What’s It Like to Do a Boudoir Photoshoot in Santa Barbara?

A boudoir photoshoot is about so much more than taking beautiful portraits. It’s a powerful act of self-celebration. Whether you’re 25 or 65, this is about honoring your body, your journey, and the woman you’ve become.

At my Santa Barbara portrait studio on State Street, inside the historic San Marcos Building, I invite you to experience a luxurious, confidence-building day that feels like a celebrity-style, magazine-cover photoshoot. It’s your moment to be seen, celebrated, and photographed in a way that reminds you: you are a work of art.

Boudoir can mean so many things. It can be sensual and glamorous, playful and powerful, or even artistic and minimalist. You might wear lace, silk, or nothing but confidence. You might choose to channel your inner supermodel, movie star, or goddess. You might be raw, real, unfiltered you. Whatever it looks like, my goal is the same: to help you fall in love with yourself through my lens. I promise to create stunning portraits you will cherish forever, and look at on your worst days to remind yourself what a powerful woman you are.

💄 What Would I Wear?

Once you book your session, we’ll start planning every outfit together. Most clients bring three to five looks, giving us plenty of room to tell your story — from classic lingerie to elegant gowns, oversized shirts, or bold fashion pieces.

I’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you create a mix of styles that feel authentic to you. Maybe we’ll start with something soft and romantic — think lace or silk robes — and end with something bold and editorial, like a leather jacket, lace panties and heels.

In the studio, I have an extensive wardrobe of designer pieces and accessories, from glamorous gowns to flowing robes to pearl bras and diamond wigs and my signature Victoria’s Secret-style angel wings. You’re welcome to mix and match from my collection and bring your own pieces too.

Because lingerie and shoes are so personal, you’ll bring those items yourself — and don’t worry, I’ll help you choose what will photograph beautifully. We’ll also go over accessories, jewelry, and fabrics that flatter your skin tone and body type.

Your wardrobe becomes a storytelling tool — each look reveals a different facet of your confidence and femininity. Whether you channel Marilyn Monroe, Selena Gomez on her wedding day in her robe, or your most authentic self, the styling process is half the fun.

💋 Will Hair and Makeup Be Included?

Yes — professional hair and makeup are included in every Signature Session, and they’re a core part of the experience.

When you arrive at my studio on State Street in Santa Barbara, you’ll be greeted by myself and my trusted glam team. They’re not just stylists — they’re artists who know how to enhance your natural beauty while honoring your personal style.

We’ll start with a look consultation to decide whether you want something soft and effortless or red-carpet glam. As you sit in the makeup chair, listening to your favorite bops, the transformation begins. You’ll start to relax, unwind, and connect with your inner muse.

My artist stays on set throughout your three-hour photoshoot, ready for touch-ups or quick changes — like adding a bold red lip, or further smoking out your eyeshadow. These glamorous shifts let us create even more variety in your portraits while keeping the energy high and fun.

Many clients tell me this pampering time alone is worth the session — it’s a rare moment where someone else takes care of you.

📸 Will You Pose Me?

Absolutely. Posing is my superpower.

After 15 years of photographing women of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and ages, I’ve mastered the art of helping every client look and feel stunning in front of the camera. You never have to worry about “what to do.” I’ll demonstrate every pose, guide your hands, chin, and eyes, and even coach your expressions so you feel confident and connected.

Boudoir posing is a mix of elegance and movement — a blend of posture, breath, and energy. I often describe it as “embodied confidence.” When you arch, stretch, laugh, or close your eyes in a moment of softness, your body language tells a story.

Think of it like yoga — certain poses make you feel powerful and open. As your body shifts into those stances, your mind follows. That’s part of why this process feels so empowering — your confidence expands through the act of being photographed.

💃 What If I’m Nervous or Not a Model?

Almost everyone is nervous at first! In fact, I’d say 99% of my clients are not models — they’re everyday women who decided to do something extraordinary for themselves.

When you walk into my Santa Barbara studio, you don’t have to “perform.” You just have to be you. I’ll take care of the lighting, the posing, and the vibe — your only job is to show up and trust me.

Because I run a boutique, high-touch studio, I only take a limited number of clients each month. That means I’m not rushing anyone through the process. We spend time talking, laughing, playing music, and creating together. By the end of your shoot, I promise you’ll feel more confident than when you walked in — most women leave saying, “I can’t believe that was me in those photos!”

You don’t need to be fearless — you just need to be open. I’ll handle the rest.

🏝️ Why Do It in Santa Barbara?

Few cities are as naturally beautiful as Santa Barbara — which makes it the perfect place for a boudoir experience.

My studio is located right in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara on State Street in the historic San Marcos Building, surrounded by palm trees, Spanish architecture, and ocean air. You can spend your morning being photographed in one of the most elegant studios in California, and then step outside to enjoy lunch at a local café, a stroll down State Street Promenade, or sunset cocktails by the beach.

Many of my clients travel from Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange County, San Luis Obispo, and Bakersfield to make their session a mini-getaway. You can stay overnight at one of the city’s boutique hotels — like the Kimpton Canary or Palihouse — or treat yourself to a spa day at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara or the Rosewood Miramar.

Santa Barbara isn’t just a destination — it’s part of the experience. It’s the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself, surrounded by natural beauty, ocean light, and timeless elegance.

🖼️ What Happens After the Shoot?

Two weeks after your session, you’ll come back for your image reveal and ordering appointment. This is one of the most magical parts of the journey.

We’ll sit together or connect on a zoom, as I show you a slideshow of your portraits, set to music — the moment you see yourself on screen is often emotional. So many women tear up, smile, or say, “I can’t believe that’s really me.”

From there, you’ll choose your favorite images, and I’ll help you design your custom artwork — whether that’s a handcrafted Italian folio box, a leather album or framed wall art. Every image you select will be fully retouched to my signature editorial standard — polished but never overdone.

Your portraits become timeless heirlooms — a reflection of your beauty, confidence, and story.

💎 What Would I Do With All the Photos of Myself?

While many women choose to gift their images to a partner, most tell me they booked their shoot for themselves. This is my preference as well. I want this shoot to be for YOU first and foremost. And if you choose to share them with a trusted partner, that’s cool too!

Your boudoir portraits are a visual love letter to who you are in this moment. You might display one in your bedroom as a private reminder of your power. You might keep an album by your nightstand or tucked away as a keepsake. Most clients tell me they flip through their albums regularly— especially during seasons of grief or hardship— and the photographs instantly transport them back to how they felt during the shoot: confident, powerful, radiant, unstoppable. These photographs are a celebration of YOU and you deserve to enjoy them. Plus nobody on their death bed ever said “I wish I had less photographs of myself.”

Some clients come back year after year— to mark a birthday, a milestone, or simply a new chapter in their life. Because boudoir isn’t a one-time thing — it’s a ritual of self-love you can revisit whenever you need a reminder of your strength and beauty.

🌸 Ready to Celebrate Yourself?

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like a superstar for a day, this is your moment. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, embracing a new chapter, or simply ready to see yourself in a new light, I would love to create this experience for you.

Schedule a quick call to discuss your boudoir experience today — and let’s plan your dream photoshoot right here in beautiful Santa Barbara.