I can totally relate to her. I remember looking through magazines when I was younger and comparing myself and just wishing I could be just like those girls.

That’s why boudoir photography is so amazing. It’s not only a transformation physically with putting on the outfits and getting glammed up with pro hair and makeup, but it’s a transformation in how you perceive yourself. And how now you can move forward with a bit more confidence. And that confidence trickles down into every aspect of your life. Why wouldn’t you want that?!

Read on to see how she overcame and how her boudoir session has changed the way she perceives herself.

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!

Ready for a transformation? I can’t wait to hear from you!

I got a couple of emails from some members of GRRRL clothing brand [I’ll wait while you go check it out, do it, you’ll love it too] and met up with Kortney Olson, the founder, athlete and amazing human being and we had some photo time in the studio. J was watching the insta stories as a follower of GRRRL ARMY and knew that the excuses she was telling herself about not doing a shoot was well…excuses.

When I chatted with J, I immediately connected with her and we started planning right over the phone. What to wear, what to expect are just a few of the things we went over. I connected with her reasons for wanting to do a boudoir session because I myself am going through a self acceptance phase in life where I celebrated my “rising phoenix” moment with my own boudoir shoot.

I could go on an on about how amazing this session was, but she does an even better job at describing how her experience was better than I can.

When I turned 38 (almost a year ago) I made a "40 before 40" bucket list of sorts. I put "personal photography session" on it because I was too scared to put "boudoir session" in actual writing. Shortly after that I stumbled upon Kortney Olson's personal Instagram (after having been a fan of GRRRL and part of the online community for over a year). Her personality and her wisdom started chipping away at the negative self-talk and body image I'd been struggling with for forever. I'd been "working on it" since having my daughters, but without having a role model of sorts that I respected and identified with, it was like trying to swim without instruction without drowning. Over the past year I'd been working on being more true to myself, getting back into weight lifting, doing crazy thinks like shaving the side of my head and dying my hair, etc. I'd been slowly accepting the skin I was in, and honoring it's imperfections. I was still scared about that one line on my "40 before 40" list that I wanted to accomplish. Then Kortney posted on her IG about this awesome boudoir photographer and the photos were breathtaking. "If only she was in my area...." I thought (or, worked up as an excuse...kinda both)...and then I saw that you WERE. It was now or never...either I could walk the walk of being brave and loving my body like I talk to everyone about, and preach to my own daughters, or I could keep making excuses. I decided to get over myself. One of my favorite quotes is by Amelia Earhart "The fears are paper tigers." My fear of boudoir was a paper tiger I decided to set fire to.

As a photographer myself for the past 8 years, I knew plenty of folks who had done boudoir sessions with other people, but they never quite came out like I would have wanted my session to go; kinda sleezy looking, or just somewhat uncomfortable. And it was always a male photographer which I wasn't okay with. After stalking your website, and your IG, I *knew* without a doubt that you were the only one I'd trust with a session and with photos like this. Your vision coupled with your talent, and then our conversation on the phone where I could sense your awesome personality, sealed the deal for me. I also really appreciated that you had your own studio (not a rented hotel room), and that you posted photos of yourself that you had taken. I love seeing the work that photographers can produce of themselves in addition to others, and I know that takes a certain kind of bravery to do so, I sincerely admire that.

My biggest fears for doing a boudoir session:
1) I wouldn't know what the heck to do with my body, or my face (I have some wicked RBF, and I also am not a naturally smiley person so I feel awkward when forced to smile for photos.) REALITY: Not only did you make me comfortable the entire time so that I didn't have to think about what to do with my body, I just had to move it, there was no insistence on smiling for the camera. I was free to be myself, just guided naturally for the photos.
2) I'd see the photos during the reveal and have that awful "I look horrible/I shouldn't be in these photos/I wasted my time" feeling as I tore myself apart which has happened with a lot of photos (not boudoir) over the years. REALITY: Didn't happen once. I thought about it afterwards and I really think that post-photo session shifted my perspective on my entire body. I have an average mom-bod that's been through a lot in almost 40 years. Who cares? I'm still effing awesome. Those thighs? They've always touched, but they're strong as hell. That waist? Not as thin, or as well defined as in my 20's, but they've carried and sustained two lives. The reality was, that for the first time, I was able to sit back and admire the heck out of myself in photos. That feeling of empowerment, just like I had after my photo session, came back again.

Getting to meet you, Julie, and finding out that there's this local, badass, funny, kind, photographer out there that can help change another womans outlook on herself just with a couple hours of their time and a camera. The session itself was great, looking at the photos was wonderful, but I love connecting with other strong women who are being true to themselves and doing what they love while also making the world around them better. So, it might seem weird to say, but my favorite part was getting to meet another GRRRL out there being a total badass babe. :)

I'm planning on doing this to a bunch of my close girlfriends. :) I haven't refined my message yet, but I think it'll be along the lines of, "This is the best gift you can give YOURSELF. It makes a great gift for your significant other, but do it as a way to honor yourself. To see yourself as the fierce badass you are. From start to finish you'll feel empowered, and perhaps even more awakened to your own strength in your sexuality."

Boudoir on your mind? Tell me about it!

Remember that time I talked about how important picking a photographers style was really important? J had been in instagram and was saving a lot of black and white photos she really liked and then after taking another look at where these photos came from, she saw that they were from the Northern Virginia area and were all my work. If that doesn’t say she found her style, then I don’t know what does! It’s easy to fall in some kind of rabbit hole in instagram but when you find what you’re looking for, that justifies the bucket loads of hours spent scrolling and saving. Girl, I know.

It is absolutely normal really get nervous right before your shoot and J let me know she was having hesitations about not being able to pose or look the way she wanted in her own mirror so how was she supposed to do that in front of a camera. I reassured her that 98% of my clients have never had a shoot like before and don’t know how to pose. And that I was going to guide her into all the poses and expressions and to just trust the process. I got you!

What was even more incredible is that J drove all the way up from the Charlottesville, VA area to have her shoot with us and I’m so glad she did! She had some amazing Honey Birdette lingerie and I was so excited to have her feel amazing and to create a very personal surprise gift for her soon to be husband.

My search for a boudoir photographer began on instagram...like most great searches ;-). I typed in a tagline and I began to see the most beautiful black and white photographs...the bookmarking had begun. As a returned back to my original search, I began tagging more and more photos all from the same original tagline. Once I had established quite the collection, I investigated the photos further and found that they all belonged to the same photographer...Julie. Her style was breathtaking and her ladies looked sexy and natural. Once I found her website, I was blown away by how calm and informative she seemed without ever having have met her. Her website had women of all shapes, sizes, and nationalities in the most flattering light and poses. My boudoir shoot was nothing more than amazing! I made the absolute best decision in picking Julie.

With my wedding approaching, I wanted to surprise my future hubby-to-be.I had never done anything like a boudoir shoot before so I knew he would never expect it! The album that I purchased from my session was the gift that I gave my husband during out first look on my wedding day. He was more than surprised!

My biggest fear in doing a boudoir session was the feeling of being exposed. I had never done anything like this before....and frankly am not the best at posing sexy. Prior to my shoot, I remember sending Julie an email freaking out, realizing I had NO IDEA how to pose myself to look attractive and flattering after many failed attempts in my bathroom mirror. Julie sent the most sensitive and kind email response, telling me not to worry and that she would guide me along the way. Julie was 100% honest. Throughout my shoot, she guided me every step of the way: "purse your lips...arch your back...more...I know you can give me a bit more...amazing." She was kind, thoughtful, and encouraging! I never felt confused or embarrassed....she made me feel like I had been doing this for years.

What was your favorite part of your boudoir session?: There were too many to count! However my two favorites would be hair and makeup and post-shoot. I LITERALLY FELT LIKE A GODDESS! My hair and makeup was completed to absolute perfection...I felt so beautiful and it was just how I envisioned it would be. Following the shoot, Julie showed me a sneak peak photo and it looked amazing! WAYYYYY better than I could ever have imagined. I felt so beautiful and free...it was a feeling that every woman should experience.

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