Mid-summer was when Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” took over my life. I couldn’t stop listening to it. Something about the song, its addictive rhythm, its vibrant energy, inspired me deeply. An idea was born, I needed to create a photoshoot dripping in the essence of this song. I envisioned pink everywhere! Glitter, sparkles, SKIN!! A celebration of self-expression and confidence.
As fate would have it, one of my good friends told me her sister was interested in this idea. There was just one catch: she lived in Alaska and wouldn’t be in Spokane until December. Something told me to wait and practice patience (I don’t have a lot of that okay?). I just knew she’d be perfect for this project.
Over the months, anticipation built—but so did her self-doubt. She wavered back and forth, uncertain if she could follow through with the shoot. It’s a journey many of us know too well: battling insecurities, questioning our worth, and worrying if we’ll measure up. When she finally decided to go for it, I was overjoyed.
When the day came, the energy was electric. She had poured her heart into designing a session full of bold pinks, shimmering glitter, and unapologetic glam (Those ass-less chaps? She made those herself!) During the shoot, everything clicked. We tried new ideas, captured genuine laughter, and highlighted her radiant beauty. Straight out of the camera, the photos were stunning. I was ecstatic.
But as the session came to a close, self-doubt struck again. Anxiety swept over her, and she felt overwhelmed. Despite her beauty and the magic we had created, those inner critics came crashing down like a tidal wave. She decided to call it quits early, and my heart broke for her. I reassured her that she had done an incredible job and left, hoping the final images would show her what I saw.
I was right. When she saw the photos, her perspective shifted. The joy, confidence, and allure she exuded during the session were undeniable. It reminded me of something important: insecurity doesn’t discriminate. Even the most gorgeous, vibrant individuals fight silent battles with self-doubt.
This shoot struck a personal chord for me. I saw a reflection of my own struggles with self-image and confidence from years ago. Through this experience, I realized how deeply boudoir photography aligns with my mission. It’s not just about capturing beauty; it’s about helping women embrace themselves as they are—flaws, fears, and all.
This shoot will forever hold a special place in my heart. It reminded me why I do what I do: to empower women, celebrate natural beauty, and provide a safe space for self-love to bloom. To anyone reading this, know that you are enough, exactly as you are. And if you’re battling self-doubt, let this be your reminder to push through. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments come from the times we dare to step outside our comfort zones.
