you're volunteering to TAKE the picture.
Convenient.
And then years go by and you realize you're barely in the photographs of your own life.
You deserve to exist in photographs.
Not someday-you.
You.
Right now.
9. Because You Want to See Yourself Differently
We see ourselves in terrible circumstances.
Bathroom lighting.
Car mirrors.
Front-facing phone cameras accidentally activated from underneath our chins.
Honestly, it's a miracle any of us have self-esteem.
Seeing yourself through someone else's eyes can be surprisingly emotional.
Especially when the person looking at you isn't cataloging your flaws.
I'm looking at light.
Shape.
Expression.
Movement.
Connection.
And yes, occasionally I'm looking at your butt thinking, OH THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD.
Occupational hazard.
10. Because You Don't Actually Need a Reason
This is the important one.
Women are very good at finding acceptable reasons to spend money, time and energy on everyone else.
We are sometimes terrible at doing something purely because we want it.
A boudoir experience doesn't need to celebrate a wedding.
Or an anniversary.
Or a partner.
Or a milestone.
You are enough of an occasion.
There.
I said it.
And I only cringed slightly at how inspirational that sounded.
So Who Are These Photos Really For?
Maybe your partner gets an album.
Maybe they don't.
Maybe these photographs live in your bedroom.
Maybe you keep them completely private.
Maybe eighty-year-old you pulls them out someday and says:
DAMN. I WAS HOT.
And hopefully someone nearby reminds eighty-year-old you that she's still hot.
That's the real gift.
Want to Do Something Completely for Yourself?
If you've been thinking about booking a San Diego boudoir photographer but waiting for a “good enough” reason...
This is it.
Because you want to.
Come spend the day with me.
We'll laugh, we'll play dress-up, I'll tell you exactly what to do, and together we'll create photographs that remind you exactly who the hell you are.