A boudoir photoshoot after weight loss is often misunderstood, especially when the change has been significant. Some people assume it’s about vanity or showing off, while others (with the best of intentions) say things like, “OMG, you must feel amazing!” I’ve discovered that how someone actually feels is usually far more nuanced than that, and I’ve learned it’s better to ask questions rather than make assumptions, even though I still get swept up in mama bear pride for the women I work with.
I’ve learned a few things about women in this position. First, it’s common not to fully recognise your body in the mirror afterwards, even if the weight loss was slow and sustained. You look like a different person, but the old hang-ups and patterns don’t automatically disappear. Second, it can take a loooooooong time for your brain to catch up. For many people, the mental shift requires as much intentional work as the physical one, and it’s less obvious how to go about it.
Why a Boudoir Photoshoot After Weight Loss Can Be So Powerful
If you’ve lost a lot of weight recently, or your body has changed in other significant ways (hello, postpartum era) and you feel weird about it, please know you’re not alone. So many women can relate to looking in the mirror and thinking, “I don’t even recognise this person.” It’s not a nice feeling, but it’s common. I’ve been there too.
The disconnect shows up in all sorts of ways. One woman told me she has no idea what she really looks like anymore, because she low-key thinks her eyes are lying to her. Another client told me she feels healthier now, but she actually felt more confident before, because her husband now feels outmatched and admitted he preferred her bigger. Cue me massively trying to find compassion for this man, while being hella annoyed on her behalf. And also: this is why you do a boudoir shoot after weight loss for you, and you alone.
People tell Lisa, “You’re looking really good now!” but she thinks “Really? I don’t know….I’m not sure.”
Lisa at the start of her health journey, and now.
These images of Lisa aren’t included as a “before and after” comparison. They are here because this version of her still matters. For many women, this earlier body is the one their brain remembers most clearly, even after everyone else sees something different.
It can be a tricky situation: you fully reinvent your body, but the brain doesn’t automatically follow. So a boudoir shoot after weight loss is often 50% a celebration of hard work and dedication, and 50% an exercise in bringing body dysmorphia and its mean little whispers into the light (so it can wither and die). It’s an honour to work with women in this position, and I really love how powerful these shoots can be.
We purposefully started with something moody and shadowy. A couple of reasons for this; first, it can already feel like a lot to be half-naked and on camera. If someone is particularly nervous, I like to focus on the body first, and leave happy smiley faces for later. It gives your nervous system time to chill out a little and realise you’re not actually being chased by a lion. Second, some of these poses are tricky to hold, so it’s good to get them out of the way early.
For many women doing a boudoir shoot after weight loss, these darker, silhouette-style images are the most mind-blowing, because they are easier to see in an objective way. In other words, you don’t really see your face, so it’s easy to pretend this isn’t even you. And if it was literally anyone other than you, you would think “that person looks amazing!” But here’s the thing, it IS YOU. Do you see how that works? You kind of catch your brain in its own lie.
After you’ve had time to settle in, we can shift to a brighter note, whether it’s an easy breezy beautiful vibe or a “Sunday Morning” set. I always aim to get at least a couple of great smiling or laughing images (don’t worry, I’ll say something dumb to make you laugh).
A lot of light and being this “on show” can feel intimidating, but I promise it turns out great. Nothing looks better on skin than an abundance of soft light. It’s actually a pet peeve of mine that certain photographers seem to put women exclusively in the dark and never show their faces – these girls are so beautiful, why are you hiding them in the shadows the whole shoot?!
Lisa asked if we could get a couple of fitness-inspired images. The gym has been such a big part of her journey, and homegirl still does an hour on the stairclimber every day, so I was never going to say no. Proper fitness photography is fairly complicated, but we got a few winners with what we had. I’ve been experimenting with AI and how it can be used (ethically) to enhance shoots. A simple gym background replacement (above right) is a pretty useful trick when there isn’t room in the schedule or budget for a second location.
My goal with any shoot, but particularly with a boudoir shoot after weight loss, is that you have a great time, you feel fully supported, and you get to see yourself the way I do. We always schedule a detailed pre-shoot consultation to chat about everything from the overall vibe you’re after, your preferences on retouching and skin reduction/tummy tuck scarring, things you do/don’t want photographed, what to wear, inspiration photos, your questions and concerns, etc.
To be clear, a boudoir shoot after weight loss is not a magic pill, but it IS a powerful way to shift your internal perception. There’s just something magical about it, and I’ve watched it unlock an “OH wait…what? That’s me?!” door in people’s minds countless times. It only takes a few hours too!
If you’re interested in changing the way you see yourself, or if you rarely, if ever, have felt like “the hot one,” I can’t recommend it enough. No experience necessary, I’ll show you exactly what to do. If you’re curious about what a session is like, you can read more about my London boudoir photography experience here.
xx
Stormy
Boudoir Photoshoot After Weight Loss – Common Questions
Should I wait until I reach my goal weight before doing a boudoir shoot?
No, I don’t think so! Many women book a boudoir photoshoot after weight loss long before they hit their “goal weight.” In fact, the longer you leave it, the bigger the gap between how you feel you look and how you actually look. I’d encourage sooner rather than later. You can always come back again;)
What if I have scarring from surgery, lymphedema, etc?
Absolutely no problem. We always schedule a pre-shoot consultation to discuss your preferences and concerns in detail, and we will work together to determine the best way to proceed. Some clients prefer to have all scars retouched out, others opt to keep them or have them toned down a bit. The same goes for things like stretch marks, cellulite, etc. It can be magically disappeared, de-emphasised, or kept in, as you prefer. There are no correct answers here, there’s only what feels best to you at this stage in your journey.
