“You don’t have to figure out how to act sexy (thank God!)” In-home Boudoir Shoot – Madison, WI

What is your age? 40

What do you do for a living? Sales – Medical Field

What made you decide to book a boudoir shoot? I was drawn to Jolene’s images on her FB page, they were authentic, artistic, and tasteful. I admired the women that were photographed but I didn’t think I was brave enough to do have a boudoir shoot. My husband repeatedly encouraged me to do it. I have worked hard in the past couple of years to get into shape and make exercise a regular part of my life and he suggested that doing a photo shoot would be a great way to celebrate the effort I have put toward my health and fitness.

Did you have any fears going into your session? Of course!!! I don’t consider myself a “sexy” person, so I was worried that all of my photos would look unnatural, staged, and silly. Jolene did an amazing job putting me at ease and making the photo shoot fun and comfortable.

How was the actual session different from what you expected (if at all)? Jolene directs you the entire time–you don’t have to figure out how to act sexy (thank God!). I was so busy trying to follow directions that I didn’t have time to get into my head and feel shy or nervous. Also, she starts off taking photos in your most comfortable/least revealing outfit to get you comfortable with her and the process.

What was your favorite part of the entire experience? (hair and makeup, the shoot, image reveal, giving the images etc..) I enjoyed the hair and makeup session before the shoot and the image reveal. The hair and makeup time is relaxing and you have a chunk of time to get to know Jolene and get a feel for how genuine and kind she is. Also, when you look in the mirror after the primping is done, you will be amazed at how great you look! I was blown away at the image reveal. I was anxious going in thinking that I wouldn’t like my photos or that I would be uncomfortable looking at them. Like the photo shoot, Jolene made this experience comfortable and laid back and I couldn’t believe how great the photos turned out. Wow!

How has the response been to your images? When I first got them I couldn’t stop looking at them. I couldn’t believe that the woman in the photos was me. My husband absolutely loves them and his enthusiasm for them is endearing and fun to see. I feel more confident about myself and my body from the experience and it has definitely revved up the intimate part of my marriage.

What is your advice for women interested in a boudoir experience? If you are drawn to the photos like I was, I encourage you to do it, there is a reason why you like them/find them interesting. I picked a date 6 months in advance so that I had a lot of time to mentally prepare myself for the experience. I found the actual shoot to be a big confidence booster, I left the session feeling on top of the world, almost euphoric. The rest of the day my husband I spent together without our kids and I felt like I was glowing from the inside.

Did anything change about the way you see your own beauty as a result of your experience? This experience gave me the opportunity to see myself as a sensual, confident woman again. Before this shoot, I defined myself more by the roles I play: mom, wife, employee, daughter, etc. I no longer feel like it’s felt self-indulgent to focus on this part of myself.