Stories tagged Boudoir.
That was Sunday, Sept 13. (Yes, every 7 years we have a Friday the 13 anniversary, fun, right?) I was 20 when I married Jan. Did not even own a camera then. Three years later, I borrowed hers to start a distracting hobby from my 24/7 job. I started photographing women. In 1980, Inner Spirit…
KC arrived at my Calgary studio nervously hopeful. She was slender, the result of hard work paying off. She looked younger than her years, which she was quietly proud of. She wasn’t sure whether to credit genetics or her self-care, but she would happily take it. She still carried body insecurities—sadly, most of the familiar…
One Woman’s Calgary Boudoir Story about Joy, timing and seeing herself differently. After 48 years as a Calgary boudoir and nude photographer, and having photographed more than 5,300 women, I have learned all the many reasons women walk through my doors. For some, a boudoir or nude portrait session is about embracing their body. For…
Can you imagine the rush of a tiger walking between your spiked high heels? Feeling that feline fur slide across your calf? In my Calgary Boudoir Photography Studio was Tasha, a tiger cub, with Chandra, a wonderfully free-spirited woman. Tasha was around two months old, looking fierce in this photograph, but she was really a…
Sue came to me looking to see what the beauty they were talking about. This is one of the side benefits, perhaps the defining benefit of boudoir or beauty photography. Your mind can’t argue with the evidence. An image held from when you were young, flavoured by comments taken too personally for someone so young. …
When Calgary celebrates our western heritage with the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, cowgirls show up in cowboy hats, jean jackets, and ridin’ boots. Some even have spurs. I’m not sure you can call these boudoir photo sessions. But they do. There are the girls, women, who ride, rope ‘n race. They are unbridled and…
A Calgary Boudoir Photography Session Filled with Variety, Creativity and Joy Lori described herself as a “complex woman.” “Complex” . . . She looked me in the eye to emphasize it: “I am not a complicated woman though.” She wanted her Calgary boudoir photography session to reflect the many sides of her personality rather than…
Our Latest Reflections Journal entry is out. You can read at. https://bit.ly/Reflections2026-05-28 Mark shares about Angie’s Boudoir Yoga session. Breaks the “gotta wear. lingerie if it’s Boudoir.) rule. This is a different story about expressing your inner vision. The second story has a hidden heart in the image. Look for it, let us know if…
One pose flowed into the next with such ease that I often found myself lowering the camera for a moment just to watch. Some people strike poses. Angie inhabits them. She has never been a model. As a lifetime fitness devotee and trainer, she has been on stage. As a trainer, she demonstrates. She has…
Our latest Journal entry is out. You can see it here- https://bit.ly/Reflections2026-05-09 Includes a story about a woman hitting a 50th milestone. Her memory anchor is a milk throw session. powerful images with a delightful story. Mark shares his big awards night, his own anchor. Winning a major trophy and the journey his image took…
Valentine’s Day is precious for romantics. Even more for boudoir photography in Calgary. A boudoir shoot by Inner Spirit Photo is an indulgence. Like Chocolate, it enriches your senses. It makes you feel special. As a gift, it is a one-of-a-kind expression. The interesting thing is, so many women are giving the gift to themselves.
A Calgary Boudoir Photographer’s Insight Into Why the Most Popular Image Isn’t Always the Right One—for Her Her boudoir photo shoot was incredible! She daringly exposed the full range of her personality. She got bolder and more vulnerable than she believed she could. She is pretty excited to select images for a book, but even…
Frankie is the poster woman for this idea: that it’s your spirit—not your age—that defines you. At 70, she’s both young at heart and a wise soul. She greets each day with a grin and a touch of wild abandon. But behind that smile is a deep well of strength shaped by years of personal…
Unpacking the creative empowerment behind these unforgettable experiences. Flames race down your legs, sweep across your bum, and rise up to your shoulder blades. You are looking at the camera so you can’t see them—and oddly, the heat is barely felt. The flames leap three to four feet above your body, alive and bright, dancing…
Distance is a relative thing; it needs context to set it. Stephanie’s airplane touched down Friday noon. She was through customs and hailing her Uber driver 90 minutes later. She had never been to Canada. She strolled into my studio the next day, refreshed, no makeup, big smile; excited to start her session. She settled…
Her wicked grin hovered just above the charged barrel of The Righteous Bison Particle Smasher. Finger on the trigger. Fully powered. Liz was having a blast with my steampunk ray gun—a Dr. Grordbort original—and fully channeling its sci-fi sass. This week, I’m raising a toast to the incredible women cosplayers from last weekend’s Calgary Comics and…
Divorce can shake your foundation, any breakup does. Even when it’s the right decision, the transition leaves many women feeling untethered. The familiar roles have shifted, and the mirror can start to feel like a stranger. It can be so many things at once – liberating, disorienting, painful, often oddly peaceful. What, is rarely talked…
Our Body Fire add on to our boudoir photo shoots and nude photography are popular but soon won’t be available. They are amazing, like a phoenix rising flames race from breasts to toes, across arms and from shoulders to bums. We have had flames dancing on the brims of cowboy hats, traveling down silver chains…
Body Painting is a unique and powerful personal expression. It has been popular in our Boudoir photography mix for several decades. Back in the 1980s I got an accreditation in body painting photography. Showing is always best. Here are some stories to go with some of our more interesting body paint sessions. She loved Steampunk.
If you are curious about a boudoir or nude photography session you may have heard it can be life altering. From the raves of the over 5,200 women that I have photographed, I can tell you it changed their lives. There are a lot of positives to a boudoir photo shoot that can shift your…
Your boudoir photography session is going to be about your empowerment and body embracing or your celebration. Or most likely, mix . In Inner Spirit Photography’s Calgary studio, nude or boudoir photography lets you express a little bit of your devilish side. That expressive mix of naughty and nice. Our clients do have more fun…
A Sisters Boudoir Photo Shoot is the most unique type of boudoir. It showcases their bond in all of its subtlety. Over the course of several hours and outfit changes the girls reflect and dig into what makes their sisterhood work. The mood drifts from joyful to reminiscent to thoughtful and engaging, all over the…
One of the first things women ask us is “What is the cost or what do you charge for a boudoir photo session or a nude portrait?” We need to give them some perspective first for it to be relevant. Warren Buffet’s famous quote, “Price is what you pay, Value is what you get” is a…
Deb It is always a lot of fun exploring a new idea with a client. Deb had already been in a couple of time for boudoir and nude portraits and wanted something different this time. You never know where you will get inspiration. Mark had seen some interesting images of a fashion shoot in a…
Years ago, we used to get exotic critters in our studio, mainly lions, wolves and tigers. Our Calgary Boudoir Photography studio is known for its unusual and creative sessions. Tasha was a very young tiger who loved our studio and human attention. These sessions were always popular. For Chandra, it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. She…
How can Boudoir photographs be the perfect gift? Wedding planning is a whirlwind of checklists, color palettes, and endless “must‐do” tasks. Somewhere between cake tastings and dress fittings, it’s easy to forget that your wedding is a celebration of intimacy, love, and a lifelong commitment. In your search for a wedding night gift that breaks away…
When we distill the essence of why women come in for a boudoir or nude photography session it is these two reasons. They want body embracing and all that goes with that, like empowerment, confidence, body love, and perhaps seeing their own beauty or its level for the first time. Or it is Body Celebration…
It’s common for women to love their boudoir or nude photographs so much that they want to put them up on the wall. They don’t want to be recognized; they just want to be the art. Sarah was torn. She loved her image; it was perfect for a wall print. She felt that with the…
I have walked on fire. I believe in the benefits of breaking through comfort zones. My boudoir and nude photography clients experience the rush of breakthroughs in every session I do. I admit I’ve gotten used to it; I still love it. Emily, though, had not seen it. She was assisting me with a water…
I found Mark struggling. Hi, I am Suzie. He was taking the conventional approach to explaining the experience that his boudoir and nude photography gave women. He was approaching it wrong. I said there is nothing conventional about the nudes and boudoir photos you create. So I offered my perspective, a woman who has been…
I am a mother. I am a role model to two growing and changing girls. I tell them every day that they are beautiful, that they are radiant, how wonderful they are. I encourage them to grow . . . to learn . . . to challenge themselves. They are the light of my life. I want…
As 2025 starts up we are taking a moment to reflect on our highlights of 2024. Boudoir Photography in Calgary was one of our best. Who Were The Women Of 2024Like past years, they were diverse in age, with the youngest 31 and the oldest 70 years old. Body shapes varied too, from super lean…
It was her first boudoir session. It was going to be as unique as she was, as her special request was going to be, if she could find the studio who could do it. She researched photogaphers. She personally visited each studio. We were her most recomended studio. When she came to us, she knew…
Bubbles – They’re Tricky With a Mix Master whirring and a whisk twirling, I struggled to create bubbles for my bubble sessions. Then, a client offered her solution; it was a brilliant approach! With no effort, big, fluffy bubbles appeared in seconds from just a little soap. It felt like magic, and it was so much…
A mermaid glides past my lens, her hair flowing weightlessly in the water. Her tail, a dazzling five feet-long with a three-foot fin, moves hypnotically. She turns her head, smiles . . . and I have the shot. At first glance, it might seem unusual for a Calgary Boudoir and Nude portrait studio to feature…
Boudoir and nude portraits rarely draw inspiration from skyscrapers. Yet, it happened. An architecture photographer was taking me through his technique of turning nice but kinda bland colour photographs of skyscrapers. The transition was stunning, powerful fine art transformations. As I watched each step dramatically altering the images, most were counter-intuitive intuitive, giving a bizarre…
Lianna enjoys her dark side. Her boudoir nude portrait session revealed that slightly twisted part of her personality. She came to our Calgary studio to indulge her more off-beat personality. Inner Spirit Photography is the perfect place for her to safely explore and express her quirky take on things. Her mischievous smile always gave you…
Slayer is not just any bike; she’s a masterpiece. With her oversized chrome-coated engine and award-winning design, Slayer commands attention. My studio is usually all about boudoir and nude photography, but today, Slayer takes center stage. We will still mixed in some glamour, nudes and boudoir photography. Every bike show she’s entered, she’s claimed the…
Some Really Embrace It! The 1950s stereotype of what a woman should be has been replaced with a more empowering vision of what she could be. Boudoir and Nude portraits of women were not a thing yet. Today’s woman is complex, dynamic, and unapologetically a warrior. Can you imagine how a Calgary studio like Inner…
Jane was wonderful to photograph. She had come in for a mix of boudoir, lots of nudes and some glamour or beauty. She had searched through all of the boudoir photographers in Calgary before settling on Inner Spirit. Jane had been here before but then as the support person for her friend. Checking out other…
Can You Be Too Old for a Boudoir Session Spoiler – It’s a Myth! There is no age when you are too old for a boudoir session. Here are some stories to my point. First, on her 70th birthday, Verona came in for her first boudoir session. I have photographed Verona and her family for…
Watching the reactions of clients experiencing boudoir and nude portraits over 45 years, I have learned a few things. The bolder the photography experience, the more profound and transformative the emotional impact. As you move from regular portrait sessions to glamour, boudoir, and finally to elegant, expressive nude photography, you can feel these escalating changes.
Wearing fire is a bold wardrobe choice. It is not your typical boudoir experience; we put the fire right on your skin. We had three women volunteer for our promotional session. It was exciting, daunting and emotionally a breakthrough for them all. First, yes, it is real fire, a very safe process with a pro…
Her eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement as I handed her the book. This collection of images from a transformative nude boudoir session had reset her life, reshaping how she saw herself and interacted with the world. It was, to put it simply, life-altering. Carol often reminisced about the day she became “Carol, the fearless…
Kenisha’s image had a transformation path nearly as remarkable as Kenisha’s personal transformation. The flow and result of her session reveals the power of boudoir portrait photography. Before I took her image, I envisioned it: a moody image of a woman leaning against an old brick wall, her open jacket revealing hints of sensuality in…
There’s something truly enchanting about the power of makeup, isn’t there? It’s not just about the physical transformation; it’s about the journey it takes us on—a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and confidence. Picture this: You sit down in front of the mirror, perhaps a bit nervous, maybe even a tad apprehensive. But as the makeup…
Only 8 Sessions May 25 & 26 Included: waterproof makeup, light hair styling, props, and some outfits 60 min of session time. Lots of splashes, reflections, rain and fun. Boudoir is bigger than a bedroom; this set is like a huge Hollywood water set. A Water Master is even part of the team. Or should…
Cowgirls Are Hot! They are wickedly independent women; they run with their own rules. They work hard and play hard. Nude and Boudoir Photography is a natural choice.That is why they are such a delight in our studio. They are bold, usually going for the nude poses, perhaps with a hat or boots, and neither…
Fascinating Woman Reveals Herself Women who come in for boudoir or nude photography portraits are usually fascinating ladies. They explore what excites and interests them. Some come in for confidence building, and some to see themselves in a different light. They all reveal so much about themselves in their images. They discover so much about…
What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. What will you do today? “If your life’s work can be accomplished in your lifetime, you’re not thinking big enough.”– Wes Jackson This is from the Monday Morning Memo by Roy Williams. I believe this is a great…
Boudoir Water SessionsJun 4, 2022 Mixing boudoir photography with water is a sensual blend. You can get even bolder with nude photography while you splash. Imagine your mirror reflection in the water. Perhaps the added warmth of floating candles or some rubber duckies encircling you for fun. You can add energy with water splashing off…
10 Tips To Your Perfect Photogenic Smile Smiles are tricky things. Be it in a nude or boudoir photography session or in regular life. We judge a person a lot by their smile. Smiles can warm our hearts, terrify us, be a warning or just a pure expression of joy. That is a lot of…
When Less Is More. Being a boudoir / nude photographer for over 40 years, I have found that the less a woman wears, the more she can express her authentic self. There is another side to the “less is more” statement. Professional boudoir photographers design their shots. Volume is not as crucial as getting the…
Her Nude Photo Shoot Just before her Southeast Asian Tour Not everyone comes in for empowerment or confidence. This client loves adventures. Clare’s session happened just before she left on a 6-month trip through Vietnam and South East Asia by herself. She has gone on alone trips like this before. She is so vibrant, eager…
Why I shoot Boudoir Photography This may be hard to imagine, but at one time, boudoir photography was not an option for women in western Canada. Inner Spirit Photography was the first studio in Calgary to offer boudoir photography exclusively. This was 41 years ago. I can still recall my first client’s faces and their…
Busting Excuses: Why You Deserve A Boudoir Experience! Excuses are the knee-jerk reactions to doing something bold. Which a boudoir photo session is! Your mind may be uncomfortable with the idea, but the heart knows you need it. You are here, so there is a buried desire to do this. Your mind does not want…
Top 12 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Boudoir Photography A boudoir photo session can be a bit scary. Asking questions helps calm the nerves and it becomes less of an unknown. I have noticed some questions bubble to the top, so here they are: Do you share my images? Only if you would like us…
My Boudoir Session – What Would My Kids Think? – I am a mother. I am a role model to two growing and changing girls. I tell them every day that they are beautiful, that they are radiant; how wonderful they are. I encourage them to grow . . . to learn . . .
Do You See Your Body Like This? Sarah cried out, “My legs are too big in the photo!” But, I pointed out, your legs aren’t in the photo. “I know,” she replied, “but they would have been.” This was as she viewed her images from her boudoir / nude photography session. This is a common expression of…
How Robin Empowered Herself Robin’s Life Coach, to empower her, had taken her up some pretty steep hills, cresting each peak, she felt more personal power returning. There were a lot of hills to climb, she softly explained. She had looked into some dark places within. This last step would be her breakthrough. Robin Decides…
The New Bond Women There is nothing like having the badass Bond with his cold, steely gaze and hot gun back in the theatre. It may be an unexpected thought for a studio specializing in boudoir and nude empowerment portraits. Modern women are not girls to be saved. On-screen, they match Bond for firepower and…
Angel Wings – Take Your Fantasy For a Flight Have you ever watched Victoria’s Secret models strut down the runways flaunting their bouncy wings? Wishing you could wear a pair like that? Or perhaps you are just an angel at heart, would like to play the part. There is a serenity you feel when these…
Our Client’s Journey She nervously asked, “What can I expect? I have never done a boudoir or nude photography session before.” A pretty good question that nearly every woman asks when we chat about booking her session. Every step of a woman’s boudoir and nude photography experience has been refined over 40 years. It is…
The Matchmaker Experiences Her Thrill Working a nude and boudoir photoshoot. I did a nude & boudoir photography session with a Matchmaker the other day. It was such a delight. As we talked, I realized what we do is similar. We find each person’s personal beauty. We bring it to the surface for our clients…
Courage vs Confidence The Boudoir Factor Most people think that confidence is what they need, and it becomes what they search for. I must admit that few women first think that a nude or boudoir photo session can be a solution. I’ll come back to that in a bit. What is interesting is a definition…
The Freedom of Flying Nude It is a rare experience taking flight nude or even in flowing boudoir lingerie. You float effortlessly in the image. It’s a powerful and free feeling! A rare experience, a thrill, relate women who have done it. We added one of those exercise bouncy mini trampolines to our studio props.
The Benefits of Signing Up For A Boudoir Session According to general studies, it is found that most women all across the globe sign up and go for a Boudoir or nude photoshoot only for getting photographed. But, in reality, a Boudoir session is much more than this. Yes, you read that right. Boudoir is…
It’s empowering! It doesn’t matter who you are or why you want to do it. Even men can book a session! We’ve all carried different stories. In the midst of life’s chaos, it’s perfectly fine to acknowledge your worth. Being confident is beautiful and sometimes, we need to reassure ourselves we still got-it-going-on. It’s fun!…
Our studio looks like a Hollywood FX shoot. Water rains down on her slippery skin, splashing before it gathers into streams racing down over the curves of her body. It reaches the pond at her feet, creating ripples that disturb her reflection, giving it its own life. Flashes pop, electrifying the air, revealing not just…
She nervously asked, “What can I expect?” A pretty good question that nearly everyone asks. I have been refining the experience she will have for over 40 years. It is transformative and exciting. Everyone is surprised how quickly the nerves fade away! When you first reached out to us something in our conversation connected, gave…
Really, my staff is looking at me like I have become unhinged. Let me explain. Usually my nude or lingerie images are arty or sensual, fun with big grins, or dramatic. But today I am going through images from our Wet ‘n’ Wild Water Set Session Some of these are hilarious! I came across a…
