Cyndy’s “Confident, Beautiful, and Proud” Minimalist Boudoir Portraits

“I went in feeling unsure about doing boudoir at my age. Came out feeling confident, beautiful and proud to be 57!”

These words from Cyndy bring an inner fire to my soul every time I read them. I believe a boudoir session is a powerful, amazing, celebratory experience at any age - and I am so grateful this was true for Cyndy. What would it be like to feel confident, beautiful, and proud at 57? Wow - it's powerful

Before Cyndy’s session she talked about feeling a little nervous about boudoir. She always liked the idea of doing a session, and really wanted to focus on creating portraits that looked like how she feels inside. She shared that she is in the self-love process and beginning to feel good in her own skin, so she wanted to capture and document that inner feeling while seeing herself in a new light. Her vision was to create portraits that have a sexy undertone, with an air of mystery and for them to feel natural and relaxed. 

As we were talking about wardrobe, she told me she doesn’t feel like a “lingerie person” - and that was actually something she was uncertain about going into her session. She asked, “Can I do boudoir if I’m not into lacey stuff?” I think this can be one of the biggest misconceptions about boudoir and was excited to say: yes, absolutely you can! Lace is great if you are into it, and if you're not into it, absolutely don’t wear it. Only wear what is true to you!

She wanted the focus of her session not on her wardrobe, but rather on her and this idea of her being comfortable in her skin - we focused on skin, simplicity, and minimalism throughout her session. She brought along a few everyday staples like a pale pink shirt she loves, a white collared work shirt, and neutral bottoms - but that was it. We used the sheets and blankets in my studio and she incorporated some meaningful jewelry, and we didn’t worry about anything else that didn’t feel true to her. Kelsey of The Hair Badassery styled Cyndy’s hair in soft, easy curls and kept her makeup pretty natural. It was clean and beautiful-looking, yet simple and not distracting. 

Two of my favorite portraits (one in black and white and one in color) of Cyndy were taken at the end of her session. We incorporated this really lovely turquoise silk fabric I have by draping it on the floor. Cyndy curled up on top of it to create an illusion of nude, and there is something really calm feeling about these portraits that I love. 

Throughout her session the focus was really on Cyndy being in her own skin and feeling comfortable and self-loving. I am so pleased with the magic that unfolded with this focus and intention!

Cyndy, thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and into my boudoir studio. Your intention was so powerful, and I loved documenting this moment in time with you!