Learning to love your body can feel impossible at times. For me, boudoir photography became a milestone in that journey. A way to see myself differently, with kindness instead of criticism.
This post isn’t a how-to or a list of tips. It’s my honest story of how boudoir helped me love my body more, and how it can do the same for you.
Before My First Session
For years, I struggled with my body image. I often felt like the largest person in the room, avoiding mirrors whenever I could. Friends told me I should seek a diagnosis for body dysmorphia, but I ignored it.
Encouraging words from others never seemed to stick. Inside, my self-talk was still cruel, and the guilt around my body was exhausting.
If you’re curious about the practical side, here’s what to expect from a boudoir photoshoot.
My Turning Point
As a portrait photographer, I needed new business images. I set up my camera on a tripod, took careful selfies, and used every posing trick I knew. I ended up with one “acceptable” photo, but it didn’t change how I felt.
That’s when a radical thought hit me: if I hate my body so much, maybe I should photograph it. All of it.
I started playing with light, shadow, and composition, letting the camera see me in ways I never had. That first boudoir session wasn’t just photography. It was a milestone in learning to love my body.
Style as a Way to See Yourself
Since then, I’ve worked with clients of all body types and experiences, helping them discover their own milestones. Different styles of boudoir can highlight beauty in ways you may not expect:
Silhouette – shapes the body with bold shadow and light.
Painterly – inspired by Renaissance art, soft and romantic.
Backlighting – airy, ethereal, wrapped in drapery.
Black & White – timeless and elegant, stripping it back to pure form.
These aren’t just aesthetics. They’re tools that can help you see yourself differently, sometimes for the very first time.
For even more inspiration, explore a glimpse into the possibilities in boudoir styles.
Real Words From Clients
Yvonne, after her boudoir session, told me:
“I can’t believe that’s me. It’s honestly been such a journey. Thank you so much.”
Her words echo what I hear again and again: boudoir isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about recognising that the version of you right now is already worth celebrating.
No Magic Pill, But a Real Shift to Love Your Body
Boudoir won’t “fix” body dysmorphia or erase bad days. I still have moments where negative thoughts creep back in.
But now, I have photographs that remind me to be kinder to myself. They’re markers of strength and beauty, proof that I don’t need to wait for some “perfect version” of me to exist before I’m allowed to feel good.
Since that milestone, I’ve walked taller, worn clothes I once avoided, and found gratitude for my body instead of frustration.
I still have bad days, where my thoughts drift into negativity. That’s where the photographs really start to help.
Your boudoir photography experience can help you love your body. They can be your milestone on a new path to loving yourself.
If you’d like to read more about how boudoir photography can empower confidence, I’ve written about it here Boudoir Photos
Your Milestone, To Love Your Body
Loving your body is a journey. A boudoir session won’t solve everything, but it can be a powerful turning point. It gives you space to see yourself in a new light, to step into confidence, and to carry that feeling forward.
If you’d like to explore this for yourself, view my → London boudoir photography