Why I Finally Did a Boudoir Session (& You Should Too!)

Hey #SheerBeauties! I took a big leap and traveled from New York to Youngstown, Ohio for my first boudoir shoot. It took a whole year of planning, intense workouts, and lots of prayer to make this happen…but it was all worth it! I'm excited to share the behind-the-scenes story & some of my favorite images with all of you.

There are many different reasons a person may want to do a boudoir session. For some it may serve as a wedding or anniversary gift, for others they may want to overcome body image issues or get a confidence boost. For me personally I had been following a dynamic couple; Brian and Jen, for many years on Instagram. Initially I had wanted to work with them as soon as I saw their feed and realized how incredibly talented they are. Despite this I was still a little apprehensive and it did take time for me to get more comfortable with the idea of being so vulnerable with my body in front of strangers. 🍑 I pretty much sat on the sidelines & pondered about how things would go if I ever booked my own shoot. Eventually one day I just decided to go for it & I’m so thankful I did! Shopping for lingerie & scouting out poses was so much fun. I really feel like my photos captured my personality and I was truly captivated & in awe of how I was captured on film. 

One of my favorite parts of my shoot was recreating the famous scene from the Wolf of Wall Street, “Morning Ritual”. Featured in these photo with me is an amazing local model, Tyjaan King.

When I saw my boudoir photos it was such a surreal feeling. I had never quite seen myself that way before & it felt almost as if I was seeing myself for the first time. The experience of seeing my photos allowed me to see how beautiful I truly am. Going through my divorce at a young age had left me feeling insecure, and this boudoir shoot definitely helped me validate myself and feel more confident in my own skin. It was worth every penny I spent! I can't wait to do it all again!

So, I challenge you to do a boudoir shoot at least once in your life. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, big or small, young or old. Boudoir photography is for everyone. It's time to embrace your inner beauty and celebrate yourself!

XOXO, Victoria

Don’t be shy…

Oh honey, boudoir sessions are all the rage among us ladies. And let me tell you, it's not just about getting those sexy shots. It's about honoring and loving yourself just the way you are. No matter what shape or size you are, boudoir photography makes you feel like the goddess you truly are. So, don't be shy. Embrace your beauty and go for it! To inspire you, we interviewed one of our #SheerBeauties. Her thoughts are a true gem, so keep on reading.


WHY DID YOU TAKE THE LEAP TO BOOK A BOUDOIR SESSION? I was inspired by an incredibly sexy and beautiful friend who had also had a photo shoot with Sheer Photography.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WALKING INTO THE STUDIO THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION? Wow, I gotta tell you - I was super nervous at first! But, Jen and Brian were absolutely amazing and put me at ease in no time.

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR SHOOT? I was so shocked at how incredibly breathtaking my pictures were.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ON THE FENCE ABOUT BOOKING THEIR OWN SESSION? Just do it! You deserve it. The high will last for sooooo long. It's been months and I still feel incredible about myself.

DID YOU HAVE ANY INSECURITIES OR WORRIES ABOUT DOING A SESSION THAT WE HELPED YOU GET OVER BEFORE/DURING/AFTER YOUR SESSION? I thought I was so fat and unattractive. But Jen and Brian were so supportive and funny that I felt amazing during my session and even more confident after I saw all of my gorgeous photos.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS WORRIED ABOUT NOT LIKING ANY OF THEIR IMAGES AFTER THEIR SESSION? I didn't think there would be any pictures that I liked and I loved 99% of them. I had a hard time picking my favorites for the album.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS HESITANT TO INVEST MONEY INTO A BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE? I don't regret one penny of my money spent. Not one! I love my pictures and the self-confidence I gained from it is priceless!

XOXO, Miss D


Trust me, after this experience, you'll feel like a million bucks. It's not just about the stunning images, it's about affirming your worth and feeling comfortable in your own skin. So, let's celebrate ourselves because we are all uniquely beautiful and deserving of it! If you are ready to schedule your own session, visit the CONTACT page and we will send you all the juicy info!

An Experience Worth Remembering

I stumbled upon Sheer Photography in a photography group on Facebook. In a previous life, pre-child, I had my own photography business. I was wow'ed by their work and being a former pro, it takes a lot to win me over!

I followed their facebook page for awhile before even thinking about booking. 2021 was a rough year for me personally and I wanted to do something for myself. I needed the self confidence boost and I knew that a session with Sheer would do just that for me.

I was so nervous the day of my session. I even took a valium before I got there! I was beyond nervous, completely terrified! But as soon as I sat down in the chair and talked with Jen and Brian while I had my hair and makeup done, I was completely at ease. Of course, I was still a little hesitant when I changed into my first outfit. But once we got started I felt absolutely amazing! I was shocked when I looked at the back of the camera. Was that really me??? OMG I looked super hot!!

When it was time for the in person reveal I loved the photographs that Brian took. It was so hard to pick favorites. Going into it I planned on getting just a few images in the smallest album. Well, that plan went out the window - I ended up getting a collection with a larger album, the phone app and digital files as well as the photo block. I was so thrilled with the images I couldn't help myself!

If you're unsure if you want to do a boudoir photo shoot, just do it! It was a great experience from start to finish & one of the best investments I could have made. I can't say enough about how fun and professional it was working with the Sheer Team! I loved my hair and makeup, they had a huge selection of wardrobe options in the closet and of course the photos are fantastic. You'll never look exactly how you think you want to look, so don't put it off. I saw a beautiful side of myself that had gotten lost in being a mom. You will not regret it at all! Don't wait any longer - fill out the form below and schedule your own boudoir session! Go ahead, take a chance on yourself - you deserve it!

XOXO, Miss D

My first #SheerExperience

Alright honeys, listen up! This was my first photo shoot EVER! Can you tell? No. The reason behind that is because Jen and Brian made sure I was comfortable while we did the shoot & answered all my questions before I even stepped foot into their boudoir studio in Youngstown, Ohio. Once I warmed up, my #SheerBeauty was showcased!

If you're planning on a boudoir session, I'm here to give you some tips on how to make the experience as smooth and effortless as possible. You want to feel confident and sexy, and I'm going to help you get there girlfriend!!

First things first, communication is key. Talk to Jen & Brian beforehand about what kind of look you're going for, whether it's soft and romantic or sultry and edgy, maybe even a mix of both. This will give them a better idea of how to style, pose you & what areas of the studio to use. It's also important to discuss any insecurities or areas you want to highlight so that they can work with you to create the perfect shots. They email you a questionnaire to help with a lot of these things & ask things you might not even consider.

Another important factor is what to wear. You want to feel comfortable and confident in your outfits, so choose pieces that make you feel sexy, whether it's a lacy bralette or a satin robe. Don't forget to bring accessories like jewelry or heels to add some extra flair. And ladies, if all else fails, they have a whole lingerie closet, which I took full advantage of for every single one of my outfits! It was so helpful & less stressful, I came in with nothing to wear and Jen picked out everything based off what parts of my body I wanted to showcase & my self-perceived flaws that I didn’t want showing as much.

Next up, pamper yourself! Get your hair and makeup done beforehand, or do it yourself if you're a pro. It is so nice that they offer this in studio for all of us, and even better that Jen is the one doing your hair & makeup. It makes it a little less awkward to undress after you’ve been chatting with her for over an hour & feel like you two would be best friends outside of this! Don't forget to take care of your skin too - exfoliate and moisturize to ensure a smooth and glowing complexion.

Lastly, relax and have fun! Boudoir sessions should be a celebration of your beauty and sensuality, so don't be afraid to let loose and express yourself. Let Brian & Jen guide you through poses and movements, but also feel free to bring your own ideas to the table. They are amazing at working in any inspiration or props you have.

So there you have it, girlfriend - follow these tips and you'll be ready for your boudoir close-up in no time. Now scroll on down past my sexy photos and send them a message! Xoxo, Miss Y

Miss A's #SheerExperience

"Leading up to the session, I felt anxious and excited to do it. I had talked to a fellow #SheerBeauty about her shoot so I knew I was in good hands. I was a little nervous about how I was going to naturally react to strangers taking pictures of me and seeing me next to naked, but Brian & Jen were very easy going and made me very comfortable. I'm happy I was able to relax so my pictures didn't turn out like I was stiff."

"My favorite part of my #SheerExperience was having Jen there to help me pose, and tell me exactly what to do. I was able to really understand what they wanted me to do, just by a few words from her. I think the best part - aside from seeing the end product - was that we were able to joke and have fun, and it wasn't all serious business.

"After my boudoir session with Sheer, I felt empowered and genuinely beautiful. I was even more excited to see how the prints were going to come out, after seeing some of the images on the camera, I couldn't believe how they looked! I felt like a supermodel, for sure.

If you are even thinking about booking a session, then book it. The fact that you are considering it, means you want to do it enough. Don't doubt yourself and how you feel about your body, Jen helps you pose and do things with your body to help emphasize the parts you love and hide the parts you aren't all that fond of (we all have them). Most of all, if you aren't doing it for your guy (because he will obviously love these pictures) and you're doing it for yourself, just think, when you are old and wrinkly, you'll have something to look at and remind yourself how hot you looked! (that was my thinking anyways)"          

XOXO, Miss A

Ready to become a #SheerBeauty?!?! Fill out the form below and we will get back to you soon!

Every mom deserves some ME time!

Miss R was the winner of our Mother's Day Momination!!! As a Mother's Day giveaway, Sheer Photography offered one LUCKY MOM a chance to win the full Sheer Experience. The Sheer Experience isn't just a one day kind of thing...about a month before your session we like to meet with you to talk about outfit ideas, look through Pinterest to see what type of images you are drawn to, answer questions and just talk about who you are and what you want to become during your shoot. We understand this isn't something you do everyday...it's okay to be nervous and ask questions. We are here to help you through the WHOLE process.

Finally, it's shoot day...nerves are high, excitement is bubbling, you enjoy being pampered by our hair and makeup team, we go through your outfits together and finalize a plan. You change into your first outfit and we get started!!! Hopefully you took some Advil before you came, cuz we are gonna make your back hurt. "Pop that booty out!!!" This is your time to get outta the house, feel sexy and not have a care in the world (except for being nervous as all hell).

A few weeks after your shoot, we invite you back to the studio for your Premier Ordering Appointment!! This is the moment you have been waiting for!!! So many women are more nervous to see their pictures than they were to take them. Most women can't believe the pictures are them. It's so great to see yourself the way everyone else sees you! 

Like most women, Miss R works full time and never takes any time to do things for herself. This was her chance to let go and be sexy! 

This is what she had to say about her Sheer Experience..."Having a boudoir session with Jen and Brian was one of the best experiences I've had! I have always loved boudoir photography but never thought I would do it.

Being a mother, wife, and working full time as a nurse I don't make enough time for myself. My Sheer session was the perfect opportunity for some "me" time! I was nervous but as soon as I had my consultation and we discussed what to expect, what to wear, photo ideas, and all of my questions were answered, I couldn't wait for my session!

The girls that did my hair and makeup were very sweet and did an excellent job, and during my session Jen and Brian made me feel completely comfortable and beautiful. They coached me on what to do, and I had so much fun the entire time! My photos were ready quickly and I LOVED every single image! 

Jen and Brian know what they're doing and do an amazing job at it! It's something I would absolutely love to do again, maybe even a couples session with my hubby! I highly recommend Sheer Photography!"

Hair by Bianca Heasley. Makeup by Jodi Ciminero. 

Hair by Bianca Heasley. Makeup by Jodi Ciminero. 

We loved having Miss R in the studio and showing her how beautiful she is!!! We hope to see you back for a couples session soon!!!  

Ready for some YOU time?!?! Fill out the contact form below or give us an call at 330.646.1554

#BodyLove 1.0

About 6 months ago, I was not feeling good about myself. I was heavier than I've ever been, I was stressed from trying to do it ALL, but I felt like I was failing at everything...failing as a wife, mother, friend, business owner...nothing seemed to be where I wanted it to be. And if you know me, then you know that I am a HUGE control freak. So, when nothing was going the way I wanted it to I put all the blame on myself and bottled it up. One thing I'm really good at is keeping all my emotions bottled inside until it explodes and Brian is always the one who has to deal with the "brunt of Jen". Sorry about that Mr. Dirksen ;) but he is always there to keep me together and put a smile on my face.

3 months of this and I had to do something. I contacted my friend, Tiffany, who sells AdvoCare. I needed a change for myself, for Brian, for Keira (our daughter). I wasn't happy with my body and I felt like changing that would help everything else come together. And guess what?!?! It did...a little! It is amazing how one little change can help your whole life. Brian and I participated in the 24 day challenge and started eating better. We both lost a little weight, have so much energy, continue to try eating healthier and I have gained this whole new outlook on life. Not only do I see the beauty in myself more and more each day, but I also see the beauty in others so much more. It is so sad that we feel ashamed of our bodies...we need to embrace our bodies and compliment other women. Working with women has made me realize that no matter how beautiful everyone else thinks someone is, all they see when they look into the mirror are their own flaws. When did we start focusing so much on the bad rather than all the good in ourselves? When did it become wrong to say "I love my thighs", "I am proud that my stomach has stretched and shrank after having a baby", "I love my ass!"? I know if I tell someone else what I like about my body I start to feel vain and conceited. Brian takes FREAKING GORGEOUS pictures of me, but do I feel sexy everyday...no way! I still struggle with my body just like a lot of women do. But, I do feel pretty damn good though when I look at my boudoir pictures and see how fucking hot and sexy I can be.

Anyways, the point of hosting #BodyLove was to show women that no matter their age, shape or size, they should embrace their bodies and love where they are at this moment in their life. This wasn't about being sexy, it was a day about loving yourself and the journey your body has been through. 

These 9 women laughed with us, had fun with us, let their guard down for us and shared their stories with us. Thank you to all of these gorgeous ladies for taking part in #BodyLove!

These 9 women laughed with us, had fun with us, let their guard down for us and shared their stories with us. Thank you to all of these gorgeous ladies for taking part in #BodyLove!


A few of the ladies wanted to share their stories with you...

Miss T ~ I had such a good time and it definitely made me realize some things about myself. "Sexy" is definitely different for everyone. I am not comfortable with the "normal" idea of sexy. And that's fine. What works for me is confident, silly, tough. What I find most sexy about me is my tattoos. I have always looked at my tattoos as a way to cope with my body issues and until I get the tone/strong/ft body I'm working for, I'm gonna rock my tattooed mommy body!!! I'm coming to accept that even though I'm not happy with how it looks it also in a way shows strength because I made two beautiful boys in this body!


Miss C ~ I'm ashamed of my body, my stomach looks like a road map. Between surgeries and being pregnant it's been through hell. I never had one stretch mark till I got pregnant, not one!!! My arms and legs are gross and I may be the only fat woman in this world with small boobs!! In the last few months I've learned that I shouldn't care what others think. I'm not the normal woman, but I'm my own kind of beautiful. I get up everyday and now look at the mirror and try to see what others may see. I'm proud of myself for doing the BodyLove project!! I may have not have bared it all, but I bared more than I ever thought I could!!!


Miss M ~ I'm a stay at home mom and wife. My husband and I have 4 beautiful children together. 3 here on earth and our first born in heaven. Our angel would have been 4 this past May. Our second turned 3 in March and our twins turned a year in January. Thank you for letting me be involved in #bodylove with you guys. I really enjoyed myself and I can't want to come back again.


Miss A ~ I have had body image issues since I can remember. I lost a ton of weight prior to getting married and was finally happy in my own skin and felt great. Following my wedding, I got pregnant and I loved every minute of being pregnant. I wasn't worried about the weight gain because I knew I was creating another human and the weight would melt off as I breast fed my son.  Well, I breast fed my son for 14 months and didn't lose a pound! I was once again miserable with the way my body looked. Until one day, I was doing my hair at my bathroom mirror in my bra and panties. I looked up and for the first time in a long time actually saw myself in the mirror! After looking for a while and criticizing my body in my head I made myself STOP!! Since that day I have been working hard to find things I love about my body. I wanted to participate in the #BodyLove project because I knew it would help me in my journey to love my body.  I did it in hopes that by loving myself, I can teach my children to love themselves! Thank you Brian+Jen for all that you do to help build woman up! 


Miss J ~ #BodyLove is accepting the skin you’re in. It's easy to say and hard to actually accept. To me, my body has been through war and back. The everlasting war in every woman’s brain from the time of puberty. Looking back at all the pictures from High School I beg my body to go back to that size, yet when I was in High School that body wasn’t good enough. BodyLove makes me appreciate the body I have RIGHT this moment. This body has given birth two times, been through a surgery or two, and ate a crap load of chocolate and ice cream when I want it. As I grow I find myself actually appreciating what my body can do. I take the little steps instead of wishing for large leaps in making my body better. Sure, it might be chubby and I might have a few scars across my stomach but I am beautiful. How do I know that? My husband tells me every single day. Days like today when I get to appreciate my body for what it is and how it’s made help me get through the days where the magazines tell me I am not small enough. I am finally comfortable in the skin I am in.


Be on the look out for #BodyLove 2.0 Coming this Fall!!!


Ready to see yourself how everyone else sees you?!?! 

Insecurities...we all have them!

#BodyLove #SheerBeauty

This blog post is EXTREMELY SCARY for me to do. Why?!?! Because these images are of me. I never want to ask you ladies to do something I wouldn't personally do. If you guys have been following us, then you know I am not afraid to get in front of the camera. However, it was a little scary to get in front of the camera and show the world my insecurities. I have extra tummy weight, scars, cellulite and stretch marks...but that's ok because I know that I have those things from living life and bringing a beautiful child into this world.

Working with women of all ages, shapes and sizes has made me come to realize that EVERY single one of us has insecurities about our bodies. Sheer Photography would LOVE to help all women see their true BEAUTY instead of their "flaws". All women are beautiful and our mission is to help bring that out in each of you. It's ok to LOVE who you are and who you have become as a woman. 

As a woman, a wife and a mother to a beautiful little girl, there is nothing I want more than for my daughter to see her true beauty for the rest of her life. I know one day that she, just like every other woman I have met, is going to see her "flaws" and I won't be there to tell her how pretty she is, how wonderful she is and what a good person she is. But what I can do is help more women see their true beauty in themselves. 

I am asking all of you BEAUTIFUL WOMEN to let us show you that you are GORGEOUS. You are SEXY. You are AMAZING. You are PERFECTLY, IMPERFECT. No matter what "flaws" you see in yourself, you are BEAUTIFUL!! You are an amazing mother, daughter, wife, friend and woman. 

We are not here to judge you...we want to help build you up. We want you to see the beauty that everyone else sees in you. 

For one day only, Sheer Photography is offering a FREE #BodyLove #SheerBeauty image to anyone that would like to participate. You can be as clothed or unclothed as you would like. You can share your story with us or keep it private. This will not include hair or makeup, we would like to photograph you either in your natural state or your everyday type of hair and makeup. 

If you are available on Sunday, June 28th between 1:00PM - 5:00PM please fill out the contact form below or send us an email to schedule your COMPLIMENTARY #BodyLove photo shoot. We promise to keep it short and sweet. 

You only have one body, love the one your in!

#BodyLove #SheerBeauty

#BlackWings

As an artist, it is fun to plan out a styled shoot that is a little out of your comfort zone. We've had these #BlackWings for a few months now and finally got them off our kitchen table and onto this little hottie!!! Miss S did a boudoir session with us a few months ago and we knew she would be up for running around outside at this abandoned building in sexy lingerie. Thank you Miss S for braving the cold with us and for laying on the ground just to get "the shot"! You are amazing!!! 

Mother's Day Giveaway!!!

Hey all you #SheerBeauties and wonderful mommas!!!

This year at Sheer we are all about showing women the most beautiful version of themselves. As women, especially mothers, we do so much for everyone else in our lives. Why not "Mominate" yourself or another wonderful mom you know for a FREE Sheer Experience plus 20% off products or images?!?! Winner will be announced on Mother's Day, May 10th 2015. 

Mother's Day Giveaway

The FREE Sheer Experience includes...

  • A pre-session consultation with Jen to discuss all the fun details of your Sheer Experience
  • Mood board and styling assistance
  • Professional hair by Bianca Heasley
  • Professional makeup with Jodi Ciminero
  • A 90 minute boudoir/beauty photo session in studio (Girard, OH)
  • Up to 3 outfits
  • Posing assistance
  • In person reveal and ordering appointment
  • Professional editing

Products and images sold separately. Our full price list can be found here

Sheer boudoir

The Rules...

  1. Like the Sheer Photography Facebook page. 
  2. Share this blog post on Facebook, then comment here!
  3. Email us a photo of the "Mominee" (yourself or a mom you know). Include a little information about the momma and why you/her should receive this amazing experience. Email us at SheerBoudoir@gmail.com
  4. Spread the love!! Share this blog post. Like, Share and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Text your friends about us...the more you share, the more we love you!

The Details...

All "mominations" must be submitted by Saturday, May 9th 2015 at midnight. We will be announcing the winner on Mother's Day. The session must be claimed and booked by May 17, 2015 and shot by July 31, 2015. "Mominee" must be 21+ and has to be a mom.