The First Boudoir Shoot That Changed My Life

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Once upon a time there was a girl named Bri who got herself into a relationship that slowly sucked all of her personality, independence, confidence and sense of self away from her without her even realizing it. I’ll never forget the first boudoir shoot I ever booked. I originally wanted to do one to “memorialize” if you will what my body looked like at that time, I was worried with a possible future of children, aging, wrinkling and eventual metabolism slowing that I would wake up one day and not look like myself and wanted REALLY good photos to have as evidence that I once looked pretty good. Fast forward a few years, ironically, I ended up booking it because I suddenly wasn’t “allowed” to. This relationship very subtly took everything I knew of myself away from me and as that relationship ended, I decided to hit the Book Button.

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Yes, you read that right. At the time, I was in a relationship with someone who told me outright that I wasn’t allowed to book a boudoir session. His reason? There really wasn’t one, the photographer was a female, we were making a decent amount of money… there was no reason, just a need for control. Everything in that relationship was his way or the highway and his decisions had little rhyme or reason. As the relationship grew more toxic, I began to lose pieces of myself—my sense of self-worth, confidence, and independence slowly faded.

That relationship eventually ended, and when it did, I made a promise to myself: I would reclaim everything I had lost. So, as an act of rebellion and self-love, I booked the boudoir shoot that he had forbidden. I was terrified. I wasn’t sure if I could go through with it, I was now very financially strapped and the last thing I needed to be doing was spending money on something that wasn’t vitally necessary. Every insecurity I had was screaming at me not to do it, but something deeper told me I needed to.

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And let me tell you, that shoot quite literally changed everything for forever.

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When I arrived at the studio, I was a bundle of nerves and didn’t quite know what to expect. I remember standing in front of the mirror, questioning if I was really ready to let a photographer see me—really see me. But as the session started, something unexpected happened. I felt powerful and in control. For the first time in years, I wasn’t focused on what someone else thought about my body or if I was “enough.” I was focused on how I felt in that moment—relaxed, beautiful, and free.

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It was all about the photos at first; but it turned into me reconnecting with myself. When I finally saw the images, I was shocked in the best way. There I was—me—captured in a way I hadn’t seen in years. It was raw, authentic, and stunning. Those photos became a reminder of my strength, my beauty, and the journey back to myself. I left spending what seemed like an extravagant amount of money and would soon be receiving a stunning 8x12 album and 6, yes SIX, 20x30 wall art images of me. They’re still all around my house to this day.

Since that experience, I’ve dedicated my life to helping other women find that same sense of empowerment through boudoir photography. You see, boudoir isn’t about vanity or looking perfect—it’s about embracing who you are, exactly as you are.

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No matter your size, age, or what life has thrown your way, a boudoir shoot can be the most liberating and empowering experience. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, showing up for yourself, and embracing your body for all that it is. It’s about reclaiming your narrative and finding the confidence that’s always been there, even if it feels buried.

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Here’s why I believe every woman should experience boudoir (even if it's not with me, my style isn't everyone's style)

 

Reconnecting with Your Sense of Self
Life has a way of making us feel disconnected from ourselves—whether it's through relationships, societal pressures, or just the daily grind. A boudoir shoot is a chance to press pause and reconnect with you. It’s a way to see yourself in a new light and appreciate the person you are right now.

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Rebuilding Confidence
The moment you step in front of the camera, you are giving yourself permission to take up space and be unapologetically yourself. A boudoir session can reignite that inner confidence and remind you that your worth isn’t tied to anyone else’s opinions.

 

Embracing Independence
Boudoir is about taking control of your own narrative. It's a celebration of independence and self-love. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or anywhere in between, a boudoir shoot is for you. It’s an act of independence that can remind you of your own strength and resilience.

 

Celebrating Your Unique Beauty

We are all our own worst critics, especially when it comes to our bodies. Boudoir shows you that beauty has no size, shape, or age. The focus is on capturing your essence—your personality, your power, and the things that make you uniquely you.

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So, if you’ve ever been curious about boudoir or if you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “allowed” to do something for yourself, consider this your sign. You are worthy of celebrating yourself exactly as you are. My first boudoir session helped me reclaim parts of myself I thought were lost forever, and I’ve seen it do the same for so many other women.

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At Exposed Boudoir, my mission is to create a space where you feel safe, confident, and empowered. Whether you're taking that first brave step or continuing on your journey of self-love, know that boudoir is for every woman.

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And if you're still unsure, take it from someone who once was too. That shoot was the beginning of a new chapter in my life—one filled with self-respect, confidence, and independence. Maybe it could be the start of something transformative for you, too.

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You deserve this.

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Ready to take that leap? Let’s chat about how we can create a session that will make you feel like the fierce, beautiful woman you already are.

With lots of love and empowerment,
Bri
Owner & Photographer, Exposed Boudoir Photography