Artful & Empowering: An Authentic Boudoir Experience

“I have struggled with body image for a majority of my life. Being able to see myself in a different way was very empowering.”

That feeling of being pulled in a dozen different directions is something so many of us know all too well. It’s a sign you’re doing so much for everyone else, but it can also leave you feeling stretched thin.  A mom, a partner, a pet-parent, a professional—it can feel like a lot to live up to. But what if a single, deliberate act of self-care could not only be an incredible gift to your partner but also a powerful way to reclaim your full self? Today, we’re celebrating Kate’s authentic boudoir experience, a beautiful testament to what happens when you decide to be vulnerable, have fun, and see every part of you as art.

Tell us your story, a little bit about you and why you decided to do a boudoir session?

Hi! My name is Kate. I am from Des Moines where I live with my partner, and our two pets. A dog named Agnes and a cat named Donna. I decided to do a boudoir shoot as a wedding present for my husband. I wanted to take the opportunity to give him something while still paying attention to myself and the things I find alluring!

What was your biggest concern prior to booking your Boudoir Session? How do you feel now?

My biggest concern was feeling self conscious while shooting. I didn’t feel that way at all! Cassy did a great job of hyping me up while still making me feel comfortable. 

Have you ever done a boudoir shoot before? If so, how does your shoot with Cassy compare to your prior experience?

I had never done a boudoir shoot before! I would definitely feel comfortable doing one again with Cassy! 

What, specifically, did you enjoy most about your portrait session and why?

I really enjoyed the opportunity to both have the sexy alluring poses while still having fun ones too. I wanted to still show some laughs. I also really enjoyed being able to integrate more “artsy” pictures that don’t necessarily scream out sex appeal. 

What did doing this shoot do for your self confidence, self worth, and self image? Tell me your story.

I have struggled with body image for a majority of my life. I have lived through eating disorders that I still struggle with now. Being able to see myself in a different way was very empowering. It made me feel desirable to myself and to my partner. It also helped me identify more parts of myself that I enjoy!

Was your experience what you were expecting? If not, how was it different?

My experience was better than I was expecting! I was expecting to be a little uncomfortable just being in such a vulnerable state. I didn’t feel that way at all! 

Kate’s decision to book a session as a wedding present was a beautiful gesture, but it was also a powerful way for her to pay ‘attention to myself and the things I find alluring!’ Before the shoot, like so many women, her biggest concern was feeling self-conscious. She feared only seeing her flaws and not being ‘beautiful enough.’ But that fear never stood a chance. As she shared, ‘I didn’t feel that way at all! Cassy did a great job of hyping me up while still making me feel comfortable.’

The magic, as Kate discovered, was in the playful balance of the experience. It wasn’t about a one-dimensional, ‘sexy’ ideal. She loved having the opportunity for both ‘the sexy alluring poses while still having fun ones too. I wanted to still show some laughs.’ She also valued integrating more ‘artsy’ pictures that didn’t necessarily ‘scream out sex appeal.’ This freedom to express her full, authentic self—vulnerable, confident, playful, and beautiful all at once—is what makes this experience so transformative.

For Kate, who has candidly struggled with body image for a majority of her life, this session became an essential part of her journey. The photos weren’t just images; they were proof of her inner strength and beauty. ‘Being able to see myself in a different way was very empowering,’ she shared. The experience made her feel ‘desirable to myself and to my partner’ and helped her ‘identify more parts of myself that I enjoy!’ The result was so much more than she expected: ‘I was expecting to be a little uncomfortable just being in such a vulnerable state. I didn’t feel that way at all! ‘Oh my gosh! That was so FUN!!!’ ‘

Kate’s authentic boudoir experience is a beautiful reminder that our true radiance is a unique blend of vulnerability, strength, and pure joy.

It’s about finding a space where you can shed the pressure to be anything other than your full, incredible self. For brilliant, busy women like you, a photoshoot can be a deliberate act of self-love that reminds you of all the beautiful facets that make you, you. You are more than a to-do list, more than a title, and so much more than your insecurities. Here, you’ll find an environment where every laugh, every moment of vulnerability, and every bit of your authentic self is celebrated as art.

Hair and Makeup by Danni Manning of True Beauty

Have you thought about booking your own shoot with Cassy? Download your complimentary Dream Shoot Planner by clicking HERE.  It will tell you all about the experience and what to expect.  I would love to chat with you! You can give me a call directly at 319-849-5152.  You can also email me at info@cassykphotography.com.  I can’t wait to hear from you!