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(and why none of them need an apology)
There’s something I’ve noticed over the years photographing women.
Before we even take the first photo…before they’ve seen a single image…before they realize how incredible they already are…
they apologize.
For their stomach.
Their thighs.
Their scars.
Their stretch marks.
Their nervousness.
Their laugh.
Their age.
Their “awkwardness.”
Their bodies existing exactly as bodies do.
And every single time, I wish they could see what I see.
Because the things women apologize for during a boudoir shoot are almost never the things anyone else notices.
In fact, most of the time?
They’re the very things that make the images feel human, magnetic, real, and beautiful.
“Sorry about my stomach.”
This one happens a lot.
Usually while changing outfits.
Or while looking down at themselves instead of at me.
And what’s wild is that the same woman apologizing for her stomach is often creating the most gorgeous curves, movement, softness, and shape in her photos without even realizing it.
Bodies fold.
Skin creases.
Bellies exist.
That’s not failure.
That’s being alive.
“Sorry I’m awkward.”
Listen.
Almost every woman who walks into my studio says some version of this.
“I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“I’m going to be terrible at this.”
“I’m awkward in photos.”
Then 20 minutes later?
She’s laughing.
Moving.
Feeling herself a little bit.
Trusting the process.
Boudoir is not about already knowing how to pose.
That’s my job.
I guide literally everything — from your fingertips to your pointed toes to where your eyes go.
You are not expected to show up knowing how to model.
“Sorry for my cellulite/stretch marks/acne/scars.”
I once photographed an entire gallery before realizing a client had a tiny butt pimple in one close-up image.
You know what happened next?
I laughed.
She laughed.
I edited it out.
That’s it.
No shame.
No scandal.
No dramatic music playing in the background.
Human bodies do human body things.
Stretch marks happen.
Cellulite happens.
Scars happen.
Random breakouts happen.
You do not have to arrive perfectly polished to deserve beautiful photographs of yourself.
“Sorry I’m nervous.”
This one always gets me a little.
Because women say it like nervousness means they’re doing something wrong.
But nervousness usually means something matters to you.
It means you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone.
It means you’re allowing yourself to be seen.
It means you’re doing something brave.
Most women arrive nervous.
Very few leave that way.
“Sorry, I’m not confident.”
This is the big one.
And honestly—
I think somewhere along the way women were taught that confidence is required before they’re allowed to do things for themselves.
But confidence is rarely where this starts.
Confidence usually comes after.
After the session.
After seeing the back of the camera.
After realizing the woman in those photos is actually you.
That’s the magic part.
Not becoming someone else.
Seeing yourself differently.
The truth?
The women you think “could never” do a boudoir session are often the exact women who need the experience the most.
Not because they need fixing.
Not because they need to change.
But because they deserve the chance to see themselves with less criticism and more compassion.
And maybe…
so you can stop apologizing for things that never required an apology in the first place.
if you’ve been wondering what a session actually feels like — from planning your shoot to guided posing to the reveal session afterward — you can read more about the experience here.
Confidence Library
“Do I need to lose weight before doing a boudoir shoot?”
No.
And I know that answer probably sounds too simple, but it’s true.
You do not need to earn your photoshoot by shrinking yourself first.
Posing, lighting, angles, expression coaching, wardrobe styling, and the way I photograph women all work together to create images that feel flattering, intentional, and powerful.
Most women who book a session are nervous beforehand.
Many almost cancel.
And then they see their images and say things like:
“That doesn’t even look like me.”
“I never dreamed I could look and feel this sexy.”
“I should have done this years ago.”
You do not need more confidence first.
You do not need a different body first.
You’re allowed to exist in the photos now.
Thinking about this someday? Click here!
Makeup Artist: Stephanie Brewer of Stay Golden
Christine Roberts is a boudoir and portrait photographer based in Talco, Texas, serving women across East Texas and beyond. From Mount Pleasant, Paris, and Sulphur Springs to Rockwall, Tyler, Texarkana, and the greater DFW area, women travel for an experience designed to change how they see themselves. Travel sessions are also available.
