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Category: Breast Cancer Boudoir
Sexy vs. Sensual South Florida Boudoir Photography
The #1 thing women say they want from their boudoir photoshoot is to look sexy
When considering your best boudoir photography experience, consider the differences between wanting to feel sexy versus wanting to feel sensual …
Sexy is how others perceive you
sex·y def: provoking or intended to provoke sexual interest.
Generally speaking “sexy” is a term commonly used by men to describe women they are sexually attracted to. It is how they perceive the woman by how she looks. If a women dresses in certain outfits or shows her body off, then it is an invitation for men to look at her and desire her sexually.
Sexy is how others perceive you, and if that is your goal, if your images are strictly for the enjoyment of other eyes and not your own, then that would be a good word to describe the feeling you would like to get from your boudoir photography experience.
And if that is the case, I suggest you consider Erotica boudoir photography. There is genre of boudoir photography called Erotica that documents and celebrates a woman’s sexuality. There are some who would consider this imagery pornography. However, if it can be done tastefully, and it can be beautiful and a freedom of sexual expression for the women, and very therapeutic. Erotica photography can also border the line of pornography if the imagery is only meant for others to enjoy, and in my opinion can be objectifying to women’s bodies.
SEnsual is how you see yourself
sen·su·al def: relating to the feelings of your body
So this is a completely different expression. Sensual is relating to yourself and how you feel about your own desirability. If you want to feel like a women then you want to feel sensual. Then this is the word you would use to describe how you would ie to feel in your boudoir photography experience.
Being sensual means getting pleasure from the physical world, and taking the time to indulge in the senses. Though people think that being sensual has a sexual connotation, it doesn’t have to be that way; taking the time to enjoy a fresh croissant filled with butter in the middle of a busy morning can be just as sensual as giving your partner a massage after work. The important thing is to slow down and enjoy the physical sensations around you instead of rushing about your day.
So how can you be a more sensual person?
Take pleasure in your own body. No, this doesn’t mean what you’re thinking — it just means that, if you want to be a sensual person, that you have to be comfortable in your own skin first and foremost. If you’re not happy with who you are or how you look, then it’ll be much more difficult for you to let go and let your body enjoy the world around you, whether you’re kissing your partner or sunbathing on the beach. Work on building your confidence and self-esteem, and soon, you’ll see that you’ll be getting more pleasure and joy out of the ordinary things around you
This doesn’t mean you have to look like a supermodel, or even think that you look like a supermodel. It just means that you have to love your body and be open to whatever sensations the world may bring it.
The best way to feel more like a sensual person is to book a boudoir photo session with me! This is exactly the kind of boudoir experience you will be getting. One that helps you to take the time to get comfortable in your own skin and enjoy your body, your beauty and your femininity.
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8 Things to Know Before Booking a Boudoir Photographer - The Must Read Guide
Want to have the best photos for your boudoir shoot? Choosing the right photographer is the first step
Read these tips to make sure you’re choosing the right person that fits your style and understands your vision, but most of all, someone who will help you feel as beautiful as you truly are!
TIP #1 - Check out the Photographer's Portfolio
Do they specialize in boudoir? While it isn’t required to be photographing just boudoir to be good at it, if their website or portfolio is literally EVERYTHING, they may not have the experience in posing and lighting for women in boudoir. It’s not the same as photographing family photos or weddings.
TIP #2 - Photographer's Style
When you look at their portfolio, what sort of style do you see? How does looking at the images make you feel? There is quite a range out there!
Is the imagery conservative or more egdy? Is it dark and moody or light and ehterial? There is no right or wrong here, art is meant to be subjective. But it is important that you choose a photographer that matches your style and that you can picture yourself in their imagery.
It is also important to note of their style is consistent. Are you seeing a wide variety of women in flattering poses across all body types? If there are inconsistencies or several images of the same women, this is indicative of a photographer who is less experienced and is using paid models to pad their portfolio.
Our style could be described as sensual and elegant. We use light and shadow to flatter all body shapes and sizes. We like to use darkness and shadow to portray mystery and brighter soft light to portray softness and romance. It’s all about the feel of the image and the mood we are going for.
Tip #3 - Editing and Retouching
What sort of retouching style does the photographer have?
If there is little to no retouching, you will see details like blemishes, wrinkles, or possible cellulite. If the photographer does a lot of retouching, the skin will look “plastic” and unnatural.
Retouching and editing are definitely a matter of personal preference. There is no wrong approach. The question you need to ask yourself is what is the level of retouching you see in the photographer’s work match the editing style you would like to have.
Tip #4 - Nudity
When searching for a boudoir photographer, it’s important to take note of their philosophy regarding nudity.
Some may photograph full nudity and some may not. Some may photograph it but choose not to share those photos publicly on their website portfolio to safeguard client privacy. It is always OK to ask so that you know what your options are.
Fine art nudity can be a beautiful art form and definitely does not indicate anything raunchy. Nudity can also be implied, whereby the placement of hands, garments, or sheets ensures your private areas are discretely covered. There are many options, just make sure you ask your photographer to make sure they offer what you are looking for.
Tip #5 - Full Service Amenities
Does the photographer include Hair and Makeup? Do they have a wardrobe closet that you can choose outfits from? If you are looking for a full-service pampering experience this may be important to you.
Just because you have seen an image on Pinterest that you like doesn’t mean that the photographer has the skill set, hair and makeup artist on staff, props, or wardrobe to achieve it. If you don’t see anything like it in their website portfolio or on Instagram or Facebook, chances are they are not able to do what you are looking for. Make sure you ask them about these things in advnce of your session.
Tip #6 - Where willl the shoot be?
There are 4 reasonable options for boudoir photographers. Your own home, the photographer’s home, a hotel or Airbnb, or the photographer’s studio.
Unless your home is staged to suit the needs of a photographer, generally it’s not the best option for boudoir photos. This is likewise true for a session held in a photographer’s home as well, plus there is the added awkwardness of photographing intimate portraits in someone else’s regular bedroom..will you feel 100% at ease there? Likely not.
Hotels and AirBnBs can be difficult to feel comfortable and private, plus there are legality issues in some instances.
Most likely the place you will feel the safest and get the best results is at an established photographer’s studio specifically curated and staged to work for boudoir sessions.
Tip #7 - Privacy
Boudoir photography is a very personal experience. You may feel that these photos are just for you and your partner. On the other hand, you may believe so strongly in the empowering nature of your experience that you can’t wait to show the whole world!
The most important thing to consider is does your photographer has a specific policy in place for privacy? Every boudoir photographer’s policy should be to consider your privacy. At Rhea Lewis Photography, we do ask some clients if they would like to empower other women by signing a model release and sharing their images, but this is never a requirement.
Tip #8 - Whats Included and for How Much
It’s important to know what to expect financially. That doesn’t mean that you look for the cheapest or the most affordable. Consider the criteria you are looking for; experience, specialty, knowledge, guidance, hair and makeup, styling, wardrobe, and most likely a studio dedicated to boudoir photography. Boudoir is a specialty experience and is a luxury. That said, luxury comes at a price based on value. Therefore, expect it to be an investment, just like any other luxury item you may want to purchase (i.e. shoes, handbags, makeup, etc.) Expect to pay $3000 or more for a luxury experience and quality products.
Consider what is included with this investment. Is it just digital files that will live forever on your hard drive or phone? While you may think this is economical, boudoir is definitely ONE type of photography that you will want to have printed – trust me. Because of the empowering experience and the boost of confidence a boudoir photoshoot provides, each time you look at your portraits it will remind you of that amazing woman that you are. How much is that kind of therapy worth to you? Consider an album and even a wall portrait from your session too. Why not? You only live once and surrounding yourself with positivity and reminders of your worth and beauty as a woman is a very good thing.
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Top 10 Boudoir Photographers South Florida
The best in boudoir photography South Florida
Boudoir photography has been around since the 1920s and through the times and technology have significantly changed, the cultural appreciation of a woman’s beauty has not. It is the job of the boudoir photographer to capture the beauty of the client in the most flattering way while boosting her self-esteem and immortalizing her feminine power. More and more women are taking the plunge and having boudoir photos taken. Some are doing the shoot for their significant other while others are on a journey to self-discovery and body love. So many women have said just how empowering and freeing these sessions have been for them and that they have been a transformational point in their life. Once you have these photos of yourself in your hands you may just find how differently you will view your body. As women, we tend to see all our flaws while others can see our true beauty. Doing a boudoir shoot is a step in helping you see that beauty in yourself too.
Finding the right boudoir photographer for you is not always easy, as this is a very personal service. Finding and trusting the right photographer who can provide you with the best quality imagery as well as the kind of transformational experience you are looking for can be a difficult task.
A boudoir photographer should be well trained as a professional photographer and experienced – you want them to know how to utilize their technical skills to be able to capture the best version of you. They should be great at posing, (so that they can demonstrate a pose to you), they should be trustworthy (having many RECENT positive google reviews), and they should be skilled in lighting to showcase your best features (be sure you see women of all ages and body types looking good in their portfolio, and preferably an educational degree in the arts or photography, have a license and be a professionally certified photographer). They should also have a solid body of work showcasing their talents on a website dedicated to boudoir photography, as well as a social media and Google presence for this type of work.
Therefore, we have curated a list of the most talented boudoir pros from all over south Florida. Finding the perfect boudoir photographer can be like finding a needle in a haystack, which is why we scoured the area for THE TOP TEN BEST BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHERS in South Florida.
#1: Rhea Lewis Photography Studio
Located in Jupiter Florida. 15+ years in business. 45 google reviews. Rhea has a Master of Photography from the Professional Photographers of America. She is a boudoir photography educator and an award-winning women’s portrait artist. She is a full-time, Certified, Licensed, and Insured Photographer, and had had numerous publications featuring her work in national magazines. She has an all-women team and a 200+ item studio lingerie wardrobe with sizes XS – 5X, accessories, and props. She provides two sets of head-to-toe angel wings for client use. She offers in-studio professional hair and makeup artistry, champagne, and a same-day photo reveal. She is known nationally for her Warrior Goddess project working with breast cancer survivors, and her Fab 50 program for women 50 and up.
#2: Graciela Valdes Fine Art Photography
Located in Oakland Park Florida. 7+ years in business. 78 google reviews. She photographs a mix of boudoir, business branding, and other commissions including weddings, celebrations, family, maternity, graduation, and product photography. She is a member of PPA, professionally certified by PPA, and has been published in a variety of publications. She provides a planning session and a professional makeup artist.
#3: Liberation Boudoir
Located in Miami Florida. 10+ years in business. 9 google Reviews. She is an award-winning photographer from Portrait Masters and is a member of Professional Photographers of America. She is a Published Photographer—including Vogue Italia.
She is a Full-time, Professional, Certified, Licensed, Insured Photographer.
#4: Bomshell Boudoir Studios
Located in West Palm Beach Florida and Syracuse New York. 5+ years in business. 43 google reviews. She provides hair and makeup and has a set of angel wings for client use. 2K followers on Instagram.
#5: Stephanie Suarez Boudoir
Located in West Palm Beach Florida. 3+ years in business. 30 google reviews. She offers hair and makeup artistry, and lunch with her boudoir shoots. She has a set of angel wings for clients to use and is currently offering a “40 over 40” project.
#6: Nice Boudie Studio
Located in Boynton Beach Florida. 5+ years in business. 46 google reviews. Jamee Fink photographs boudoir, engagements, and weddings. She offers hair and makeup artistry, a client closet wardrobe and same-day photo reveal.
#7: Boudoir by Nikki
Located in Miami Florida. 7+ years in business. 54 google reviews. This photographer specializes in dark and shadowy boudoir. She offers a wardrobe closet, and professional hair and makeup artistry.
#8: Lynn Dee Photography
Located in Vero Beach Florida. 3+ years in business. 28 google reviews. She photographs boudoir only. She provides clients with a modest wardrobe closet and hair and makeup artistry for shoots.
#9: Nicole Marie Boudoir
Located in Sebastian Florida. 3+ years in business 47 google reviews. She specializes in shadowy and moody boudoir and intimate portraits for women. She has an all-women staff and offers reveal parties.
#10: Shannon Griffin Photography
Located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. 3+ years in business. 11 google reviews. She takes a very artistic and interpretive approach to boudoir and the female form and offers only a limited number of commissioned sessions each year. She photographs weddings, family, and children as well.5
Are you ready to feel empowered and sensual with a boudoir photoshoot?
Are you ready to be treated like a supermodel for a few hours can help you embrace your beauty and innate sensuality? Once you see your stunning photos, you’ll be blown away by how gorgeous you really are, and those images will always be around to remind you of that and help you rebuild your self-confidence. A boudoir session can be an amazing transformational experience for you and help you see that you’re truly beautiful just as you are. Don’t be afraid to get in front of the camera and strut your stuff at any age or size, while under the guidance of a true professional, you will embark on a journey of self-love you have never experienced before.
boudoir photography is for every women...
REVIEW FROM AMANDA C.
5/5
My experience was phenomenal! I felt like a star and amazing in my skin for the first time in a long time. Rhea and her team are remarkable. I would recommend Rhea and her team to any lady that is looking for a safe place to feel like a woman again!
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Transformational Breast Cancer Survivor Boudoir in South Florida
South Florida boudoir for breast cancer survivors
Stepping outside your comfort zone is what these sessions are all about. If you listen to Ms M’s video chat with us about her session you will see that it takes a lot if courage to do this..but when you say “yes” to things..then the magic happens! My transformational boudoir shoots show breast cancer survivors and everyday women how empowering boudoir is.
Yes, we still are accepting nominations for complimentary breast cancer survivor sessions and yes, you can nominate yourself! Click here: https://www.rhealewisphotography.com/breast-cancer-boudoir-services/
Whether you’re a breast cancer survivor or not..all women deserve to reclaim their self-esteem and confidence and see and believe in your beauty, power and sensuality. You see all women have a beautiful inner light of femininity. By trusting me to guide you through the process of trying on lingerie, finding outfits that accentuate your best features, having your hair and makeup done, sipping champagne and listening to your favorite music. All you have to do is feel beautiful and pampered. You will forget your scars. You will forget that your body looks different. You will forget that your hair is thinned or looks completely different. All you will know is that YOU ARE FABULOUS. I will be there to guide you through the process and treat you like the goddess that you are. And then something will spark inside of you that hasn’t happened in a long time.
Some of my favorite quotes from her video:
“Healing happens when you choose to participate in life and you accept what life has given you.”
“I saw for the first time the power that I have as a women and the warrior goddess spirit that I have had through my cancer journey in the pictures that Rhea showed me”
“My unwavering spirit was something that cancer couldn’t touch, Rhea captures that essence of myself”
“I now have this amazing photo book that I can look at and remind myself of the power and the magic that I have.”
“To see your beauty and spirit through someone else’s eyes is truly uplifting”
I have photographed women at various stages in their diagnosis from those just diagnosed to 10-year survivors. Each and every woman has a powerful story of strength, reliance and renewed love of life and connection. I have felt so blessed to meet each and every one of these women and their stories of survival and strength have touched me deeply. It’s your turn to feel empowered and more feminine than you ever have.
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).
I had no idea that my fitness tagline, would now be my life’s mission every single day! Without knowing that was truly my purpose in life. Now, I’m not thankful for having cancer, but I am extremely thankful for the things and lessons I’ve learned as well as all the amazing people I have met during my journey. Rhea was one of them. She taught me that having Breast Cancer and my scars didn’t define me. She showed me how to feel empowered and confident through something I NEVER would have ever done!
When I walked into her studio and saw her SMILE pillow, I knew I was in the right place.
Not only has it helped me through my journey but so many others as well. It has allowed me to help Change The World. One S.M.I.L.E. at a time because of it.”
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!
In her own words:
“Cancer strips you of everything (well tries to anyway) and there is NOTHING sexy or sensual about cancer #facts
I’m not a lingerie girl!
I’m not a sexy or sensual girl!
I’m a girl that loves to rock leggings and workout 
who happened to get a breast cancer diagnosis and had a double mastectomy which means I no longer have my own breasts which as we know, as a woman we identify with them (especially breast feeding).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
This breast cancer boudoir session was self-care for my mind and my emotions, something that many of us forget to focus on!
When I look at my pictures I forget I was in the middle of my treatment and had expanders in.
I look at my pictures and say, way to step out of your comfort zone and be the badass you didn’t know you had inside of you! 
“
“
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.
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