5 Years After her Photoshoot, She Still Feels Empowered by Her Portraits

5 Years After her Photoshoot, She Still Feels Empowered by Her Portraits

How Boudoir Photography changes your life

I met Lori 5 years ago. She was a referral from the hair salon next door to my studio.

At first, she was looking for some branding photos for her new website for her nutritional supplements. We met and discussed many ideas on how we could communicate her message of a healthy lifestyle and her brand.  She was living proof of her healthy lifestyle, having overcome some serious medical issues that she resolved with diet and supplements.

She decided to move forward with our full-day luxury session experience, where we have 5 or more outfits, in-studio hair and makeup for the day, and we book out the studio all day for you. As we talked more together, we discussed the possibility of adding some boudoir to her session since her wedding anniversary was also coming up.

She shared with me that both of her parents had recently passed, and she was feeling a little low. She was hopeful that a session like this could get her energized and motivated to keep moving forward.  Later she shared with me that she was indeed suffering from depression, and that having a session like this to look forward to really helped keep her mind focused on positive things and not negative.  

Having recently suffered the loss of her mother, she also felt the need to provide a legacy to her own daughter. This was extremely important to her, so we came up with a wardrobe and styling that would be suitable including outfits and jewelry that meant something to her.

So, while her original inquiry was for a personal business branding session, it really turned into something much more. By communicating what she really wanted from the photo session and learning what it truly could be, Lori decided to go for it and step outside her comfort zone. She decided to go with a truly transformational custom photo session experience designed just for her.  Legacy portraits for her daughter and a sensual expression of love portraits for her husband.  And by doing this, she was able to give herself the gift of self-love, confidence, self-esteem, and most importantly a way to refocus her energy away from her depression.

If you listen to her Facebook live interview with me, you will see that even after 5 years, the details of her experience are still fresh. She shared with me that when she showed her portraits to her husband her thought he was the luckiest man in the world!  And her daughter was blown away by the legacy album she gifted her.  Lori also purchased wall art and she said that every time she looks at her portraits on the wall it fills her with pride and brings back those feelings of confidence and makes her smile, and she realized that loving herself was the most important part of her experience.

DOES DOING A PHOTOSHOOT LIKE THIS SOUND LIKE SOMETHING YOU'D LIKE TO DO?

Custom designing a photo session is all about really talking about what is important to you and what may be possible. If you are interested in a legacy glamour or sensual boudoir, or anything in between. Let’s talk. Let’s see where our conversation leads, it may surprise you! 

I invite you to join our private women's only facebook community

what to wear at your boudoir session

what to wear at your boudoir session

If the thought of trying on lingerie CAUSES YOU ANXIETY...we got you!

Let’s talk lingerie for a minute…
If the thought of trying on lingerie causes you anxiety..you’re not alone! 

Most women agree that similar to bathing suit shopping, lingerie shopping can be a very unpleasant experience.  

Maybe you’re considering a boudoir session, but the thought of lingerie shopping is keeping you from taking that next step.  I get that. Really I do! I have suffered through many an unpleasant lingerie shopping experience with nothing fitting properly or looking right on my body type.  And don’t get me started on the dressing room mirrors and lighting! 

But remember ladies, a boudoir session is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and reconnecting with your femininity. Being vulnerable and getting comfortable in your own skin is what the boudoir experience is all about.  So trying on lingerie can be a big first step on your journey of self-love, acceptance ,and boosting your confidence.  

But where do you start?

How do you know what will look good on you?

What if you haven’t had on lingerie in many years? 

I am there for you every step of the way...

From XS to 5X, I keep a fully stocked and ever expanding studio wardrobe closet. I have become somewhat of a lingerie addict over the years…and I absolutely LOVE it!

Having a positive lingerie experience is all part of the boudoir photography experience at Rhea Lewis  Photography studio. This is really important to me! I believe that ALL women, all ages, and all sizes can begin the process of self- love and confidence building by starting with a positive lingerie experience. No need to order online and have to return back and forth to get the right size or style. And no need to have to shop at a store with terrible service. No need for any of that, or any added expense associated with purchasing your own lingerie for your boudoir photoshoot. 

I believe that there is something transformative about how a woman feels about herself when she tries on luxurious lingerie.  And having someone there to guide you through the process, gently push you out of your comfort zone and offer you honest and positive feedback on which pieces look the best on you, is key to that transformation.  I will consider everything discussed at your in person consultation with me; your style, and the 3 words describing how you’d like to feel from your session experience.  I will listen and watch for your reaction to seeing yourself in lingerie and am an expert fitter.   I has learned over the years which styles and lingerie pieces will look best on different body shapes and sizes.  

DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF LINGERIE IS BEST FOR YOUR BODY TYPE?

Teddy
Babydoll
Bra & Pant Set
Corset
Chemise
Bustier
Garterbelt
Romper
Halter top & G-string

DO YOU KNOW THE BEST STYLE AND COLOR FOR YOU?

I have had years of experience and will guide you through this process. Even if you’ve never thought you could wear a garter belt or a corset, you can try it here!  We have a safe and private space to play dress-up and really explore styles and colors you NEVER would have pulled off the rack!  

I truly believe that ALL women of all ages and sizes can wear lingerie and feel beautiful. I’ll accentuate your best features and minimize those areas of concern or sensitivity.  From XS to 5X in my ever-expanding studio wardrobe, you will have many outfits to choose from. You’ll wind up at the end of your lingerie fitting super excited and ready for your session!

WHAT ABOUT ACCESSORIES?

My studio closet wardrobe is just that..a closet!  All closets have accessories..right? Well, my studio closet is no different.  I offer head-to-toe styling with a full collection of shoes, jewelry, thigh highs, body jewelry, masks, furs, shawls, robes, gloves, etc…

Just bring YOU to the session, leave the rest to ME!

can i bring my own lingerie?

Yes, you can. If you have pieces you love and want to wear at your session, you can definitely do that too. If you have your spouse’s shirt, sports jersey, or big sweater, that can be very sexy too!   I  just ask that you send pics of them to me so that I can then provide you with head-to-toe styling. 

We also welcome you to ask us any questions you may have. At Rhea Lewis Boudoir Photography Studio, I am here for you every step of the way. So, if you find yourself questioning something or would like to clarify something, reach out to me. I want you to embrace this life-changing photo shoot and not let anything stand in your way. I am here to reassure you in any way we can, woman to woman.

Are you ready to feel beautiful?

Top 13 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir Photography

Top 13 Most Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir Photography

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

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. 

Exist in Portraits

breast cancer boudoirPictures Can Be Artifacts to the Past

Do you take pleasure in taking images and gathering the pictures in scrapbooks, picture albums or online by themselves unique location?
Obviously you do! Many people do and they like to take image after image of whatever from a random night out with pals, to photos of their household and kids to pictures of their trips to every corner of the world.

Why do we take photos? Well, take a look at the reasons you like taking pictures. You like to take pictures due to the fact that it is a reminder of the great times and the hard times. In essence, images act as your own historic artifact to the past and permit you to bear in mind occasions and memories that fade with the passing years.

Why you should consider professional portraits

  • Portraits are individual artifacts that tell the story of you. Portraits can capture a feeling and document a time in your life. Professional photographers take your picture artifacts to the next level and develop a history of you that can be seen for many years to come by you, your family, your friends and future generations.
  • Keeping up with professional portraits let the images tell the entire story. Do not miss out on a chance to take portraits often. Occasions such as an unique birthday, getting rid of an individual obstacle, or perhaps reaching a weight-loss objective all should be celebrated and catching that minute on film is an effective, self-affirming method way to do it. . 
  • Pass on the significance of portraits to your household and friends. They will probably not understand the significance of producing photo artifacts, however you will be giving them a beautiful artifact to remember you by. Portraits allow you to share a memory with them. The professional portraiture we provide are ageless and classy.
  • Taking portraits is most likely among the most satisfying and enjoyable things you can do in your life. Once you see the result of our professional hair & makeup, pampering and gentle coaching, you will be so happy to see how beautiful you really are. Appreciating and documenting your inner beauty is self-affirming and boosts confidence. Professional portraiture is not just for others, it is for you as well.

Improving Self Confidence and Self Esteem for a Better You

breast cancer boudoirWith no cause for an argument, everyone would concur that with a bit more self self-confidence,  an individual can raise their self worth. They can end up being a much better individual with more belief in his/her self. You can see the world in an entire brand-new viewpoint and your self self-confidence is a huge consideration.

The advantages of having actually a reinforced self-confidence are limitless, however lacking it can imprison you in a drab life. You might never ever understand the complete level of your capacity.

Structure your Self Confidence and Self Esteem

The real secret to getting self-confidence and self esteem is to think of yourself. For some individuals this might be really hard, specifically if they grew up in an environment with out much genuine love and assistance. Regular portraiture photography can help establish your self confidence and self love.

Focusing and establishing the skills you remain strong in will let you have confidence in your abilities. The more you see an element in your life that you are excellent in, you can value yourself and be happy. Allowing to see yourself beautiful and confident in portraits can do this.

As you develop your self self-confidence, an excellent method to establish it is to evaluate and challenge yourself gradually and slowly. The more obstacles you dominate the much better you will feel about yourself. So once you become comfortable with beautiful portraits of yourself, you might become even more comfortable with boudoir photography and seeing the true inner and outer beauty you possess.

No requirement to wait, you can begin developing self-confidence and self-esteem today, an universe waits on those who thinks and likes themself.

Seeing Through the Scars: A Photo Journey of Beauty Beyond Survival

The New Studio of Visual Arts in Jupiter will host A Photo Journey of Healing for Breast Cancer Survivors Art Exhibit and Charity Event from renowned Florida photographer Rhea Lewis. Kicking off with an Opening Reception on Friday, April 5th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the studio, the exhibit will run through the end of April to raise funds for breast cancer survival group The Lighthouse Dragons and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Cancer event.

This art installation is introduced to the community as an effort to bring awareness that these photo sessions can truly help breast cancer patients and survivors embrace new perspectives on personal beauty, recapture sensuality and self-confidence no matter the changes they have undergone. In contrast to frequent depictions of scarring and the difficulties that often accompany a positive breast cancer diagnosis, the exhibit aims to look beyond the battle and encapsulate the inner light of women who refused to be defined by the effects of the disease.

Rhea Lewis is an award winning photographer and the proprietor of the highly regarded studio in Jupiter. With a focus on empowering women through boudoir photography, Rhea has been working with breast cancer survivors since 2017. Her work has captured women throughout various stages of the disease: from diagnosis to 20 year survivors. Additionally, she serves as a public speaker and mentor for other artists. Rhea was named Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographer’s Guild of the Palm Beaches and was included among the top 10 of all photographers in Florida by Florida Professional Photographers Association.

The Lighthouse Dragons are a team of breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Their mission is to
promote the physical benefits of an active lifestyle along with the providing support and a sense of community to all those afflicted by breast cancer through the sport of dragon boating.

Making Strides against Breast Cancer is a national event held by the American Cancer Society to honor breast cancer survivors and promote measures to reduce risk of the disease.

Exhibit and Event: The New Studio for the Visual Arts Opening Reception: April 5th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 1615 S. Cypress Drive, Suite 1 Jupiter FL 33469