Marley’s post-break-up photoshoot at Chicago Boudoir

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

Marley came into the boudoir studio ready to rock her boudoir photoshoot! She is naturally an enthusiastic and energetic person and she brought that amazing energy into the studio. We had such a fun time together!

Marley booked a boudoir photoshoot just for fun. Just to celebrate! She wanted to feel more confident and to move on from a bad break-up. A boudoir shoot was a great way for her treat herself and to boost her confidence! This wasn’t a photoshoot for someone else - this was for HER!

Marley’s boudoir photoshoot started with professional hair and makeup (including airbrush and lashes) to get her camera ready.

Here’s the moment when Marley saw her hair and makeup for the first time: “Ooooh I look so pretty! Look at me!”

After her hair and makeup was ready to go, we selected the outfits and accessories that Marley would wear for her boudoir photoshoot. 

She brought some beautiful lingerie pieces to be photographed in and also used some of the props and accessories that we have at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio, including a gorgeous lavender robe and blush angel wings.

By this time, Marley was feeling READY for her shoot! 

We next moved into the studio where we started photographing Marley in a pink bodysuit and the blush angel wings.

I showed Marley exactly how to pose and what to do. I made that she knew what to do with her hands and with her face. I photographed her in this outfit by the window and also seated on the white bed.

Here are some of the photos that were created with Marley while she was wearing the boudoir angel wings. Isn’t she stunning?

Next up, I photographed Marley in a fun fluffy lavender robe.  I absolutely love robes like this for boudoir photoshoots! 

While she was wearing this fabulous robe, Marley told me she felt like a queen!

Check out some of the images I created of Marley in the boudoir robe:

Up next was the shower scene!

The shower is so fun at the boudoir studio - it’s not a real, operating shower, but the photos LOOK like you’re in the shower.  I used a spray bottle to get the illusion of water running down glass.

Here I am getting the boudoir shower scene set up and photographing Marley:

Here are two of my favorite photos that I captured of Marley in the boudoir shower. I absolutely love the drama here!

Next, I photographed Marley in a fun black bodysuit on the white bed. I LOVE bodysuits for boudoir photoshoots - they come in lots of styles and are usually comfortable to wear! I loved the contrast of the black bodysuit against the white bed.

Here are some of the fun images we created on this white bed set. I love the simplicity of the white sheet look.

Our final set for Marley’s boudoir photoshoot was on the black bed. I love how the black bed shots look completely different from the white bed shots - I like boudoir albums to have a lot of variety! Here I am showing Marley how to pose on the black bed:

My very favorite image from the black bed set is this fabulous bodyscape. I love the detailing of the pearl necklace running down her back.

We also used a camera for a fun prop in some of these images:

After about 60 minutes of shooting, Marley changed back into her street clothes and signed the boudoir board. Every woman who comes to our studio gets to sign our board to show that they are part of the Chicago Boudoir Photography club!

Next I showed Marley the albums and products that she could select what she wanted to purchase from her boudoir photoshoot. She loved the retro viewfinder!

Then finally, it was my favorite part of the boudoir photoshoot - the PHOTO REVEAL! Marley got to see all of her photos on the screen (in both color and black & white). She was blown away by the images. As we were looking through the images, she said, “I just can’t believe that is me!”

Marley ordered a digital download, an 8 inch album with a velvet cover and the retro viewfinder.  She said she always wanted to remember how confident she felt during her shoot!

Here’s Marley after her boudoir photoshoot talking about her experience:

Why did you book a boudoir photo shoot?

I was feeling really insecure and self-conscious about my body and had a really bad breakup and just honestly needed to feel beautiful. And I thought, you know, this is a bit risky, but let's try it and see if it works. 

What were your fears or concerns before you came in?

Being naked in front of other people, like complete strangers. It's not easy. I was worried that, you know, I'd mess it up. I didn't know how to pose. I didn't know what to wear. I'd look chubby. So it was just all my insecurities 

How did it end up? 

Absolutely loved it. Like, I, I couldn't have asked for better instruction. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. And honestly, I cried after I viewed the photos. Like I, I've never felt more beautiful in my life and I recommend this to anyone. And if you don't do it for someone do it for yourself, it's just worth it. We had a fun time!