6 Ways to Boost Your Confidence Before Your Boudoir Session (From Your Hype-Girl Photographer Who’s Been There Too)

So, you finally booked the session (hell yeah), but now your brain won’t shut up:

“Am I really doing this?”
“What if I look awkward?”
“Do I need to do, like… a juice cleanse?”
“What if I hate the photos?”

First of all: stop. Breathe. You don’t need to be perfect, prepared, or polished to walk into my studio. But I do get it—putting yourself in front of the camera, lingerie and all, can bring up alllll the feelings.

So here’s some pre-shoot soul (and body) prep from someone who has helped hundreds of women—moms, professionals, post-divorce warriors, everyday baddies—step into their power and see themselves differently.

1. Cut the toxic commentary (even the stuff in your head)

That voice in your head that says “you’re not ready”? Not invited. The friend who jokes about your body or calls you brave for doing this? Also not invited.

Surround yourself—mentally and literally—with people and content that hype you up, not hold you back. Positive vibes only, babe.

Tara is the best hype woman and ultimate girl’s girl. Any nerves or body image issues disappear as soon as she starts doing her thing.”

2. Focus on how you want to feel, not how you think you need to look

Confidence doesn’t start with abs or the perfect outfit. It starts with showing up—scared, excited, a little awkward—and choosing to do it anyway.

Your body has carried you through your life. It deserves to be celebrated exactly as it is right now—not 10 pounds from now.

Mentally I knew I lost the weight… but body dysmorphia is a bitch. I didn’t see it when I looked in the mirror. That first photo Tara showed me? It changed everything.”

3. Move your body—but not to punish it

This is your reminder that you don’t have to “earn” your shoot with workouts or crash diets. But if movement helps you feel alive, grounded, and in your body—do it. Stretch, dance, walk, shake it out in your kitchen. Move like you love yourself.

4. Say nicer things to yourself—out loud

You know those little internal digs? “Ugh, I hate my arms.” “I don’t look like those girls.” Yeah. We’re not doing that anymore.

Try this: stand in front of a mirror, make eye contact, and say something kind to yourself. Even if it feels weird.

Say:
🖤 “I am allowed to feel sexy in this body.”
🖤 “I don’t need permission to take up space.”
🖤 “Stretch marks and softness included—I am hot.”

It’s not cheesy—it’s medicine.

5. Prep what you can (and then let go of the rest)

Yes, I’ll send you the prep guide. Yes, you’ll have full access to my inclusive client closet (sizes XS–4X). Yes, we’ll talk outfits, vibes, and sets before the big day.

But you don’t need to obsess over every detail. You don’t need to practice posing or know your angles. That’s my job.

You just need to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

“I was so nervous at first… but when Tara showed me that first booty shot, I was like—wait… that’s ME?!”

6. Remember: You’re not doing this for a photo. You’re doing it for you.

This isn’t about being photogenic or perfect. This is about meeting yourself again. It’s about seeing the woman who’s still in there—the one who survived, who’s growing, who’s learning to love herself out loud.

“After every session, I get a little more confident. I started dressing like I actually liked my body. And now I do.”

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to feel 100% confident to show up.

You just need to be willing to take that first step—to trust that there’s a version of you waiting on the other side of the lens who’s powerful, radiant, and already worthy of being seen.

So take a breath. Shake off the doubt.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got you. 🖤

Let’s make magic.