You're Barely in Your Own Life. Here's How to Change That.

How women stop living on the sidelines of their own lives and what it actually feels like to step back in.

WEEK 20 · Self Worth & Personal Growth

By Jennifer Dirksen · Sheer Photography, Youngstown OH · Est. read time: 5 min

At some point (and you probably can't pinpoint exactly when) your life became mostly about other people.

What they need. What they want. What schedule works for them. What mood they're in. What version of you makes everything run smoothly.

And you… adjusted. You accommodated. You made it work. You got really, really good at fitting yourself into whatever space was left over after everyone else was taken care of.

Until one day you looked up and realized: you're barely in your own life. You're managing it. Maintaining it. Holding it together. But actually living it… fully, presently, as a whole person with wants and needs and an interior world that matters? That quietly moved to the back burner so long ago you almost stopped noticing it was there.

You didn't disappear all at once. You adjusted, accommodated, and deferred (one small moment at a time) until there was almost nothing left of you in your own story.

You're allowed to want more. That's not selfish… it's human.

Here's the thing about wanting more space in your own life: it shouldn't feel radical. It should just feel obvious. But for a lot of women (especially women who've spent years being the one who holds everything together) wanting more for yourself comes loaded with guilt.

More time. More attention. More room to just be without immediately being needed by someone. More of your own life, lived on your own terms.

Wanting that doesn't make you a bad mom or a bad partner or a selfish person. It makes you someone who is paying attention. Someone who has noticed that the arrangement isn't working… not for anyone, but especially not for you. And someone who is finally willing to say it out loud.

That's not a character flaw. That's clarity.

Why it feels wrong at first and why that doesn't mean it is

This is the part I really want you to sit with, because it trips almost every woman up: when you first start choosing yourself… when you first start taking up the space you're actually entitled to… it feels wrong!

Uncomfortable. Selfish. Like you're doing something you're not supposed to.

But here's what's actually happening: it feels wrong because it's unfamiliar. You've spent so long accommodating and shrinking and deferring that showing up for yourself registers as a threat to the system. Your nervous system flags it. The people around you might flag it. And that discomfort gets interpreted as evidence that you shouldn't be doing it.

It's not evidence of that. It's evidence that you've been doing the opposite for a very long time.

The discomfort isn't a stop sign. It's a signal that something is actually shifting.

Choosing yourself feels wrong because it's unfamiliar, not because it is wrong. Those are two completely different things.

This is your life too. Not just something you manage.

I want you to really hear that sentence. Not your life as a role. Not your life as a function. Not your life as the sum of everything you do for other people.

Your life as something you actually live. With intention. With presence. With yourself in it… not as an afterthought, not as a reward for when everything else is done, but as a full, non-negotiable participant in your own story.

That's not a luxury. That's the baseline. And somewhere along the way, a lot of us got talked out of it (by expectations, by roles, by the very real demands of the people we love) and started treating it like something we'd get to eventually.

Eventually is now. You don't have to earn your place in your own life.

Five ways to start taking your space back

Not grand gestures. Not a life overhaul. Just small, deliberate choices that say: I exist here too.

• Take time for yourself without explaining or justifying it… the explanation isn't required

• Say what you actually want without softening it into something smaller and more palatable

• Do one thing weekly that is entirely, unapologetically yours

• Let yourself be seen and heard… in conversations, in rooms, in your own relationships

• Ask yourself daily: "Where am I shrinking right now?" and get honest about the answer

Where boudoir fits into all of this

A session at Sheer is one of the most literal versions of this I know: you carve out time that is entirely yours. You walk into a space where nothing is being asked of you except to show up as yourself. You don't manage anyone. You don't accommodate anyone. You don't make yourself smaller so the room feels comfortable.

You just exist and let yourself be seen that way.

For a lot of women, it's the first time in years they've done that. And what comes out of it isn't just beautiful photos. It's the felt experience of taking up space and realizing the world didn't end. Nobody needed saving. Nothing fell apart.

It was fine. More than fine.

It felt like being alive again.

You're not here to live on the sidelines of your own story. You never were.

Your life has been waiting for you to show back up in it.

Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

She's Not Gone. She's Just Been Waiting.

How moms rebuild confidence… not by becoming someone new, but by coming back to the woman who's been there all along.

WEEK 19 · CONFIDENCE & MINDSET

By Jennifer Dirksen · Sheer Photography, Youngstown OH · Est. read time: 5 min

Let me tell you what I actually see when a woman walks into my studio for the first time.

She's usually a little nervous and unsure. She's been talking herself into this, most likely because she had a moment of “enough is enough”… but there's a part of her that's waiting for someone to confirm that she made a mistake coming here.

And underneath all of that, there's this other energy. Quiet. Patient. Like something in her has been waiting a very long time to be let out.

That's her confidence. It didn't leave. It just stopped getting airtime.

This isn't about becoming a new version of yourself. It's about coming back to the one who's been waiting… and she has been incredibly patient!

Confidence isn't something you lost. It's something you buried.

We talk about confidence like it's a thing you either have or don't. Like some women were born with it and the rest of us are just out here hoping it shows up eventually.

That's not how it works!

Confidence erodes quietly, in small daily choices. Every time you put yourself last. Every time you talked yourself out of the thing you actually wanted. Every time you shrunk to make someone else comfortable, or waited for permission to take up space, or told yourself maybe later until later became never.

None of those moments felt dramatic. But they added up. And now you're standing here wondering where she went… the version of you that felt sure of herself, that moved through rooms differently, that didn't need a reason to feel good.

She didn't go anywhere. You just moved away from her, one small choice at a time.

You don't think your way back. You act your way back.

Here's where most women get stuck: they wait until they feel confident to start acting like it. They want the feeling to arrive first… then they'll wear the thing, say the thing, do the thing!

But it works the other way around, babe!

Confidence is built through action. Specifically through small moments where you choose yourself and then follow through. Where you say you're going to do something and you actually do it. Where you treat yourself like someone worth showing up for, even when nobody else is watching.

It's not loud. It's not a dramatic overnight shift. It's quiet and steady and real. And honestly? That kind of confidence hits completely different than the performative kind. Because it's yours. You built it. And nobody can take it from you.

You don't wait to feel confident and then act. You act (even when it's small, even when it's uncomfortable) and the feeling follows.

What it actually looks like to start

Not a 75 day challenge. Not a total life overhaul. Just five small, non-negotiable shifts that start building the evidence your nervous system needs to believe you again:

• Do one thing daily that is purely, unapologetically for you… and make it non-negotiable

• Follow through on something you told yourself you'd do, no matter how small

• Notice the way you talk to yourself and start talking to her like someone you actually like

• Get back into your body (movement, presence, touch) on your own terms

• Let yourself be seen a little more each day, in whatever way feels just slightly outside your comfort zone

None of these are revolutionary. But done consistently, they are quietly radical. Because they all say the same thing: I matter enough to show up for. And once you start believing that, everything else starts to shift around it.

Why boudoir fits here

A session at Sheer isn't a reward you earn once you've figured yourself out. It's a tool for figuring yourself out. It's a few hours where you give yourself full permission to exist outside of every role you play and you get to see yourself (maybe for the first time in years) as a whole woman instead of a collection of flaws.

Women cry at their gallery reveals not because the photos are flattering. They cry because they recognize her. The version of themselves they've been putting off, waiting on, being too busy for.

She was in there the whole time.

She's ready when you are.

Your confidence isn't gone. It's been waiting on you to choose it.

Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

How to Feel Desired Again (after putting yourself last)

Not by someone else. By yourself first and why that changes everything.

Week 18 - SENSUALITY & SELF-IDENTITY

By Jennifer Dirksen · Sheer Photography, Youngstown OH · Est. read time: 5 min

When was the last time you felt truly wanted?

Not needed. Not depended on. Not the person who holds everything together because if you don't, it falls apart. Not the one everyone comes to with their problems, their hunger, their laundry.

Wanted. Desired. Like someone (like you) saw yourself and thought: damn!

Yeah. It's been a minute, hasn't it?

I'm not asking to make you feel bad. I'm asking because most women can't actually remember, and I think that matters more than we let ourselves admit.

"Being needed is constant. Being desired is something different entirely and you deserve to feel both."

Needed and desired are not the same thing

Here's the thing nobody says clearly enough: being needed is exhausting. It's relentless. It asks everything of you and gives very little back.

Being desired is the opposite energy. It's generative. It lights something up in you instead of draining it. It says: you are more than what you do for people. You are someone worth wanting just for existing in your own skin.

Most of us have been operating almost entirely in "needed" mode for so long that we've forgotten the other one exists. We've traded desire for dependability and called it being a good woman. A good mom. A good partner.

And then we wonder why we feel invisible.

You didn't stop being desirable. You stopped seeing yourself.

This is the part I really need you to hear: you didn't become less attractive when life got heavy. You didn't lose your magnetism when you had kids, or hit a certain age, or stopped fitting into a size you used to wear.

You just stopped looking at yourself. Really looking… not the critical inventory scan you do in the mirror before you leave the house. Not the comparison spiral on social media. Actually seeing yourself the way someone who loved you would.

Your focus shifted entirely outward. Kids. Partner. Home. Work. Everyone else's needs got catalogued and managed and met. And you, slowly moved yourself to the bottom of the list until you weren’t even on it anymore.

"You didn't stop being worth wanting. You just stopped acting like it and eventually, you started believing it."

The part no one tells you: desire starts with you

Here's where I'm going to say something that might feel uncomfortable: waiting for someone else to make you feel desired before you feel it yourself is working backwards.

You don't feel desired first, then reconnect with yourself. You reconnect with yourself first and then you feel desired. By yourself. By others. By life.

That shift in order changes everything.

When you stop waiting for external validation to feel good in your own body, something opens up. You stop shrinking. You stop the constant self-monitoring. You start moving through the world differently… with a presence that people feel before they can explain why. That's not a mystical concept. That's just what it looks like when a woman is actually inhabiting herself instead of performing a version of herself she thinks is acceptable.

And that energy? That is the most magnetic thing in any room.

Five ways to start reclaiming it

These aren't spa day suggestions. These are small, real, daily choices that say: I exist. I matter. I'm not waiting anymore.

• Spend time looking at yourself without fixing anything… just looking, without the running critique

• Do one thing daily that makes you feel attractive, even if no one ever sees it

• Move your body slowly and intentionally… not to burn something, just to feel yourself in it

• Stop waiting for someone else's validation before you decide you feel good

• Ask yourself honestly: "Do I feel good in my own presence right now?" and get curious about the answer

What a boudoir session actually does

I want to be direct about this, because I think it gets misunderstood.

Women don't book sessions at Sheer because they already feel desired and want photos to prove it. They book because something inside them is done waiting to feel that way. They're tired of being last. Tired of being invisible. Tired of moving through life as a function instead of a woman.

What happens in a session is simple and also kind of profound: for a few hours, you get to be seen. Completely. Intentionally. Without apology or performance. And through the lens (through the whole experience) you start to see yourself the way you've been waiting for someone else to.

Not because the photos make you look different than you are. Because they show you exactly as you are and you realize she was always worth wanting.

You just had to look.

Feeling desired doesn't start with someone else. It starts with how you see yourself.

Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Everyday Mom by Day... Seductress by Night

Week 17 - SENSUALITY & SELF-IDENTITY

By Jennifer Dirksen · Sheer Photography, Youngstown OH · Est. read time: 5 min

Why balancing motherhood and sensuality isn't a contradiction… it's the most honest thing you can do for yourself.

Somewhere between the snack requests, the school drop-offs, and the full-time job of keeping tiny humans alive and reasonably emotionally intact... she got quiet.

Not gone. Not dead. Just tucked away in a drawer somewhere, under the grocery lists and the permission slips and the mental load that never actually turns off.

Because "mom" became your whole identity. And nobody told you that was a problem… because from the outside, you were crushing it. Present, capable, selfless. The gold standard.

But inside… something felt missing. Not your kids. Not your love for them. Just... you! The layered, complex, sensual, fully-expressed version of you that existed before the title.

"Motherhood was never meant to erase the woman underneath it. She was always supposed to come with you."

You didn't lose her. You just stopped letting her out.

Here's what I want you to hear clearly: you didn't become less sexy when you became a mom. You didn't suddenly stop being desirable, magnetic, or worth wanting. You just stopped accessing that part of yourself… because at some point, it stopped feeling appropriate. Safe. Necessary.

So you packed her up. Put her in the back. Told yourself "maybe later" so many times that later started to feel like never.

And the disconnect you feel now? That low-level restlessness, that sense that you've been performing a version of yourself rather than actually living inside of one? That's not a failure of motherhood. That's the cost of abandoning yourself to do it.

The myth of the "one-thing" woman

We have this cultural story that a good mom is a certain kind of woman. Soft. Selfless. Consumed by the role. Like being fully present for your kids requires being absent from yourself.

It doesn't. That's a lie that mostly benefits everyone around you.

You were never meant to be just one thing. Not just mom. Not just partner. Not just caretaker. You are a woman who also happens to be those things… and the more you squeeze yourself into a single identity, the more disconnected you feel from all of them.

You can be soft and magnetic. Nurturing and a little dangerous. The person who packs the lunches and the person who walks into a room and makes people look. Those things don't cancel each other out. They actually make each other better.

"The most grounded, joyful moms I know aren't the ones who gave everything up. They're the ones who kept themselves… on purpose."

Sensuality isn't what happens at midnight. It's how you move through your whole day.

I think when most women hear "sensual," they go straight to lingerie and candlelight. And listen… yes please!! But that's not what I'm actually talking about here.

Sensuality is a way of being in your body. It's how you carry yourself through a Tuesday. It's the difference between moving through your day on autopilot… checking boxes, managing chaos… and actually inhabiting your life.

It's in the way you let yourself enjoy something without immediately feeling guilty about it. The way you wear the thing that makes you feel alive, not just functional. The way you pause for five seconds and actually feel the warm coffee in your hands instead of inhaling it in the carpool line.

That energy isn't something you unlock at 10pm when the house is quiet. It's something you allow… or don't allow… all day long.

Five small ways to let her back in

You don't have to overhaul your life. You just have to start making small, deliberate choices that say: I'm still here. I still matter. I'm not just a function.

• Take 5 minutes alone just to feel your body… no task, no phone, no performance

• Put on music while doing something mundane and let yourself move differently in it

• Wear something under your clothes just for you… nobody else needs to know

• Look at yourself in the mirror without immediately fixing something

• Ask: "What would feel good right now?"… and actually listen to the answer

What this has to do with boudoir

Everything. Because what I do at Sheer isn't about creating a "sexy mom" aesthetic for your husband's benefit. It's about carving out a few hours where you exist completely outside of every role you play… and getting to see yourself as a full, complex, beautiful woman who is so much more than what she does for other people.

The women who cry during their gallery reveal? It's not because the photos are pretty. It's because they finally see the version of themselves they put away. And she looks better than they remembered.

You don't have to choose between being a devoted mom and feeling like her. You get to be both. You always did.

Ready to stop putting yourself in the back of the drawer? Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Why Being “Nice” Is Blocking Your Confidence & Sexiness

Week 16 - Burn the Good Girl

By Jennifer Dirksen · Sheer Photography, Youngstown OH · Est. read time: 4 min

Why your "nice girl" era isn't your sexy era… and what it looks like to finally close that chapter.

Let's just say what everyone's thinking but nobody posts: the version of you that kept the peace, made everyone comfortable, and stayed perfectly likable? She worked hard. She kept a lot of plates spinning. And she was completely, quietly, suffocating the part of you that actually wants to be felt.

This isn't a callout. It's a recognition. Because most women who walk into my studio have spent years being good. Good daughters, good employees, good partners, good moms. And somewhere in the middle of all that goodness… they lost the version of themselves that takes up space without apologizing for it.

"Nice is filtered. Measured. Careful. Sexy is expressed. Unapologetic. Present. You can't fully inhabit one while clinging to the other."

The difference between nice and expressed

Here's what nobody tells you in the self-help aisle: confidence isn't something you build. It's something you stop blocking.

Nice girl energy shows up as shrinking. Qualifying your opinions before you give them. Laughing off the compliment instead of just saying "thank you." Wearing the outfit that's acceptable instead of the one that makes you feel like that b*tch!

But expressed energy is when you stop filtering yourself for the comfort of the room. You say what you mean… kindly, clearly, and without the three sentence apology attached. You let people actually see you instead of the carefully managed version of you.

That's not coldness. That's not selfishness. That's just... realness. And real is magnetic in a way that "nice" never gets to be.

You can be kind and still be fully yourself

I want to be really clear here because this gets misread: burning the good girl doesn't mean becoming a b*tch. It doesn't mean blowing up your relationships or showing up reckless. It means giving yourself the same permission to be seen that you so freely give everyone else.

It means saying "actually, I don't love that" instead of "oh no it's fine, totally fine." It means wearing the thing that makes you feel alive, not just the thing that won't cause a comment. It means asking yourself, before you shrink again… am I being liked right now, or am I being real?

"The women you look at and think…. damn!!! They're not perfect. They're expressed. They're in their bodies. They're not asking for permission. And that energy is completely undeniable."

Five small shifts that change everything

You don't have to overhaul your personality. You just have to start letting more of yourself through. Here's where to begin:

• Say what you actually mean… kindly, but without the qualifiers that make it smaller

• Let yourself be seen in low stakes moments first: a photo, a conversation, a room you walk into differently

• Wear something that feels like you… not just the version of you that's trying to not be too much

• Move your body in a way that feels good, not performative, for you

• Ask yourself honestly: "Am I being liked right now... or am I being real?"

What this has to do with boudoir

Everything. Literally everything.

Women don't come to Sheer because they already feel confident. They come because somewhere inside them, they know there's a version of themselves they've been quietly managing and they want, for one day, to just let her out. No filtering. No apologizing. No performing comfort for the people around them.

The magic of a boudoir session isn't the photos. (Though babe, the photos are something.) It's what happens when you spend a few hours being seen… fully, intentionally, without apology… and you realize she was there the whole time. You were just being too nice to let her show up.

That's the version of you that's been waiting. She's the one you've wanted to feel for years.

It's time to stop being so polite about it.

Ready to meet the version of yourself you've been keeping behind glass?

Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

How to Set Boundaries • Ohio Best Boudoir

Week 15 - Burn the Good Girl

Let’s talk about the thing that makes most women instantly uncomfortable:

Boundaries.

Because somewhere along the way…you learned that saying no = being selfish.

But last week, you stopped apologizing. So now you actually start choosing yourself!

🔥 Boundaries Aren’t Mean

They’re not punishments. They’re not rejection. They’re clarity.

They tell people: “This is what works for me. This is what doesn’t.”

And the right people will respect that. And if they don’t, that tells you more about them than yourself.

🔥 Why You Feel Guilty

Because you’re used to being the one who says yes. The reliable one. The accommodating one.

So when you shift, it feels wrong. But it’s not wrong… it’s just new.

🔥 Boundaries Build Confidence

Every time you honor yourself…you trust yourself more.

And confidence is built through those tiny moments. Not big, dramatic changes. Just quiet decisions where you choose you.

✨ Practical Shifts

• Start small: say no to one thing this week

• Don’t over-explain your no

• Use simple language: “That doesn’t work for me”

• Notice who respects your boundaries (and who doesn’t)

• Remind yourself: “I’m allowed to protect my energy”

When you start choosing yourself… everything about you shifts. Click the button below to send me a quick email for more info on a boudoir session and take that first step towards doing something for YOURSELF!

Own Your Confidence and Space • Ohio Best Boudoir

Week 14 - Burn the Good Girl

Be honest…

How many times have you said “sorry” today?!?!

Sorry for being late.
Sorry for asking a question.
Sorry for needing something.
Sorry for literally just… being a human.

Last week, we talked about the rules you’ve been living by.

This week…We’re breaking one of the biggest ones. I hope you’re ready!

🔥 You Were Taught to Soften Yourself

Apologizing became your way of staying likable.

It makes you easier to handle.
Less intimidating.
More… acceptable.

But every unnecessary “sorry” sends a message: “I don’t fully deserve to be here.”

And that’s just not true.

🔥 You’re Not “Too Much”

You’re not too loud, too emotional or too opinionated.

You’ve just been surrounded by people who were more comfortable when you were quieter.

Read that again.

🔥 Confidence Doesn’t Apologize

Confident women don’t shrink themselves to fit.

They take up space.
They ask for what they want.
They speak without cushioning every sentence.

And no… that doesn’t make them rude. It makes them grounded.

✨ Practical Shifts

• Replace “sorry” with “thank you” (Thank you for waiting vs. sorry I’m late)

• Catch yourself mid-apology and pause

• Practice saying what you want without over-explaining

• Stand taller, speak slower

• Remind yourself: “I don’t need to earn my space here”

You don’t need permission to take up space… but you might need practice feeling it. Click the button below to send me a quick email for more info on a boudoir session.

Why I Finally Did a Boudoir Session (& You Should Too!)

Hey #SheerBeauties! I took a big leap and traveled from New York to Youngstown, Ohio for my first boudoir shoot. It took a whole year of planning, intense workouts, and lots of prayer to make this happen…but it was all worth it! I'm excited to share the behind-the-scenes story & some of my favorite images with all of you.

There are many different reasons a person may want to do a boudoir session. For some it may serve as a wedding or anniversary gift, for others they may want to overcome body image issues or get a confidence boost. For me personally I had been following a dynamic couple; Brian and Jen, for many years on Instagram. Initially I had wanted to work with them as soon as I saw their feed and realized how incredibly talented they are. Despite this I was still a little apprehensive and it did take time for me to get more comfortable with the idea of being so vulnerable with my body in front of strangers. 🍑 I pretty much sat on the sidelines & pondered about how things would go if I ever booked my own shoot. Eventually one day I just decided to go for it & I’m so thankful I did! Shopping for lingerie & scouting out poses was so much fun. I really feel like my photos captured my personality and I was truly captivated & in awe of how I was captured on film. 

One of my favorite parts of my shoot was recreating the famous scene from the Wolf of Wall Street, “Morning Ritual”. Featured in these photo with me is an amazing local model, Tyjaan King.

When I saw my boudoir photos it was such a surreal feeling. I had never quite seen myself that way before & it felt almost as if I was seeing myself for the first time. The experience of seeing my photos allowed me to see how beautiful I truly am. Going through my divorce at a young age had left me feeling insecure, and this boudoir shoot definitely helped me validate myself and feel more confident in my own skin. It was worth every penny I spent! I can't wait to do it all again!

So, I challenge you to do a boudoir shoot at least once in your life. It doesn't matter if you're male or female, big or small, young or old. Boudoir photography is for everyone. It's time to embrace your inner beauty and celebrate yourself!

XOXO, Victoria

It's Time to Feel Sexy, Empowered and Confident

Ladies, it's time to embrace your beauty and sexuality regardless of your age, weight, and body type. Society has conditioned us to think that we must look like a supermodel to feel sexy and confident. But the truth is, we are all beautiful in our own unique way, and a boudoir session can help you realize that. For those who have never done a boudoir shoot before, you might feel hesitant and nervous, but trust me, this photoshoot can be a life-changing experience that will boost your self-esteem and help you connect with your feminine power. Read on to discover how a boudoir session can heal you and make you fall in love with yourself.

Rediscover your confidence

Your #SheerExperience is all about celebrating your beauty, strength, and sensuality. You get to embrace your body and let go of insecurities that might be holding you back from feeling confident and sexy. During the shoot, Jen & Brian will guide and pose you in ways that flatter your body and bring out your best qualities. You will be amazed at how empowering it feels to be in control of your body and show off your curves.

Embrace your femininity

As women, we tend to get lost in our daily routines and forget the importance of taking the time to nurture our inner goddess. Your Sheer Experience can help you reconnect with your feminine energy, which is essential for your overall well-being. You get to play dress-up, wear beautiful lingerie, and express yourself in ways that make you feel alive and sensual. Embracing your femininity also helps you tap into your intuition and enhance your relationships with yourself and others.

A transformative experience

A boudoir session with Sheer Photography is not just a photoshoot; it's a transformative experience that can help you heal from past traumas and emotional wounds. Many women have insecurities and body image issues that stem from past experiences, such as abusive relationships, rejection, or shaming. A boudoir shoot can help you reclaim your power and transform your negative self-talk into positive affirmations. You get to see yourself through the eyes of someone else who sees the beauty in you, despite your perceived flaws.

A gift to yourself

A boudoir session is not just a gift for someone else; it's a gift to yourself! You get to invest in yourself and create a lasting memory that you can cherish for years to come. Imagine looking at your boudoir album 10 or 20 years from now and feeling proud of yourself for having the courage to embrace your beauty and sexuality. Your SheerExperience is a reminder that you are worthy of love, respect, and pleasure.

Ladies, if you're still hesitant about booking a boudoir session with Northeast Ohio’s premier boudoir studio, I hope this helps you to give it a try. A boudoir shoot is not just a photoshoot; it's a transformative experience that can help you rediscover your confidence, embrace your femininity, heal from past traumas, and give yourself a gift that keeps on giving. Remember, you are beautiful, just the way you are! So, embrace your curves, wear that lingerie, and show the world your fierce and fabulous self!

Don’t be shy…

Oh honey, boudoir sessions are all the rage among us ladies. And let me tell you, it's not just about getting those sexy shots. It's about honoring and loving yourself just the way you are. No matter what shape or size you are, boudoir photography makes you feel like the goddess you truly are. So, don't be shy. Embrace your beauty and go for it! To inspire you, we interviewed one of our #SheerBeauties. Her thoughts are a true gem, so keep on reading.

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WHY DID YOU TAKE THE LEAP TO BOOK A BOUDOIR SESSION? I was inspired by an incredibly sexy and beautiful friend who had also had a photo shoot with Sheer Photography.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WALKING INTO THE STUDIO THE DAY OF YOUR SESSION? Wow, I gotta tell you - I was super nervous at first! But, Jen and Brian were absolutely amazing and put me at ease in no time.

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOUR SHOOT? I was so shocked at how incredibly breathtaking my pictures were.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS ON THE FENCE ABOUT BOOKING THEIR OWN SESSION? Just do it! You deserve it. The high will last for sooooo long. It's been months and I still feel incredible about myself.

DID YOU HAVE ANY INSECURITIES OR WORRIES ABOUT DOING A SESSION THAT WE HELPED YOU GET OVER BEFORE/DURING/AFTER YOUR SESSION? I thought I was so fat and unattractive. But Jen and Brian were so supportive and funny that I felt amazing during my session and even more confident after I saw all of my gorgeous photos.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS WORRIED ABOUT NOT LIKING ANY OF THEIR IMAGES AFTER THEIR SESSION? I didn't think there would be any pictures that I liked and I loved 99% of them. I had a hard time picking my favorites for the album.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WAS HESITANT TO INVEST MONEY INTO A BOUDOIR EXPERIENCE? I don't regret one penny of my money spent. Not one! I love my pictures and the self-confidence I gained from it is priceless!

XOXO, Miss D

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Trust me, after this experience, you'll feel like a million bucks. It's not just about the stunning images, it's about affirming your worth and feeling comfortable in your own skin. So, let's celebrate ourselves because we are all uniquely beautiful and deserving of it! If you are ready to schedule your own session, visit the CONTACT page and we will send you all the juicy info!

Get ready to slay your boudoir session, mama!

Oh, yes honey. It's time to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury and capture your boudoir beauty with Sheer Photography. But, hold up - don't start stressing about the prep! I've got your back, girl. As a fellow mama, I know how overwhelming it can be to prepare for something like a boudoir session. But guess what? I'm here to share my tips and tricks on how to prepare for your boudoir session like a pro. So grab a glass of wine and let's dive in, mama!

First things first: outfit selection. When planning for your boudoir session, remember that confidence is key. Choose outfits that make you feel sexy, but also comfortable. Whether it's a lacy bralette, a silky robe, or high-waisted undies, choose pieces that accentuate your curves and make you feel like a goddess. Don't overthink it- you don't need to go out and buy a whole new lingerie collection. Focus on pieces that you feel confident in and that are flattering to your specific body type.

Now, let's talk about hair and makeup. We all know how amazing it feels to have a fresh curls or a flawless makeup application. We want you to sit back and relax, not have to worry about what the weather will do to your makeup & hair on the way into your session. So, we include professional hair, makeup & false lashes for your session! But, if you're more of a DIY kinda gal, that's okay too. If you're doing your own hair and makeup, keep it simple and classic. Focus on enhancing your natural features and adding a pop of color or drama to your look. Don't forget to moisturize your skin and lips beforehand for a silky smooth finish.

Let's not forget about the posing! We all have our good and bad angles, but no need to stress about it. During your boudoir session with Sheer Photography, our team will guide you through each pose, ensuring you look and feel confident. If you want to do a little prepping beforehand, practice your posing in front of a mirror or take some test shots on your phone. This can help you get a feel for what poses and angles are most flattering for you.

Lastly, remember to relax and have fun! A boudoir session is all about celebrating YOU and your beauty. Think of it as a self-care day where you get to be pampered and feel like the center of attention. Put on your favorite tunes, sip some bubbly, and enjoy the experience. Trust me, the nerves will subside once you see just how fierce and fabulous you look in your stunning photos.

So there you have it, mama. My tips and tricks on how to prepare for your boudoir session with Sheer Photography. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself, embrace your body, and have fun. Trust the process and our team will take care of the rest. Can't wait to see you slay your session!

XOXO, Jen

An Experience Worth Remembering

I stumbled upon Sheer Photography in a photography group on Facebook. In a previous life, pre-child, I had my own photography business. I was wow'ed by their work and being a former pro, it takes a lot to win me over!

I followed their facebook page for awhile before even thinking about booking. 2021 was a rough year for me personally and I wanted to do something for myself. I needed the self confidence boost and I knew that a session with Sheer would do just that for me.

I was so nervous the day of my session. I even took a valium before I got there! I was beyond nervous, completely terrified! But as soon as I sat down in the chair and talked with Jen and Brian while I had my hair and makeup done, I was completely at ease. Of course, I was still a little hesitant when I changed into my first outfit. But once we got started I felt absolutely amazing! I was shocked when I looked at the back of the camera. Was that really me??? OMG I looked super hot!!

When it was time for the in person reveal I loved the photographs that Brian took. It was so hard to pick favorites. Going into it I planned on getting just a few images in the smallest album. Well, that plan went out the window - I ended up getting a collection with a larger album, the phone app and digital files as well as the photo block. I was so thrilled with the images I couldn't help myself!

If you're unsure if you want to do a boudoir photo shoot, just do it! It was a great experience from start to finish & one of the best investments I could have made. I can't say enough about how fun and professional it was working with the Sheer Team! I loved my hair and makeup, they had a huge selection of wardrobe options in the closet and of course the photos are fantastic. You'll never look exactly how you think you want to look, so don't put it off. I saw a beautiful side of myself that had gotten lost in being a mom. You will not regret it at all! Don't wait any longer - fill out the form below and schedule your own boudoir session! Go ahead, take a chance on yourself - you deserve it!

XOXO, Miss D

My first #SheerExperience

Alright honeys, listen up! This was my first photo shoot EVER! Can you tell? No. The reason behind that is because Jen and Brian made sure I was comfortable while we did the shoot & answered all my questions before I even stepped foot into their boudoir studio in Youngstown, Ohio. Once I warmed up, my #SheerBeauty was showcased!

If you're planning on a boudoir session, I'm here to give you some tips on how to make the experience as smooth and effortless as possible. You want to feel confident and sexy, and I'm going to help you get there girlfriend!!

First things first, communication is key. Talk to Jen & Brian beforehand about what kind of look you're going for, whether it's soft and romantic or sultry and edgy, maybe even a mix of both. This will give them a better idea of how to style, pose you & what areas of the studio to use. It's also important to discuss any insecurities or areas you want to highlight so that they can work with you to create the perfect shots. They email you a questionnaire to help with a lot of these things & ask things you might not even consider.

Another important factor is what to wear. You want to feel comfortable and confident in your outfits, so choose pieces that make you feel sexy, whether it's a lacy bralette or a satin robe. Don't forget to bring accessories like jewelry or heels to add some extra flair. And ladies, if all else fails, they have a whole lingerie closet, which I took full advantage of for every single one of my outfits! It was so helpful & less stressful, I came in with nothing to wear and Jen picked out everything based off what parts of my body I wanted to showcase & my self-perceived flaws that I didn’t want showing as much.

Next up, pamper yourself! Get your hair and makeup done beforehand, or do it yourself if you're a pro. It is so nice that they offer this in studio for all of us, and even better that Jen is the one doing your hair & makeup. It makes it a little less awkward to undress after you’ve been chatting with her for over an hour & feel like you two would be best friends outside of this! Don't forget to take care of your skin too - exfoliate and moisturize to ensure a smooth and glowing complexion.

Lastly, relax and have fun! Boudoir sessions should be a celebration of your beauty and sensuality, so don't be afraid to let loose and express yourself. Let Brian & Jen guide you through poses and movements, but also feel free to bring your own ideas to the table. They are amazing at working in any inspiration or props you have.

So there you have it, girlfriend - follow these tips and you'll be ready for your boudoir close-up in no time. Now scroll on down past my sexy photos and send them a message! Xoxo, Miss Y

Should I Lose Weight Before a Boudoir Shoot?

Are you thinking of booking a boudoir shoot but feeling anxious about whether or not you should lose weight before your session? You are definitely not alone in this thought! So many of us worry that we won’t look our best in photos if we don’t get into better shape before the shoot. Here is an overview of why losing weight prior to your SheerExperience is not necessary—in fact, it might even be counter-productive.

Why You Don't Have to Lose Weight for Your Boudoir Shoot

The number one reason you don’t need to feel pressure to lose weight before your boudoir shoot is because beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Everyone has unique features that make them beautiful and those features should be celebrated! We understand this and will work with you to ensure that your photos highlight what makes you special and unique. We will help you pose in a way that shows off your best assets while downplaying any areas where you are self-conscious. Additionally, Jen can help enhance your natural beauty with complimentary hair & makeup, so you don't have to feel like you need to lose weight for your session with us. We also send out a welcome guide & lingerie information after you book your session to help you prepare. Even if you can’t find anything to wear, we have a lingerie closet available at no extra charge. Let us take the stress out of preparing for your session.

It's also important to note that trying to lose too much weight too quickly can actually cause more harm than good when it comes time for your session. Losing too much weight quickly can lead to skin sagging and dehydration which can leave skin looking dull and lifeless in photos—not exactly the look anyone wants! It's best to stay at a healthy weight by eating well and exercising regularly instead of drastically changing your diet or lifestyle right before your session.

How To Feel Confident During Your Photoshoot

At the end of the day, confidence is key when it comes time for your SheerExperience. Taking care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep prior to the big day, hydrating, eating a balanced diet, and taking extra time for pampering (like getting a massage or mani/pedi) can go a long way in helping you feel more relaxed as well as confident during your session. After all, if you're feeling relaxed and confident, then chances are those emotions will come through in the final product!

All in all, there's no need to rush into drastic lifestyle changes prior to booking a boudoir photoshoot; confidence is key! We understand that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes—so instead of worrying about losing weight, focus on taking care of yourself so that you feel relaxed and confident. If you’re ready to book your boudoir session in our Youngstown, Ohio studio, fill out the form on the CONTACT page and we will email you all the information!

If you need a sign...

For all the ladies, men and couples contemplating becoming a #SheerBeauty here’s your sign. I’m just your average Tom boy; hunting, fishing, and working on derby cars. I’m a nurse and mother of 2 little girls. Needless to say after having 2 children in under 2 years my body was pushed to many limits. In December I decided to make health changes due to my unhappiness in myself and in February I booked my shoot for June. I gave myself a weight loss goal that was incredibly reasonable; surpassed it and set 2 more goals. While the 3rd I did not reach I have no regrets.

The day of my shoot I got in my car for my hour drive (I would’ve drove much more for Jen and Brian) and thought I was making a big mistake and I wasn’t supposed to be doing something like this; this is absolutely out of my element and something I turned my nose up at years ago. I walked upstairs to be greeted by all the smiling faces. Jen asked if I was nervous and I told her about feeling like I made a mistake by doing this. Without missing a beat they assured me that I was where I was supposed to be.

As previously stated I’m not a girly girl I don’t ever do my hair and makeup so I let them doll me up and HOLY SMOKES! Even through all the hurdles they’re magicians! There was only one of my 3 outfits that I brought that I loved; they didn’t force me into them because I had brought them, they picked the other 2 for me from their lingerie closet. I had total intentions of using the sheets and not going full nude and somehow I ended up doing full nude and because of it I have some favorite pictures. Many times Jen showed me the back of the camera and I was sure that they had used a model and that it wasn’t me they were taking pictures of.

The support and encouragement they provided before, during and after the shoot you cannot describe in words. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to have met them and spent the day with such incredible people. They really are something special and I’ll definitely be back.

If you needed a sign — this is it!

Miss M

Couples that boudoir together...have stronger bonds together!

“A few years ago I had done a boudoir photo shoot with Jen and Brian and it had really boosted my confidence so much that I booked another shoot!

After booking the shoot I told my husband he could use a little self esteem boost and we should do a couples session. We were both very nervous and he was completely out of his comfort zone more than myself, however as soon as we started the photos that all changed!

We have been married for almost 11 years and it was amazing the connection that sparked between us. Jen and Brian made the whole thing very relaxing and fun. It was as if my husband and I were the only ones in the room! We loved every minute of it, not only did we walk out with a self esteem boost we also walked out with a connection we haven’t felt in a while.

If you are thinking about an individual session or even a couples sessions I highly recommend Jen and Brian! Don’t let anything hold you back you deserve to see how beautiful you truly are!” Jess & Tim

I loved it so much...

I had TWO sessions with Sheer Photography in 2021!! Everyone always asks me: “were you nervous?” And I can truthfully respond every time that I wasn’t.

Jen, Brian, and Brittany make every part of the shoot from makeup, to posing, to even choosing my outfits (because I always bring extras just incase!) all super smooth and natural. They are professional but still down to Earth and easily relatable. I appreciate their amazing lighting skills they use in the studio to bring out so much natural beauty when we’re all so used to a world of Snapchat filters. Thank you for always providing an amazing experience and making me feel all around beautiful. Can’t wait to book session number three!

XOXO, Miss A

I did it for me! You can do it for you

“A friend of mine had invited me to the Sheer VIP group a few years ago. I had no idea what boudoir photography was, and when I found out, my self talk was awful! I figured I'd be a wallflower in the group and join in on building others up, because I was good at that.

When I took the leap to book my first shoot, I was on vacation with my daughter. I looked at the Sheer website and I was reading the blog. I couldn't tell you whose blog it was, but it hit me upside the head. I booked my first shoot right then and there. BEST. DECISION. EVER! I had so much fun the first time, that I couldn't wait to do it again.

For both, I did the shoot for me. Not for a present for anyone else, just a present for me. I still can't believe those pictures are of me. I don't know what sort of voodoo magic happens from the time the picture is taken to when it shows up on the viewfinder or in Jen's computer, but that woman I see, is what I want to believe about myself. I want to be able to look in the mirror and say, "Yes, this is me!" That was how I felt after my first time. I have one of the metals on my dresser so it's the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see before bed. That woman is confident, beautiful, sensual, sexy, and present. That woman is me!! That metal and those pictures help to remind me of where I want to be mentally.

Then this past Mother's Day happened. Life was doing its thing and I wanted to have something to look forward to. So, I went ahead and booked a second shoot. It was so much fun! There's even a few pictures I can tell that I had to remember to be serious because I was laughing so hard. Who does that, half or fully naked?!?! The app alone is such a good reminder of who I am and who I want to be and so handy! I've never liked pictures of myself much at all, and I haven't had an issue with that at Sheer. I do like them. Some I love, but I have yet to have one with Sheer that I just looked at and said eww or no or anything negative.

Between the VIP group, the sessions, and the photos afterwards, in whatever medium you get them in, the whole experience is worth it. Why? Because you are worth it, every second, every penny.”

XoXo - Casey

I was a complete wreck...

I was a complete wreck starting from the thoughts of being almost naked in front of people I did not know to almost being in tears by being late over a flat tire the morning of my shoot. I almost felt like this was a bad omen BUT when I arrived, Jen said ok, you look like you need a hug & said don’t cry, it’s ok, calm down. From there the nerves started to melt away. I was at complete ease & we made it happen. I haven't felt good about myself in so long but when I saw the photos, I couldn't believe that was ME!!!!! I thank you for such an amazing experience!! Definitely gonna do it again!!

XoXo, Miss K

How bare do I go?

Hey there!!! Thanks so much for stopping by. If you’re new here, welcome!!! We are a boudoir studio located in Northeast Ohio. A boudoir session can be for anyone, man or woman (over the age of 18). We believe that everyone should experience a boudoir session at least once in their life. It is such an empowering experience. The self-confidence you can gain from it will last a lifetime. The feeling you walk away with should be something you can look back on and remember forever.

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Now, I know if you are reading this, it’s probably not the first time you’ve heard about boudoir photography. Maybe it’s something you’ve been considering for quite some time. Maybe it’s something you’ve seen or heard from a friend. Maybe you’ve been following us on social media and contemplating it for yourself. But you wonder…”Can I do it too? Should I do it? Why would I do it? How nude do I need to get? Will someone judge me? Will I look ridiculous?” I’m sure these are just a FEW of the questions that run through your mind when you even think about doing this for yourself. Well, let me ease your mind a little and start by answering one of these questions for you now…I hope to answer more over the next few months. Should you decide to book a session, we send you a ton of information about what to expect, what to wear, a questionnaire to get an idea of what you envision and so much more.

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So to start, let’s answer the question, How much skin do you need to show? It is perfectly normal for your mind to think “all the way”. But I assure you, you can show as little or as much skin as you are comfortable with. Most of our clients do end up fully naked by the end of their shoot with us, but only because they are so much more comfortable then they thought they would be. Before we even get started, I will ask you how much skin you would like to show in your photos. At this point, we have just met and most of our clients are a little hesitant and unsure. I explain that there are different levels of nudity. We typically start your session with an outfit that covers the most. While some clients don’t mind to bare all in their photos, others are comfortable going naked but not showing all the goods and using sheets or hand placement to not let any of their private parts be seen. Other clients prefer to keep covered the entire time. Whatever you decide is perfectly fine. We will only do what YOU are comfortable with. There is never any pressure to bare all or be pushed too far out of your comfort zone. No matter what your decision is, know that everything we do will be done respectfully and tasteful. We’ve included a few examples from past clients who have given full permission to share their images below. If you would like more information on booking your own #SheerExperience, please fill out the form below and we will send you more info.