Why You Should Celebrate a Milestone With A Boudoir Session.
Updated: May 2
Ashley is a hard worker. Not too long ago she received a promotion at work to a Marketing Manager position, and she was thrilled. Ashley has also been in a relationship for a while, and will be getting married over the next few years. Like most people, she is super busy with work and home life. and is planning an island vacation during the winter. Any extra spare time she has is split between family, friends, hitting the gym and trying to grab a few hours a week of elusive quiet time just to re-center herself.
Ashley had always planned on doing a boudoir photo shoot, and was referred to me by one of her friends I had photographed for a wedding gift about a year earlier. Her initial contact was in regard to a bit of long-term wedding planning and doing a bit of re-con for a bridal boudoir session.
After a few emails, I could hear she was excited about the idea. She loved the way her friends album turned out and was looking forward to creating her own.
"So, why wait?" I said.
"I don't know...my boyfriends birthday is in about six months."
"What about you?"
It took a bit before she caught on. I explained to her that some of the best sessions I have are for women doing a boudoir session for themselves.
"People do that? I thought I needed it to be for gift for someone. That's amazing idea. --Like a me-party." She responded.
Hi. My name is Michael, and I'm a boudoir photographer from New Jersey. I work with lots of women every year, and have a great time helping create beautiful photo memories that will last a lifetime. I love educating women about boudoir, and helping them make a smart choice when choosing their photographer.
One great thing about a boudoir session, is it can be just for you! For some reason, many women believe boudoir is something that they need to do for someone else. This is starting to change a bit over the past few years, however, as more and more women come in...for themselves!
Celebrate Small Victories
We're all working so much these days. People seem to be go-go-go more than ever. Many of my clients are just like Ashley. They work hard. Have great jobs. And generally seem to be in a great place in their lives.
Over the years, and through more boudoir sessions than I can remember, people seem to think that boudoir is something they need to do (at least on the surface) for someone else. That's not the case at all! Boudoir can be a bit of a "me" celebration.
I've had countless conversations with clients in the midst of a session where they told me its a gift... but they were really doing the session in part for themselves, too. I always tell people boudoir is not only a great gift idea, it's possibly the most fun you can have creating a gift, as well.
Boudoir doesn't have to be for someone else! Women need to take time to celebrate the small victories in life. There are so many ways to do this, and boudoir is only one of them.
Whether it be a promotion at work, your own birthday, a fitness goal, or even to celebrate being newly single, they are all fun milestones to celebrate. At some point in the future you'll looking back at those events via your photos and you'll recall how amazing you felt during that period.
Through years and years of photography I can confidently tell you people generally feel great walking out the door after completing their session. It's definitely a boost, and people love the way they feel. From time to time, I bump into former clients- from years back- who tell me they still look at their albums.
What are some of these milestones?
Some (But Not Every!) Milestone To Celebrate
You got a new job (or a promotion). Promotion at the office? Or just starting a brand new job you've always dreamed of?
You got new boobs. --Whoot! Congrats! This is actually one of the more common reasons for a session.
New tattoos. Your body is your canvas. Memorialize your work in a beautiful album.
You've reached a weight loss goal. That's outstanding! Feeling great is an excellent reason to show off all that hard work.
You're getting married. Marriage is still probably the number one reason for a session. It's a great occasion for a session.
It's a wedding anniversary. One year. Five years. Boudoir is a great way to spice up your anniversary celebration.
You're newly single. Hello bright future and new beginnings. Now's the time to get a fresh start and try new things.
Um, it's your birthday. You're not a year older, you're a year better.
...and there are many more.
Some Other Pros...
You get to shop! The great part of boudoir is that it's an excuse to go out and shop. Who doesn't like shopping?
It's like a mini vacation, or spa day. Even it if only a few hours, a boudoir session takes more mind off your busy schedule.
It's fun to share your session with a friend. Probably the biggest change I've seen over the past few years are requests to bring along a friend. Why not? Sharing an afternoon with a BFF is a great time.
Who Are My Clients?
I'm simply amazed at the diversity of my clients. If I had to pick my "core" client it is much like Ashley, who we met above. Women in their late 20s to early 30s who've had enough experience in their lives to really begin to move into a place where they're interested in loving and celebrating their bodies. They in a great place in their lives, with fantastic jobs... and on the move! They want their photos to be beautiful, with maybe just a hint a danger.
I'm also humbled at the ever-growing geographic range my clients cover! I'm lucky to meet women from all across NJ, eastern PA, and an increasing contingent coming directly from NYC.
What attracts these people to me? I know my client! In turn, I can create an experience that works best for them. I don't rush. From a relaxing makeup application, to an easy going photography session in a big building, to the beautiful results-- I know how to target my experience to the expectations of my wonderful clients.
Connecting the right person to the right photographer is what it's all about. My style and my system is exactly right for my "core" type of client. I love it!
Conclusion
Boudoir isn't just for your wedding, or anniversary. Its a great activity to take a break from your everyday routine, or to celebrate a small victory, such as a promotion. Additionally, when you're in a good place in life, it's all the sweeter. Pairing your boudoir session with the ideal photographer for you and your style is the icing on the cake. Don't skimp!
After your session, you'll feel great, and have bunches of beautiful photos that years down the road will always bring you back to that place in time in life.
If you have any boudoir questions, or questions about finding the right photographer for you, don't hesitate to send me a note. I'm here to help.