3 Benefits of Embracing Vulnerability In Boudoir Photography

There’s no denying that vulnerability in boudoir photography is a valid concern for most women. But if you’re brave enough to face it, there’s SO MUCH MORE to be gained from the experience. 


If you’re a boudoir virgin, like Amanda was, and think a boudoir photoshoot might be a little out of your comfort level, stick around. I might just change your mind! 🙂


In this post, I’m sharing 3 benefits of embracing vulnerability in boudoir photography that goes BEYOND the photoshoot! 


We’ll look at how practicing vulnerability helps you:

  • Show up for yourself, even if you feel scared.
  • Boosts your self-confidence.
  • Teaches you to let loose, have fun, and appreciate your body! 



Right on the other side of vulnerability lies courage and confidence waiting to be greet you! 


woman embracing vulnerability in boudoir photography photo series - arkansas boudoir

Boudoir Virgin - Amanda’s First Boudoir Photoshoot


Have you ever heard the phrase “boudoir virgin”? That’s what Amanda called herself when she booked her first boudoir photoshoot, and I LOVED it!


Amanda found me on Google, and we instantly clicked. A boudoir photoshoot was something she’d always wanted to do, and she was ready to bite the bullet. 


Amanda came in when her life felt pretty chaotic, and she was just starting her weight loss journey. She didn’t wait until she had lost x amount of pounds or got to a certain size. She met herself (vulnerably) in the studio exactly as she was. (I love a go-getter!)


As someone who’d never had boudoir photos taken before, she looked vulnerability square in the face and knocked it on its ass.

While looking sexy AF, I might add!

collage of woman in red lingerie during first boudoir photoshoot embracing vulnerability

Vulnerability in Boudoir Photography: DO IT SCARED


Embracing vulnerability during a boudoir photoshoot can be a life-changing experience for many women. That’s what it’s been for Amanda. 


She walked into the studio for her first session like, “I’m gonna do this even if I’m scared!”


In fact, she enjoyed her first session so much that she booked a second session the same day. And SIX more sessions to do over the next year!! She’s naming and giving each photoshoot a “theme” to roll with! 


The transformation from her first session to her second session was a complete GLOW UP! And the sessions were only 5 weeks apart. The shift in her confidence was so much fun to see. (First session above, second session below - SEE the difference?!)

photos of woman in black lingerie embracing vulnerability in boudoir photography in arkansas photoshoot

Vulnerability in Boudoir Photography: BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE


Some people think being vulnerable is a sign of weakness. Spoiler alert - that couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re willing to be vulnerable in a boudoir photoshoot, that’s when you’ll find out just how much courage and confidence was inside you all along.


Something magical happens when you show up for yourself, knees shaking, and full of nervous excitement. My assistant, Morgan, likes to call this feeling “Nerv-i-cited.” We see women feeling this way all the time. But right on the other side of that nervicited feeling is a newfound confidence just WAITING to greet you!


Being vulnerable is a superpower! You’re taking off a metaphorical mask, showing up for yourself, and flexing the ultimate muscle - self-confidence!

photo of woman in boudoir photoshoot in arkansas wearing black lingerie feeling confident

These photos remind me of that meme:

"You think you're a player? Nice to meet you. I'm the coach!"

That's the power of her self-confidence shining through!


Vulnerability in Boudoir Photography: LET LOOSE AND EMRACE SELF LOVE


Finally, being vulnerable in a boudoir photoshoot is the ultimate act of self-love. And if you’re adventurous enough, you might just find a new playfuless within yourself! 


Amanda totally embraced the playful side for her second session. This was when she decided to name each of her sessions and give them all a different theme. I can’t tell you how much fun this has been!!


Her first session, dubbed “Boudoir Virgin” was totally appropriate since it was her first time (and we were excited to pop that cherry!) 😜


Her second session was themed as “Stoned Sugar Momma” and OH-MY-GOSH was it fun! We played around with hundred dollar bills, a money gun, joints, and of course bud.


I won’t spoil any surprises, but we have some pretty fun themed sessions in the works for her upcoming shoots. 


But my point here is that boudoir photography is about being vulnerable - but it’s also about having FUN! When you fully let loose of any pre-conceived notions about what boudoir photography should be or what a boudoir body should look like - that’s when you’ll meet your inner badass!


Need more proof? Check out this blog feature on boudoir photography being for EVERY. BODY. SIZE.


boudoir photos of woman having fun and embracing vulnerability in boudoir photography

The Takeaway? VULNERABILITY IS A SUPERPOWER


No matter what your goals are for your boudoir photoshoot, our goal is to meet you where you’re at. We will always create a safe space for you to explore, love, and find new things you love about yourself.


So, whatcha think? Ready to push past your vulnerability and see what’s on the other side? 


If you want to explore what we have to offer, you can check out our experience page here.


And if you’re ready to chat about booking a session, contact me here, and I’ll be in touch!


XO, Ashlee



P.S. Special thanks to my talented hair and makeup artist, Marlana, for always making clients feel even MORE gorgeous than they already are! 

P.S.S. Thank you, Amanda, for your incredibly kind words in your Google review. We have (obviously) loved working with you, and can’t wait for your next sessions!

google testimonial from arkansas boudoir photography client about working with ashlee jo photography