
Category: Boudoir Photographer


Why Shannon's Breast Cancer Boudoir Experience made her S.M.I.L.E.
shannon's breast cancer boudoir session experience
If you meet Shannon Burrows, you can’t help but smile. Her infectious energy and vibrant personality immediately draw you in. She is a very passionate woman dedicated to helping women achieve their fitness goals. I like to say that Shannon is a “force”. Because she is truly that. A force to be reckoned with. You don’t say “no” to Shannon because you trust she has your best interests at heart.
She shared with me that “Years before my diagnosis, I created my fitness tagline of Changing The World, One S.M.I.L.E. at a time because I wanted to help people change any little thing in their life that would help make them a better version of themselves each and every day. SMILE: S. (Simply) M. (Making) I. (Individual) L. (Lifestyle) E. (Enhancements).


Shannon’s Cancer journey.
In 2016, I decided to leave a career I was unhappy in, to pursue something I loved, which was fitness. I took all the necessary steps I needed in order to become a Certified Personal Trainer. From there, I landed a dream job of teaching Group Fitness, so I could change more than one person’s life at a time. There is nothing more rewarding than waking up every day and being able to make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small that enhancement is. I want to give people the tools to set themselves for success in life and their health & fitness journey. I want everyone to work on becoming a better version of themselves each and every day.
Where my life drastically changed and put me on my path to serve my purpose and passion was on July 13th, 2017. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Hearing those words, “You have cancer”, changes your entire life, emotionally, mentally and physically. Not only was I scared about what was about to happen to my body, but how was I going to continue my career as a trainer if I couldn’t do many of the exercises myself? How was I going to maintain my positive outlook on life? Throughout my journey, I had several setbacks and challenges but I refused to let anything keep me down. I was reminded of how important it is to listen to your body and be your own advocate. I ended up firing my first oncologist and plastic surgeon, as they were no longer going to be a good fit for me in my cancer journey based on lack of communication, poor bedside manor and removing body parts that I was not expecting. How was I going to continue my career in fitness if I could no longer do many of the exercises? What was going to be my “new norm” in my exercise routine and life in general? Instead of letting these kinds of questions get me down, I became proactive in finding my solutions and became certified as a Cancer Exercise Specialist through the Cancer Exercise Training Institute.
I was now able to educate and train myself to get back into my fitness routine and establish MY “new norm”and take that same information to educate others diagnosed with cancer through their journey. Educate them on how important it is to become healthy before surgery, active and healthy through treatment and into recovery.
Throughout my journey, I have been blessed to meet so many other strong & amazing women and help them along the way. I cannot say I am thankful for cancer, but I am thankful for the people I have met along the way and the lessons I have learned.
Being truly blessed with the opportunity to find a solution to one of my struggles, physical limitations, with the Cancer Exercise Training Institute, I have now joined them as the Vice-President of Business Development and became a Master Trainer.
About two weeks after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I received a text message from a friend of mine that had just taken a new job at the American Cancer Society and needed my help with an upcoming charity event called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that was taking place in October. He and I had worked on several charity events together and he knew the strengths I could bring to the event to help him. He had no idea I had just been diagnosed and I hadn’t told anyone other than family at that time. I hesitated on my response because my initial reaction was yes, of course I will help combined with the feeling of how do I tell him this? I replied back to him, telling him I had just been diagnosed but will absolutely do everything I can to help (not knowing what I was about to go through).
The first year I spent going through all of my surgeries and putting together a team and fundraising as Team S.M.I.L.E With Shannon. We were the largest team and fund raised the most money. In 2018, I joined the committee to help give back by helping to raise awareness and for those affected by breast cancer. In 2019 I served as the event chair for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and am honored to be the event chair again for the 2020 walk. Not only have I become involved locally to put an end to breast cancer but I have also had the privilege of being on the Southeast Regional Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Committee for the last two years and starting my third year.
This has resulted in me being able to help so many others by doing public speaking about my journey and having a positive mindset, finding your purpose and dealing with my diagnosis of breast cancer and the importance of exercise and cancer as well as help with research to putting an end to breast cancer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been easy but I do know it could be so much worse. I have taken every obstacle, struggle, bump in the road as a learning experience and embraced it as part of the journey. If it wasn’t for my diagnosis and struggles, I don’t think I would have found my true purpose in life. I had physical struggles of not being able to do my job as a fitness professional and normal everyday tasks that we all take for granted.I have struggled with sleeping since I can only sleep on my back from now on. I still cannot do some exercises because of the limitations I have. The biggest physical, mental and emotional struggle I still have is not having any feeling in my chest area. I bump into things, I can’t lay on my stomach or side but most of all my emotional struggle of not being able to feel my daughter’s head on my chest when we snuggle. I can’t feel hugs with her or my husband.

Shannon’s story was such an inspiration to me to keep moving forward with my Warrior Goddess project for breast cancer survivors. When I realized that boudoir can be truly therapeutic for these women, and that if how they identify as women has been altered for life, and if I can help them realize that they are still beautiful and cancer has not taken that away, then that is what I want to do!
So when I published my first Warrior Goddess magazine, she was my Covergirl!




So Rhea uses her talent to help women, like me, (breast cancer survivors) feel empowered and beautiful like the person we are inside and to not let cancer define us



Shannon is a true leader and a Women’s Empowerment Coach, Wellness Coach & Breast Cancer Recovery Coach. She is also a Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist & Fitness Professional.
Shannon is local to Palm Beach County and helps women diagnosed with Breast Cancer to take back control of their life to become the best version of yourself by educating, empowering, and inspiring them, from diagnosis and beyond, through support, exercise and healthy living using The S.M.I.L.E. Method. She also helps other fitness professionals become certified as a cancer exercise specialist to help bridge the gap between the fitness and medical industries so they can be part of changing the lives of cancer patients.
Interested in learning more? Go to www.shannonburrows.com or email her directly at smile@shannonburrows.com
She also has a podcast: https://bustinoutofbreastcancer.buzzsprout.com/

would you like to nominate someone for a warrior goddess breast cancer boudoir session?
To date, I have photographed over 60 women from across the country! If you or someone you know has breast cancer and you feel could benefit from a session with me, please click the link below to be entered into our Warrior Goddess project. I select 2 Warrior Goddesses to photograph per month.
i welcome you to join our private women's only facebook community
Our women’s only Facebook Group is all about uplifting each other. We share our hopes, dreams, inspiration, successes, and losses. We are a sisterhood of strong women willing to lend a helping hand to each other and enrich each other’s lives.


Valuing Yourself
Why it's important to value yourself with boudoir photography
Why is it that women give freely and without hesitation to the people they love, but when it comes to themselves..they are stingy?
Sure, for our children, for our spouse, the sky is the limit. We’ll invest in them..we find a way. But when it comes to doing something special for yourself, you hesitate, you feel guilty. “Shouldn’t I be spending my money on my kids or my spouse?”
Guess what? YOU ARE WORTH IT! Say that again to yourself so that this time you hear it and mean it. Because YOU are the heart and center of your family. They depend on you, they rely on you. But YOU are responsible for your own happiness. Making others happy feels great, but if you aren’t happy, how can you give to your loved ones? What if your tank is dry?
When was the last time you invested in YOU? And I am not talking about clothes or a massage..really making an investment in your well-being.
What if you really want to do a boudoir session. You know that having an experience like this may just be what you need to feel good about yourself again, to feel vibrant, energized, and ready to take on all that you need to do and be the best version of yourself. But you know it’s expensive and those all too familiar pangs of guilt keep you from going for it. You come up with excuses why you can’t do it now, and you talk yourself right out of it..again!
You’re not alone. I have heard this from so many women over the years that I felt it was important to blog about it.

So how would it feel to like and even love the woman you see in the mirror?
To look at her beauty instead of looking for flaws?
How much is that worth to you?
Is a boudoir photoshoot experience expensive? Yes, it is. It’s true. My minimum purchase is $950. Why? Because it’s more than about the pretty pictures. It’s a way for you to feel good in your skin again. To love yourself so that you can give your love to others. It’s an investment in YOU..and my dear..YOU are totally worth it!
I can hear you now. “But Rhea, I don’t have that kind of money lying around, I have to stick to a family budget.” I hear you, loud and clear.
Because I always want EVERY woman to get what she wants and what will help her the most..I offer payment plans.
PRE- SESSION and POST-SESSION payment plans.
PRE-SESSION payment plan means you pay in advance for your product purchase. We go over the collections at your in-person consultation, and you choose the one that you want. The benefit is that you can get an extra portrait based on the collection level of your choice. You can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month plan. Your credit card is charged automatically. You have your session at the end of your payment plan and we choose your portraits the same day. Then we have your products edited, printed, and delivered to you within 3-4 weeks.
POST-SESSION payment plan means that we have your session and you pick your portraits the same day. You can then choose your collection and make a 20% deposit. You then choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month plan. Your credit card will be charged automatically and once your final payment is made, your products will be edited, printed, and delivered in 3-4 weeks.
Either plan is meant to break up your payments so that you can fit them into your budget and make it work.
You’d do this for your children or your spouse..wouldn’t you? So why not for you?
ARE YOU READY TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL?
Meet Miss J. and hear from her how her experience with us was like.
i welcome you to join our private women's only facebook community
Our women’s only Facebook Group is all about uplifting each other. We share our hopes, dreams, inspiration, successes, and losses. We are a sisterhood of strong women willing to lend a helping hand to each other and enrich each other’s lives.

Top 13 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir Photography

Do you share my images?
No. Not unless you have given permission with a model release. We understand the very personal and intimate nature of these portraits, so this decision is yours to make, not ours. Of course, we always want you to feel free to share them, and by sharing them you can inspire other women to do these kinds of transformational self-love and confidence-boosting sessions, but the decision to do this is all yours. We understand that even if you want to share them that you may be bound by morality clauses where you work, so we would never want to jeopardize your job.
What type of shoots do you offer?
We offer 3 session types. For those ladies who really want it all, we have a full day Luxury Boudoir session where we book the studio for the entire day with you. We do 5 or more looks, professional hair and makeup artistry for the whole day, a catered lunch and complimentary champagne. Our most popular session is our Personal Boudoir session. This includes 3 different outfits, professional hair and makeup artistry for all 3 looks, complimentary champagne, and same day reveal and selection. Our Boudoir Lite session includes one outfit/look for ladies that want to just give boudoir a try or may want to take advantage of one of our themed shoots that we offer throughout the year. For this session you come with your hair and makeup already done or you can add-on our professional hair and makeup artistry to your session fee.
How long does a shoot last?
Our Lite Boudoir session typically last about 2 hours. Our Personal Boudoir shoots are about 4 hours with an hour portrait selection portion. Our Luxury Boudoir sessions usually run from 10am – 5pm..for a full day of confidence boosting, pampering and fun!

4. Is hair and makeup included?
We offer full in-studio hair and makeup artistry for our Personal and Luxury Boudoir sessions. It is an add-on to the Lite boudoir session. If you are getting hair and makeup artistry done in the studio, you will come with your hair washed and dried the night before so it’s clean but has texture to it. You come with your face moisturized and clean with no makeup for a blank canvas for our artist. We work as a collaborative team in my studio, so if you have a specific request, we ask you to speak up and we’ll all work together to make you look your absolute best, and still look like you.
5. Do I bring my own lingerie?
You can if you like, but I have a very extensive wardrobe collection. I am somewhat of a lingerie junkie (lol!) and I have learned from experience what outfits will look best on certain body types. I feel the lingerie is very important to the boudoir experience and the outfit is just the beginning in helping you feel feminine and beautiful. I love having a collection of outfits that will fit woman of all sizes from XS – 5X. The custom lingerie fitting and selection is part of all of my session options and included in your initial in person consultation.
6. Do I have to wear lingerie?
Nope. If you prefer to go a more glamour route with a dress and a more Vanity Fair magazine style shoot, we can do that too. If you prefer to wear a man’s shirt, your partner’s favorite sport’s jersey, a big sweater, a ripped T-shirt and jeans, or nothing but a white sheet, we can do that too! The whole idea to help you look and feel beautiful, and whatever that is, that is what we will go with. All of this is discussed during your in person consultation or on a Zoom call where we can custom design your dream shoot and explore all aspects of your personality.

7. Do you have payment plans?
Yes we do! We always want you to get what you want and to work within your budget.
PRE-SESSION payment plan means you pay in advance for your product purchase. We go over the collections at your in-person consultation, and you choose the one that you want. The benefit is that you can get an extra portrait based on the collection level of your choice. You can choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month plan. Your credit card is charged automatically. You have your session at the end of your payment plan and we choose your portraits the same day. Then we have your products edited, printed, and delivered to you within 3-4 weeks.
POST-SESSION payment plan means that we have your session and you pick your portraits the same day. You can then choose your collection and make a 20% deposit. You then choose a 3-month, 6-month, or 9-month plan. Your credit card will be charged automatically and once your final payment is made, your products will be edited, printed, and delivered in 3-4 weeks.
Either plan is meant to break up your payments so that you can fit them into your budget and make it work.
You’d do this for your children or your spouse..wouldn’t you? So why not for you?
8. I don’t know how to pose, will you help?
Absolutely! I give super easy-to-follow instructions and coach you from your facial expression down to the placement of your fingers. I WILL NOT say “look sexy” or “work the camera” or any other vague directions like that. It’s my job to guide you through the process, and I will be there for you every step of the way, literally. I will mirror the pose for you , so I am right there with you posing. If I can do it, you can do it! However, many of these positions are not normal for most women, so prepare to be a little sore..lol!

9. Do you Photoshop my images?
Yes, I will always retouch your images. During our sales session we will discuss how much editing you would like done. It is always my goal for you to believe in your beauty, even without the retouch, so your portrait selections are always done without any retouching. Right out of the camera. Your beauty is not created in Photoshop. The retouching just gives you the best version, the fantasy version, the version you know you could be and can be. It is the version your loved ones see of you every day. You are the one who focuses on your flaws. So these retouched and edited images are yours to replace those old negative beliefs about your beauty and worth and replace them with beautiful and glorious portraits. Because dammit you are BEAUTIFUL!

10. Do you offer digitals?
Yes. All of our printed collections include their corresponding digital file. I am a firm believer in the printed portrait. There is tremendous validation to your beauty and self-love when you can experience your portrait printed. Digital is nice for sharing with others but printed will NEVER go out of style and will stand the test of time. As a digital photographer, all of my art, talent and expertise is captured within the digital file, this is my product as a professional photographer in the digital age. However, digital media changes with technology, and the print is the memory for you to have and to hold and to look at time and again. The printed portrait is your gift to you.
11. What type of printed products do you have?
We offer a variety of high-end printed products included print folios, albums, empowerment crystals, wall art, calendars, and love notes. Our most popular product is the Little Black Book. It’s a discrete little album jam packed with your gorgeous portraits that is perfect for enjoying, and for putting away when not in use. It comes with either a premium leather , fabric, acrylic or satin photo cover. All of my albums include a gift satchel or gift box perfect for storing and for gifting. You can choose to be more discrete or you can go big, the choice is always yours. Our empowerment crystals are a great way to enjoy your portrait with an inspirational quote right on your dresser of nightstand. Wall art is becoming more popular for bedrooms and walk-in closets. It’s private, yet very person. I have 3 wall art pieces in my bedroom over my bed from my own boudoir session!
12. I’m freaking out! How can I calm my nerves?
Trust me I know how you feel! I have been in front of the camera in a boudoir session myself. All of your insecurities come to the surface. I get it. You are nervous and excited all at the same time. My best advice is to take some deep breathes, stop looking in the mirror and trust me and my team to work our magic on you. As soon as you begin your hair and makeup you will start to relax. We’ll have your favorite music playing, you’ll get to sip some champagne. It will be like hanging out with your girlfriends. I promise, you will have fun!

13. Where is your studio located?
My boutique studio is located in beautiful, sunny, Jupiter Florida. 1615 South Cypress Drive, Suite #3, Jupiter, FL 33469. It is a beautiful and feminine space that is private and easy to get to.
interested in booking a boudoir experience with us?
come join our private women's only facebook community
Our women’s only Facebook Group is all about uplifting each other. We share our hopes, dreams, inspiration, successes, and losses. We are a sisterhood of strong women willing to lend a helping hand to each other and enrich each other’s lives.

Busting Excuses for Boudoir
When we feel ourselves getting close to our everyday comfort zone boundaries – we get nervous. Nervous about those unknown activities that we really want to try but aren’t sure if we can do it. By doubting ourselves, the excuses start popping up. Excuses of why you shouldn’t do something. It’s our comfort zone trying to keep us safe. But what if we started to focus on the positive reasons for doing something? What if we began saying all the benefits of stepping outside that comfort zone? That is truly where the magic happens. That is when and where we truly feel alive. Making yourself a priority isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
So let’s bust the 5 major excuses we tell ourselves that keep us from experiencing a boudoir session.
Excuse #1: “I don’t look good in photos or selfies”
It’s important to remember that a professional photographer is going to be photographing you. In my case, my specialty is women’s portraiture. Women at any age, women at any size, women at any confidence level. Because I enjoy helping women see the best versions of themselves, their fantasy fabulous selves. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not promised, so I believe it’s important to celebrate who you are right now! I’ll tell you a little secret ladies, every single one of YOU is perfect, just the way you are. That being said, it’s my job to accentuate you best features and to minimize your sensitive areas. I will pose you and use my lighting expertise to light you in the most flattering way, and to take the photo at the correct angle that lets your beauty shine. When you step into my private boudoir studio, you don’t have to know “how to pose” because I will gently guide you through the process with all that I have learned from my experience and education. I always tell my ladies when we begin our sessions to just “feel” and not “think” about the posing, let me handle that, because that is when I can capture you at your most natural and beautiful and when I can capture that beautiful inner light that all women have.

Excuse #2: “I have those extra pounds to lose / Do plus size women even do boudoir?”
Every woman at every stage in their life deserves to feel desirable and beautiful. Only 5% of women look like supermodels in this world. That means that more often than not, we all have a little something that we might be sensitive about concerning our bodies, but that doesn’t mean we are unworthy. A professional boudoir photographer is knowledgeable and experienced to know how to style, pose, and light you in the most flattering way. A plus size, curvy woman, is no different than an extra small, petite woman. I will clue you ladies in on a little secret. You know that they say the camera adds 10 pounds? Well, I am here to tell you that a professional boudoir photographer can reduce you by 20 pounds simply with proper lighting and posing! That’s right! No need to wait and lose those weight, I can make you look amazing just the way you are. Because when a woman has confidence in herself, she holds herself differently. A confident woman shines her wonderful light on all those around her and we all benefit. When we have positive image of ourselves, our family and friends see it and learn from it and apply it to their lives. You will feel more alive and look back on life and your photos and smile about the amazing life you live.

Excuse #3: “I haven’t tried on lingerie in forever”
If lingerie scares you, let me help you. If you feel that I won’t have anything that will fit you? Have no fear. I have a full lingerie closet from XS to 5X and I have developed a keen eye for knowing what looks great on all body types. I will have something that in my extensive wardrobe closet that you will feel and look beautiful in. I guarantee it! It’s like dress-up time. The lingerie fitting is a fun and safe female-only environment which turns into part of the excitement and confidence-boosting from the moment you walk into my studio. Gone are your worries that “nothing will fit me” because I have already curated all the looks, styles, and colors that will accentuate your beauty and body type. No two women are the same. We pick your favorite looks together. We collaborate on a style and look that is unique to you. Having use of my extensive wardrobe closet for your boudoir sessions means that’s it’s one less thing you have to spend money on, and one less thing you have to worry about. And no worries about accessories either, ladies, I have you covered there too. From pearls, to bling, to thigh highs, to garters, to shoes, we have it all for you. If you have any items you’d like to bring from home, we welcome that too!

Excuse #4: “I don’t have the time”
As women, it seems we never have time for ourselves. We give and give to others around us. But we need to remember that without taking a break and practicing proper self-love time, it is harder for us to get re-energized. When was the last time you took time for yourself? When was the last time you did something that was all about you and no one else? When was the last time YOU were the center of attention and everyone was catering to YOUR needs? Taking a few hours to care for yourself, to focus on self-love is a truly healing process for us all. It re-invigorates and uplifts your spirit. When you plan and schedule around “Me” time, it shows others around you that you are important. In turn, they will feel equally important because you are trying to be the best you that you can be. So, it is ok to take some “Me” time and invest in that time in a boudoir shoot because the positive imagery and affirmation of your beauty helps fill in on those days when you need a pick me up or just want to smile while looking at your photo and say “I did that! And I am Fabulous!”

Excuse #5: “A Boudoir shoot is an Investment; I don’t know if I have the money right now”
A transformational boudoir photo shoot like this is an investment. It is expensive, that is true. Think about what things in your life that have been expensive that you have invested in, computer, furniture, clothing, etc. Things that are disposable or will go out of style. When was the last time you invested your hard-earned money in you? When was the last time your investment paid dividends on how you feel about yourself over time? These boudoir sessions experiences and the portraits created are timeless in that they capture the best version of you here and now. But the best part, is that these memories are frozen in time with beautiful imagery that reaffirms your belief in yourself. A time capsule you can continue to refer back to time and again, reminding you of your awesomeness, value and worth. If you felt empowered during your session (and you will), every time you look at these portraits you will feel empowered and beautiful. Its you..beautiful you. How much is that worth to you? Is it expensive.? Yes. Are you worth it? Yes. Do I offer payment plans? Yes. Because I feel every woman deserves this experience and having these confidence boosting memories. I will work with your budget as best as I can because I believe in You, so let’s do it!
Interested in booking a boudoir experience with us?
Come join our private women’s only Facebook Community!
Our women’s only Facebook Group is all about women uplifting each other. We share our hopes, dreams, inspiration, successes and losses. We are a sisterhood of strong women willing to lend a helping hand to each other and enrich each other’s lives.

Kristi's Boudoir Experience
50+ and Falling back in love with herself