Boudoir by Bri
do I need to lose weight before a boudoir shoot?
saint louis boudoir photographer
For this month’s Boudoir by Bri blog, I thought I’d choose my topic based on whatever the #1 Google-searched question about boudoir photography sessions turned out to be. I figured it would be something about prices or wardrobe.
Well, cut to me sitting in front of my computer broken hearted to learn that the most common Google-searched question about boudoir photography is, apparently, “Do I need to lose weight first?”
I’m going to dive in deeper, but for the record: the answer is no. You do not need to lose weight before your boudoir session. Not now. Not later. Not at all. No.
Why So Many Women Feel Like They Need to Lose Weight First
I have been a boudoir photographer in downtown Saint Louis for going on eight years, and in that time, almost every single client I’ve ever had has mentioned not feeling confident for one reason or another (and trust me, I’ve heard it all). So, if you’ve ever thought about booking a boudoir session but hesitated because of your body, you are not alone. That feeling is incredibly common.
We have obviously been taught over and over again that we have to earn confidence, or that we have to shrink/change/“fix” ourselves before we’re allowed to feel beautiful. But confidence isn’t something you arrive at after changing your body. It’s something you experience when you allow yourself to be seen as you are.
What Actually Makes Boudoir Photos Look Amazing
It’s definitely not a number on a scale, or a certain body type, or about being “perfect,” whatever that even means. Beauty trends change so much and so quickly that we’re all getting whiplash.
What actually makes boudoir photos beautiful is expert posing for your unique shape and your favorite features, professional lighting, understanding flattering angles, styling, etc.
“But I Don’t Feel Confident Right Now…”
Please hear me clearly: you are allowed to and heavily encouraged to show up exactly as you are. It is totally ok to not feel 100% confident walking in, and totally ok to not love every single square inch of your body at this moment. That’s precisely what the session is FOR.
The entire idea is that a boudoir session will hype you up, in an environment where you feel guided and comfortable, and hopefully something shifts in your mind both during the experience and when you look at the finished photos.
Actually, something I tell my friends and clients often is that this job has actually made me so much more confident, even though I’m behind the camera. I hear so many of you point out things you don’t like about your body before we even get started. Every single time, it’s something I never would have thought about you myself. I wouldn’t have even noticed! It’s taught me that we are all way too worried about ourselves to ever think about someone else’s “flaws,” as flaws at all. So, when it comes to my own body, I might as well love what I love, and be unbothered by what I don’t love. No one cares!
What Happens When You Wait
A lot of people tell me they want to book a boudoir shoot with me once they “lose the weight.” But then life gets busy, they keep moving their goalposts, months or years go by, and their confidence doesn’t just magically appear. Then, they look back and wish they had done it. There will always be a reason to wait if you’re looking for one.
What Happens When You Don’t Wait
When you book now, exactly as you are, you give yourself such a special gift. You’ll see yourself from a completely new perspective, realize your body is already worthy of celebration, and have tangible proof of how beautiful you already are! As is!
You Don’t Need to Change
Boudoir photography isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about seeing yourself clearly.
I’ll fully guide you through every single pose, support you and cheer you on, never leave you wondering what to do, and make sure you’re feeling encouraged and celebrated.
Whether your session is in my cozy home studio, a private Airbnb, or a beautiful hotel suite, everything is designed to make you feel comfortable and taken care of.
Ready to See Yourself Differently?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this might be it! You don’t need to change a single thing about yourself to deserve beautiful photos, a confidence boost, and an experience that’s entirely about you. You’re already enough and I would love to show you that.