Hi blog, we meet again after a very long unintentional absence. The studio has been booked solid and as a one woman business owner, my shoots and client interactions are a priority and my poor blog goes radio silent. Sorry blog!

Not only has the Northern Virginia boudoir studio been busy creating and celebrating masterpieces there’s also been a lot of personal changes going on and it’s forced me to slow down and  re-evaluate what I want for my business in the next coming years. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere! Simply taking a breather. Perhaps another blog post on this will be in order for the future!

Now that I’ve gained some time to work on my personal projects, I revisited a recent one. My creative passion project has been merging my love for travel, beautiful landscapes and locations with nude figure studies. I’ve collaborated with some incredibly talented art models and explored some beautiful locations to create art and holy moly, it’s so much fun and is always the best way for me to recharge during a busy season in the studio. 

You might have seen on the instagram here and there and even on the blog some postings on my travel projects. This latest one being from Iceland in 2022. (I’ve been 3 times already, I love it there so much!)  I’ve decided to revisit and edit them in a way that reflects what I am drawn to in this moment and period in life. It’s fascinating to me because I’ve always heard that an artist’s work will often reflect a mood, a period in their life or era that they are experiencing and I can say that I know what that means now. 

When I first edited these images they were in color and vibrant as I wanted it feel exactly how I saw it when I photographed it. And thought in color was how it should have been processed. I’m also very much drawn to black and white imagery (more often than color) and when I decided to make this a black and white collection, I just fell in love, but mostly because I felt a connection to them unlike how I edited them last year in color.

This was a little bit of an A-Ha moment. My creative project has taught me to create what I’m connected to and not what I’m “supposed” to create. I mean I knew this, but now I REALLY know what this means. It’s amazing to me that even though I’ve been a boudoir photographer for 13 years, I’m still learning and evolving as an artist and I plan to keep it up. Learning new things, different techniques and styles that speak to me have been a way to discover parts of my artistry that fuel my evolution and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

Now, I think I need to get these printed in an album and display it at the studio.

Location: Iceland / 2022

Photographer: Julie Socher

Model: Icelandic Selkie

Get in touch! I’d love to hear from you

How would you rate your boudoir experience on a scale of 1-10?: 25! (But 10 if I have to follow the rules!)

How has your boudoir experience affected you or changed you?: Honestly, I’ve always been comfortable in my own skin but given significant chronic health issues (endometriosis) I’ve struggled with loving my body and often feeling like it fails me. I really wanted to do a boudoir session as a wedding gift for my future hubby but also for me to celebrate the strength of my body and what it’s overcome. The first time I saw my photos, I cried. Julie captured exactly what I wanted in the photos that were for me—that showcased me, the real me, scars, struggles and all. Throughout my life, whenever I look back at these photos, I will be reminded of my strength, beauty, and poise and celebrate and love my body for what it’s achieved. I came away from this session loving my body more and with a better understanding of it.

What advice would you give someone who was nervous about or hesitant to book their own boudoir experience with me? : Do it! You won’t regret a penny or a second of it. It’s a completely body positive experience and Julie makes you feel so comfortable, accepted, and safe. Plus, have a glass of champagne to quell any nerves. Let yourself be present and in the moment, and most importantly remember that you’re worth it. This was as much a present for me as much as it will be for my hubby.

Is there anything at all you would change about your boudoir experience?: Not a single thing! Everything from the preparation consults and emails to the day of logistics—everything was easy and made me feel like a pampered queen for a day. It was everything I could’ve asked for.

Get in Touch

If there’s one thing I hear a lot about doing a boudoir session it’s that most women think they can’t do it. Like there’s no possible way they could look or feel sexy. And that right there is the fear just blasting in your ears. It’s outside of your comfort zone, though, I totally get it. And I think that’s exactly what it is. We build up a wall of reasons of why we aren’t good for something so much that it just prevents you for even taking a peek through the crack of said built wall.

After every session in the DC boudoir studio, is “holy cow, I had no idea I’d be so comfortable!” And that’s exactly what I want your session to be like, so comfortable, you forget you’re in lingerie with a camera pointed at you :)

Read more about her experience and how she not only did this for herself, but created an amazing gift for her boo.

What inspired you to do a boudoir session?: Several years ago, a friend shared her boudoir photographs with me. She is a beautiful person and it was of no surprise that her photographs were amazing, but it was her empowering experience that kept me intrigued. Although I doubted I would ever find the courage to do this for myself, it never left my mind.

What made you decide to schedule your session with Julie?: After moving to Virginia to take a new job, I felt I had a new and positive direction in my life. It was time to step out in faith and do something for myself that I never dreamed I would have the confidence to do. I began to do my research and stumbled across Julie Socher Boudoir. Her photographs were beautiful, tasteful, and professional, and the reviews from her clients were encouraging. It became clear that Julie was a one of a kind and the boudoir experience was so much more than simply taking photographs. Within days of finding her, I booked an appointment.

What was your biggest fear in doing a boudoir session? Did it come true? What happened instead?: I have suffered from low self-esteem/body image nearly all of my life. If there was something negative to focus my attention on, you can be sure that I did and I was certain everyone else did as well. As a little girl and even into adulthood, I would look through magazines at all the beautiful women and wish that I could be as perfect as they were. When I made the decision to book my boudoir session I was terrified to bare all in front of a stranger! Surely, I wouldn't be able to find anything flattering to wear, I would look gross, and I would be disappointed in myself once again. Then the miracle happened! None, and I mean none of this came true! When my photographs came in and I had my reveal, I literally cried. I couldn't believe that the person I was looking at was truly me. No more looking through those magazines; I am that beautiful woman!

What was your favorite part of your boudoir session?: The entire boudoir session was an amazing experience; from the hair, makeup, help with outfits, music, and little goodies, it was every bit as wonderful as my friend described it to be. The best part of this entire experience was being given the ability to let go and embrace myself for who I truly am. Julie has such a way of helping you feel calm, confident, and beautiful. The empowerment is real! The boudoir session has changed my life; it has helped me see past all of the "so called" flaws and know that I am a strong and beautiful woman.

If you were to recommend us to your best friend, what would you say?: Julie Socher Boudoir Portraiture is simply the best! She is truly a professional and a one of a kind person. Julie has a passion for photography and more importantly, a love for people. From the first meeting, it was evident she cared about each of her clients and wanted them to have the most wonderful experience. Julie made herself available throughout the entire process and made it easy and fun! Her studio is beautiful and her photographs are stunning and professional. If you are searching for an amazingly empowering experience, look no further!

Boudoir is FOR YOU. Trust me.