What is a boudoir session like?

At Stephanie Toland Photography, a boudoir photo shoot is an intimate style of portraiture. Women book these sessions to celebrate their bodies, lift their self-esteem, and step outside of their comfort zone. Instead of describing what boudoir photography is, let me walk you through what a photo shoot typically looks like:

When clients first arrive at the studio, they are nervous and a little bit scared. I usually hear things like, "I'm not photogenic" or "I don't know how to be sexy!" If I had a dollar for every time I heard this, I would be a rich woman. As we spend time together, I watch all of that anxiety and fear melt away.

We chat about things as I guide them in and out of poses - coaching and encouraging the entire time. We take breaks if we need to. I make jokes if I need to. It's much more laid back and fun than anyone is expecting. Once the awkwardness of getting started fades away, I show them the back of the camera and when they see the photos we’ve created already, it elicits a response like "HOLY SH*T! That's me?"

At this point, it's as if there has been a huge exhale because they know that I know what I’m doing! We continue to rock it out and at some point fear has been replaced by fun. Our best images usually happen in our last few minutes together and they leave the studio wondering why they were so nervous in the first place.

That “cloud nine” feeling follows them throughout the day and then I usually receive a message thanking me for the experience before they have seen any of their photos! The experience is where the magic happens and the images are the icing on top.

This is why I believe that every woman should book a boudoir experience to feel this for themselves!