It’s been too long for me to remember, but as a self proclaimed workaholic I throw myself to the back burner ALL. THE. TIME. (I’m working on getting that fixed, I promise!) So, I can only imagine when you have 3 little humans to care for, mom isn’t really thinking about herself first. Scheduling her own boudoir shoot was motivation to get back to her pre-baby body and to see  and feel herself as a confident woman again. She also wanted to gift an album to her husband, but we all know that’s just the bonus..AMIRITE?!

L started her search for a boudoir photographer in her area near the Baltimore and PA area and when she expanded her search to Washington DC she came across my work and knew right away that was her style. This is HUGE and let me tell you why. It’s so important to find a photographer whose work you love, that resonates with how you want to be captured. And then rest will fall into place. Trust me on that.

Because of the distance, I hopped on a video chat with L to learn more about “the why” for her session. During this call, we talked about outfit options, (which I know for most of my clients is the biggest challenge) how she’d like to display her photos and all the album options.

I live right over the PA/MD line, and I started doing research for a photographer near me or in Baltimore, and I couldn't find anyone with a style that I was looking for- more glamorous less amateur/cheap for a lack of better words. I was just disappointed. I couldn't find any photographers' photos that I fell in love with. I, then, expanded my search to DC and found Julie's website and the photos were exactly what I was looking for- I was sold instantly.

I think my biggest fear was that my photos would not be flattering or I wouldn't like my images as much as the ones on Julie's social media. It definitely didn't come true! I loved so many of my photos it was hard to narrow them down at my reveal.

I loved the experience as a whole- the entire package I describe to my friends as the VIP package: from consultation, extra help with lingerie, make up/hair, the actual photo shoot, to the reveal. It's such a fun and an empowering experience from start to finish.

I have recommended this to so many friends all ready! I tell them of course they have to use Julie because you will not be disappointed! This type of photography is her passion and no detail gets overlooked. You may start the experience planning to give the photos as a gift, but its a total gift to yourself as well.

Ready for more information? let me know!

Something I love about boudoir photography, is a lot of the women I meet do a boudoir session for many different reasons. And I can totally relate to C for her reason. Boudoir is used to celebrate new milestones, new relationships, and new chapters in life. So as C is entering her new chapter, what better way to mark this time with an empowering boudoir session in the Washington DC studio!

I went through a really rough marriage and separation. My self esteem was down in the dumps. I had heard women talk about this being an empowering experience and wanted to try it for myself. The moment I saw Julie’s images on her website, I loved the dark, moody style and knew that was exactly the manner I wanted to be captured.

I’m naturally very self conscious and was certain I would feel awkward and embarassed being practically naked in front of someone I had met for 20 minutes once in my life. 

This absolutely did not happen! Julie and her beautiful, sunny smile greeted me at the entrance to her gorgeous studio. Kristen was there and between the two of them I felt welcome and began to ease up. A glass of bubbly helped me along, and after being pampered in hair and makeup, the session began. 

At that point I worries about not knowing what to do. But Julie jumped right in from the beginning and explained the terms she would be using and showed me exactly how to pose. It felt like the most natural experience ever, and the last thing I was was self conscious! I couldn’t believe that I didn’t think twice about walking out of the dressing area in nothing but fishnets without second guessing myself for one second. 

Julie is warm and sweet and one of those people you feel you’ve known forever within moments. She’s chatty and funny and makes the entire experience just wonderful!!

When I got up the next morning and went to work feeling like my back was a little straighter and I was walking. Little taller next to the self-confidence Julie and her camera somehow bestowed upon me!

Every woman should give herself the gift of a boudoir session with Julie. I looked at several options but judging from the results of my photos, there is no question Julie was done the best possible option! You will feel confident and beautiful and on top of the world!

Let’s chat!

Ms. N’s boudoir session in the Washington DC studio reminded me a lot of this quote from C. JoyBell C. I came across:

“There are two things we should always be 1. raw and 2. ready. When you are raw, you are always ready and when you are ready you usually realize that you are raw. Waiting for perfection is not an answer, one cannot say "I will be ready when I am perfect" because then you will never be ready, rather one must say "I am raw and I am ready just like this right now, how and who I am.”

Women often tell they aren’t sexy enough, pretty enough, skinny enough or any of the “enoughs.” And I get it, I catch myself saying these things. What will it take to finally realize that you are enough? That’s it, you’re enough for anything.

Now, I can get super preachy when it comes to a topic like perfection, but I will hold out and save that for another blog post!

Until then, I want you see what Ms. N’s session was like straight from her:

I've always felt like I wasn't "enough" to be sexy. I felt parts of me weren't big enough to be sexy, other parts weren't small enough to be sexy. I felt like I never grew out of the "girl" stage, and even had trouble thinking of myself as a "woman." I thought everyone saw me in one specific way, and I wanted to show there was another side to me, even if I was the only one to know that side existed. I finally realized that I am enough, just the way I am. It's not about the clothing measurements that make you feminine or sexy. I became interested in boudoir a couple of years ago and decided to do it as a 25th birthday gift to myself. It was time to feel like a grown ass woman!

Once I decided I wanted to do a session, I looked into a lot of photographers in NoVA. After looking at Julie's portfolio and reading client reviews, as well as her website in general, I knew she was the photographer I wanted to schedule my shoot with. Other photographer's pictures looked very posed, unnatural, and heavily photoshopped. Julie's photos look as if she captured moments in your very own home. I loved how she explained everything on her website, and I was sold after reading reviews that said how helpful she was walking you through the entire process. Everything from the initial email and consult, outfit choices and posing, to picking up your album is perfectly orchestrated by Julie.

My biggest fear was that my pictures would look posed and awkward. After all, posing in front of a camera can be daunting to begin with, let alone posing in your undies! I was worried that I would let my insecurities take over my session, and that those insecurities would be reflected in my pictures. Julie was amazing because she walks you through every pose along the way (and cheers you on as you do it!) After just a few minutes I was totally at ease, and following Julie's lead. I wasn't worried about if the poses were "flattering" or showing off my "good side," I just trusted Julie's expertise!

One of my favorite parts of my session took me by surprise: the posing! I was worried about looking silly in my pictures, but Julie cheered me along after every picture. I loved when in between shots when I would naturally shift/readjust how I was standing or sitting, Julie would catch it, and say, "wait! I love how you did that! Do it again!" and snap a picture.

My other favorite part was when I first got to the studio and showed Julie what I had brought to wear. I brought a couple of options I liked and some accessories, but I wasn't sure how to pair them. I loved seeing Julie's vision blend with what i had brought when she paired my outfits with stuff she had in the closet of her studio.

Do it for you. If you spend all of your time worrying about this spot or that thing you don't see as "perfect," you'll never see how truly amazing you really are. Don't wait until you've lost x pounds, don't do it for your man's birthday. Do it now. For you. You're stunning exactly how you are. You are enough. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do this for YOU. It doesn't mean you're vain, it means you finally realize you're worth it.

Book your own boudoir session! Fill 'er out and I'll be in touch!