Brooklyn Boudoir

Join Us in NYC for an Unforgettable Event - Here's Why You Shouldn't Miss It!

Woman at windows of Wythe Hotel Brooklyn New York

I couldn't be more thrilled to invite you to our exclusive event in the heart of the Big Apple. Trust me when I say you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity. With our weekends already booked for the rest of the year, it's clear that this event is going to be off the charts. So, buckle up and let me walk you through the amazing reasons why you need to be a part of this unforgettable experience.

Indulge in Spectacular NYC Skyline Views

Prepare to have your breath taken away as you feast your eyes on the mesmerizing skyline of the city that never sleeps. Our event venue, the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a stunning location that provides panoramic views of the iconic New York City landscape. Situated in the heart of Williamsburg, this boutique hotel is housed in a historic, refurbished factory on the Brooklyn waterfront, giving you an unobstructed vantage point to marvel at the awe-inspiring sights.

The experience of witnessing the breathtaking cityscape from the Wythe Hotel is an unforgettable moment that will etch itself in your memory forever. You'll be in awe of the vastness and beauty that surrounds you. The juxtaposition of the urban landscape against the backdrop of the endless sky creates a sense of wonder and possibility. It's a view that evokes a mixture of excitement, inspiration, and admiration for the metropolis that never sleeps.

Brooklyn Boudoir Shoot at the Wythe Hotel in lingerie purchased at Sugar Cookies

Foster Camaraderie with Like-Minded Women

The power of connection is immeasurable, and this event offers you the perfect opportunity to forge meaningful bonds with other like-minded women. Surround yourself with a supportive and empowering community that shares your passions, dreams, and aspirations. Through engaging discussions, workshops, and networking activities, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow attendees who are on similar journeys. Together, we'll create an atmosphere that fosters collaboration, inspiration, and lifelong friendships. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, or professional seeking personal growth, this event is the ideal platform to expand your network and find your tribe.

Me at Sugar Cookies celebrating my 44th birthday with some lingerie

Private Shopping Appointments at Sugar Cookies

Ladies, get ready to immerse yourself in a shopping experience that will leave you breathless! As part of our highly-anticipated event, we are thrilled to offer you an exclusive opportunity to indulge in private shopping appointments at none other than Sugar Cookies, the renowned boutique known for its chic and trendy fashion selections. This is a shopping experience like no other, designed to cater to your unique style and fashion preferences.


Imagine stepping into the elegant and stylish boutique, where racks of carefully curated pieces await your perusal. From sophisticated dresses to edgy statement pieces, the collection at Sugar Cookies is sure to capture your imagination. As you walk through the store, you'll be accompanied by a personal stylist who is dedicated to helping you find the perfect outfits that reflect your individuality and make you feel like the confident woman you truly are.

At the end of your private shopping appointment, not only will you leave with a selection of stunning outfits that make you feel like a million dollars, but you'll also carry with you a newfound appreciation for the transformative power of fashion. It's more than just clothes—it's a journey of self-discovery, a way to express your individuality and make a statement to the world.

Experience an Amazing Dinner & Show at NYC's Most Iconic & Sexy Venues

Prepare to be dazzled and entertained like never before. We've curated an incredible evening that combines a delectable dinner with an unforgettable show at one of NYC's most iconic and sexy venues. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's nightlife, as you indulge in delicious food, captivating performances, and an electric ambiance that will leave you craving more. From the glitz and glamour of Broadway to the sultry jazz clubs in the Village, New York City is renowned for its world-class entertainment. This evening will be a feast for your senses, a night of laughter, music, and sheer enchantment that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Here’s a hint… photo credit: L’Secret de Audrey

Be the First to Know about Our Next Event and Get a Special Discount

As a special bonus for attending our NYC event, you'll be given exclusive access to be the first to know about our next big event. Trust me, you don't want to miss what we have in store! Our team is already hard at work planning an even more spectacular gathering that will take your breath away. By joining us in NYC, you become part of an inner circle, and we value your commitment to our community. Not only that, but you'll also receive a special discount on registration for being part of our select group in the city that never sleeps. This is your chance to stay ahead of the curve, experience something truly extraordinary, and create a legacy of unforgettable adventures.


I hope you're as excited as I am about our upcoming event in NYC! With the weekends booked for the rest of the year, it's clear that this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. From the awe-inspiring skyline views and the camaraderie with like-minded women to the private shopping appointments and the amazing dinner and show, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Join us in the city that never sleeps, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to secure your spot and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Together, we'll embark on a journey that celebrates empowerment, connection, and personal growth. Don't let this extraordinary opportunity pass you by. See you in the concrete jungle!

Top 6 Designer Lingerie Brands For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot

My gorgeous client in the Atelier Amour Douce Insomnie Open Bodysuit, purchased at Sugar Cookies NYC

Ladies, are you looking for a way to elevate your boudoir photo shoot and capture your beauty in the most stunning way possible? One of the easiest ways to do that is by investing in designer lingerie that not only looks fabulous but also feels amazing. Here are six designer lingerie brands that are worth the price tag that will help you feel confident and beautiful during your boudoir photo shoot.

For French Flair: Atelier Amour and Aubade

The Aubade Melodie D'Ete Half Cup Bra (psst: currently on sale!)

French lingerie is known for its elegance and sophistication, and Atelier Amour and Aubade are no exception. These two brands offer a wide range of lingerie pieces that are perfect for any boudoir photo shoot. Atelier Amour is a relatively new brand that has quickly gained popularity for its innovative designs and use of high-quality materials. Their pieces feature delicate lace and unique cutouts that add a modern twist to traditional French lingerie. Aubade, on the other hand, is a well-established brand that has been around since the 1950s. They are known for their intricate embroidery and attention to detail, making their lingerie pieces truly special.

Atelier Amour and Aubade both offer a variety of lingerie pieces, including bra and panty sets, bodysuits, and garter belts. Their designs range from delicate and feminine to bold and daring, so you're sure to find something that suits your style. Whether you're looking for a classic French look or something more modern, these brands have you covered.

For Bridal Elegance: Simone Perele

When it comes to bridal lingerie, Simone Perele is the perfect choice for any bride who wants to feel both sexy and elegant on their bridal boudoir photoshoot. Simone Perele is a French lingerie brand that has been around since 1948, and they are known for their exquisite bridal collections that exude grace and sophistication. Yes, there is a trend here towards French brands - can you blame me? Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world, and French women know how to do lingerie!

Simone Perele's bridal lingerie pieces are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, using the finest materials such as delicate lace, intricate embroidery, and soft, feminine colors. Their bridal collections offer a wide range of options, from traditional white or ivory sets to more modern, colorful pieces. They also offer a variety of styles, from classic bra and panty sets to more unique designs such as bodysuits or corsets.

Not only is Simone Perele's lingerie beautiful, but it is also incredibly comfortable to wear. They use high-quality materials that feel soft and luxurious against the skin, ensuring that you'll feel both comfortable and confident for your boudoir session and on your wedding day. Simone Perele's lingerie is also designed to fit a wide range of body types, so every bride can find the perfect piece for them.

For Burlesque Flair: Dita Von Teese

For those who want to embrace their inner burlesque star and add some sultry flair to their boudoir photo shoot, Dita Von Teese's lingerie line is the perfect fit. Dita Von Teese is a renowned burlesque performer known for her seductive and glamorous performances, and her lingerie line embodies that same aesthetic.

Dita Von Teese's lingerie is all about creating a sense of drama and allure, with designs that are both daring and elegant. Her collection includes a range of stunning pieces, including sultry corsets, high-waisted panties, garter belts, and more. Each piece is crafted with the utmost attention to detail, using luxurious materials such as lace, satin, and mesh to create a look that is both glamorous and sexy.

One of the standout features of Dita Von Teese's lingerie line is the focus on shaping and enhancing the body. Her corsets are designed to cinch in the waist and create an hourglass figure, while her high-waisted panties and garter belts accentuate the curves of the hips and legs. These designs are not for the faint of heart, but for the daring woman who wants to embrace their inner sex kitten and feel confident and powerful. While I am a lover of black, her color palate, especially this spring, is

S T U N N I N G.

NYC Edge: Thistle & Spire

One of the most popular bodysuits from Thistle & Spire - I love photographing this one!!

For women who want to add some New York City edge to their boudoir photo shoot, Thistle & Spire is the perfect brand. Thistle & Spire's lingerie is all about creating a unique blend of hard and soft, with intricate designs that showcase a bold and daring aesthetic.

Thistle & Spire's collection includes a range of stunning pieces, from strappy bralettes and cutout bodysuits to delicate lace pieces and mesh styles. Each design is crafted with the utmost attention to detail, using luxurious materials such as satin, mesh, and velvet to create a look that is both edgy and elegant.

The Ultimate Splurge: Bordelle

Bordelle is the ultimate choice for those who want to invest in luxurious lingerie that is sure to make them feel confident and empowered. Bordelle's designs are unique, edgy, and unlike anything else on the market, making them the perfect choice for women who want to stand out from the crowd.

Bordelle's lingerie is inspired by bondage and fetish wear, with designs that feature straps, buckles, and other unique detailing in incredible 24 carat gold (!). That’s right, the hardware accents and zippers are plated in 24 carat gold. This aesthetic is perfect for the daring and bold woman who wants to make a statement and feel powerful during their boudoir photo shoot. Bordelle's designs are not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to take risks and embrace their inner dominatrix.

OR - and hear me out here - if you want to embrace the lingerie as outerwear trend - you could pair many of these pieces with a simple black blazer for a fierce look ready to go to work or after work drinks!

The other thing I love about them is that you can tailor your look to be as strappy as you want it to be - you can add on leg garters and /or a belt, or keep it more simple to customize your lingerie look.

In conclusion, designer lingerie is a must-have for any woman who wants to feel confident and beautiful during their boudoir photo shoot. By investing in high-quality lingerie from brands such as Atelier Amour, Aubade, Simone Perele, Dita Von Teese, Thistle & Spire, and Bordelle, you can create stunning and unforgettable images that capture your unique beauty and personality.

Whether you're looking for delicate elegance, daring designs, or edgy New York City flair, there is a designer lingerie brand out there that will suit your individual style and preferences.


To shop for all of these designer lingerie brands and more, be sure to check out Sugar Cookies NYC. Their selection of lingerie is curated to showcase the best and most innovative designs on the market, ensuring that you'll find the perfect pieces to help you feel confident and beautiful during your boudoir photo shoot.

Curious about lingerie? I’m hosting an event with Sugar Cookies this August and would love for you to join!

Why You Should Consider Doing a Bridal Boudoir Photoshoot

Are you ready to add some extra glamor and excitement to your relationship? Then consider a bridal boudoir photoshoot! Boudoir photography is the perfect way to capture your beauty and femininity tastefully and elegantly before your wedding. Read on to learn more about why you should consider doing a bridal boudoir photoshoot.

Capture Your Best Self

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to capture your inner beauty and femininity. From sultry to sweet, you can choose the style that best reflects your personality. Whether you choose to show off your curves or focus on your natural beauty, your photos will be a stunning reminder of how beautiful you truly are.

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is also a great way to document the changes you've gone through in the lead-up to your wedding day. Most women are in the best shape of their lives and the best place emotionally in their lives during this time. This makes it the perfect time to express yourself in a unique and meaningful way.

Showcase Your Personality

Woman in slinky white gown_ Brooklyn Boudoir bridal Photo studio

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is not just about taking pictures; it's also an opportunity to express your personality and show off your curves in a sexy and sultry way! From lacy lingerie to wedding day accessories, you can create an atmosphere that is all your own and make the most of the pieces that you otherwise would only have worn once.

For those looking to push their boundaries, a bridal boudoir photoshoot can also be a chance to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's with a bold lip color or a daring outfit, you can challenge yourself to be authentic and unapologetic. And at the end of the day, you'll have beautiful pictures to capture your unique self.

Make it a Gift for Your Partner

Bridal Lingerie stockings and garter _ Brooklyn Boudoir Bridal

One of the best parts about a bridal boudoir photoshoot is that you can use the photos as a surprise gift for your partner. Imagine the look on their face when they open up a photo album full of stunning pictures of you! It's an extraordinary way to show your partner your love and appreciation. So many brides tell me how shocked their partner will be when they get the photos - in a good way! How fun is that?!

With a bridal boudoir photoshoot, you can capture beautiful, intimate moments that you can look back on for years to come. Not to mention, your partner will be taken aback by the stunning photos you created together! Like I always say, gift giving is just the icing on the cake.

Create Lasting Memories

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is not just about taking the perfect pictures, it's also about preserving the memories of your beauty. You'll be looking back on these photos for years to come, and they'll keep the excitement of your marriage alive, long after the bouquet has been thrown and the cake has been cut.

So don't just think of the boudoir photo shoot as just a series of pictures; think of it as a chance to capture the romance and beauty of your special relationship that you can cherish forever.

Creating a Bridal Boudoir Album

Bride robe for modern brides_Brooklyn New York Bridal Boudoir Studio

Creating a bridal boudoir album is an exciting way to express yourself and your love story! Not only is it a beautiful, intimate gift for your significant other, but it's also a great way to capture your self-confidence and beauty. This type of album is the perfect way to celebrate your love and the special bond you share. It's also a great way to look back on this special moment in your life.

When creating a bridal boudoir album, you can have as much or as little involvement as you'd like. You can choose to work with a professional photographer to capture your special moments and bring your vision to life. The album will be a unique expression of your relationship and love.

Your bridal boudoir album will be an amazing reminder of your special day and all the emotions that come with it. It's a way to look back on this moment in your life and remember the love you share.

Be the Star of Your Own Show

Epic cathedral length veil boudoir shoot in Brooklyn

A bridal boudoir photoshoot is perfect for showing off your beauty and femininity. Whether you want to capture your inner goddess or express yourself more daringly, a bridal boudoir photoshoot is a perfect way to do it. Not only will it be a gift for your partner, but it will also be a lasting reminder of your journey to your wedding day. So go ahead and unleash your inner goddess with a bridal boudoir photoshoot!

Ready for your bridal boudoir shoot? Contact me for more info.









Staying Sane during COVID-19 Self-Quarantine | Brooklyn New York Photographer

Manhattan-view-from-Roosevelt-Island

Friends! How are you holding up during this insanely crazy time? What are you eating? What are you watching? I’m so curious about how everyone is coping.

If you are like me, you are a working mom who is suddenly thrust into the role of teacher, and stay at home mom, and trying to find ways to help right now, and try to keep her business afloat and try to keep up with the news and not lose her mind. It is, in a word, reallyreallyhard.

Perhaps this has been particularly difficult for New Yorkers, not only because we are at the epicenter of the pandemic but that New Yorkers are notoriously out and about. We don’t live here for the sprawling real estate after all. We go out to eat and order take out WAY more than we cook. (Remember when Carrie Bradshaw admitted she used her oven for storage?) Our apartments are small and we often have roommates… so sheltering at home is not easy!

Always a Pollyanna, I am trying to see the bright side to all of this: how rare is it that I can have this kind of uninterrupted (read: forced) time at home with our families? I don’t have to pump at work! I can nap on those days that the baby keeps me up at night. At the same time, I can’t help but fantasize about being unattached and on my own during this time - surely I would have learned Mandarin by now and my business would be booked up though 2121. The grass is always greener, I guess.

I think the hardest part about all of this is that it’s not something we signed up for — our expectations for the next few months we one thing and this f*ing virus changed it all, without much warning and without our consent. But just because things have changed, doesn’t mean they have to be bad. Here are some ways I’ve been coping with this new normal:

Get dressed in the morning … eventually

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The hardest part of “the old days” for me was getting my 4 year old out of the house to get to school in time. The amount of times I ask, “ did you brush your teeth?” nearly puts me over the edge before it’s even 8am. For the past few weeks, instead of waking up early to get my own sh*t together, I’ve allowed my 4 year old to wake me up, climb into bed and snuggle for a few minutes before we get our day going. I feed the baby in bed, and I drink coffee in my robe. Yes, I do get dressed eventually - I’m a firm believer that the way we look & present ourselves affects the way we feel and vice versa, so I don’t want to get TOO lethargic BUT, as a woman who loves a good robe, I am reveling in taking my mornings a little bit slower.

Draw some bouderies for yourself.

NYC-skyline-brooklyn-boudoir-photographer

This is sooo hard for me to do. However, this week I have realzied that it’s better for me to “go to work” in another room for a few hours rather than try to work half-heartedly around my four year old, who then feels she needs to vie for my attention. Then I end up frustrated, she ends up feeling alone, even though we are together and everyone feels grumpy and over it come the end of the day. Instead, I try to get my work done a few hours at a time and then spend some time in a concentrated effort with my daughters. Live alone? Give yourself blocks of time to work and be sure to schedule in breaks for fresh air, change of pace, movement, whatever you need to do. And be sure you “go home” after work for the day. I always have a hard time letting my work day spill into the evening hours when I work from home. Give yourself a time that you are leaving the office and then do just that (even if it’s just by stepping away from the laptop).

Connect with those you love.

Photo courtesy of Keturah Bishop

Photo courtesy of Keturah Bishop

A zoom happy hour? Not my style. I’ve always been more of a one on one kind of girl. Real conversations - sure, on Zoom or facetime or whatever - with those friends I don’t get to speak with on a regular basis have given me life these past few weeks. I miss my friends, and now that we all have a more open social calendar, it’s been really rewarding catching up with them in a meaningful way. Quarentined with your honey? That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a date night - get dressed up, eat dinner at a normal hour after the kids have gone to bed, make an adult beverage and watch a movie.

Interesting also is that whatever stage of life you are in at the moment, and wherever you are in the world, EVERYONE is dealing with this pandemic in one way or another. It’s something everyone has in common - how often does that happen?? So even though it’s for a difficult reason, it feels good to reconnect with those who we’ve maybe lost touch with during the usual daily grind of life.

Help someone who needs it.

Brooklyn-Beauty-Photographer-NYC

It can be in a big or small way. Call a friend who is feeling isolated. Reach out to someone elderly to see if they need something. Use whatever skills you have to make someone’s day brighter. Professionally, I’ll be gifting a medical professional a shoot just to say thank you and give them some much deserved pampering once this is all over. Personally, I kondo’d my kids’ clothes and made hand me down care packages for 2 friends who just had babies. Even something small can be meaningful for all involved.

Schedule something to look forward to when this passes

Brooklyn-Boudoir-Photographer-NYC

I had a birthday boudoir session planned for myself with my mentor Kara Marie Trombetta this March, which of course, got postponed. I was super sad about missing it but then remembered, I’m not going to miss it! It’s still going to happen when the self-quarentine regulations ease up and for that I am really excited. And have you seen how cheap airfares are?? The family trip I was planning for Greece may not happen this July but it WILL happen and hopefully will be a little easier on the pocketbook. Whatever it is — big or small — having something to lookforward to and spend energy working towards will help keep your eye on that light at the end of the tunnel, instead of getting lost in the dark. Interested in a Brooklyn Boudoir Shoot? Let’s chat - my schedule is wide open for the fall!

Learn something new or revisit something old

yoga-headstand-Brooklyn-Boudoir

After we’ve all cleaned and Kondo’d what are you going to do? I have had such a long list of projects that maybe I’ll actually get to — creating family albums in print with all the old digitals I have stored, re-editing old shoots of mine now that I’ve got better retouching skills and a more defined style, keeping my website fresh with new images, learning various new retouching techniques, restarting a photo a day self portrait project… there’s so much to do and learn! Now if only I could find the time…

Give yourself a break.

NYC-skyline-through-window

This is a tough time no matter what your circumstances. Give yourself permission to indulge in your favorite guilty pleasures (Tiger King, anyone?) Take advantage of the time at home - nest, Kondo, do all the projects you never have time to do Or don’t! If you didn’t spring clean your house, or write that novel, or organzie your photos or start that online class… that’s just fine! Hang in there and remember that this won’t last forever. You are tougher than you think you are. You can handle this.

Sending love and looking fowrard to the day we can hug again!

xoxo, Stephanie



Instagram Takeover! | Focus on Women + Brooklyn Boudoir

Stephanie-Bordas-Brooklyn-Boudoir-Photographer-Focus-on-women-instagram-takeover

Friends! Check out the Instagram feed on Focus on Women this week - I’ll be doing an Instagram takeover talking all things boudoir & photography, featuring some of my favorite shots.

Focus on Women (https://www.focusonwomen.org) is an organization whose mission is to support women in the photography industry. From PA’s to Producers, Photographers, Directors, Art Directors and Photo Agents, everyone is given a seat at the table. They help to expand the photographic community by providing women with resources to connect with other like-minded organizations, attend networking and workshop events, find a mentor or volunteer to be a mentor and eventually, being able to create a directory that will let women hire all-female crews.

As a business owned and run by women, for women I am so excited to be a part of this community. Check out their insta and throw some love their way!

Interested in hosting an instagram takeover? Contact me and I will hook you up!

It's about more than pretty pictures | Brooklyn Boudoir Photography Studio

I often receive fun comments from readers and every so often a comment comes in that really touches me.  A few weeks ago I posted about embracing your body the way it is, which in my case, meant coming to terms with my flat chest.  I want to share this comment, which comes from (of all people) a single father:

Hi Stephanie, I wanted to thank you for writing (and posting) your article about your small ta-ta's.  I'm a single father with two kids, one being a nineteen year old young lady, named E--.  She, like her mother,  also came under the "average" size in the breast department.  And being keenly aware of her feelings, I've always sort of known that it bothered her more than she would ever admit.  As she matured, and noticed that she wasn't quite filling out her clothes the way some of her other girl friends had, I found myself struggling to come up with the right words or the way to reassure her that she is beautiful through and through.  That is, until your article.  After reading it, I literally welled up, laughed, and went through an emotional ride that I couldn't wait to share with E--.  She read it, and gave me a big hug, told me she loved me and thanked me with a heartfelt sincerity. So I wanted to pass this on to you, and to thank you once again.  People say it takes a village to raise a child.  And up to this point, I've been doing so much on my own, but I realize now and again, that the saying is true.  Sometimes we have an effect on people and their lives and aren't even aware of it.  So thank you so so much for taking the time to write it and put it out there... and now you're aware.

I literally teared up reading this and was reminded of why I love shooting boudoir so much.  Yes, a boudoir shoot is a fun day out, a luxurious treat, and getting photos of yourself looking sexy & fabulous is definitely a bonus.  But boudoir is so much than just sexy pictures - it's about having the courage to accept yourself as you are and give yourself that kick in the pants you might need to remember how brave, bold, sexy, fierce, EMPOWERED you are.  Can you do that fully clothed?  Sure.  But what better gift to yourself is there than to put your insecurities aside, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and allow yourself see how beautiful you are, just as you are.

I remember being 16 years old at the beach with some friends.  Having always been flat chested and somewhat pear shaped, I remember feeling like I had the "worst" body, and letting my self-consciousness ruin my time.  Years later I found a photo from that very day -- I couldn't believe how great I looked!  And I really couldn't believe how I let myself waste so much time and energy on those negative feelings from adolescence through adulthood.  As a boudoir photographer, if I can save one woman from those poisonous and self-sabotaging feelings and help her find that UMPH inside of herself again, regardless of how she fills out her swimsuits, I'll feel that I've succeeded.

Ready to get YOUR umph back?  Contact me here or email me directly at mybrooklynboudoir@gmail.com

xoxo, Stephanie

 

 

Just do it, Seize the Day, and other Clichés that are True

Happy New Year all!  It’s the day of resolutions, the day we set all the good intentions about bettering ourselves and not falling into the same patterns as last year.  My goal for this year?  Rev up this business.  Blog more.  Get on top of my social media.  Shoot more.  Find more like minded women to collaborate with.  

But wait, I think my phone needs updating.  I should do that first.  And that pile of papers that’s been sitting on my desk - that definitely needs addressing.  Is there milk in the fridge?  Hmm, yeah, I should probably go to the store and get some fresh milk cause I wouldn’t want for it to run out just when I need a big cup of coffee, which I will definitely need before I start all the blogging I plan on doing…

Brooklyn Boudoir was conceived several years ago while I was visiting my husband’s family in Miami.  A friend of ours had done a boudoir shoot as a Christmas gift for her fiance.  This woman was not traditionally sexy - she was rather tomboyish and I was shocked that she would choose to give her partner a boudoir portrait for Christmas.  And at the same time I was completely inspired.

It was such an ah-ha moment for me.  I had been wanting to build a portraiture business but had no real interest in photographing babies or children, or weddings.  I had already been exploring boudoir without knowing it or assigning the word “boudoir” to it in a self-portrait project.  I had no idea that boudoir could even be a business!  It was a perfect fit, something I had already essentially been doing, and a perfect marriage between all my interests - portraiture, sensuality, girl power…  and I felt so validated to know that there were other women out there who wanted to celebrate their sensuality in the same ways that I did.

Photography I felt comfortable with, but building a business??  That was a totally different story.  First I need to build up my portfolio.  And create a logo of course, and create business cards, and study the specifics of boudoir photography and of course then study what it takes to build a small business … and then I got pregnant.

And suddenly it’s 2 years later and while there have been a lot of valid delays to revving up the business (I had a baby after all), there were a lot that we mere procrastinations.  And procrastinations of course, just boil down to fear — fear of failure, fear of putting myself out there, fear of judgement, fear of not being able to provide for my family, fear of … 

How often is it that the anticipation of something is way scarier than the actual DOING of it??   I can either casually see what happens, or actively pursue the career that I’m passionate about, that I’m good at, that i can help people with.  Or, I can spend my time doing chores, browsing Facebook and letting more months pass by.  

Look, life happens, chores need to be done.  But here’s to spending 2017 working towards something for YOU, procrastinating the procrastinating and actively following your heart.  

The answer is YES - YES, this is the right time, YES you can do it, YES to whatever it is you want to do.

So let’s do this thing!  2017, yee-ha!

xoxo, Stephanie