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.

boudoir client posed in front of couch

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.

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!

5 things that have helped me...maybe they can help you too

Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Therapy, psychiatrist visits, medication, meditation, and the list goes on. These are all things that have been a part of my life, some more recent than others. 

In my mental health journey I’ve made mistakes, changed paths, learned lessons and can say that this past year I’ve been able to become the best version of myself. Everyone’s journey is different, but I wanted to share a few lessons I’ve learned along the way. 

  1. Routine. Having one and sticking to it makes my life less stressful and helps me keep up with everyday tasks that can be difficult to complete. For me this means keeping a schedule of daily tasks even the little things like washing dishes, and sticking to it.

  2. Therapy. Bi-weekly when I’m doing well and weekly when I’m not. It helps me keep up with healthy habits and work though anything that life throws my way. Don’t be afraid to change therapists, it took me a few to find the right match for my needs.

  3. Exercise. It helps me connect with my body, provides a positive stress relief and has improved my confidence and my physical health.

  4. Communication. The people closest to me, and even my closest co-workers (I know scary) know how I’m feeling. This allows me to have an off day or a bad day without making things harder by trying to cover my anxiety or ADHD. My colleagues have been more supportive than I could have ever imagined.

  5. Medication. This was hard for me, I wanted to work through everything using therapy and I struggled to accept that I needed more. I was afraid I wouldn’t feel like myself and the truth is I feel more like myself now that I’ve found the right medications and doses.

If you’ve made it this far your probably wondering what this has to do with Sheer Photography. My journey with my mental health has often made it hard for me to feel comfortable in the skin I’m in. My anxiety points out all of my flaws and when I step in front of a mirror my eyes flow to the things I dislike the most. This was my second session with Sheer and initially it was scheduled as a birthday present to myself but it as it approached it felt more like a celebration of the changes I’ve made in the past year. Jen made me feel right at home as I settled in for hair and makeup before my session, and they did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable during the shoot. I didn’t have a single moment where I thought about what if this isn’t my best angle or what if I don’t like the pictures. The highlight was coming in to see the photos, there wasn’t a single one I didn’t like and I can’t wait to have my favorites on the wall at home to remind me that I am a #SheerBeauty. The after effects are lasting, I feel more comfortable in my skin and even wore out the little black dress that’s been hiding in the back of my closet and I felt amazing! While the shoot is only one day it’s a great way to remind yourself how amazing you are.

XoXo, Miss J

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.



Valentine's Day Marathon 2015 - Girard, OH

One Day ONLY - January 24th - Only 5 spots avaialble

We know its not even Christmas yet, but Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you didn't take advantage of our Christmas special and would LOVE to do a Sheer Beauty shoot as a Valentine's day present for that special someone or for yourself, we will be offering a fun filled day of Valentine's gorgeousness!! 

All ladies will receive a 45 minute session with your choice of red, black or white sheets, pretty roses and petals to use, 10 gorgeous images of yourself in your choice of a 4x8 Beauty Book or on our Sheer crystal USB, a huge confidence booster and an experience to remember for the rest of your life. 

This offer is only valid on Saturday January 24th and limited to 5 ladies, so book before it's too late. Book on or before December 31st to save $50.

$50 non-refundable retainer due at booking. You can purchase a spot below.