To Tan or Not to Tan: The Ultimate Guide for your Boudoir Session

Boudoir sessions are an empowering experience for every man, woman or couple. They allow you to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. However, when preparing for such a session, you may face the dilemma of whether to tan or not to tan. While some prefer to show off their natural skin tone, some opt to accentuate their curves and lines with a bronzed glow. In this blog, we’ll provide you with the ultimate guide to help you decide whether to tan or not to tan for your Sheer Experience.

To Tan: A bronzed glow adds definition to your curves and exaggerates your best features. However, it's important to avoid fake tan or spray tan if you're allergic or prone to skin irritation. Instead, choose a reputable tanning salon that uses organic products or opt for a self-tanning lotion. A gradual tan is always a better option than an instant tan, as it looks more natural.

Not to Tan: Embracing your natural skin tone can also produce stunning results in your boudoir photos. Soft, natural light complements every skin tone and highlights the beautiful details in your skin. It's all about confidence and being comfortable in your own skin. So, if you are not a regular tanner, don't worry about it.

Enhancing Your Natural Skin Tone: If you want to enhance your skin tone, there are some things you can do before your boudoir shoot. Hydrate your skin by applying a moisturizer after your shower, exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and use a luminizer to add a subtle glow to your skin.

Your Outfit Choice: When deciding to tan or not to tan, consider your outfit choices. If you plan to wear white, a tan will show up more than if you opt for darker colors. If you're unsure, try on different outfits and see which one looks best on your skin tone.

Don't Worry Too Much: Ultimately, your confidence, personality and the mood of the photoshoot will play a more significant role than just the color of your skin. The goal is to feel comfortable and beautiful in the body you have. If you’re happy, that joy will translate in the photos.

Now that you have read our ultimate guide on whether to tan or not for your boudoir session, we hope you feel more prepared and confident for your upcoming shoot. Remember, whether you choose to tan or not, it's all about celebrating your natural beauty and feeling confident in your own skin. The most important thing is to have fun, relax, and enjoy the experience. And, as always, whether you choose Sheer or another boudoir photographer, go with someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Now go ahead, fill out the form below to get more info on a session with us & strike a pose!

The Power of a Boudoir Photoshoot: Embracing Your Body and Boosting Your Confidence

For many women, the idea of baring it all in front of a camera can be terrifying. But what if I told you that a boudoir session could be one of the most empowering experiences of your life? As someone who has recently done a boudoir shoot for both myself and my fiancé, I can say with confidence that this type of photography can shatter insecurities, boost confidence, and make you feel more beautiful than ever before. This blog post is for all the women out there who may be hesitant about the idea of a boudoir photoshoot, but are also curious about the incredible impact it can have on your self-image.

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of what all your own #SheerExperience is and the benefits it can bring, let's debunk one of the biggest myths about boudoir photography: you don't have to look a certain way to do one. That's right, you heard me. No matter what your size, shape, or insecurities may be, you can absolutely rock a boudoir shoot. In fact, part of the magic of these photos is that they capture the beauty in every body type. You don't need to look like a Victoria's Secret model or have a perfect hourglass figure to have stunning, confidence-boosting boudoir photos (although if that is your natural body type, then go for it). The point is to embrace your body as it is, flaws and all, and showcase your unique beauty in a way that makes you feel confident and powerful.

Now, let's talk about some of the ways that a session like this can boost your confidence. For starters, the act of being vulnerable in front of a camera can be incredibly empowering. It takes a lot of courage to strip down and pose in front of photographers, but there is something cathartic about it. You are taking control of your body and choosing to showcase it in a way that makes you feel beautiful. It's a way of saying, "This is me, and I am proud of who I am." That kind of confidence permeates into all aspects of your life, from work to relationships and beyond.

Another benefit of a boudoir session is that it allows you to see yourself in a new light. We all have insecurities about our bodies, but seeing yourself through the lens of a professional photographer can shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on every little flaw, you are able to see the beauty in your body as a whole. It's a reminder that you are worthy of love, attention, and admiration just as you are. And when you have that album in your hands, you can look at them whenever you need a reminder of your own strength and beauty.

A boudoir shoot is so much more than just taking pictures in your underwear. It's an act of self-love and empowerment, a reminder of your own beauty, and a way to deepen intimacy in your relationships. If you have been hesitant to try a boudoir shoot because of insecurities or fear, I encourage you to take the leap. Trust me, you won't regret it. Embrace your body as it is, and let Brian & Jen capture your unique beauty in a way that makes you feel confident, powerful, and oh so beautiful. Fill out the form below to get more information from Sheer.

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

It's Time to Feel Sexy, Empowered and Confident

Ladies, it's time to embrace your beauty and sexuality regardless of your age, weight, and body type. Society has conditioned us to think that we must look like a supermodel to feel sexy and confident. But the truth is, we are all beautiful in our own unique way, and a boudoir session can help you realize that. For those who have never done a boudoir shoot before, you might feel hesitant and nervous, but trust me, this photoshoot can be a life-changing experience that will boost your self-esteem and help you connect with your feminine power. Read on to discover how a boudoir session can heal you and make you fall in love with yourself.

Rediscover your confidence

Your #SheerExperience is all about celebrating your beauty, strength, and sensuality. You get to embrace your body and let go of insecurities that might be holding you back from feeling confident and sexy. During the shoot, Jen & Brian will guide and pose you in ways that flatter your body and bring out your best qualities. You will be amazed at how empowering it feels to be in control of your body and show off your curves.

Embrace your femininity

As women, we tend to get lost in our daily routines and forget the importance of taking the time to nurture our inner goddess. Your Sheer Experience can help you reconnect with your feminine energy, which is essential for your overall well-being. You get to play dress-up, wear beautiful lingerie, and express yourself in ways that make you feel alive and sensual. Embracing your femininity also helps you tap into your intuition and enhance your relationships with yourself and others.

A transformative experience

A boudoir session with Sheer Photography is not just a photoshoot; it's a transformative experience that can help you heal from past traumas and emotional wounds. Many women have insecurities and body image issues that stem from past experiences, such as abusive relationships, rejection, or shaming. A boudoir shoot can help you reclaim your power and transform your negative self-talk into positive affirmations. You get to see yourself through the eyes of someone else who sees the beauty in you, despite your perceived flaws.

A gift to yourself

A boudoir session is not just a gift for someone else; it's a gift to yourself! You get to invest in yourself and create a lasting memory that you can cherish for years to come. Imagine looking at your boudoir album 10 or 20 years from now and feeling proud of yourself for having the courage to embrace your beauty and sexuality. Your SheerExperience is a reminder that you are worthy of love, respect, and pleasure.

Ladies, if you're still hesitant about booking a boudoir session with Northeast Ohio’s premier boudoir studio, I hope this helps you to give it a try. A boudoir shoot is not just a photoshoot; it's a transformative experience that can help you rediscover your confidence, embrace your femininity, heal from past traumas, and give yourself a gift that keeps on giving. Remember, you are beautiful, just the way you are! So, embrace your curves, wear that lingerie, and show the world your fierce and fabulous self!

Get ready to slay your boudoir session, mama!

Oh, yes honey. It's time to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury and capture your boudoir beauty with Sheer Photography. But, hold up - don't start stressing about the prep! I've got your back, girl. As a fellow mama, I know how overwhelming it can be to prepare for something like a boudoir session. But guess what? I'm here to share my tips and tricks on how to prepare for your boudoir session like a pro. So grab a glass of wine and let's dive in, mama!

First things first: outfit selection. When planning for your boudoir session, remember that confidence is key. Choose outfits that make you feel sexy, but also comfortable. Whether it's a lacy bralette, a silky robe, or high-waisted undies, choose pieces that accentuate your curves and make you feel like a goddess. Don't overthink it- you don't need to go out and buy a whole new lingerie collection. Focus on pieces that you feel confident in and that are flattering to your specific body type.

Now, let's talk about hair and makeup. We all know how amazing it feels to have a fresh curls or a flawless makeup application. We want you to sit back and relax, not have to worry about what the weather will do to your makeup & hair on the way into your session. So, we include professional hair, makeup & false lashes for your session! But, if you're more of a DIY kinda gal, that's okay too. If you're doing your own hair and makeup, keep it simple and classic. Focus on enhancing your natural features and adding a pop of color or drama to your look. Don't forget to moisturize your skin and lips beforehand for a silky smooth finish.

Let's not forget about the posing! We all have our good and bad angles, but no need to stress about it. During your boudoir session with Sheer Photography, our team will guide you through each pose, ensuring you look and feel confident. If you want to do a little prepping beforehand, practice your posing in front of a mirror or take some test shots on your phone. This can help you get a feel for what poses and angles are most flattering for you.

Lastly, remember to relax and have fun! A boudoir session is all about celebrating YOU and your beauty. Think of it as a self-care day where you get to be pampered and feel like the center of attention. Put on your favorite tunes, sip some bubbly, and enjoy the experience. Trust me, the nerves will subside once you see just how fierce and fabulous you look in your stunning photos.

So there you have it, mama. My tips and tricks on how to prepare for your boudoir session with Sheer Photography. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself, embrace your body, and have fun. Trust the process and our team will take care of the rest. Can't wait to see you slay your session!

XOXO, Jen

I did it for me! You can do it for you

“A friend of mine had invited me to the Sheer VIP group a few years ago. I had no idea what boudoir photography was, and when I found out, my self talk was awful! I figured I'd be a wallflower in the group and join in on building others up, because I was good at that.

When I took the leap to book my first shoot, I was on vacation with my daughter. I looked at the Sheer website and I was reading the blog. I couldn't tell you whose blog it was, but it hit me upside the head. I booked my first shoot right then and there. BEST. DECISION. EVER! I had so much fun the first time, that I couldn't wait to do it again.

For both, I did the shoot for me. Not for a present for anyone else, just a present for me. I still can't believe those pictures are of me. I don't know what sort of voodoo magic happens from the time the picture is taken to when it shows up on the viewfinder or in Jen's computer, but that woman I see, is what I want to believe about myself. I want to be able to look in the mirror and say, "Yes, this is me!" That was how I felt after my first time. I have one of the metals on my dresser so it's the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before bed. That woman is confident, beautiful, sensual, sexy, and present. That woman is me!! That metal and those pictures help to remind me of where I want to be mentally.

Then this past Mother's Day happened. Life was doing its thing and I wanted to have something to look forward to. So, I went ahead and booked a second shoot. It was so much fun! There's even a few pictures I can tell that I had to remember to be serious because I was laughing so hard. Who does that, half or fully naked?!?! The app alone is such a good reminder of who I am and who I want to be and so handy! I've never liked pictures of myself much at all, and I haven't had an issue with that at Sheer. I do like them. Some I love, but I have yet to have one with Sheer that I just looked at and said eww or no or anything negative.

Between the VIP group, the sessions, and the photos afterwards, in whatever medium you get them in, the whole experience is worth it. Why? Because you are worth it, every second, every penny.”

XoXo - Casey

The right person will make you fall in love with yourself too

For quite some time I had been following the Sheer VIP Facebook page and on Instagram. Everytime I would see a new SheerBeauty picture posted I would always think, “WOW! They look like models. I wish I could pose like that, or rock a sexy outfit.” I loved all the images that were bravely shared. Once upon a time ago, I had that courage, confidence and self love that all these women had in their photos. I kept saying when I lose weight I will book a session.

During Covid, two things happened that hadn’t in almost 12 years for me. 1. I found love. Real, true, I found my soul-mate, best friend kind of love. There is an adage that couples in happy relationships gain more weight over time- that must have meant we both made each other verrrrrry happy because we both gained. Which leads to number 2. I gained weight for the first time since I had been pregnant over a decade ago. My boyfriend truly loves every inch and pound of me. He makes me feel so amazing and loved. But I didn’t feel sexy or proud of my current figure. I thought what a surprise it would be to gift him me! As a bonus I would have motivation to work out and get fit for my photo shoot.  So I did it and booked a session. 

As time went on I knew I wanted to work out, eat better, get fit. Surprise- it didn’t happen. I started to get so nervous as my session got closer. I wasn’t the weight I wanted to be at and I was feeling the most unsexy ever in my life. The night before I thought about cancelling but then my awesome gift for my boyfriend would be ruined. I had no backups planned. So I woke up the next day and came to the Sheer building with my outfits. 

Right away we popped open some wine and Jen and Brittney got started on my hair and makeup. Before I knew it I was all prettied up and it was time to take photos. During the first few photos I was unsure of myself and nervous. Within a few moments I relaxed and then it was FUN! They show you some photos as they take them and it truly is mind blowing. The day flew by and before I knew it, it was time for the reveal. I was in awe of how I looked at what they were showing me. It was ME on the screen looking like a sultry sexy badass woman. I couldn’t stop looking at my womanly curves! I booked this shoot for the reason to gift my boyfriend some sexy photos, but at the same time I found me all over again. Those thick thighs and extra loving to squeeze I had been complaining about the day before? Gone were those negative thoughts and were replaced with confidence that I love those parts of me that he loves too again. 

I didn’t know how to keep it all a secret for over a month, but somehow I did. Everyday I wanted to cave and show him. I was bursting with excitement and would catch myself looking at the App on my phone in private. I was still blown away that it was me in the pictures. When the day came and I gave him his present, his jaw dropped. It was worth every penny and minute of nerves. Especially when we both got something from it.

Would I recommend a boudoir session with the amazing Sheer Squad? Absolutely. Whether it’s for you, or for a loved one. Do it. When you think of beautiful things, you should think of yourself. I would compare it to getting a tattoo. Because as that day ended I already wanted to book another session. Maybe for the next one I will be more in shape, and if not I’m perfectly fine with it. We are all imperfectly beautiful in our own ways. Until then I will keep trying to convince my boyfriend to join, and keep admiring my beautiful photos. Thank you Brian, Jen and Brittney for an amazing experience! You guys rock at what you do! 

Xoxo, 

Miss R

If you are ready to book your own boudoir session with Sheer, fill out your information below or click that message button to chat with us right away!!