Lindsey had done a boudoir session in the past while living in another part of the country, and while it was a positive experience she also recalled the session having more of a makeover vibe, resulting in images that didn’t all feel like herself. Now based in Minnesota, she wanted to do another boudoir session, but this time she wanted her pictures to capture her authentic self– showcasing her genuine light, warmth, joy, and confidence in this season of life.

Lindsey had been following my work and really resonated with my flower boudoir portraits. She loves peonies, so she decided to book a boudoir session in the spring when the peonies were in peak bloom. On the day of her session I also picked up a gorgeous array of snapdragons and mock orange flowers, which are incredibly fragrant. The flowers brought rich color, warmth, and texture into her portraits.

How Lindsey decided what to wear to her boudoir session at my Minneapolis studio

When choosing her boudoir wardrobe, Lindsey decided on five looks. She started the session wearing a favorite pair of jeans and nothing on top. Mixing everyday clothing with nothing on top or with lingerie can create a lovely, relaxed feeling. For her second and third looks, Lindsey wore a sheer mesh body suit with floral detailing and a black mesh bra and underwear set. She followed those outfits with a ribbed, long sleeved black body suit, which also had clean lines giving it a more modern feeling. I love how the bright colors of the flowers complemented her grayscale outfit choices. For her final look, Lindsey wrapped up in a sheer, flowy fabric I have in my studio, creating a series of artistic implied and fine art nude moments.

Her session included a range of moods, including moments that feel grounded and peaceful, moments that overflowed with happy energy and smiles, and moments that felt confident and self-assured.

Lindsey’s positive review of her boudoir photoshoot at Illuminate Boudoir

After her session, Lindsey shared such affirming words about how her experience aligned with her intentions. She wrote: “From our first call to the photo review, it all felt so intentional and full of care. I truly loved the whole experience. When I entered the studio on shoot day, I immediately felt comfortable and special. The personalized touches in the studio were so fun, and the vibes were so light and joyful. THANK YOU! It's been such a confidence boost, and an exercise in self-love I didn't know I needed.

The whole experience was pure magic. I felt confident, beautiful, and - most importantly - authentically me during our session, which was exactly what I had hoped for. The photos capture my body's strength and softness perfectly, but the wonderfully unexpected theme that radiates through all of them is JOY. Alyssa captured my inner light in such a special way.”