Rachel

At Studio 34 Boudoir, we have the privilege of capturing authentic and beautiful moments in women’s lives, but Rachel’s story holds a special place in our hearts. 

Rachel is someone who has always put others first—as an elementary-school teacher for kids with special needs, yoga teacher, mother, grandmother and wife, just to name a few. Rachel is a woman who rarely takes time for herself. When she reached out to us, it wasn’t because she wanted a traditional, sexy boudoir shoot—it was to pause and take some time to collaborate and create images that would reflect her most authentic self—beautiful, natural and real.  

Rachel had never had professional photos taken before, and understandably, she was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect or what was expected of her. It’s easy to feel intimidated when stepping in front of a camera for the first time, especially when it’s for something this personal. But our goal was to make sure Rachel felt seen, heard, and, most importantly, understood. From our first consultation call, we spent time getting to know her, asking questions about what she envisioned for the shoot. Through that conversation, we discovered exactly what Rachel was looking for—a session that would make her feel beautiful, empowered, and most of all, like herself.

The shoot day was nothing short of magical. Rachel walked in with some nerves but also with the trust she had placed in us, and from the moment we started, everything just clicked. Our hair and makeup artist enhanced Rachel’s features without making her look “made up.” As we moved onto posing, it was about capturing her essence—her warmth, grace, kindness and strength. 

Rachel got to spend the day feeling pampered and taken care of. It was her time, her moment to shine, and she did just that.

One of the most endearing parts of our work with Rachel was actually sparked by her sister. When Rachel told her sister that she was getting professional photos taken, she made a request that we capture the famous “Rachel smirk”—a smile Rachel has been making for photos since childhood. To help us understand exactly what we were aiming for, Rachel’s sister sent her a photo from when Rachel was about five years old, grinning with that signature smirk, for her to pass along to us. It became our mission to capture that exact expression at least once in her session.

And capture it we did! Not only did we get that iconic smile, but we did so with care, grace, and a touch of fun. That little smirk, the one Rachel has been known for since she was a child, shone through in her final images. Her friends, family, and even Rachel herself were moved by how true to her natural self the photos felt.

The images were a perfect reflection of who Rachel is—natural, empowered, beautiful. The experience wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about giving Rachel a space to see herself in this light and to celebrate the incredible woman she is. 

We are so honored to have been a part of her journey, and we know that every time she, her family and friends look at those images, they will see the most radiant, authentic version of Rachel–and her perfect smirk.