Miss W. came in to our Scottsdale boudoir studio wanting to gift her husband a boudoir album for their 20th anniversary. She was honest to admit that she had wanted to do a boudoir shoot for years prior to booking her session with us. On multiple occasions she had chatted it over with her friends, knowing she just had to do this one day, and even still, talked herself out of it and into it over and over until finally taking the leap.

I wish I could say that doing a boudoir photography session is an easy YES for everyone because I wholeheartedly believe in boudoir and what it can do for you. Though — the truth is that it is not uncommon for women to put off doing a shoot like this.

Not only can it be incredibly intimidating at first, but it takes courage to confront your own doubts and body insecurities. For some a boudoir session can challenge the way they see themselves. While that journey can empower confidence it isn’t always easy to show up all in, right away.

I share this openly with you because we want you to know that you are not alone in feeling like this and it’s ok to start before you are fully ready.

We want you to know that with the support of our all female team a little bravery, belief in yourself, and the encouragement/advice from inspiring clients like Miss W. , you too can do something like this and walk away feeling more confident.

If you’ve been putting off booking your very own boudoir session or are already on our schedule but looking for encouragement and advice you’ve made it to the right place.

Miss W. was kind enough to allow us to share her after the session interview along with some of her boudoir photos. Here is what she has to say about her self love journey and experience at Bella Jade Boudoir.

What inspired you to pursue a Scottsdale boudoir session?

I've wanted to do one for years but this year was my 20th wedding anniversary, so it seemed like a good time to get brave and do it already!

Why did you choose Bella Jade Boudoir The Bella Jade Collection for your Arizona boudoir experience?

I Googled and researched all of the photographers within a few hours from my house. I was very reassured that the reviews were consistently great and everyone seemed to really love Christina. Truthfully what sealed the deal for me were pictures of The Grey Room. I loved the way it looked and wanted to do my pictures there.

Do you consider yourself a confident person or more of a work in progress? Did this boudoir experience change the way you see yourself?

I am very much a "Work-in-progress"! I am good at talking the talk but not walking the walk. Doing this boudoir shoot really did help me see myself in a new way and gave me a huge boost of confidence in myself.

Did you have any fears going into this? Were you able to overcome them?

My fear was mostly that I am plus-sized and I felt really unsure if it would be worth it because I am not thin and perky. I never imagined that I would be walking into a place where I was accepted and encouraged and celebrated-- my fears left me somewhere around the time that my hair was done being curled! I wish that I had done it sooner. I wouldn't change anything else about this experience.

What was your favorite part about your Scottsdale boudoir experience?

My favorite part of the experience was Christina and Heidi's reactions when I came out in my last outfit. It was an open button-up shirt and I was feeling insecure about my breasts sagging so I used kinesiology tape to tape them up and create cleavage. It caught them off guard which caught me off guard and we all laughed and it was a really empowering moment for me. I was encouraged to do what made me feel comfortable and we got some really great pictures as a result! My second favorite part was picking up the book that I ordered and seeing it for the first time.

Do you have any advice for someone considering their own boudoir photo shoot?

Don't think too hard about the outfits that you picked out. Go with the ones you like the most and 3 or 4 outfits is perfect. You will change positions constantly and end up with a ton of great shoots to choose from. Also, just do it already! Looking back I wish I had done this years ago. Whatever excuses you are giving yourself to not book a session are probably fear-based. Once you do your boudoir session you will be so happy with the results! You are in good hands with Bella Jade!

Would you recommend The Bella Jade Collection to a friend?

Absolutely! I've been bragging to my friends (the same friends who have heard me talk about boudoir on and off for years now). It's a special thing to be able to be vulnerable in front of strangers knowing that the result will be —

1) fun and just what you were looking for

2) actually good photography (Christina knows her stuff!); and

3) a very high quality book that I can show off.

Ready to begin planning your very own photo shoot with Phoenix Arizona’s Top Rated Boudoir Photographer located in Old Town Scottsdale Arizona?

Questions? Check out our Scottsdale boudoir studios and leave us a note here for everything that you need to know to get started!