Self-Love, Empowerment, and Boudoir: More Stories from Chicago Boudoir Photography

Stories of Strength and Self-Love: Empowerment Through Boudoir Photography

Every boudoir session at Chicago Boudoir Photography is a journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. For many women, it’s not just about capturing stunning images—it’s about reclaiming confidence, celebrating growth, and honoring their unique beauty. From quiet moments of courage to radiant self-love, these real client stories show just how transformative the boudoir experience can be.


Curvy woman's testimonial of the boudoir experience in chicago

“I’ve never felt more confident in my life!”

I decided to do a boudoir photoshoot on a whim. I wasn’t really planning on a photoshoot, but I saw something online and just signed up.

“I’ve never felt more confident in my life!”

Main reason for booking:
I decided to do a boudoir photoshoot on a whim. I wasn’t really planning on a photoshoot, but I saw something online and just signed up.

Biggest fear before or during the shoot:
After paying for the session, I started panicking a bit. I wondered, “Will I look good? What if I don’t like any of the photos?”

Favorite part about the experience:
I felt comfortable from the minute I walked in. Hair and makeup made me look like a movie star with glam lashes and a red lip. During the shoot, the photographer made me feel completely comfortable, like I was hanging out with a girlfriend. Truly the best part was seeing my photos—I was stunned that the woman in the photos was me!

Gift or enjoyment:
Being a curvy woman, I’ve struggled with body image my whole life, but after leaving my shoot, I’ve never felt more beautiful, fierce, sexy, and confident. I LOVE my photos and the experience—it was freeing, fun, and fabulous.

“I didn’t know I could look so good and can’t believe it’s me in the photos!”


Bride's testimonial for booking a boudoir photoshoot

“I couldn’t wait to show my fiancé the photos!”

I’m getting married, and I thought a boudoir session would be a great way to kick off the festivities.

“I couldn’t wait to show my fiancé the photos!”

Main reason for booking:
I’m getting married, and I thought a boudoir session would be a great way to kick off the festivities.

Biggest fear before or during the shoot:
As a plus-sized woman, I worried that my body would be “wrong” for boudoir and that I wouldn’t feel comfortable.

Favorite part about the experience:
I had a blast! Liz and the makeup artist were my hype women from the moment I stepped in. I loved laughing and finding fun moments together—it created such an empowering environment.

Gift or enjoyment:
I couldn’t wait until after the wedding to show my fiancé, so I showed him the photo album as soon as it arrived—and he loved it! I’ve also shown some close friends.

“Liz really knows how to work with women of all body types and make them look and feel awesome regardless of size.”


Boudoir photos as a gift for her fiance

“His words: ‘Best birthday EVER!’”

I wanted to do a boudoir photoshoot as a birthday gift for my fiancé.

“His words: ‘Best birthday EVER!’”

Main reason for booking:
I wanted to do a boudoir photoshoot as a birthday gift for my fiancé.

Biggest fear before or during the shoot:
Not feeling comfortable during the session.

Favorite part about the experience:
The photoshoot turned out great. Makeup was perfect, and the photographer made me feel relaxed and beautiful.

Gift or enjoyment:
Yes, my fiancé loves the boudoir album! He keeps looking at it and talking about it.

“Photoshoot turned out great. Overall the experience was awesome.”


“I would recommend this experience to ANYONE!”

This experience was for myself mainly, but also as a little surprise for my other half.

“I would recommend this experience to ANYONE!”

Main reason for booking:
This experience was for myself mainly, but also as a little surprise for my other half.

Biggest fear before or during the shoot:
Unsure how the photos would turn out. I had no clue what I would be doing, but Liz made it incredibly easy.

Favorite part about the experience:
I LOVED IT!!! Favorite part—ALL of it. Seeing the end result was shocking. I simply could not believe it was me!

Gift or enjoyment:
I haven’t given anything yet, but I will. I look at my pictures regularly and am still in shock!

“It was fun, easy, and comfortable. A true confidence booster!”


Liz Hansen shooting boudoir in her Winnetka studio

Boudoir photography is an opportunity to step into your confidence, celebrate your body, and embrace self-love. Whether it’s a gift for your partner, a celebration of your curves, or a personal journey of empowerment, these stories show that every woman can experience joy, strength, and beauty in front of the camera.

At Chicago Boudoir Photography, we make every session safe, supportive, and unforgettable, so you can truly see yourself the way the world should: empowered, confident, and radiant.

Read more testimonials here!
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