A Guide to Embracing Body Positivity and Self-Confidence Through Boudoir Photography

Understanding Body Positivity

The body positivity movement emerged in the 2000s in defiance of dated messaging valuing a limited view of beauty. These unhealthy and often unachievable expectations hit a critical point when mainstream figures and influencers started to push back. Slowly, more and more voices spoke out against the limited representation and archaic definitions of what’s considered attractive. 

Through a more inclusive and loving gaze toward oneself, body positivity recognizes that beauty is not one size fits all. In recent years, we’ve seen the media and fashion industry take steps toward more representation on the catwalk, in catalogs, in tv shows, and in movies. While we still have a long way to go, this correction has been healing for many, bringing forth a long-overdue sense of reasonable representation. 

The Role of Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography offers an opportunity to fully embrace the body-positive movement. It emphasizes the beauty of all body types, sizes, ages, shapes, and colors. Boudoir photographers have promoted body positivity long before it became a buzzword. Many in the community are aligned to create a safe, accepting, and empowering space for clients.

For most, “we are our own worst critics” is true. We often don’t see ourselves as others do. We tend to focus on tiny details that most would never notice while glossing over the features others celebrate. Boudoir photos reveal another side of yourself through images created with compassion. A boudoir is a chance to see yourself with kind eyes. Discover the beauty you might otherwise miss.

What is Body positivity?

Definition and Importance: Body positivity is the assertion that all people deserve to have a positive body image, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance.

“All is beautiful” Andy Warhol.

• Empowerment: Boudoir is all about embracing who you are and where you’re at. It affirms that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages. We need only let go of our old, dated notions and stereotypes and see beauty in all. A compassionate photographer and a safe space can help make this shift in attitude possible. 
• Artistic Expression: Boudoir photography’s artistic element allows subjects to see themselves from a different perspective that celebrates their unique beauty. 
• Personal Transformation: We’ve worked with boudoir clients who’ve struggled with self-acceptance, eating disorders, aging, breast cancer, sexual assault, and more. Boudoir has allowed them to feel safe and accept themselves with loving kindness. It’s provided them a chance to feel secure expressing their sensuality without feeling taboo or judged. 

Preparing for a Boudoir Photoshoot

Choosing a Photographer.

A photographer’s portfolio is one of many things you should consider before booking your boudoir photoshoot. Their work may be beautiful, but what’s their vibe like?  It’s a bit like choosing a therapist. It’s essential to feel safe and comfortable for such an intimate experience. When researching, check their about me page and read through anything that describes their philosophy. You’ll get a sense of how they value body positivity and their approach to the work they create. You can find other helpful tips to remember in our article, such as choosing a boudoir photographer. 

Outfit Selection.

What you wear during your Boudoir photo shoot is a personal choice that should reflect your tastes and comfort. Many lingerie brands embrace body positivity with an inclusive range of sizes and styles to flatter everyone. We often recommend wearing timeless pieces you’ll feel good looking back on for decades. However, this is your experience, so embrace your unique style. Don’t force it if you’re not a stilettos and lace person! The most important thing is to wear what you feel good in. We offer an extensive prep and style guide for our clients that dives deep into the weeds on this topic to ensure you’re fully supported before your photoshoot. If you’re having difficulty finding pieces that flatter your figure, this article on lingerie for different body types is a great place to start. 

Setting the Scene.

A lot goes on behind the scenes to create a comfortable environment. We believe in creating a supportive and relaxing space, so you’ll feel great about yourself when you start your photoshoot.  That starts with a phone call before your photo shoot so you can hear directly from us what to expect and get a sense of our personalities.

Once you arrive at the studio for the photo shoot, we welcome you with big smiles and treat you the way we’d want to be treated–like an old friend. We look through all your outfits and accessories together, offer you champagne, and then, during hair and makeup, we all chat to help calm the nerves. We try to create a space like an old-school beauty parlor where you come to talk, laugh, and feel pampered. The studio is clean, beautifully decorated, and lit with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you feel like you’re on a film set in NYC. 

Overcoming Insecurities.

Everyone, literally everyone, comes in with insecurities, and this is super normal. The important thing is to know you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you support you through those nerves. While you might feel like you’re jumping out of an airplane, the risk is well worth the reward on this one. Showing up and completing the photo shoot is a massive act of bravery and self-love that will pay off for years and years to come. One thing that can be helpful is just saying the fear out loud. Naming it can do wonders in overcoming those doubts. Acknowledging that you’re nervous, admitting that you have some insecurities, and then hearing that we accept you, we see you, and we’re here for you is often all it takes to continue. 

Facing Fears: Positive Reinforcement.

One of the reasons we love Boudoir so much is because it gives us the chance to support and celebrate women/them. It brings me so much joy to help others feel encouraged and accepted. You are in good hands at Revealed. Our team is comprised of like-minded women who are kind and encouraging. But, if ever there’s a point where you feel like it’s too much, we understand and can break or pivot, adding layers if necessary, which can help you feel less vulnerable.  

Real Stories of boudoir clients 

Many clients who’ve passed through our doors have started their session off with a disclaimer: “I’m so nervous,” “I’m insecure about this,” or “I’m not confident with…” We’ve worked with women who’ve overcome eating disorders, anxiety issues, disease, life-threatening illness, and sexual assault. We approach all out client’s experiences with care and sensitivity, assuring them that some nervous are normal and they’re not alone. We’ve let them know others have also been in their shoes and we are here to hold space for them in the process to overcome those fears. We try to listen with empathy and, through our efforts and energy, create an atmosphere that lets them feel safe to express themselves with gentle coaching. We talk through the process with them, asking what they’re comfortable with and providing information in advance so they have agency over any more revealing, implied, or nude poses.

One woman wrote after her experience with us:

“Everyone was so warm and inviting and it was so easy to get comfortable even in a situation that pushed my personal boundaries. I’ve struggled with my body image for the better part of the last 10 years, but I can confidently say that I’ve never loved my body more than when I was in the studio. As a midsized person, you don’t see my body type in media or in magazines, even now as things get a little more size inclusive, so while this was for me, it was also for women like me who want to feel beautiful, who want to see that there are no rules when it comes to things like this.”

Celebrating Diversity

Inclusive Practices.

Beauty is so much more than Skin Deep. It comes from within. We find beauty and all, no matter the shape, size, age, color, and gender. While we are here to create pictures that bring out your best angle in an aesthetically pleasing way, we also know that a person’s spirit is the ingredient that makes an image come to life. We strive to make our studio a safe, comfortable environment where anyone can come to feel seen and celebrated.

Highlighting Uniqueness.

Our experience working with people from all different backgrounds has helped refine our ability to discover and highlight the best in anyone on the other side of our camera lenses. 

Long-term Benefits

Self-Acceptance.

For those struggling with body confidence, self-acceptance may not happen overnight. But you can get there through big and small acts. Small efforts, like gratitude journaling or self-care rituals, help. But a boudoir photoshoot, like landing on the right square in shoots and ladders, can propel you ahead in a big way, giving a jumpstart to your confidence. 

Boudoir photography is more than just capturing intimate images; it celebrates the individual, promoting self-love, body positivity, and confidence. By capturing each person’s unique beauty, boudoir photography can be a transformative experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for oneself.

Ready to learn more?  Message us to receive our complimentary style guide or hear about our offerings. We’d love to connect with you!