How it all got started:
I originally heard of Boudoir by Amy Gilmore through friends who had sessions and from the Facebook page. Every time I saw a post sharing their sessions, I knew I wanted to do it. I was fascinated by the before-and-after pictures and how beautiful the shots always turned out.
For a few years, I kept reading the stories and testimonies from the women featured in the group. One day, an opportunity opened, and I stopped ignoring the want — I finally booked a session.
How did you feel after your session?
After I booked, I was terrified. I honestly dragged it out for as long as I could. I kept thinking, What did I do? How am I going to pull this off?
But Jillene kept reminding me over and over that it would be an amazing, empowering experience.
The day of my session, I was nervous and dealing with some personal issues — because let’s be honest, life still happens and we can’t control the when or the how. But Jillene and Burgin (my hair and makeup artist that day) supported me in that moment and gave me the grace I needed to breathe, reset, and pivot into the experience.
We started with glam and then went into choosing outfits — some from what I brought and some from Amy’s huge client closet. Once the shoot started and it was just Amy and me, everything changed. We moved all over the studio with all the different backdrops and scenes. Amy was creating my story through her camera.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
Honestly? Everything.
That’s why, about two years later, I booked for a second time — and this time I pulled my husband in for a couples session.
For the second session, I had Mona for hair and makeup, and let me tell you… she’s got talent. Of course, we laughed with Jillene about a hundred different things, and again, Jillene and Amy helped my husband and me choose the perfect wardrobe.
I think I had even more fun the second time around — having my husband there, watching him follow Amy’s directions, seeing her capture our personalities together. It was an absolute blast. The whole experience was amazing all over again.
Was your experience what you expected it to be?
While looking at the “behind the camera” image, all I could think was:
HOT. DAMN.
My first and second shoots both came out better than I could have ever imagined.
What advice do you have for others considering a boudoir shoot?
Of course I would — and have — told family and friends to book, book, book! If you’re on the fence, take the leap.
You will be amazed at how easy and fun the process is, and I guarantee you’ll be blown away by the results.
Honestly… it’s slightly addictive.
