Bree's boudoir story: Cultivating self-love as a trans woman awaiting a kidney transplant

Bree’s boudoir session arrived at a pivotal time in her life. She was a few weeks out from a long awaited kidney transplant, and she wanted a chance to cultivate love and appreciation for herself in an intentional way. Bree also identifies as a trans woman, and she wanted her session to be about feeling beautiful in her body. She wanted to pause and give thanks for all that her body has done for her no matter what challenges she has faced. 

How Bree decided what to wear to her boudoir session 

When planning her boudoir session wardrobe, Bree chose four outfits that she felt fabulous in. She started the session wearing a favorite pair of jeans and t-shirt bra that felt very easy-going and every day. She also wore a black nightie with a sheer skirt that reflected the light beautifully when she stood in front of the wall of windows at my studio. For her third look she wore a pink bra and underwear set with tiny polka dots that felt playful and soft. For her fourth outfit, she wore a lovely lace black bra and underwear set she felt stunning in. She ended the session wrapping herself up in a sheet and using some of the sheer fabrics at my studio for a series of implied nude portraits.  

Bree’s Dear Body portraits 

As a participant in my Dear Body series, Bree also wrote a heartfelt, reflective letter to her body that I incorporated into some of her portraits. After her session, she had more powerful words to share about her experience. She wrote: “This was one of the best experiences of my life. I never dreamed I would do something like this and I'm so glad I went for it. I feel so much more confident in my body now. My image of myself has been shattered in the best way. I see so much more beauty in my body and I have so much more love for myself. Alyssa made me feel so safe and beautiful. I would recommend a session to anyone.”

boudoir photography in minneapolis, mn