Here’s the story of how I found healing through boudoir photography.

I asked my friend (and Spring Boudoir Extravaganza collaborator!) Lis Tyroler to photograph me this year. This 30 second video sums up our friendship pretty well:

We were attending a photography conference together in Nashville and wanted to experiment with everything we were learning about boudoir photography. I had only done one other boudoir session for the camera and found it an empowering experience, and I was eager to undress for the camera again.

The first time Lis photographed me, it was a train-wreck. Here’s a photo from it:

We both felt rushed since we were trying to squeeze in 20 minutes of boudoir photos before heading to an evening class. I wasn’t clear with myself or with Lis on what I wanted to achieve/explore in my session, and we hadn’t taken time to establish rapport. I wasn’t even wearing my own lingerie- I didn’t feel like myself. And an innocuous comment about my nervous laughter while posing on the bed sent me into a shame spiral.

I shut down. I felt the furthest away from experiencing healing through boudoir photography.

Lis put the camera down, and we halted our session.We both felt frustrated with ourselves, we both felt like failures.

I got dressed, and as we walked together to our next class (aptly named “The Psychology of Boudoir,” which focused on how women find healing through photography), we talked about what had just happened. We were both emotional and honest with one another. It was an important turning point.

After class, we ate good food, drank some wine, and decided to start over.

Round 2 that evening was so much better. I felt looser with the wine and knew more of what I wanted to explore in my session: I wanted to feel playful, joyful, sexy. I wanted to wear my own lingerie. So I put on Miley Cyrus, did somersaults on the hotel bed in my lingerie, and unleashed my inner goofball.

I had fun. I communicated a lot more with Lis, and I didn’t shut down. Round 2 was a success, and it could have stopped there and been a great experience.

But I was about to embark on a journey that would provide even deeper healing through boudoir photography.

On our road trip home, we got stranded in Asheville during a snowstorm. After being on the road for six days, I felt ungrounded and anxious to get home. I missed my boyfriend and my cat. I missed sleeping in my own bed. And I missed my space.

So I took a bath- which is where I feel most centered- and asked Lis to photograph me.

This boudoir experience was completely different than the previous two. It didn’t feel like boudoir, because I wasn’t performing for the camera- I wasn’t trying to channel anything other than a feeling of being at-one with my body, spirit, emotions.

I’ve always loved the water- I feel connected to my California roots when I’m in water. I take baths when I’m feeling depressed, feeling overworked, needing space to download all of my emotions, or needing soothing from period cramps and stressed-out muscles. The water is where I go for healing, and for prayer.

Though conscious of Lis’s camera at first, I surprisingly got used to her presence and even welcomed it! It was nice to share my bath-time routine with someone else, and together we got into a flow.

Lis showed me the back of her camera while I was still in the bathtub, and I started crying halfway through.

When I saw this photo of myself- looking into the camera but so at peace with myself, I lost it. I had finally found healing through boudoir photography.

She saw I was crying, and she put the camera down. We talked about it. I felt myself let go of pain I had been holding onto for years about my body, my sexuality, my worth. I told her how good it felt to be seen for me- to be photographed where I felt most at ease with myself- and to not be performative for the camera, a lover, a partner. To just be me.

Here’s what this was:

“To try to heal the body alone is to collaborate in the destruction of the body. Healing is impossible in loneliness, it is the opposite of loneliness. Conviviality is healing. The fatal sickness is despair, a wound that cannot be healed because it is encapsulated in loneliness, surrounded by speechlessness. We must go to the wilderness of creation to be reborn.”  -Wendell Berry

There’s a lot to unpack in this favorite quote of mine: the transformative power of being seen by others, the communal nature of healing, the creative life force that we tap into when we are creating something together.

There’s something so powerful in being seen. It has the opportunity to bring you healing. It helps you own your story: all of it- the victories you jubilantly share with the world, the regret you reserve for your private journals, your shame, your bliss.

My eating-disordered ego wants me to hide my shame and purge my “excessive” emotions. But when I saw my portrait on the back of Lis’s camera, I saw ALL of me- the good and the bad. I felt myself get put back together that much more. I felt whole. It was clear as day: I saw me, and I loved me.

As it relates to my story about these 3 different boudoir experiences: what started out as a fun experiment (undressing for the camera in our hotel room to fight off boredom!) turned into something much more powerful. These first two stories would have been great in and of themselves- I learned a bit more about myself and what makes me feel comfortable in both. But this third bathtub session hit on something much deeper. Lis and I had established a deep rapport by the end of our trip: we had both seen each other cry, we had seen each other early in the morning with crazy bedhair. That made all the difference. I felt safe enough with her to let my guard down and let the camera in.

After going through these 3 sessions, especially the first, I know how important it is to help my clients feel their best, to not be rushed, and to ensure they feel safe in my presence. I’ve learned this firsthand from being on the other side of the camera, and I understand how important it is to come away from boudoir not only having great photos, but feeling great about your experience. I want the session to feel successful, safe, and FUN for you. Your pre-session Discovery Worksheet and consult will provide a solid foundation for us to build on in your session. I’ll listen to your hopes and hesitations, and together we’ll make magic.

It’s not that different from how I feel with Carol, my therapist of seven years. I know that when I enter Carol’s plant-filled office, I can breathe, cry, scream, let out whatever I need to explore in that one-hour session, in the safety of her presence, confined by the walls. With Lis, I felt something very a similar. I was able to let go, be vulnerable, and find healing.

Boudoir photography has the power to transform. To give your ideas wings, your lips words, to help you see just how awesome you are, how much power for good is at your disposal. Art is balm for your wounds, fuel for your fire.

If you can’t see yourself, how can you love yourself? Your whole self? The good, the bad, the beautiful?

Come experience healing through boudoir photography!

I’m hosting a Spring into Boudoir Extravaganza with my soul sista Lis Romine Tyroler, and we have limited spaces available.

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters.

When & Where

Saturday & Sunday, April 28-29 at Restoring Balance in Straw Valley in Durham

Your Boudoir Session Includes

• 1 Discovery Session, where you’ll fill out an online worksheet to identify what you want to explore during your session and any hesitations you may have. We’ll connect by phone or in person to review your answers, at least 48 hours before your session.
• 1 hour Hair & Makeup pampering before the shoot with our fab stylists
• 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
• Photo + Product Selection Session, where you’ll reflect on your experience and pick out your favorite photos for your fine art prints and albums.

How Much?

$325 for the session fee and you must order $175 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Schedule your phone consultation now + receive a product guide!

The post Healing through Boudoir Photography | What I Learned About Myself in Three Different Boudoir Sessions appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Kristen wanted to connect with nature during with a North Carolina boudoir photographer, so we found the amazing Down Yonder Farm in Hillsborough, NC. And on a pretty spring day back in 2014, we headed to the farm to play outside naked in the fresh grass and flowers.

We had an incredible time on this stunning shoot, which brought so much freedom and joy.

As Kristen and I looked through the photos together to prep for this blog post, we had such a great conversation about body image and body positivity. Both of us have struggled with eating disorders in the past, and it’s especially meaningful for me when I get to work with clients who have also experienced conscious healing from self-destructive patterns. 

Boudoir can be an amazing way to celebrate a special occasion—like your wedding, graduation, or career change. And it can also be an act of liberation, healing, and exploration.  I’ve met women who wanted to undress for the camera to celebrate beating cancer and overcoming depression. 

The truth is, you don’t have to feel super confident or love your body every day in order to explore boudoir.

You may tell yourself the story that you’re not sexy enough, beautiful enough, adventurous enough.

But you are enough. Right here, right now, wherever you are at in your journey.

So I invite you to come and explore what boudoir has for you. I am a North Carolina boudoir photographer who is passionate about the healing power of boudoir.

This April, fellow photographer and soul sister Lis Tyroler and I are hosting a Spring into Boudoir Extravaganza!

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters! Plus, you’ll get to be a part of supporting women’s health, as a portion of proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthooh.

When & Where

Saturday & Sunday, April 14-15 at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

Your 3-Hour Boudoir Session Includes

• Pre-shoot Hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica
• 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
• 1 hour of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in hands in no time!

How Much?

$350 for the session fee and you must order $150 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Message me at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you.

And now, keep on scrolling for a behind the scenes peek into Kristen’s experience, plus some of the gorgeous photos from her boudoir shoot!

1. What led you to do a boudoir session?

I felt more beautiful and confident leading up to our wedding than I had before. I had just dealt with a lot of personal challenges in my life, finished school and landed my dream job. Proud of my body in a way I hadn’t felt before, I started running and weight lifting.  I felt strong and powerful. I wanted a way to remember that period for myself and for my husband with a positive light. The photo shoot was a reward for making it through so much.

2. What makes you feel sexy?

Growing up in Vermont I never felt confident about using makeup or doing my hair until I moved to Vegas in my early 20’s. There I learned so much about how to dress up and make myself over. I had a chance to experiment with what made me feel sexy in a way that you just can’t in the woods of VT. Loud colors, sparkles, and interesting shapes on my body were so fun to play with in Vegas. I love playing dress-up and transforming myself from the low-key girl-next-door to a bombshell.

3. What was your inspiration for this shoot? (i.e. any particular blogs/Tumblr feeds/Pinterest ideas). How did you prepare?

My friend does some modeling so I touched base with her and she helped me look up some poses online and on Pinterest which helped my confidence going into the shoot. I spent time goofing around in the mirror and I indulged in some sophisticated and sexy lingerie while also collecting items that were special like the shirt my husband was wearing when we first met.

4. What was it like shooting with me? Was it different than you expected? How so?

It was SO fun! I really liked that you had taken the time to find such a special location. Not only was it stunning but the owners of the property had had their wedding at the same location that my husband and I were getting married at. I got to meet the couple who owned the farm and chat with them about our weddings which made me feel more at ease.

Initially I expected  to do more indoor photos, but seeing how beautiful the land was I was pumped  to take advantage of the space. It was easy to let go and be silly because I felt so comfortable with you, and the flask of whiskey you encouraged me to bring helped. I appreciated the simple guidance and directions for how to pose while encouraging me to just do my thing. I knew I loved your sense of light from seeing your other work so I knew you had a great eye.

5. What do you plan to do with the photos?

I printed some of my favorites and they’re hanging up in our bedroom. I ended up putting together a book and gave it to my husband as a pre-wedding gift. He loves them all (and so do I!).

6. Which photo(s) from this shoot are your favorite? What do you like most about them?

My husband loves the one of me sitting in the flower petals smiling – but I think that’s just because he loves my smile. My favorites are the one of my hair and pearl necklace down my back and one where I’m sitting in front of a barn with my white leather jacket on. I felt the pictures captured both something incredibly sexy and sensual but also something classic. Almost all the photos I would be okay about my friends and family seeing because they were so artistic.

7. Feel free to share anything else about your boudoir session experience – i.e., where your lingerie was from, who did your makeup, where you boots/jacket were from, etc.

Most of my lingerie was from Victoria’s Secret and Agent Provocateur. I did my own hair and makeup.

The post Kristen | Hillsborough Boudoir Session | North Carolina Boudoir Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

My first boudoir session (as a model instead of a photographer!) was during a relationship that was quickly going south. I needed to take control of my sexuality… and also take my mind off things. 

So I played naked in a sunflower field with my lovely photography associate Bri Brough, laughed the most I had in months, and did jetés barefoot in the wet dirt.

For me, boudoir photography is about reclaiming my Self and exploring those parts that have been wounded or buried deep, bringing them above ground to tend to and love. It’s an investment in my body, psyche, and soul. It’s an investment in my story, and I’m the author.

For me, boudoir photography is about the transformative power of being seen.

I picked out my favorite portraits and printed them all, framing the two biggest and hanging them over my bed so I could see them every day. I would invite Tinder dates over that fall, and some of the guys would point at my nude portraits, asking why on earth I had pictures of just me up on my wall. But I needed to make a shrine to myself in my bedroom, my sacred space.

I needed to experience the power of being seen. I needed to see myself.

This is what I love about boudoir photography. It’s an emotional journey that starts long before the session and lasts well after the last shutter click. I look at these photos every day, above my bed, and see something different each time. I see me.

Many of my boudoir clients have been nervous before their shoot, but together we worked through those emotions, and they came away from the session feeling more relaxed and excited to see the photographs we created together.

Deciding to hire a boudoir photographer, anticipating the shoot, setting intentions for what you want to explore, experiencing the shoot itself, the first reveal of your photos, then seeing the photos you printed…it’s an emotional journey that isn’t instantaneous.

Being vulnerable takes courage. And I’ve found that you can’t wait for the fear to subside.

You just have to take the plunge and discover something about yourself that you’ll come to treasure.

Will you join me?

Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, I’m hosting a Spring Boudoir Extravaganza at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

I invite you to come play, be pampered, and invest in your own story. Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to take the plunge.

Your Boudoir Session Includes

• 1 hour of hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica (we’ll have bubbly for ya!)
• 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
• 45 minutes of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in time for V-Day/G-day

Investment?

The session fee is $500 + $125 minimum in prints/other products.

Intrigued? Have questions? Shoot me a message at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you!

The post The Power of Being Seen | My First Boudoir Session appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Taking advantage of the lull in wedding season this winter, I switched gears and focused on photography that feeds my soul…which apparently involves some nudity and strong empowered women.

I admire the fact that Elle did this shoot for herself and not for another person. Read the Q&A with Elle below to learn more about Elle’s take on body positivity and tips on where to buy the best lingerie!

I’ll always love my documentary photography roots, but its refreshing to engage in more conceptual work. I’m planning on boudoir sessions being a big part of my 2018 adventure and am kicking off the season with a special Galentine’s Day Boudoir Extravaganza hosted by myself and fellow photographer and soul sister Lis Tyroler.

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters!

When & Where

The weekend of April 14-15, 2018 at the luxurious King’s Daughters Inn in Durham.

Your 2-Hour Boudoir Session Includes

• 1 hour of hair & makeup pampering with our two assistants Crystal + Veronica (we’ll have bubbly for ya!)
• 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
• 45 minutes of reviewing your photos and picking out your faves, which we’ll order right there so you’ll have them in time for V-Day/G-day

How Much?

$500 for the session fee and you must order $125 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Message me at studio@courtney-potter.com. I would love to connect with you.

—

1. What led you to do a boudoir session?

I fully believe in body positivity. I think every woman and girl should be encouraged to embrace and take care of their bodies. That’s what the boudoir session does for me. I am able to see myself from another angle other than the mirror. Seeing photos of myself looking sexy and beautiful is a real confidence-booster.

I hope to do more of these sessions! A big thanks to you, Courtney! This was an incredible experience!

2. What makes you feel sexy?

A lot of things! Sleeping naked. Sheer lingerie. Getting compliments on how I look. Nice perfume. High heels. A shade of lipstick to match my mood. Sensual songs. A good work out. Freshly shaved legs.

3. What was your inspiration for this shoot? (i.e. any particular blogs/Tumblr feeds/Pinterest ideas). How did you prepare?

A lot of my inspiration came from AdoreMe lingerie and some lingerie models on Instagram. Also (kind of funny but it helped), I practiced some poses at home with a selfie stick just to get an idea of some positions that looked nice and what positions to avoid.

4. What was it like shooting with me? Was it different than you expected? How so?

I guess shooting with you was about how I expected. I assumed I would be a little nervous at first but as I got more direction and some idea of how the photos were turning out I would adjust, and I did. I quickly became more comfortable with less clothing and with that, I think I felt a little more creative. You were great to work with! Honest about how to turn and how certain positions were working out.

The one thing I did not expect was how physically demanding modeling can be! Each shot was just a couple muscle contractions different than the shot before. I have a new respect for the girls on ANTM.

5. What do you plan to do with the photos?

Honestly, I mostly just plan to keep them for myself. I know a lot of women do these for someone else but I like seeing this side of myself. Of course I have some friends who will be interested in seeing how they turned out and maybe another lucky person or two who can see a preview…

6. Which photo(s) from this shoot are your favorite? What do you like most about them?

Tough question because I have favorites from each location. I think my most favorite are the ones in the red one-piece in the bedroom. I like the softness of the lighting with the sexiness of the sheer teddy – very sensual overall. I also love how my hip tattoo looks in that setting. I love how my tattoo also looks really hardcore and awesome in the shots with the bike.

7. Feel free to share anything else about your boudoir session experience – i.e. where your lingerie was from, who did your makeup, where your boots/jacket were from, etc.

• Make-up credit goes to Adrienne Duterte an amazing and very talented friend of mine!
• The black set of lingerie was from AdoreMe. The rest of the lingerie was stuff I have collected in the last couple years.
• The faux-leather jacket is a Forever21 piece. Great addition to my neutral palette wardrobe! And the body is by me!
• The result of 27 years of lessons on how to love my body and care for my body properly, and there’s still a lot to learn.

The post Elle | Raleigh Boudoir Session | Raleigh Boudoir Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Witness your own transformation.

I met Veronica when she hired me to do her boudoir photos as a wedding gift in 2016, and we’ve since become friends (INFP soul sistas) and co-creators…and she even cleans my teeth!  After experiencing heartbreak and bouncing back with resilience and unbelievable strength since that first session, Veronica asked me to do another boudoir session in 2018. And what you see reflected back in her photos is striking.

“I have grown much into my divine feminine energy since first shooting with you in 2016. The second time around, I felt empowered, and completely unafraid to hold myself back.” -Veronica, 2018

Read on to view the photos and read about how boudoir helped Veronica chronicle and celebrate her inner transformation, in her own words.

Tell me a little about you! What are some of your hobbies and interests? How would you describe your personality? What brings you the most joy in life?

If you’d asked me these questions just 6 months ago, my answer would be so different. That’s the beauty of being human, you get to evolve and grow. I’d aways been a positive, glass half-full type of person, but I went through a pretty intense growth spurt this past winter after experiencing an excruciating heartbreak. I found my life’s patterns laid out in front of me, and I saw clear as day what needed to change. I’m still growing & learning on a daily basis, and one thing I’ve learned is to just surrender to life.

I do things that make me happy, like painting, meditating, playing piano, or walking my dogs, and I’ve learned to not take things personally. I’m a goofy little ray of sunshine who loves her tribe, but I’m also an introvert and really need time away from people.

If you were a character in a novel, how would the author describe you?

I would like to think that the author would describe me as a cross between an amazon princess and a valkyrie! I’d possess a quiet strength, and the fire within my soul would be easily seen through my eyes. They’d describe me as persistent, unforgiving of nonsense, and not a woman to cross. I picture myself taller than I already am, muscular, lean, but still very curvy. My hair is long, full & curly, and dark. My skin would be the color of caramel & my eyes would be bright and striking.

What hesitations did you have before doing boudoir? How did I help you work through your fears before, during, or after your session? What advice would you give other first-timers debating whether or not to take the plunge?

I did my first session in 2016. I had what I think are the normal hesitations for boudoir, those ridiculous negative voices telling you you’re not “something enough” to take the pictures. Not lean enough, my skin breaks out, etc etc… You were so helpful in just being so chill about everything. You helped guide me with poses & how to find the light for the camera. You understand how beautiful the human body truly is, in all shapes & sizes, and are able to capture this.

What I would say to anyone debating is “DO IT!!!!!!” Those negative voices are completely wrong, you are more than beautiful enough, your curves & rolls are beautiful, your skin is beautiful, and you will not regret the experience. It’s so liberating, and so much fun if you just relax into it!

What were your goals for your first session with me back in 2016? What did you feel when you first saw the photos?

My goals were just to take some sexy photos really I wanted to explore a little bit creatively, so I brought smoke bombs to play around with! I was really excited & really happy with how they turned out. Quite frankly, I was surprised with how beautiful I looked!

What is your favorite photo from our 2016 session? 

I have two favorites.The first is the one of me topless behind a beautiful lace curtain, backlit by the sunshine. The second is one from the beginning of the session, with my hand by my face.

Tell me about your most recent session. What parts of your body or aspects of your personality/sexuality did you want to highlight?

It was so much fun for me to do this recent session, because I have grown much into my divine feminine energy. I felt empowered, and completely unafraid to hold myself back. I simply wanted to show how happy I was in my body & soul.

What 3 words did you select that guided you during this session? Why did you pick those words?

Strong, goddess, and sensual. I have always admired strong women who took no s***, so strong was something I always strove for. Goddess, because really, every single woman is a goddess! And sensual, because I was tired of holding myself back for the comfort of other people. I’m strong and sexy, and if that makes someone uncomfortable, it’s not my problem.

A lot has changed in your life since we first worked together. How do you see those changes reflected in your photos from 2016-2018? What is the starkest contrast you see, and what has stayed the same?

So much has changed! I never would’ve guessed that my life would take such a turn, but frankly I am so happy that it did. I think that the biggest contrast would be the different energy that I have now. I feel it shows through the pictures too. I don’t really feel like anything was the same.  I had shaved my head, I had healed from heartbreak, and I had finally understood that I’m an amazing woman. I had so much fun this session and felt so free. I didn’t have any fear the second time around It’s like riding a bicycle!

What did you feel when I sent you a preview of your boudoir photos from the February Boudoir Extravaganza? Was anything surprising to you?

I was absolutely ecstatic! I feel that the new version of myself  had been fully captured, strong, beautiful & confident. I have a hard time picking a top favorite. I am obsessed with all of them!

Who will see these latest photos? Are they for your eyes only? Your partner? Tinder dates?

They are for me & my partner Although I’ll also show off the ones that are more “covered” to close friends to show them how amazing you are as a photog! I think it’d be really funny to use several prints in a photo mobile, but I’m not sure where it’d hang.

Where in your house are you planning on hanging your portraits? Do you have any specific hopes for your art piece (i.e. a classic black-and-white portrait, color scheme, etc?)

Frankly, I’d love to hang a really large one in the bedroom, and probably in B/W to make it extra classy!

Do you think you’ll do boudoir again? What would you like to explore next time?

Not think, I KNOW I will. It’s so fun & such a liberating experience. If you open yourself to it, you can really empower yourself. I would really love to do something outdoors next time, in a really beautiful forest… bathing in dappled sunlight, more smoke bombs, and being a free little ethereal forest goddess

I’m hosting a Spring into Boudoir Extravaganza with my soul sista Lis Romine Tyroler, and we have limited spaces available.

Whether you’ve always wanted to try boudoir—or feel super nervous about it—this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the waters.

When & Where

Saturday & Sunday, April 28-29 at Restoring Balance in Straw Valley in Durham

Your Boudoir Session Includes

• 1 Discovery Session, where you’ll fill out an online worksheet to identify what you want to explore during your session and any hesitations you may have. We’ll connect by phone or in person to review your answers, at least 48 hours before your session.
• 1 hour hair & makeup pampering with our fab stylists (we’ll have bubbly for ya!)
• 1 hour photoshoot in the outfit of your choosing
• 1 hour Photo + Product Selection Session, where you’ll reflect on your experience and pick out your favorite photos for your fine art prints and albums.

How Much?

$325 for the session fee and you must order $175 minimum in products (gorgeous prints, books, etc.). We’ll have beautiful samples for you to look at before your shoot!

Think this could be for you? Have more questions? Schedule your phone consultation now + receive a product guide!

The post Veronica | Reflections on 2 Boudoir Sessions appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.