Top 10 Reasons to Book a Boudoir Shoot and Embrace Your Sensuality

As a professional boudoir photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing intimate and sensual moments for my clients. Many women come to me for boudoir photography for various reasons, and each one is unique. In this blog post, I'll share with you the top 10 reasons to book a boudoir shoot, and why it can be a transformative experience for anyone.

1 - To Celebrate Yourself

As women, we tend to focus on our flaws rather than our strengths. We are often our own worst critics, and it can be challenging to feel confident in our skin. A boudoir shoot is an opportunity to celebrate your body and your beauty. It's a chance to see yourself in a new light and embrace your femininity. Whether you're curvy, petite, tall, or short, boudoir photography is an inclusive art form that can capture the beauty of every woman.

2 - Boost Your Confidence

A boudoir shoot can be an empowering experience that helps you feel more confident and self-assured. Seeing yourself in a new light and being proud of your body can be incredibly empowering and help you feel more confident in your day-to-day life. During a boudoir session, you'll be treated like a superstar and get to be the center of attention. Professional photographers are experts in capturing your best angles and lighting, and you'll leave the session feeling more self-assured.

3 - To Create a Timeless Keepsake

A boudoir shoot is a way to create a timeless keepsake that you can cherish forever. You'll have beautiful images that capture your beauty and femininity, and you can look back on them for years to come. Boudoir photography is not just about taking photos; it's about creating art that captures the essence of who you are. You can display your images in your home, or keep them in a private collection for yourself or your partner.

4 - To Mark a Milestone

Many women book boudoir shoots to mark a milestone in their lives, such as a wedding, a pregnancy, or a significant birthday. It's a way to celebrate the moment and create lasting memories. A boudoir session can be a unique way to commemorate your achievements and make a meaningful moment that you'll never forget.

5 - To Gift to Your Partner

I always say that gifting is the icing on the cake - it’s about more than just a gift to a loved one, but that said, a boudoir shoot can make for an incredibly romantic and intimate gift for your partner. It's a chance to show your love and appreciation by giving them a unique and personal gift that they'll treasure forever. The beauty of boudoir photography lies not only in the sensual photos but also in the capture of your personality, style, and confidence in a way that your partner will adore.

6 - To Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Booking a boudoir shoot can be a way to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. It can be a little intimidating, but it's also an opportunity to push your boundaries and do something that scares you a little. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a transformative experience that helps you grow as a person and become more self-confident.

7 - To Embrace Your Sensuality

Boudoir photography provides an opportunity for women to embrace their femininity and sexuality, and to feel more confident in themselves. It's a form of art that captures the beauty of the human body in a way that is both sensual and artistic and empowers women to celebrate their unique beauty and individuality.

8 - To Enjoy a Unique and Exciting Experience

A boudoir shoot is a one-of-a-kind experience that can be both exhilarating and enjoyable. From choosing your wardrobe to getting your hair and makeup done, every aspect of the shoot is designed to make you feel pampered and special. You get to be the center of attention and have a fun and exciting photoshoot where you can express yourself and feel empowered. Whether you're looking for a way to inject some excitement into your life or create a memorable experience, a boudoir shoot is a perfect opportunity to do so.

9 - To Create a Bond with Your Photographer

Boudoir photography is a very personal and intimate experience, so it's important to find a boudoir photographer who you feel comfortable with. When you book a boudoir shoot, you'll have the opportunity to get to know your photographer and build a rapport with them. This can lead to a deeper level of trust and comfort, which can result in even better photos.

10 - To Rediscover Yourself

Finally, a boudoir shoot can be a way to rediscover yourself and see yourself in a new light. It's an opportunity to shed your inhibitions and embrace your beauty, femininity, and sensuality. During a boudoir session, you'll see yourself in a way that you may never have before, and this can be a transformative experience. You'll leave the shoot feeling more confident and empowered, with a newfound appreciation for your body and yourself.

In conclusion, a boudoir shoot is a transformative experience that can benefit anyone, regardless of age, size, or shape. It's an opportunity to celebrate yourself, boost your confidence, and step out of your comfort zone, all while creating a stunning work of art.

By booking a boudoir shoot, you can explore and embrace your sensuality, capture a milestone moment, create a unique and personal gift for your partner, and so much more. It's a chance to break free from societal norms and embrace your individuality in a way that is both empowering and liberating.

So if you're looking for a way to feel more confident, celebrate your beauty, or create a meaningful memory, consider booking a boudoir shoot. It's a decision you won't regret, as the experience and photos will serve as a reminder of your beauty, confidence, and strength for years to come.

Curious about booking your own boudoir shoot? Contact me to start the conversation!

40 and Fabulous: 6 Reasons to Book a Boudoir Photoshoot | New York City Milestone Photography

It's time to celebrate! A boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to show yourself how beautiful and amazing you are! Here are six reasons why you should book a boudoir photo shoot for your 40th birthday:

1. Celebrate Your Milestone Birthday

Your 40th birthday is a major milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. What better way to celebrate yourself than to commemorate this special day with a boudoir photoshoot?

This photoshoot is all about you. You get to choose your outfits, poses, and backgrounds so that you can create beautiful images that reflect your personality and style. With the help of a professional photographer, you can capture stunning photographs that you will treasure forever.

Imagine looking back on your amazing photoshoot in years to come, remembering how special and beautiful you felt. That’s the power of a boudoir photoshoot – and it’s a gift you can give to yourself this year.

2. Reclaim Your Confidence

A boudoir photoshoot is a luxurious experience that allows you to pamper yourself and turn up the heat on your self-image. You'll be able to work with a professional photographer who will help you to celebrate your body and femininity. This will provide you with a whole new perspective of yourself and help you to feel more confident in your own skin.

Not only will you feel amazing after the photo shoot, but you will also have stunning images to remind you of your beauty. These images can be a powerful tool to help you embrace your power and reclaim your confidence.

3. Show Your Beauty

Say goodbye to dull, lifeless photos and say hello to stunning, captivating images that represent your unique self! You can create beautiful images that showcase your natural beauty and help you express your individuality.

Your photoshoot will allow you to be creative and let your personality shine through. Whether you want to emphasize the curves of your body or play up your sultry looks, you can create images that reflect your style. With a boudoir photoshoot, you can be as daring and bold as you want, and let your true self come through in the photos.

4. Create Lasting Memories

The photos you create during the photo shoot will become an integral part of your story. They will serve as a reminder of your beauty, your strength, and the amazing person that you are.

Your photoshoot photos are more than just a reflection of your appearance - they will become a time capsule of the amazing life you have created for yourself. You will be able to look back at these photos for years to come and remember the moments that made you who you are.

Your photoshoot photos will be a testament to your beauty, strength, and courage. They will be a reminder that you are capable of achieving greatness, no matter the obstacles you may face.

5. Make a Statement

What an empowering way to commemorate a particular moment in your life! A boudoir photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your body and feel beautiful in your own skin. It can be a special treat for yourself, to remind you of how far you have come, or a sweet gift for a loved one. The photo shoot can be as revealing or as modest as you'd like - you can wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can even incorporate meaningful items like jewelry, or favorite articles of clothing to reflect your unique style. At the end of the day, you'll have gorgeous photos that you can keep forever to remind you of your self-love and beauty!

6. Have Fun

Having a boudoir photoshoot is an incredibly liberating experience. It can be both empowering and exciting, as you get to let your inner beauty shine! You can express yourself in a unique way and create stunning portraits that you can look back on for years to come.

The process can be a lot of fun, from deciding on the perfect lingerie to picking out the perfect makeup and hairstyle. Once the shoot is underway, the photographer will direct you through each pose, capturing the real you through their lens.

It's a chance to let go and embrace your femininity, creating something special that you can look back on with pride. So why not give it a go - you never know, you may just surprise yourself!

Conclusion

Your milestone birthday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your beauty, reclaim your confidence, and create lasting memories. Whether you're making a statement or simply having fun, you deserve to be pampered on this special day.

Celebrate your milestone birthday in style and get ready to make some unforgettable memories. Book a boudoir photoshoot with Brooklyn Boudoir and show the world just how beautiful you are!

Curious about celebrating your milestone birthday with a boudoir shoot? Email me and let’s get the conversation started!

Phenomenal Woman | Birthday Boudoir | Brooklyn New York

My semi-failed attempt at a birthday self-portrait.

Well, I've officially taken another trip around the sun.

After turning 40 last year, and celebrating in Paris, I thought this year’s birthday would be more or less forgettable. I also thought I’d be celebrating at Le CouCou but neither of those things is happening given the current state of the world (shrugs).

Aging has never been scary to me - I’ve always strongly felt that age is mental. But this is an existential time to be having a birthday - four weeks into our pandemic self-quarantine, schools clothed, homeschooling our little ones, trying to keep businesses afloat, the idea that New York City will be irreversibly changed after this all passes … it’s a lot.

And yet, always a Pollyanna, I can’t help but try to think of the bright side. It’s probably the only time in my life I’ll be able to spend this kind of (semi) uninterrupted time with my kids. Without my usual shoots each week, I’m thinking of new ways to help my clients and keep the business going. I’m not wearing makeup or nail polish to give my skin a break. Many days I feel cooped up and anxious but other days this mandatory break feels full of potential.

This past year went insanely fast - I feel like I was just in Paris. I blame the baby - at 40, I had my second daughter. Now, I don’t have to pump before and after shoots. In fact, a lot of ways this time of COVID-19 feel like maternity leave - before it happens you can’t imagine having the luxury of so much time, you imagine how you are going to learn another language in “all” the time you will have… and then three months goes by and you can count how many times you’ve washed your hair on your fingers.

All I wanted for my birthday was to get a good photo of my new 4 person family together. I don’t know that I succeeded in a “good” photo… but sometimes it’s the outtakes that are the best part. I ate mac and cheese, brownies, burrata, birthday cake and wine. My parents did a surprise drive-by to sign happy birthday. And my incredible girlfriends made me a video of them reciting Maya Angelou’s Phenmonical Woman. I burst into tears several times over the course of the day. It all helped me remember that we don’t need to go out to have connections, we don’t need to make a show to celebrate and be celebrated. The things that are most meaningful are the people you love, and being able to look in the mirror and say, there are ups and there are downs, but hey, I’m doing ok.

But I digress. I still believe that, while I may have aged ten years in the past one year, age really is just a number. I'm really happy with what I've accomplished in my 41 years on earth, while simultaneously wondering how on earth I've gotten this far into adulthood. I love my family, love my friends and am pretty proud of the world I’ve created for myself.

Thank you as always for all of the support and for allowing me to share a bit of my personal life with those who allow me into theirs. Those clients and followers who have sent gifts and greetings::: I genuinely appreciate it more than I can put into words. Making women feel amazing is what makes my job so amazing, and I’m touched when you all return the favor. It makes me feel so special and fulfilled!  

And now, the poem Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou, followed by my brilliant friends’ interpretation.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

XOXO, Stephanie

The Big 4-0! | Thoughts on Aging | Brooklyn Boudoir Photographer

Many of you know that yesterday was my 40th birthday! I had an amazing weekend at the NYBG Evenings (the orchid show was amazing!!) and having a very civilized tea at the Plaza with my hubs and three year old. It was a classic New York weekend, which is fitting as that’s just how I think of myself: Classic NYC.

I don’t really feel 40, but then again what does that even mean? When I look around I feel basically the same age as most everyone around me. Age has never been super important or scary to me — I’ve always felt pretty balanced and “in the moment” of the age I was at the time. At 22 I started dating a man 15 years older than me. At 37, he seemed like a “Man” with a capital M. None of my friends could believe I was dating “an old guy” but I just shrugged. Age is mental, and I still believe this to be true.

While every phase of life has had it’s share of good and bad, there are some things about aging in general that remain consistently true. Here are a few things I actually love about aging:

I no longer “should” myself to death.

I come from a very conservative family with a lot of social and familial obligations. The way we “should” look or act has been a constant theme in our house growing up. And of course, there ARE certain ways you should act…(politely, with respect for others…) but back in my 20s I did things solely to please others to a fault. My mom (who is amazing) is the ultimate “should-er”: I “should” go to church, I “should” wear more makeup, I “should” put a barrette in my daughter’s hair. There were stale friends having parties that I “should” go to, even though I didn’t want to, and ended up overextending myself and exhausting myself just to save face. The thing is, I have reasons that I DON’T do these things, and I’m finally confident enough in myself and my decisions not to buckle to external pressure. And so I don’t wear more makeup, I don’t put barrettes in my kid’s hair, I only go to the parties I really WANT to go to, and I go to church as often as I feel is right for me without guilt. And it feels great.

Feeling good in my skin.

Think back to how you looked when you were 20. My guess is that you were HOT but that you didn’t think you were at the time. At 30 you probably looked back on your 20s thinking, “I WISH I appreciated how cute looked!” I sure do. I’m a solid 10 pounds heavier than I was before I had my first kid just 4 years ago! I had no idea, or at least no appreciation for how svelte I was looking, and what a shame. It’s so hard to take a step back and see yourself as you really are, so difficult to be kind to yourself sometimes, but it’s SO WORTH it. Hating on your looks is a massive waste of time (oh, and negative self-talk also ages you faster!) It would be nice to be back to that pre-mom bod, sure, but I also now know how AMAZING my body really is. I grew and birthed an incredible little girl, fed her from my body for a year, continue to support her with my body, brains, heart… and no amount of cellulite can take away my pride in that. Sometimes my daughter points to my tummy and asks something like, “is there a baby in there?” or says she likes cuddling me “because your tummy is so soft.” It doesn’t get to me, because she only ever looks at me with pure love, and I try to look at myself through those same eyes. My smile lines? There are lots of stories and happy times behind them. My forehead wrinkles? They can instruct my kid (and husband for that matter lol!) to do what I need with a mere glance. My underage circles? Well, those always existed, they are hereditary and there’s not much I can do about it so I’m not going to stress those either.

Rejecting the myth of perfection

You know that voice — the one that tells you you aren’t smart enough/successful enough/attractive enough. By 40, you know it well enough to tell it to shut the f*ck up. I’m not saying we shouldn’t strive for self-improvement. But I don’t let what I’m NOT decrease the importance of what I AM, and I certainly no longer compare myself to other people. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. NO ONE is perfect, even those people who seem to be on the surface. Pefection is not only unattainable it’s frankly in my opinion, boring. I’d much rather be my own perfectly imperfect self, not hold myself to an unattainable standard and just be happy being who & what I am right now. Imperfect works.

Perspective and resilience

I’ve been a shy child, an awkward middle schooler, a ballet-loving tween, a punk teenager, a college girl in love, an on the prowl twenty-something, a blissed out newlywed, a dual-career thirty-something, a terrified new mom, a newly forty year old woman writing this post… Life has had enough downs to know there eventually is an up, and that nothing is the end of the world. Sometimes you feel stuck or lost or heartbroken, but things always change. There is always a plan B. Hard times can feel endless, but they always always end.

I also hear sex is best for women in their 40s. Just sayin.

OK, I’ll quit being a Pollyanna for a second and say of course there are things about aging that bum me out, such as:

Being Called Ma’am

Failing to understand Snapchat

The crackling sound my knees make.

Grey hairs that poke straight up on my head. I’ve been pretty lucky in the grey hair department, and I’ve finally stopped plucking them out but still, 😑

At the end of the day, it’s better to get older than NOT to get older! I’m grateful for all the experiences, (bad boyfriends included) that have led to me being this version of me.

In the words of the late, great, David Bowie: I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.

xoxo, Stephanie