Marlene truly is an artist. Having boudoir portraits taken was something that I’ve always dreamed of doing, but like many women, I’m sure, I always had a list of reasons why I shouldn’t. At Christmas time last year, I finally started to give it some serious thought, because with a milestone birthday coming up this year, I wanted to do something for myself, that might take a little bit of the sting out of turning 40. I had seen an ad on my Facebook feed for Reveal Boudoir, and I decided it couldn’t hurt to just ask some questions. I was so impressed the images I had seen on social media, and in her website gallery, I was excited to see if she had a vision for somebody like me. If I could look even half as beautiful as those ladies, it would be worth it.
From the moment I met Marlene at our initial consult, I really felt at ease with her. I left our meeting feeling excited. Suddenly, instead of being nervous, I couldn’t wait to get in there. I spent the next eight months saving up, and shopping! That was the fun part. I had so many ideas, that I quickly ended up upgrading my package, because I didn’t want to leave there thinking “It could have been better, but we ran out of time, or ideas”.
When I arrived for my shoot, I felt like I already knew Marlene, and that really helped to calm any last-minute nerves. Like many women, I was nervous that I wasn’t going to know how to pose, and that I’d end up looking awkward, or uncomfortable and not sexy. By the time I got into my first outfit, with my hair all teased, and my makeup on point, I already felt like a supermodel. As she began to photograph me, Marlene kept making these little “oohs” and “ahh’s” and “OMG!’s”, which really boosted my confidence and I started to realize… “ok, I can do this!”. Three hours flew by, and by the time it was over, I felt euphoric. I was high on a confidence that I have never had, and I just couldn’t wait to see the pictures. When the time finally came, I was absolutely blown away by what I saw! Surely that couldn’t be me!... ok, maybe it is me, but how much editing did it take to make me look like that?! These are images that I will treasure for the rest of my life.
My words of advice for anybody who is considering a boudoir shoot, are:
A. Don’t put it off till you lose 20 lbs… do it now, and then do it again when you lose the weight!
B. I went WAAAY overboard lingerie/accessory/shoe shopping… You don’t have to do that. Just make sure that the things you take with you fit you well and make you feel beautiful. If you’re unsure, bring it anyways. My favorite spread ended up being in an outfit that I almost didn’t even bring.
C. Don’t go in with too many ideas about want you want to walk away with. Just let Marlene do her thing. You will not be disappointed.
D. Splurge for the hair and makeup. If you are like me and have never had a professional makeup application, you might be shocked at how gorgeous you look and feel.
E. Save a little extra $$.. you might have a hard time choosing from so many fabulous shots!
The whole experience was life-changing. I see myself differently, I carry myself differently, and I’m taking better care of myself. I want to be that woman in the photos forever, so I find myself putting in a little more effort when I’m getting ready in the morning.
It really was the best birthday gift I can imagine, and it was worth every single penny! I have already booked a second mini-session with Marlene and I foresee more in my future. At least until I run out of outfits.

Erica