From Awkward to Authentic: A Self-Love Story
“After letting go of myself with a busy work and mom life, I realized I needed to find that self-love again…”
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. And when you’re already navigating a challenging time, the last thing you want is an experience that feels awkward or stiff. Today, we’re celebrating a client we’ll call K, who stepped out of her busy world to find something truly transformative: an authentic self-love story that started with a single photoshoot and a lot of laughter.
Before her session, K had a completely valid concern. She worried that she would ‘feel weird or awkward in the outfits’ and that it would show in the pictures. But her experience, her very first boudoir session, was anything but. As she shared, ‘I was super comfortable and had laughs and they look amazing!’
The Goal
What started as a goal to celebrate weight loss became a profound tool for healing after a long-term relationship ended the night before her shoot. This powerful shift gave her a new purpose: to find the confidence to re-love herself. It was a brave and intentional step, and the session became an emotional and liberating escape from her difficult circumstances.
K’s favorite part of the session wasn’t a specific photo or pose; it was the fun and the genuine laughs. ‘There was so many throughout the whole day!’ And for her, a mom with a busy work life, the session was a deliberate act of self-care—a day ‘all about me!’ It gave her a chance to see herself in a new light, proving that she’s ‘still my own person and beautiful.’ This is the true essence of an authentic self-love journey.
The impact was immense and lasting. K said that she had ‘let myself go’ but seeing her ‘smile and laughs and body in these photos’ helped her reconnect with who she is. And the final product was nothing short of a stunning testament to her journey: ‘The images are better than I could have imagined! And the beautiful magnificent book! The experience in all was so so worth it all!’
What was your biggest concern prior to booking your Boudoir Session? How do you feel now?
My biggest concern was that I would feel weird or awkward in the outfits in front of someone and I feared it would show I’m the pictures. But it did not I was super comfortable and had laughs and they look amazing!
Have you ever done a boudoir shoot before? If so, how does your shoot with Cassy compare to your prior experience?
No, this was my first one. And I highly recommend it to everyone! It brought back my self love and confidence!
How would you rate your overall experience?
★★★★★
Why did you do your boudoir shoot?
At first it was because of my weight loss, but the night prior to my shoot my long term relationship ended and it helped me with the confidence to re-love myself!
What, specifically, did you enjoy most about your portrait session and why?
The fun and laughs! Their was so many throughout the whole day!
What did doing this shoot do for your self confidence, self worth, and self image? Tell me your story.
After letting go of myself with a busy work and mom life I realized how far I let myself go I decided I needed to find that self love again, and being able to see my smile and laughs and body in these photos it helped me realize I’m still my own person and beautiful.
Do you feel your images and the services you received were worth the money you paid? How so?
Oh definitely! Everything was amazing! Getting dolled up, and having a whole day about me! And having fun! And the images are better than I could have imagined! And the beautiful magnificent book! The experience in all was so so worth it all!
K’s journey is a beautiful testament to how an authentic self-love experience is far more than a photoshoot; it’s a powerful act of healing, a joyful escape, and a celebration of your most vibrant self.
For brilliant, busy women like you, who may feel like you’ve let yourself go while prioritizing others, a boudoir session is a worthy investment in getting something back for yourself. It’s a purposeful journey to find your authentic radiance, a timeless reminder of your beauty, your strength, and your joy. If K’s story resonates with you, know that in our Shady Grove studio, your journey to self-love starts with a simple, fun conversation.
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!
