If you’re considering a boudoir session but feeling nervous, unsure, or even a little self-critical, you’re not alone. As a San Diego boudoir photographer, I’ve heard it all. I’ve seen women come in nervous, leave empowered, and realize just how much they’ve been underestimating themselves.
There’s so much I want you to know before you step in front of my camera. Because this isn’t just about pretty photos. This is about you.
1. Nerves Are Normal
Honestly? It would be a little weird if you weren’t nervous. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something bold, and that takes guts. Kudos to you!
The vast majority of my clients have never done a photoshoot like this before, and nerves are normal and expected. That’s why I have spent years refining a luxurious experience (including one-on-one planning, hair and makeup, guided posing, snacks, drinks, music and more!) so you can have the most fun, empowering day possible.
One of the most common things I hear after a session? How much FUN it actually is!
At my San Diego boudoir studio, your only job is just to show up. I’ll be here every step of the way to guide you, support you, and help you feel safe and confident.
2. You Don’t Have to Be a Model
Let me say this loud and clear: I do not care if you have pimples, blemishes, stretch marks, cellulite, scars, or any so-called “imperfections.” We all have them. I do too.
If there’s an errant pimple, bruise, or small detail you’d prefer to have removed, I offer by-hand retouching on every final image. I want you to feel comfortable and proud of what you see.
That said, I don’t offer extreme body modification because this experience is about honoring you, not changing you. You don’t need flawless skin or a perfect body. What you do need is a willingness to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.
3. Self-Love is a Journey, Not a Prerequisite
You do not need to fully love yourself before booking a boudoir session. In fact, many of the women I photograph are still learning how to love themselves, and that’s okay.
I understand this on a personal level. I have insecurities. We all do. But I also know how powerful it can be to see yourself in a new way, to quiet that inner critic and start showing yourself a little more compassion. That’s what this is about.
4. Be Yourself — That’s Who We’re Celebrating
You don’t have to show up pretending to be confident. Just show up as you.
In my San Diego boudoir studio, there’s no pressure to perform. You can laugh mid-pose, take a deep breath when you need it, talk about what you’re nervous about, or just sit quietly and let it all soak in. Some clients are bubbly and excited, others are shy and reserved, and all of it is welcome. All of it is valid.
You’re not here to be someone else. You’re here to reconnect with yourself — your softness, your boldness, your sensuality, your power. That might look like a lacy bodysuit and red lipstick. Or it might look like your favorite oversized sweater, bare feet, and a playlist that makes you cry (in a good way). There is no right way to do this.
When you let your guard down — even just a little — that’s where the magic happens. That’s where I get to capture the real you: unfiltered, unedited, and absolutely beautiful.
So bring the version of yourself that maybe doesn’t always get the spotlight. Bring the version that’s still learning how to feel good in her skin. Bring the version you’re proud of. That’s who we’re here to celebrate.
5. Come With an Open Mind
Try not to tell yourself what you can’t do or what you shouldn’t wear. Give yourself permission to try, to play, to have fun. Let go of critique, even if just for a few hours.
So many of my clients walk in saying things like:
“I don’t think I can pull that off.”
“I could never wear something like that.”
“I’m not sexy.”
“I’m too awkward.”
“I’ll just do the ‘safe’ poses.”
But here’s the thing: what if you surprised yourself?
What if you wore the outfit that felt like a risk, and loved how you looked in it?
What if you leaned into something playful, or powerful, or soft, or bold, and saw a side of yourself you didn’t even know existed?
This is a space where you don’t have to hold back. You’re allowed to be bold. You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to try new things. You’re allowed to feel good in your body.
6. This Is Not Selfish, It’s Self-Care
We are so often told to put everyone else first. But you are allowed to do something just for you. This is not selfish. This is self-care.
A boudoir session is more than a photoshoot; it’s an investment in your own well‑being. It’s permission to press pause on your to‑do list, to set aside the worries about work, family, or obligations, and to focus solely on you for a few hours. That focused attention alone can be profoundly healing, nevermind the super hot photos that make you look at yourself and say dayum, she’s gorgeous.
This is an experience I truly believe every woman deserves at least once in her lifetime. This means you, too.
7. You Are Important to Me
This isn’t just a job for me. It’s deeply personal. I know what it’s like to not feel at home in your body. I know what it’s like to second-guess yourself in photos or wonder if you’re “enough.” That’s why I’ve built this experience with so much care — because you deserve better than surface-level photos or one-size-fits-all sessions.
It is a true honor to photograph you, and one I do not take lightly. I want this to feel like so much more than showing up and getting your picture taken. I want to create an environment where you feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
That’s why I take time to get to know you before your session. I want to hear your story — why you booked, how you’re feeling, what outfits you love, what parts of your body you’re proud of (and maybe what you’re still learning to embrace). We’ll plan your session around you, your energy, your style, your goals.
You are not just a name on my calendar or another face in front of my lens. You’re a full human being with depth, emotion, and so much beauty, and it’s my job to reflect that back to you.
Whether this is a healing moment, a celebration, or a gift to yourself after a hard season, please know: you matter to me. Your story matters. Your session matters. And you are worthy of being held with care, intention, and respect from start to finish.
8. You Are Worth This
You are worthy of this experience. Not five pounds from now. Not when your skin clears up. Not when life calms down.
Now. As you are.
I know it’s easy to put yourself on the back burner. Life gets busy. People need things from you. And somewhere along the way, you start believing that maybe this kind of thing — this indulgent, empowering, joy-filled thing — isn’t for you. But that’s not true.
You deserve to see yourself in a new light.
You deserve to feel proud of the body that’s carried you through so much.
You deserve to take up space, to be witnessed, to be celebrated.
This session isn’t about vanity. It’s about reminding yourself that you are not just a caregiver, a partner, a friend, or a worker. You are a whole person — and that person is beautiful, worthy, and allowed to be seen.
Final Thoughts
As a San Diego boudoir photographer, I’ve seen what happens when women give themselves permission to feel beautiful. It’s emotional. It’s healing. And it’s life-changing.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be you.
Ready to feel like art?
Let’s talk about creating something powerful, personal, and 100% you!
Click here to inquire about your San Diego boudoir session.
