You know what I love? When a woman walks into my studio already owning her power, whether she knows it yet or not. That was this session.
When Val showed up, I could instantly tell she was ready to have fun and embrace this for herself. She’s a single mama of two (sometimes five!), works two jobs, and still finds time for writing, photography, singing, and weekly Bingo nights. She radiates positivity and strength, and when she told me she had already done a boudoir session before, but wanted to see how another photographer’s style might compare I was honored to be the one she chose.
“Nerves were left at the studio door. That hour goes by faster than you’d think. That’s how much fun I had.”
This wasn’t about comparison. This was about curiosity. It was about creating another experience where she could feel empowered, beautiful, and seen.
Getting Ready for Val’s Boudoir Shoot
If you’ve ever tried to shop for lingerie, you know how easy it is to spiral into a rabbit hole of styles, colors, and “Wait… do I really need five options??” And that’s exactly what happened to her, but she has no regrets. 😂
“I overdid it a little, but I’ll wear them, no doubt about that.”
Because yes, boudoir photos are amazing, but those outfits are for you, too after the session. And what I loved was her mindset going in because she told me she wasn’t nervous this time. She looked at the whole thing like she was just hanging with a friend, and I honestly think that’s the perfect way to look at it.
In Front of the Camera
Even though she’s always been self-conscious of her body (like soooo many of us), she didn’t let that stop her.
“Yes, I wish I’d lost 50+ pounds, but if I waited… I never would’ve gotten these done.”
That right there? That’s exactly it. There’s never a “perfect” time. Your body is worthy of being celebrated right now. And once she stepped in front of the camera, it was clear this was going to be magic.
She admitted some of the poses felt a little awkward in the moment (and let’s be real, sometimes they are haha), but she totally trusted the process and that trust paid off. She was blown away after seeing her images on camera and trusting my vision.
“The experience is empowering. If you do a session, make sure you do one with a mirror. You’ll thank yourself later.”
Yup.
The Afterglow
After we wrapped up the shoot, she left the studio absolutely glowing.
“I felt like I just left an awards show. I told my daughters about it and they were excited for me because I never put myself first for anything.”
Can we pause on that for a second?
“I never put myself first for anything.”
That’s why boudoir is so special. It’s not just about the hair, makeup, and sexy photos (though YES to all of that). It’s about choosing you for once. It’s about seeing yourself the way the people who love you already do.
Seeing the Photos for the First Time
She told me choosing her favorites was almost impossible because she loved so many. And the responses she got? Chefs kiss.
“One of my best guy friends said, ‘You knocked it out of the park.’ Even when I joked that I looked like I was 7 months pregnant in one photo, he said, ‘If that’s what you looked like pregnant, you must’ve been a gorgeous mama back then.’”
Can we get more of that kind of energy in the world, please?
But what really got me was what her daughters said when they saw the photos:
“Mom… I didn’t know you could look like that. These pictures are amazing.”
Right?! What a gift for them to see their mom stepping into her confidence, taking up space, and loving herself in full color.
Would She Recommend It?
Oh, she didn’t hold back on this one…
“If you don’t book a session with Ashley, then you are missing out! She makes you feel like you’re Aphrodite or a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Every woman should have this experience at least once in her life.”
This session was fun, fiery, and full of heart. And if you’re reading this thinking, “Maybe I’ll do it someday,” just know that someday can be today. You don’t have to lose weight. You don’t have to wait until life slows down. You don’t need permission.
You just need to say yes to yourself.
And I’ll be right here, cheering you on (and hyping you up the entire time).
Want to see what it’s like to feel like a goddess in your own skin? Click here to check out my Wisconsin Boudoir session details or join my free Facebook VIP Group for more stories, sneak peeks, and confidence-boosting goodness!
Here are some other blog posts you might like:
3 Incredible Places to Get a Massage in Neenah Wi
Moments of Magic: Samantha’s Boudoir Experience
Confident & Sexy: Evy’s Boudoir Photo Session Experience
Monica’s Boudoir Story of Strength, Survival, and Self-Love
