Boudoir, Body Confidence, and Empowerment: My Conversation on the Liz on Biz Podcast
Boudoir, Body Confidence, and Empowerment: My Interview on the Liz on Biz Podcast
Recently I had the chance to sit down with podcast host Liz Theresa on the Liz on Biz podcast for a conversation about boudoir photography, body confidence, entrepreneurship, and the surprising ways a photoshoot can transform how women see themselves.
It was a fun conversation (with lots of laughs—because two Liz’s on one podcast gets a little Dr. Seuss-like 😄), but we also dove into some really important topics: body image, empowerment, self-acceptance, and why boudoir photography has exploded in popularity over the last decade.
If you want to hear the full conversation, I encourage you to listen to the podcast episode here!
Below are some of the biggest takeaways from our discussion.
How One Boudoir Photoshoot Changed My Life
Before opening my studio, I was a photographer doing what I call “regular photography”—weddings, families, babies, and events.
Then one day I signed up for a boudoir photoshoot for myself.
At the time, I thought I was doing it as a gift for my husband. But once I stepped into the experience, something unexpected happened.
It wasn’t just about photos.
It was about seeing myself differently.
The experience was empowering in a way I hadn’t anticipated. When I saw the images, I realized I could be confident, I could be sensual, andI could step outside the “good girl” box I had always lived in.
And that moment opened a door in my mind to ff I could do that… maybe I could do more.
Maybe I could start a business creating something meaningful for other women… so i did!
Today, I’ve photographed more than 2,000 women in boudoir sessions. And I’ve seen that same transformation happen again and again.
Why Boudoir Photography Is More Popular Than Ever
Boudoir photography isn’t new, but the idea of everyday women doing boudoir photoshoots is relatively recent.
In the past, boudoir imagery was often associated with models or celebrities.
But now, women are doing boudoir photoshoots to celebrate:
Milestone birthdays
Divorce or life transitions
Personal growth
Body confidence journeys
Simply doing something bold and empowering
One reason it’s grown so much in popularity is because people are craving real experiences.
We spend so much time on screens and phones that doing something tactile, emotional, and transformative—like a boudoir photoshoot—feels powerful.
It’s not just taking pictures, it’s a full experience.
“Sexy Is Not a Size”
One of the most important ideas we talked about on the podcast was this:
Health is not a size.
Confidence is not a number on a scale.
In our culture, women are often taught that if they could just reach a certain body size, then they’d be happy. Then they’d love themselves. Then they’d feel confident.
But the truth is, there is no finish line.
I’ve photographed women of every age, size, and body type imaginable—and confidence doesn’t come from measurements.
Confidence comes from how you show up in the world.
Sexiness is an attitude. It’s openness, it’s confidence, and it’s allowing yourself to experience joy, pleasure, and connection.
The Shift From “I Hate My Body” to “I Have a Body”
One of the simplest but most powerful mindset shifts we discussed is changing one sentence.
Instead of saying: “I hate my body.”
Try saying: “I have a body.”
That one small change—from hate to have—moves you from shame into body neutrality.
Body neutrality isn’t about forcing yourself to love every inch of your body.
It’s about acknowledging that your body exists, it does incredible things, and your body deserves respect.
Your legs carry you places.
Your arms hold people you love.
Your body allows you to experience life.
That shift—from criticism to gratitude—can be the beginning of a healthier relationship with yourself.
Why Boudoir Photography Is So Transformational
When women see their boudoir images for the first time, a very common reaction is:
“I can’t believe that’s me.”
And there’s a reason for that.
Most of us only see ourselves from the same angles every day—mirrors, selfies, quick photos on our phones.
But in a professional boudoir session, you see yourself from entirely new perspectives.
Angles you’ve never seen.
Light you’ve never experienced.
A version of yourself you didn’t realize existed.
And sometimes that’s enough to change how you see yourself forever.
Empowered Women Change the World
One thing I truly believe—and shared on the podcast—is that the world needs more empowered women.
Women who are willing to:
Speak up
Take up space
Use their voices
Stop obsessing over what’s “wrong” with their bodies
Imagine how much energy women could put into changing the world if they weren’t constantly worrying about how they look.
Boudoir photography isn’t just about photos.
Sometimes it’s about opening the door to possibility.
What I’m Working on Next
During the podcast, I also shared a project I’ve been incredibly excited about.
I’m working on a book called:
A Year of Body Confidence: 365 Days of Positive Affirmations and Empowering Actions
The idea is simple:
Every day of the year includes a small mindset shift or body practice designed to help women build confidence and self-acceptance.
Because body confidence isn’t built in one day.
It’s built in small moments, over time.
And I have a free 60-page book preview for you to get started on your own body love journey!
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
If you want to hear the full conversation—including our discussion about:
Body image and culture
Why boudoir photography can be life-changing
Entrepreneurship lessons from running a business for 10+ years
And a few funny stories along the way
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: 👉 https://liztheresa.com/episode/e405-liz-hansen-boudoir-business-and-being-enough/
About Chicago Boudoir Photography
At Chicago Boudoir Photography, we specialize in creating empowering boudoir photoshoot experiences for everyday women.
My studio in Winnetka, Illinois has photographed more than 2,000 women, helping clients celebrate themselves at every stage of life.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, boosting confidence, or simply doing something bold for yourself, a boudoir session can be an unforgettable experience.
You can also download several free resources on my website, including: