Ms. M’s boudoir session was not just a photographic journey but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit a woman can have. In a heartfelt conversation, she shared the profound reasons behind her decision to jump into a photo session for the second time. A year prior, amidst the shadows of loss and heartache, Ms. M had decided to gift herself a session to mark her 45th “belly button birthday” and 15 years of sobriety. This time around, she graciously offered her presence to assist photographer Melissa in a class, showcasing her vulnerability and strength. Her journey, a blend of self-discovery and healing, revealed the transformative power of portrait photo sessions as an avenue for expression, confidence, and rediscovery of purpose.

Tell us your story, a little bit about you and why you decided to do a boudoir session? Is your story what made you decide to do this for yourself?

This was my second session. I signed up to help Melissa with a class after doing a session just short of a year ago. The first session was a gift to myself for my belly button birthday (45)and sober birthday (15). After losing my daughter the previous year, I felt like life was non-existent, just breathing. That first session with make-up and hair pulled out some of my confidence and helped me embrace the moment for myself and recognize that there is still joy & purpose.

What was your biggest concern prior to booking your Boudoir Session? How do you feel now?

Not wanting to go, no energy or motivation. I forced myself self to take this time for me & am so grateful for it.

What, specifically, did you enjoy most about your portrait session and why?

Feeling relaxed with no expectations.

Were you comfortable during your session? How did I make you feel? Did my posing instruction help you feel more confident?

I think the breathing made me focus less on what my body looks like.

What did this shoot do for your self confidence, self worth, and self image? Did you discover anything about yourself that you didn’t know was there or that you forgot was there? How has your boudoir experience affected you or changed you?

I laughed out loud & shared a little bit of the wicked witch impression.

Was your experience what you were expecting? If not, how was it different?

Just what I expected.

After this amazing experience for yourself, what does boudoir mean to YOU?

Expression of self without judgment.

What did you learn about yourself? OR how did this experience/session change you?

Reminder that I have purpose.

What advice would you give someone who is nervous about or hesitant to book their own boudoir experience with me?

Once you get there, you forget all the things you were nervous about before the session.

As we reflect on Ms. M’s boudoir session, it becomes very clear that the experience transcended the mere act of capturing moments in time. Through laughter, wicked witch impressions, and a sense of relaxation, Ms. M not only discovered joy and purpose but also found great things for herself in expressing herself without judgment. Ms. M’s advice to those hesitant about booking their own boudoir experience echoes the transformative nature of a session – once you step into that space, the preconceived nerves dissipate quickly, leaving room for newfound self-assurance and a celebration of individuality. Ms. M’s boudoir journey stands as a testament to the healing potential in each captured moment, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder that self-expression knows no bounds.

Have you thought about booking your own shoot with Melissa? Download your complimentary Dream Shoot Planner by clicking HERE.  It will tell you all about the experience and what to expect.  I would love to chat with you!  You can email me at melissaleephotography.mn@gmail.com. And if you’d like to know more about the boudoir experience head to this BLOG about how this experience is designed to transform you. I can’t wait to hear from you!