From Self Doubt to Empowerment
Boudoir Photography Builds Confidence
Hey there, lovely souls! It’s time to pull back the curtain and share a piece of my story, one that has shaped not only who I am today but also the path I’ve chosen as a boudoir photographer. Buckle up because this is a journey from darkness to light, from self-doubt to empowerment. I want to tell you how boudoir photography can change your perspective and give you confidence you never had.
Growing up, I wore my insecurities like a second skin. I was a plus-size kid in not-so-ideal circumstances, navigating an abusive family environment that made me feel “less than” just because of my body. I became a master at hiding behind clothing that concealed as much of me as possible, as if I could magically make people forget I was, well, fat. It’s funny how we can become our own worst critics, and I certainly excelled at that.
Trauma was no stranger to me, and as a result, I was very untrusting of people. I chose to steer clear of romance during my teenage and young adult years, and I was convinced that nobody was actually really attracted to me, so why bother? Even when people would tell me they were, I’d brush it off as mere niceties or someone wanting to take advantage of me; unable to fathom that it could be genuine. The mirror was my sworn enemy, reflecting back an image I had been conditioned to despise.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I had an epiphany: the world was so much broader and more accepting than I had been led to believe. People were attracted to all kinds of bodies, not just the ones that fit conventional beauty standards. This revelation was a game-changer, and I was determined to be part of the conversation.
When I embarked on my journey into photography, I encountered something fascinating. Many women, much like me, felt incredibly self-conscious and loathed looking at photos of themselves. They would confide in me, seeking reassurance. That’s when I decided I wanted to be their “hype woman,” to make them feel good about themselves and capture their beauty in photographs. Little did I know, I was about to confront my own hypocrisy.
Someone pointed out that I couldn’t authentically make others believe in their beauty if I didn’t believe in mine. That hit hard, as I did genuinely find them all gorgeous. I realized I had always carried the weight of the belief that I was never meant to be beautiful. It was time to break free from that mindset.
So, I took a leap of faith. I started anonymously sharing photos of myself and my body on Instagram, on a mission to normalize the idea that people of all body types could feel sexy and desirable. To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People liked seeing bodies like mine, not conforming to conventional standards, doing all the same things that the “conventionally attractive” people did.
Alongside some incredible friends in the industry, I ventured into boudoir modeling. The experience ignited a passion within me to empower others to feel as confident as I did. My focus shifted, and I began working with individuals of all shapes and sizes. The hateful and ignorant comments that surfaced on some platforms couldn’t sway me. I had learned that hurt people hurt people, and those who genuinely love themselves don’t feel the need to bring others down.
These days, I relish the opportunity to ruffle a few feathers by being utterly unbothered. I’ve reached a level of confidence I never dreamed possible, and now, my mission is simple: I want others to feel that same sense of empowerment. Through boudoir photography, I aim to help people discover their beauty, embrace their uniqueness, and shine without apology.
So, here’s to embracing our bodies, defying societal norms, and celebrating the beauty in every one of us. Remember, you are worthy, you are beautiful, and you deserve to feel empowered. Let’s continue this journey together, spreading love, confidence, and self-acceptance one photograph at a time.