Megan's Warm, Relaxed, Grounded Boudoir Session
Megan's first session was before her wedding and had a soft, romantic feel. When Megan and I were starting to plan her second boudoir session, she told me that she was in a really different place and felt that in the last two years, she’s been on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. She shared that she’s in a different place in her career now, having built her own brand (Studio Red Pine) and creating a practice as a yoga teacher. Megan told me that she really feels she’s following her calling and that she’s where she’s supposed to be right now. How powerful and amazing is that?!
Megan’s boudoir session inspiration
Megan told me that she wanted portraits that would feel really grounded and capture a sense of inner light and confidence -- a sense of knowing that she’s in the place she’s supposed to be. We talked about her pictures having a sense of celebration and self-love, with that energy radiating into the world.
We also talked about the idea of warmth and how to demonstrate it in her portraits. Megan had a beautiful, warm color palette in mind for these pictures; she loves rose, rust, and the warmth between those colors. To me, these pictures feel really organic and grounded while also feeling ethereal. They feel relaxed, fluid, and cozy while showing Megan’s inner confidence.
Megan’s wardrobe
Megan chose outfits that really incorporated the relaxed, warm aesthetic she was envisioning. She brought a silk nightie with delicate straps that highlighted her collarbones. She also brought a lace bodysuit (that she actually wore in her first boudoir session!) that she paired with a pair of epic, sparkly-textured flowing pants. When photographed, the pants look almost like a skirt; I love the fluidity and ease they brought into Megan’s pictures.
Megan brought a rust-colored bralette and high-waisted bottom set that felt relaxed and chill (as cotton sets often do!). The rust color felt super magical -- it photographed as earthy and grounded in her color photos, and transformed into a nearly black, dramatic hue in her black-and-white portraits.
Finally, Megan brought this lovely piece of delicate, rose-colored fabric to her session. A lot of people might not think to use a piece of fabric in a boudoir shoot, but a flowing piece of fabric can create such a stunning, organic look. We draped the fabric around Megan and it worked beautifully for an implied nude series, showing her silhouette in a gentle and relaxed way. These pictures ended her sessions with romantic, ethereal energy.
This picture turned out so dramatic! The brick is such an artsy, warm backdrop as the light falls around Megan. I also love how she takes up space in this picture both with her physical body and with her confident energy.
I really enjoy when I get to use my studio’s floor as a background -- the wood grain and paneling add such a beautiful visual texture to pictures. In this photo, Megan’s arm is across her face in a way that allows you to still see her face while feeling a little mysterious and dramatic. There’s a real feeling of strength in this picture, which feels so representative of all of the inner strength Megan emanates.
This picture has a really calm, yogic vibe to me.
I love Megan’s big, sincere smile in this picture -- I don’t remember what Megan was laughing at, but her smile is so joyful and lovely! (I also adore her crystal earrings -- such a fun and personality-filled accessory.)
Megan, it was a true joy to work with you for a second time. Your inner light and strength radiates so naturally in these pictures! I so admire the dedication and passion you bring to your life - you are inspiring. Thank you so much for letting me capture this chapter in your life story.