If you’ve been curious about boudoir but find yourself wondering:
What actually happens during a session?
Do I have to pose like the girls on Instagram?
What if I hate my stomach/arms/cellulite?
…then this is your all-in-one guide to exactly how it works, what to expect, and why it might just be the most empowering thing you ever do for yourself.
I’ve photographed women from size 0 to 28, ages 18 to 65, brand new mamas to grandmothers — and I can tell you, the questions are almost always the same. So let’s bust them wide open.
Do I have to know how to pose?
Not even a little bit.
In fact, I prefer you don’t come in with Pinterest poses ready, because boudoir is about capturing you — not forcing you into something that looks good on someone else’s body.
I’ll walk you through everything: where to put your hands, how to arch your back, even when to breathe in or out for the shot. I’ll physically show you the pose, help you into it, and then tweak it so it flatters your unique body.
You don’t have to be a model. You just have to trust me — I’ve got you.
Do I have to bring lingerie?
Nope. Unless you have something specific you love, you can use my client closet.
It’s stocked with pieces from XS to 5X, in a range of styles — strappy, lacy, bold, soft, playful. We’ll talk before your shoot about the vibe you want, and I’ll pull options just for you.
I also have robes, jewels, and accessories to layer so we can create multiple looks without you having to pack a suitcase.
And if you’re not a lingerie person? That’s fine too. An oversized button-up, a silky slip, or even a simple sheet can be incredibly sexy.
What if I don’t look like the women in your portfolio?
Every single woman you’ve seen in my work thought that before their session.
Every. Single. One.
The women you see on my page aren’t models. They’re nurses, teachers, moms, accountants, bartenders, business owners. What you’re seeing in their photos is confidence — and that confidence came from the session, not before it.
The lighting, posing, and my camera do a lot — but the magic happens when you let yourself feel like you belong in front of the lens. And trust me… you do.
Do you retouch my photos?
Yes — but not the way Instagram filters do.
I edit every image to bring out the richness, smooth distractions, and make sure the focus is on you. I’ll remove temporary things like bruises or blemishes, but I won’t make you look like someone you’re not.
Your stretch marks, scars, and skin texture tell your story — I’m not erasing that. In fact, most of my clients end up loving those details even more after they see how beautiful they look in their images.
Can I keep my photos private?
Absolutely. Everything we do is 100% confidential.
The only photos I share publicly are from clients who have enthusiastically given me written permission. If you want your images to be just for you (or just for you and your partner), that’s exactly how it will stay.
I’m nervous. Is that normal?
It’s more than normal — it’s universal.
Almost every client starts the session feeling awkward, worried about how they’ll look, or convinced they’re going to “mess it up.”
That’s why we start slow. We chat, we play music, I guide you into easy poses first. Within 10 minutes, the nerves melt and you start to see glimpses of the woman I see through my lens.
And by the end? You’ll be strutting out of the studio like you just walked a runway.
What if I’m not “sexy” enough?
Let me let you in on a secret: sexy isn’t a look, it’s a feeling.
Sexy is the way your eyes soften when you feel seen.
It’s the curve of your smile when you realize, “Oh my god… that’s me?”
It’s the comfort in your own skin that comes from being celebrated instead of judged.
You don’t need to be “sexy enough” for boudoir. You need to be you. The rest happens in the process.
How far in advance should I book?
If you want your album by a certain date (like a wedding, anniversary, or holiday), I recommend booking 6-12 months ahead.
But don’t wait until you feel “ready” — because that’s the biggest lie women tell themselves. The only thing you need to be ready for is to show up.
How much does it cost?
I run a luxury boudoir experience — from professional hair and makeup to personalized styling and full guidance during the session.
It’s an investment, but one that lasts far longer than any pair of shoes or designer bag. I offer flexible payment plans so you can start now and pay over time. My session fee is $500 and collections start at $2900.
Final Thoughts
Boudoir isn’t about looking a certain way. It’s about feeling a certain way — powerful, confident, magnetic.
You’ll never regret doing it. You might regret waiting.
So if you’ve been curious, this is your sign:
[Click here to book your boudoir session] — I promise, the woman you see in your photos will blow your mind.
XO,
Cam Bryant - Bella Dea Boudoir