I had my boudoir session recently and want to shar...

I had my boudoir session recently and want to share my experience for those of you who may be on the fence. I did my homework to make sure I was going to have an experience that aligned with my values.

Once I became a Mom, parts that used to be associated with pure pleasure were now mixed up with the pure innocence of a mother-child experience and it has been challenging.

I can be a loving, doting Mom that provides a safe space for my daughter to learn and grow. I can also embrace the pleasures of womanhood for my husband.

It was important to me to work with a photographer that was going to be warm and supportive. I didn t want to feel objectified. Stacey has photographed women of all ages, shapes, and sizes and the images are sensual and suggestive without crossing into pornographic.

She worked with me through email and photos of potential lingerie choices to give me feedback on what pieces photograph best. I had a couple of key things that were important to me. I wanted one of my looks to be a bridal theme and one of my looks to be black lace, pearls, and classic red lips.

I showed up with a variety of lingerie and shoes and gave her complete artistic license for everything beyond the looks I considered non-negotiable.

I felt welcomed and encouraged from the moment I arrived. I had in my head that the studio would be spread out and was pleasantly surprised that it was all in one spacious room that was big enough to provide ample room and yet small enough to feel cozy and intimate.

Despite the fact that I gave them complete artistic license, I appreciated the fact that my comfort and preferences were considered throughout the session. Being somewhat of a minimalist in the makeup department, I was intimidated by the amount of makeup being applied, but I trusted the process and, while it felt excessive in person, it was perfect for the photos! Same goes for poses. Some felt natural and sexy and others felt awkward, but look amazing in the photos.

Speaking of the photos which brings me to the cost... I am not a frivolous spender by nature so the cost of the photo session and products was very intimidating. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I had this fear that even though all of the other photos I saw were amazing that my own photos would be less than beautiful for the amount of money that I would be spending. While I have only seen a few sneak peek photos and a few photos during the actual session, I am very pleased to say that I honestly believe it is worth every penny and I can t wait to see the rest!

The images alone are worth the price, but it s not just about the images; it s about how empowering the whole process was leading up to the photo session, during the photo session, and how I feel after the photo session. While this is an inner journey that I could truly only take myself as far as my mindset, I am very appreciative of the safe space that was created for me throughout the process. That is priceless!