Taking the Plunge: Embracing Self-Love Through a Boudoir Photo Shoot

You deserve to feel beautiful and confident, and boudoir photography is one of the best ways to do that. Having a boudoir photo shoot can be incredibly empowering and freeing, as it allows you to express yourself in ways that you may not have even dreamed of before. However, self-doubt can be a formidable obstacle to overcome. Here are some tips on how to empower yourself through boudoir photography and make the most out of your Sheer Experience.

Be Prepared

Our ultimate goal is to make you feel confident, sexy and empowered during your boudoir photo shoot. That's why we offer lingerie guides and tips, as well as hair and makeup services for all of our full sessions and so much more. Whether you want to come in with your own pose inspiration or let us handle the planning, we promise to make your experience with Sheer unforgettable. We strive to create an environment where you can truly relax and feel pampered, so that you can leave feeling empowered and confident in your own skin.

Stay Positive

It’s important to remember that this shoot is all about celebrating YOU! Don’t focus on any perceived imperfections; instead, focus on what makes you unique and special. Remind yourself that everyone has something special about them—whether it’s their curves, smile, eyes or “thigh-brow”— no one else looks exactly like you. It’s also important not to let negative thoughts creep in during the shoot. Even if something isn’t going as you planned before arriving, try your best not to let it affect your confidence levels or mood for the rest of the day.

Trust Your Photographer

We know that the thought of scheduling a boudoir session can be extremely scary. But don't worry, we're here to relieve any anxiety and make sure you feel confident every step of the way. From the moment you reach out to us to the final result, we're committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need. Trust us to take care of the details, so you can focus on what really matters — enjoying the process and celebrating YOU. Sit back, relax, and let us guide you from start to finish!

Having a boudoir photo shoot can remind you how beautiful you are inside and out by embracing your body shape and size while celebrating your individual beauty standards. So don't let self doubt stop you from taking this empowering journey - If you’re ready to find out more about scheduling your very own SheerExperience, fill out the form below and we will send you more info.

I loved it so much...

I had TWO sessions with Sheer Photography in 2021!! Everyone always asks me: “were you nervous?” And I can truthfully respond every time that I wasn’t.

Jen, Brian, and Brittany make every part of the shoot from makeup, to posing, to even choosing my outfits (because I always bring extras just incase!) all super smooth and natural. They are professional but still down to Earth and easily relatable. I appreciate their amazing lighting skills they use in the studio to bring out so much natural beauty when we’re all so used to a world of Snapchat filters. Thank you for always providing an amazing experience and making me feel all around beautiful. Can’t wait to book session number three!

XOXO, Miss A

A life changing experience...

I had such an amazing time and truly feel like it was a life changing experience for how I view myself now! I honestly never heard about a boudoir shoot until my friend did one for her husband. I got married this past September and I thought this would be an amazing gift to surprise him with. This is not something I would normally do. I was very self conscious about my body. I was always made fun of for my body. I would always get looked and judge for how I looked. So I hid my body with jeans and baggy shirts…anything so you couldn’t see my curves. When I booked my appointment I was so nervous about how they would turn out. When I was in my session and being shown one of my first photos during the session boosted my self confidence!! I saw myself in a whole new light. I can't say enough good things about my #SheerExperience and how much it has helped. I now have a constant reminder that I am sexy and beautiful even when I feel fat and ugly. Thank you Jen and Brian again. I really can’t wait to book another session soon.

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!!

I was reason enough

I had my first SheerExperience January 2020.  When I scheduled the session, I had plans for the album to be a surprise Valentine’s gift for my husband. The session went so smoothly.  As expectedI was nervous, but felt more and more comfortable as Jen pampered me and made me gorgeous. (I so recommend hair and makeup!.)

The final pictures are breathtaking from that session. My husband loves every one of them, as do I.  I found myself flipping through the album on many occasions during the pandemic for that confidence boost we ALL need.  

Around September 2020, I was fully in the pandemic rut. I received an email from Sheer Photography and thought “Why not?” I booked session #2 for February 2021...far away from Sept, and hoped for the best with everything in the world.  As the session date got closer, I started trying to think of ‘excuses’ for me wanting another sheer experience. Yes, excuses…. We ladies feel the need find an excuse for getting ourselves pampered or doing something we really WANT to do. The excuse could be anything... birthday, any holidays, marriage, divorce...whatever. Well, going down my excuse list I was coming up blank.  I wanted this SheerExperience for ME. I didn’t need any excuses, any expectations, or any stress! Pure self-love with no expectations! Allow yourself to pamper you! You ARE worth it!

Have fun with your outfits. The camera is forgiving. I’m a thick lady whose been hit by the “quarantine 15” but that’s OKAY! Jen & Brian are the absolute best at making you look and feel gorgeous! 

I had so much fun during my second boudoir photoshoot. The whole SheerExperience is so empowering.  I loved every single photograph Brian took! I struggled to narrow down the photos for my album… they were all so amazing! I couldn’t stop “wowing” at my own images!!! 

Would I recommend a SheerExperience? Definitely! 

Would I go back for another? Absolutely! My third SheerExperience is already scheduled.

It’s one of the most invigorating experiences you can do for yourself!  Live beyond your boundaries ️

Holly’s #SheerExperience

Hi lovely ladies!  I’m so happy to share my #SheerBeauty experience with you!

For starters, a beautiful friend thought of me & invited me to the group.  At the time, I had no clue how much I was missing out on all the uplifting that has been made possible by Jennifer & Brian Dirksen sharing their amazing talent through Sheer Photography!  I watched in the background for a little while & slowly began to appreciate what they were doing for you all.  I wanted some of that for myself!  I was totally nervous the second I booked my session, however, I kept an eye on all the wonderful posts, videos, & Facebook Lives.  Although I was still nervous, I became more confident with each passing week. 

When it was finally time for my shoot, again, still nervous, it was like a different me.  That may sound silly, but they changed my outlook of myself before I ever got to the studio!  It was like I was there to see friends, which I now know, I was!  Jen & Brian are so down-to-earth, you instantly feel welcomed by them & they seem to strip self-doubt from you like they have magic wands.  When I got out of my car, I let out a big breath to try to calm the nerves that had been creeping up on my drive in.

As soon as I got to the top of the stairs, all my fears left me somehow & I was giddy over how exciting the experience was going to be!  I was ready to be pampered (because who’s kidding – I booked the whole package deal)!  Go big or go home, right?  The excitement that Jen surrounded me with during makeup & hair lead to an incredible calmness in me.  I just got more & more thrilled as we went.

When I looked in the mirror after my hair & makeup was done, I had to do a double take (more like three)!  I had no idea I was looking at myself!  There have been very few times in my life when I have felt as beautiful as I did then!  It was simply amazing!  I couldn’t wait to get started!  From there the rest is history!  I just had fun & let Jen & Brian guide me through.  It was truly the best thing I ever did for myself!

I’ll wrap up by saying this…  Initially, I thought I was doing the session as a surprise gift for my wonderful husband of 22 years.  I even developed a massive plan to hide all of the details from him so he wouldn’t know in advance what I was doing.  I mean it was elaborate & I am a horrible liar.  In the end, I finally understood this was (is) for me.

If you are thinking you can’t do this (for whatever reason your mind is telling you that you can’t), please reconsider.  There is nothing in this world that will make you feel as elated as this!  I promise you, you will NOT regret it!  I know there are many things that can make us feel like it’s something we don’t need.  However, you will be so happy you did it!  I’m 48 years old, a mother of a young adult, and by no means skinny.  I have more things about my body that I don’t like than I can even count.  Yet, that day I felt like I was as young as ever & enjoyed the beauty that my body can be when I see what others see.

Today, while I still struggle with some of those things, Jen & Brian have allowed my mind to forget many of them.  I can now say I enjoy my whole self in a way that wasn’t possible before I became a part of the #SheerBeauty family!  Come join us!

I am Strong

I am a 26 year old domestic abuse survivor.  Like many who have experienced this I lost myself. I lost my identity and any confidence I had in myself throughout the run of the relationship. I often lived in fear of setting him off. I dressed the way he wanted. Wore my makeup the way he wanted all to apese him. When it all came to a violent end and I moved back home I knew I needed to gain control back over my life.

So I started seeing a therapist. I started to reconnect with old friends which led me to finding out about Sheer. When I booked my #sheerexperience I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous. After years of having every flaw pointed out, I was nervous to do this. Which is why I knew I had to. This experience was so liberating. What Jen and Brian do is nothing short of amazing. They both made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Jen was the best hype woman a girl could ever ask for. She was there to listen to my concerns. Listen to my problems in my life as well as listen to me gush over nails and make up. She is truly one of the most amazing humans I have met in my life. I can not thank these two humans enough for what they have done for me.

My #sheerexperience is something I will cherish forever. That session with them gave me so much confidence and just gave me back a little control I hadn’t had in a really long time. It was so liberating. I am forever grateful for the chance to work with these amazing humans. Thank you for everything

#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. 

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

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.

Relaxed and Sheer

This GORGEOUS gal has done FOUR boudoir sessions with us...and this is by far my favorite of all of them!!! She is an all around amazing woman...she is a mother to three beautiful children, going to school full time and working. All while still be sexy as hell.

Ready to book your #SheerExperience?!?! Fill out the form below and we will get back to you within 48 hours. 

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.