You’ve thought about it. Maybe more than once. Then the voice showed up: I’m not ready. I’d have to lose weight first. That’s for other women. That voice is lying to you. Boudoir photography isn’t about looking sexy for someone else — it’s about finally seeing yourself. This is for the woman in her 30s, 40s, or 50s who is done waiting for permission to take up space. Read this first.

When Mary first considered her boudoir session, she felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. Like so many of us, she was proud of the...