Let’s face it, women struggle with self-esteem issues. This is especially true as we age, have our children, see our bodies change, and our relationships grow comfortable. The young girl we once were who spent her paychecks at the mall, had hours to primp before a date, and felt “hot” can almost seem like someone else. With the sexy shoes set aside for flip flops, yoga pants in lieu of tight jeans, and a schedule full of play-dates it’s easy to forget she’s still inside. Over time and with an increasing emphasis on other people and different things, many women stop feeling like they’re sexy. However, sometimes all that they need is a good reminder. One of the best, most tangible ways of showing them not only is that girl still there but age and experience has made her sexier and better than ever, is through the beauty of boudoir photography.

Boudoir photography offers an artistic and tangible way that women can see for themselves that they are still sensual and gorgeous. When a woman is confronted with her own image where she can see herself looking undeniably beautiful it can be a tremendous boost to her self-confidence and reawaken her sexuality. These pictures are taken by knowing professionals, who use lighting to highlight and flatter the very best of a woman’s beauty. Often times, women posing for boudoir photography have had a make-up artist and hair stylist help them prepare for their pictures, which both enhances their beauty and is a fun, feminine pampering experience. Cherly K., a woman from Cincinnati, OH who went to a boudoir photography session with friends commented, "The four of us came out of there feeling like a million bucks. We all shared our pictures and kept telling each other how amazing we all are! It’s nice to feel pretty and to be reminded that you still have it!" There does not leave much room for self-doubt, when a woman looks at an actual picture where even she has to admit, she looks incredible.

Boudoir photography shouldn’t be considered a one-time event. What woman doesn’t want (or need) continual reinforcement that’s she looks great? Taking such beautiful pictures can be a very personal and powerful way to document a woman’s sexuality and an exciting way to keep things sexy and fresh for her partner. At a professional studio, the process of taking the pictures itself can be surprisingly fun for women and ensures that a woman feels completely comfortable in the environment and discuss ahead of time the type of concerns she may have with her appearance. The photographer emphasizes the very best of each woman’s body and creates a look and feel to the photographs that reflect her taste and desires. Some women enjoy portraying timeless and tasteful turn of the century courtesans, others like a saucy 1950’s pin-up, while many choose to channel their inner lingerie model, or simply pose in their boyfriend’s football jersey. As women’s tastes and interests change, so can her pictures. A college girl may enjoy a different feel to her pictures than would a young mother or a mature woman. The beauty of boudoir photography is that it can reflect many stages of the sensual female experience. Boudoir photography isn’t just for a one-time benefit to the bedroom but enables a woman to feel good forever and is truly a beautiful testament to her timeless sexuality.

Heather Walker is the principal photographer and owner of Columbus Boudoir Photography (www.columbusboudoir.com), a fully-scale studio located in Powell, OH. which attracts women throughout the Columbus metropolitan area and the state of Ohio.