illuminate boudoir reviews

Kind words from recent clients

Adrianna

Wow, where do I even start with this session? From our planning call to the last shot, we really brought a vision to life and created some magic.

I had an exceptional and unique experience during this third session with you. I felt so safe and cared for throughout the experience. It was a powerful day of creating magic together. I know I can always trust you with both the session itself and the art you create from it.

Working with you is such a joy and I am still stunned at these images! Floral magic that captured the exact vibe I wanted. I appreciate that you always create a space for us to play together and allow for your clients to make suggestions or build a shared vision with you. I know I can bring an idea and energy that you will help bring to life through your talent and experience.

Before our session, I had come into a new place of loving myself and my body. I am now in my thirties and have accomplished some big life changes over the last year that have brought a new sense of who I am and how I treat myself daily. What we created during this session fully embodied that new feeling and connection I have found with myself. During and after the session I had a strong sense of my own power and felt like a WOMAN. I have grown into a person I am proud of and it was a gift to have this moment in time captured through boudoir.

mary

My love language and happy place is celebration, for others and for myself. I find deep joy in planning and preparing a meaningful gift. As I looked forward to celebrating the 70th birthday of my life partner, I was inspired by the wall art created for another Illuminate client — our daughter. Alyssa’s photography entirely captured our daughter’s spirit and grace. And when Alyssa agreed to come to our family lakefront cabin for an outdoor session, I knew that this gift was going to be profoundly, joyfully personal.

Working with Alyssa could not have been easier — entirely personal and professional. Alyssa communicates intentionally and thoroughly, and listens with full engagement. With her thoughtful questions and guidance, we came up with the perfect plan -- down to the last detail. The portrait session was easy, lovely, and just plain fun, and the finished products far exceeded my expectations! From start to finish, I have been deeply impressed and delighted.

Back in the Illuminate Studio, my reveal session was simply glorious. The reveal was every bit as affirming and joyful as our photo session. Alyssa's photography absolutely captured -- and exceeded -- our vision and hopes. “Bravo!" was my husband’s immediate, heartfelt response. "Best birthday gift EVER!" And it truly was. For both of us! 

The Illuminate Boudoir experience brought a fresh adventure to my marriage and reinforced my joy in every aspect of my body. My husband asked whether I felt empowered with the session and results. A better choice of words would be "unleashed." I've got plenty of power and confidence already; after all, I am 66 and retired from a satisfying, fulfilling career to a delightful life filled with grace and family. Alyssa’s approach and portraiture unleashed my authentic, joyful self!

We cannot thank you enough, Alyssa!

KElsey

Wow wow wow. I felt comfortable, encouraged, celebrated and confident. I love the special message in the bathroom and the vibes we worked out together. Thank you for making me feel incredible!! I never want to wear clothes ever again!!

I love your spirit and your kindness in taking portraits. These are photos that I will treasure forever.

M

It was fantastic. I really appreciate you taking the “creative director” role. It was so nice that I could give you a brief explanation of what I wanted and that you could roll with it and direct the poses/time spent/and ideas so smoothly.

It helped me embrace the changes my body is going through and be excited for this next chapter of my life. It also was such a celebratory way to appreciate my body.

s

This was my second boudoir session with Alyssa, and the experience from beginning to finish was even more magical than the first time.

We collaborated on an art project, combining a "Dear Body" handwritten letter with boudoir photography. This prompt allowed me to express myself uniquely. I found this session rewarding from an artistic standpoint. I am so proud of our work. And Alyssa, as always, is the most gracious, insightful, and beautiful soul. She makes you feel comfortable, safe, and brave.

This boudoir experience gave me a newfound appreciation for my body and was creatively fulfilling. My intention for my first photoshoot was to capture how my body existed at that time and seek to radically accept it, "flaws" and all. In this session, I intended to explore what my body is capable of. I wanted this shoot to embody movement, wildness, and imperfect ferocity. I wanted it to be loud and artistic, dramatic yet candid. I felt my "Dear Body" letter encapsulated the joy of movement, the sadness of disliking your body, and a resolution to show up better in the future.

My boudoir session was an opportunity to actionably unlearn self-destructive thoughts about my body, replacing them with overflowing joy, intrigue, and art. I'm super super proud of these photos and thankful to Alyssa for making this session happen.

ANONYMOUS

I felt incredibly comfortable and confident throughout the entire session! I loved that Alyssa had so many ideas and guided me throughout the whole session.

I loved seeing how the camera captured me! It feels like an additional piece of my self love journey.

M

Alyssa, thank you for creating such a wonderful experience to celebrate myself and commemorate this time in my life. You were so kind and uplifting, making me feel comfortable every step of the way. I never thought I could look so authentically like myself and feel so beautiful. Would recommend 1000%!

Amanda

From start to finish this was an exceptional experience. I was nervous about being physically vulnerable with nearly a complete stranger but Alyssa was patient, clear, and created a comfortable environment that helped to make me feel safe to fully express myself.

I feel beautiful again. This was an experience that had boosted my confidence and love for my entire self.

P

I wanted to capture my dichotomies in this shoot: how strong I am and how soft I can be. I didn't realize this would be a way to challenge my own views about myself. I was so excited to be art and I broke my own heart with how shocked I was by the end results - in the best way possible. This was truly a celebration of myself and a celebration of all I've survived.

Since my photoshoot, when I look at myself I don't want to hide. I don't want to try to flex or suck in my stomach. I notice my expressions in the mirror. I've stood up for myself more and I've been firm with what I want and what I deserve. I am kinder to myself. I've been able to nurture a different side of me that I've been trying to nurture for years in therapy and never could - who would have thought a photoshoot could be a solution? Not me! I've shifted from thinking that my body is the issue to realizing it's just the clothes that are the issue.

S

Since this was my second session with Alyssa, I came into it feeling more confident and prepared.

The minimalist session was the perfect way to give some more focus and direction on a smaller scope, especially as a sort of follow-up to my first session. We got to explore some looks and moods that were different from the first time, but that I don't think I would have opened up to until having experienced that first session. It helped me feel even more comfortable in my skin while exploring facets of myself I don't often get a chance to experience.

Both sessions have given me huge boosts of confidence and pride in myself. It was really moving to see how different the photos were but how they're still so inherently me, just different parts of me. I feel like we don't always get to explore all of these different parts of ourselves, so seeing those expressed as photos is really gratifying and powerful.

KRISTA

I was looking to feel empowered, sensual, and strong, and I can say this was one of the best gifts I have ever given myself. 

From the start, Alyssa was open and transparent about cost and what to expect the day of. I have never done boudoir before and had no idea what to expect, but Alyssa made it fun and empowering. I so appreciated her kind and gentle approach, telling me how to pose and where to look to achieve the look I was going for.

I went with the minimalist session, and found that it met the needs I came with. I came with two looks, one clothed and one not. The time flew by. I was open to Alyssa's suggestions and she made sure every minute was spent wisely - either collaborating on what to do next or photographing the moments. It was such an empowering experience.

I absolutely love my photos and the feelings I have when I look at them. Alyssa helped give me something I was looking for and needed.

C

My boudoir photoshoot was so comfortable, joyful, and relaxing. Alyssa was kind, generous, and so respectful of my personal space and body during this new and intimate experience. She is a master at practicing consent! 

The studio space was lovely, and I appreciate the wide variety of vignettes we created during my shoot so that I ended up with a range of photos to choose from.

B

Our session together made me feel so comfortable in my own skin. I had no insecurities while shooting!

You are so knowledgeable and really are a master at your craft. I appreciate you taking the lead and guiding me - It really helped me enjoy the experience. I really loved seeing all the printed photos of myself on the shelf when I came back. It was like a celebration of me.

I've never felt more beautiful and in love with myself. It was a little emotional seeing all the photos of myself - I've never seen myself look so good!

ANONYMOUS

I felt empowered to be myself and didn't feel like I was putting on a performance. I have never seen myself in that way before, and I can say it has heightened my sense of joy in my body.

M

I felt like my hopes and dreams were intentionally planned into the experience. The whole day was dreamy and sweet, empowering but gentle. And I’m still gushing over my photos!

It was a great reminder that I’m a lil hottie :)

Hannah

I believe that Alyssa’s work gives women the freedom to embrace all of our beauty, outside of the lens of values rooted in patriarchy and I love that.

Thank you Alyssa for doing this.

M

The boudoir process was so well planned-- I appreciated talking it through beforehand as well as the morning of. I felt like I knew what to expect, so once we started the photoshoot portion, I felt comfortable and relaxed. And I love the art we made!

In a time of my life when my identity feels less stable and less clear than it once did, my boudoir experience helped me create a solid foothold. Since my session, and when I look at my pictures, I love feeling like I recognize myself and who I am—that the sense of self I've been cultivating matches what I see in the images.

S

This is my second session with Alyssa. This time I chose to do an outdoor session. I have a strong connection to nature, and this was a creative way to celebrate that connection. I love how my photos turned out, and I am so glad I did this experience for myself! Being outdoors was fun and it felt very freeing to me.

I have struggled with the changes my body has made in the last few years-- I have given up diet culture and I am trying to get to a body-neutrality point with myself. Doing this photoshoot reminded me that I am strong, beautiful, and capable no matter how my body looks.

H

It was so much more comfortable and fun than I ever could have imagined! I would not change a thing.

My nerves were huge ahead of time! This was SO far out of my comfort zone. But Alyssa put me at ease very quickly by talking about the process and what to expect. The studio is beautiful and very relaxing. It felt homey and comfortable pretty quickly. The reveal also had my nerves going, but the process was so empowering and fun to decide on what pics to move forward with. 

The minimalist session was absolutely perfect for me! I would have had a hard time coming up with more outfits but this mid-price point option allowed me to decide to move forward with it. In the end I upgraded to a linen box of portraits as a gift for my partner. This was an amazing experience! I cannot wait to see the finished prints and to give them to my partner.

I would have never considered myself sexy or confident with the way my body looks... this changed that! I have a confidence now that I have never experienced before.

S

I feel like there aren't words to describe how amazing this experience was! It was so much more powerful and emotional than I imagined. You made me feel so comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire day, and you truly captured so much of my spirit in the photos.

It was quite emotional looking at all the photos at the end, since I typically don't enjoy looking at pictures of myself. I'm starting to see myself in a new way--proud of my body and all that it has accomplished, and really in awe of how beautiful you helped make me feel.

Anonymous

Alyssa's style of photography instantly drew me in--warm, soft, natural, so I knew I had to book a session with her when the time came, and I'm so glad I did!

Alyssa’s studio really allows so much room to play around, be comfortable, try out different positions and backgrounds that give so many different feels to one session--it's hard to believe it's only something like 500 sq ft. And the photo reveal was just the pinnacle to the day, spending an hour looking at these beautiful images and basking in myself!

It's hard to live in a society where others are constantly putting pressure with their norms and vision of the world on you, be it subtle or conspicuous, about anything from gender identity and presentation to religion to your consumption and habits.

This boudoir experience allowed me to just be myself, entirely as I am, and see that in a material form through the images I now get to take home with me and flip through anytime I want to feel radiant and happy with who I am, who I've become, and who I certainly will become.

K

Alyssa created one of the best experiences I've ever had and I highly recommend her boudoir service to anyone even thinking about it.

The space Alyssa created is STUNNING. She thought of so many details and even personalized a few little bits just for my session. It's private and comfortable - key to this kind of photography in my opinion.

Now the real star - Alyssa. She is just the bees knees. She is professional and an absolutely delightful human. All of her communications were great, she responds quickly, and in person she is approachable and fun.

Oh the pictures... The are SO good. My goal was to feel good about my self in this moment and I definitely feel beautiful in my pictures. She presented some already printed and we went through the digital images together and I just couldn't get over how good they were.

Between the experience itself and the finished product, I could not be happier. Take the leap, it's worth it.

 Tory

I was initially nervous and unsure of what to expect, but Alyssa’s commitment to body positivity and authenticity put me at ease.  Despite my usual self-consciousness, I felt relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire process.

The studio and amenities surpassed my expectations, and the all-in-one day experience was perfect for my busy schedule!

The boudoir photoshoot turned out to be an incredibly empowering experience for me.  Although I initially approached it with my husband's preferences in mind (the photographs were a gift for his 40th birthday), the portrait reveal elicited an unexpectedly emotional response in me.  I found a newfound sense of confidence, and it left me eager to do another photoshoot that focuses solely on me and my journey.

A

It continues to amaze me how each session takes on a life of its own. Alyssa makes each session so unique and tailored to where I am in my cycle of life and helps me represent that in our photos together.

It is ALWAYS the boost that I need.

Anonymous

The process was seamless, well thought out, and designed with the comfort of the client in mind. I really appreciated the time and thought you put into my session leading up to, during, and afterwards during the reveal. I felt completely comfortable through the entire experience and left my session feeling confident, beautiful, and proud of myself and my body. I would undoubtedly book another boudoir session in the future.

My experience provides me with a tremendous boost in the positive feelings/thoughts about myself. I love the fact that I have something tangible to use against my negative thoughts and feelings when they do arise.

E

The boudoir session was such a unique, memorable, and empowering experience. Alyssa made me feel comfortable and supported through the day.

I feel like I was able to look at myself in new ways. It’s not often that you get to see yourself in such a positive and beautiful light.

A

15/10. I am so so so happy with my experience. I decided to do a boudoir shoot because it's something I've wanted to do for YEARS, but never did because I never felt beautiful or thin enough.

 After seeing my photos I feel so strong, confident, self-assured, and beautiful! I did not expect to feel so comfortable in front of a stranger in so little to no clothes, but I felt so comfortable during the whole shoot. Before any hair or clothing adjustments were made I was asked before being touched, which was very much appreciated. Also the snacks that were available were on point!

I can't wait to do a boudoir shoot every 5 to 10 years to document my body. And I can't wait to look back at these photos decades from now.

Poppins

I loved the outdoor session! Alyssa was so thoughtful and remembered everything I had mentioned on our get-to-know-you phone call. She had walked around the whole property with me in mind specifically to find just the right spots to capture the mood and my interests, I hadn't even remembered sharing how much birch trees mean to me and she found the one little perfect spot.

Her intentionality shines through in her demeanor and work and I would highly recommend her for your special celebrate-me day!

Anonymous

Alyssa's approach to photography is so uniquely personal. She gets to know you on the phone during the consultation, she answers any and all questions you have, listens to concerns and wants to know who you are as a person in order to tell your unique story through photographs. I knew I would be in good hands. And the day of the shoot was an absolute dream! I walked in the studio door and there was a sign welcoming me and the room itself brims with love and acceptance.  It feels like a warm hug and a high five at the same time. I did not feel like a client getting pictures taken, but rather, an artistic collaborator creating a beautiful story with a master storyteller.

Greta

Truly this session helped open my eyes to a kinder view of myself - it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day 'you feel tired so you look tired' and passing by the mirror you see what you expect to see. This session and the keepsake photos, serve as a soothing touchstone that however I might feel I look, my beauty is right there for anyone to see.

When I finally walked back into the studio and saw my photos on display, all I could do was stare at them. Even now writing this I am tearing up from the joy that that moment brought to me. The gift she gave me was so much more than photos.

I came in ready to celebrate my upcoming wedding and a surprise gift for my fiance and instead, I received such an unexpected and wonderful gift, and it will bring me joy for the rest of my life.

Anonymous

During the session, you kept in mind my intentions and helped make it feel authentic to me. I have always felt apprehensive about having my photos taken, but your reassurance, expert posing techniques, and the joy you emanate helped put me completely at ease and brought out my real smile. Your gorgeous studio is so well planned and offers endless possibilities.

The result - gorgeous, artful, authentic photos that make me feel so empowered and beautiful. It was such an incredible moment to see the all on the wall in your studio! Alyssa - I am so grateful to have been able to share this artistic experience with you and have a lasting memory of this time in my life.

M

My session was everything I hoped for and more! I felt truly cared for from the moment I stepped into the studio. The intentionality Alyssa brought to the day made me feel welcome, comfortable, at ease, and supported. She makes the extraordinary level of detail she puts into her sessions feel effortless. I appreciated the support she gave in modeling and describing poses and the ever positive affirmations and check ins throughout my photos. I was amazed at how natural and easy the session felt! And being able to view the final art just hours after taking the photos was truly special.

I gained a sense of self from my session that is hard to put into words.

The experience itself felt so natural and easy and I walked away surprised by those feelings. It was a welcome reminder that the narratives we often tell ourselves - about our bodies, about what we can or cannot do, or about what we should and should not do - can sometimes hold too much weight.

I loved capturing beautiful, empowering images of myself and this body I call home, but my boudoir session was so much more than that. It was a moment that made me feel simultaneously lighter and stronger. It was a lesson in self love and self discovery. And it was the BEST gift I could give myself at this point in my life.

E

I’m in awe of my experience with Illuminate Boudoir. I couldn’t have imagined a better day. Alyssa thinks of everything from start to finish and is so kind, thoughtful and professional. 

I’ve been looking forward to this day for almost a year and booked it as a birthday gift for myself. It turned out to be so much more; it became a reflection of joy, beauty and strength for a year that has been about growth and self-compassion. Alyssa captured this magnificently. 

I had read many times that people have loved the reveal at the end of the day and I was a bit skeptical. But then let me tell you, it is amazing! It is truly art! And a wonderful celebration of your intentions for the day.

AJ

Over the course of several years, I looked into photographers doing boudoir sessions, but the minute I found Illuminate and Alyssa, I knew I had found “the one.” On the day of the shoot, I was overwhelmed with how cared for I felt. I never would have expected to walk into a space I had never seen before, with someone I had only met over the phone, and feel so immediately at peace. In the moments when I felt nervous or needed rest, Alyssa allowed me the space to breathe and process. Alyssa also made me feel like we were a team and not just the subject of the photos. Alyssa’s creative vision, guidance, and space are all obviously beautiful, but I truly felt like the photos were beautiful because of me. It was everything I would have imagined and more.

When we went through the reveal, I was shocked at how often I was drawn to the parts of me in the photos that previously I have been embarrassed by. I have cellulite and it is beautiful! My moles were so striking and my favorite part of the detail pictures!

That was amazing, to erase the critical voice in my head when looking at myself. And to be able to see myself how so many other people see me! To experience that joy, enthusiasm, kindness, silliness, beauty, calm. And I get to re-experience that every time I look at the pictures I have now.

M

What a beautiful and empowering experience.  Alyssa is thoughtful, creative, and so mindful of consent throughout the process.

I have not often felt beautiful or able to appreciate myself in photographs.  This experience helped me return to a place of peace and joy in my body and to honor what my body has given me.  Certainly feel more grounded/centered and at home in my body.

Megan

I think like most women in America, I struggle with my body image. There are sooooo many signals out there telling you what is wrong with your hair, skin, weight, etc., and I've worked really hard to try and silence those messages. But seeing myself through your lens, wow!! I feel so strong and beautiful and it made me quite emotional (even as I'm typing this, lol!).

I don't know if I have the right words to describe how amazing and magical this experience was, so luckily, I have the absolutely STUNNING photos that do!

I love how intentional you are with everything you do from the initial meeting/phone call to the presentation of my USB drive. Your positive energy and creativity is contagious!

K

I went into my boudoir shoot very excited, knowing that all of the pictures I've seen on the Illuminate Boudoir website and instagram are gorgeous, and assuming mine would probably be fine. I was more interested in the process, and figured I'd get a few fun shots out of it.

When I returned in the afternoon for my photo reveal, I was astounded by how many pictures I was absolutely in LOVE with!! I felt like the main character in a romcom all day, and then like a model when I saw the pictures. It was absolutely incredible, and I am so grateful to Alyssa for curating such a fantastic day, as well as beautiful artwork!

Anonymous

Alyssa is an expert. She is attuned to every detail, in the best way. She found seemingly infinite creative backdrop ideas for the portraits and gently coached me through each pose, making the whole experience feel approachable, accessible, and intentional. She also had the best snacks and beverages available, which made the day that much more sweet and celebratory.

Alyssa's commitment to having all the portraits ready to go and beautifully displayed for you at the photo reveal - all on the same day as the photoshoot - is such a gift. The portraits felt so authentic, capturing me at my core, and each time I look at them I am filled with the same rush of awe, strength, and gratitude I felt during the photoshoot.

KATE

I feel like I spend a lot of my time doing things for other people, so it was nice to have a day to do something for myself. This really was a great experience and I would 100% do it again (and tell my friends to do it too!)

I felt so comfortable - definitely forgot about the fact that I was standing in my underwear in front of a stranger. You are the BEST hype woman.

You made it very easy to just trust you and your process. You really listened and made sure I was comfortable. You even listened to things I didn't say - when you had mentioned that you noticed I seemed very comfortable on the floor, I realized just how much you had been paying attention and trying to make sure this whole shoot was really focused on me, what feels natural to me, and what makes me comfortable. I think that also said a lot about how comfortable I was with you and in the studio space - I just walked in and plopped on the floor like we were old friends :)

Cortneigh

As a mother of 2, I honestly can't remember the last time I did something by myself, let alone FOR myself. This adventure was exactly what I needed!

At first I was pretty nervous to start the shoot because I can be quite insecure about myself/my body, but that soon melted away and I became incredibly confident and comfortable.

Alyssa is amazing at making you feel welcomed and safe, and I think that absolutely helped me feel so confident in my body and my poses! Afterwards, when I saw the photos, I was shocked that I could look so sexy and beautiful! It really changed my perspective for the better, and makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin.

Thank you so much Alyssa! You have helped me further my confidence in my body and I can't thank you enough! You also made me feel very safe, and that is so very much appreciated! I didn't know what to expect with this experience, but whatever I was thinking, you made it 10X better!

Anonymous

Alyssa, thank you for crafting the most beautiful day for me to celebrate myself.

I walked into my session expecting to work with you on a wedding gift for my fiancé. I walked out of my session feeling like a badass with an even better understanding of myself— a true gift for me.

I’m feeling more in touch with my body after my boudoir experience. I feel sexy again— something I completely lost in my transition to parenting three children. I can’t stop looking at my photos, and I’m okay with that!

C

How would you rate your session on a scale of 1-10?

1,000,000,000

“I have never seen myself, in the here and now, as beautiful. In photos, I usually find the flaws or feel detached from the current experience. Seeing these, it was like a wall came down. Perhaps I am finally seeing what has always been there, and this process has given me the courage to embrace it.

The ritual of your photography from start to finish was therapy for me. Your warmth, kindness, and presence made the experience not only comfortable, but also freeing and empowering. I cannot express enough appreciation for your guidance, creativity, attentiveness, and the intentionality with which you cultivated this experience. Throughout the photoshoot, I know I needed your reminders to slow down, ground myself in the moment, and be fully present. My heart unfurled, my spirit sprouted, and I felt sunshine on my skin. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with all those who are fortunate enough to have this experience with you!

My deepest, sincerest, gratitude. 5 stars, 10/10, all the sunshine!”

J

I have never felt more powerful and beautiful in my life. I felt strong and resilient down to my core. I wanted to do a boudoir photo shoot to capture where I am now and where I have been. During the shoot I found myself reflecting on my life and the way I have felt about myself and my body throughout that time. I felt proud of the woman I have become and my bravery in going through this experience. 

I am beyond grateful to Alyssa for her kind demeanor and gentle spirit. She made me feel extremely comfortable and never pushed me to do more than I was comfortable with. At the photo reveal, I was speechless and could not believe that I was looking at pictures of me. I kept thinking "Is that really me??!" I was blown away and they were so beautifully displayed.

Now, I feel comfortable in my skin for the first time in a long time. I find myself looking in the mirror and thinking "wow, I look beautiful." I am proud of what my body can do and the way it carries me around. Seeing myself in a new light has boosted my confidence and the love I have for myself exponentially!

Cyndy

I went in feeling unsure about doing boudoir at my age. Came out feeling confident, beautiful and proud to be 57!

What an amazing experience. Alyssa is warm, kind and very talented. I love all my shots.

J

I never thought:

1) I would sign up for this

2) enjoy the experience 

3) like the pictures (of myself - so strange).  

It's a warm and comfortable environment and you are a stellar photographer (and overall good human). You are amazing... 

Artemis

Alyssa did a phenomenal job facilitating me through the experience, I felt supported and empowered to explore my self, it was a big space of possibility!

Truly the images that came out brought me to a new sense of myself, I saw things that have been growing in my for a long time represented fully in my image!I feel very hot and queer and transformative.

Anonymous

This was my second session with you and much like people say about aging, it just keeps getting better! I didn't think it was possible to top my first session in your lovely studio but it was such a wonderful experience. Since I had done it before I had less nerves about what it would be like and how we would get along. There was a certain level of familiarity and comfort is knowing what to expect to some level. Plus, you do such an excellent job communicating about the process beforehand, the day before, during, and after. I always feel like I know what to expect and greatly appreciate that.

Having an outdoor session was a dream, and your suggestion for location turned out to be my absolute favorite.  I love the photos, but I also have such fond memories of the experience. It's such a rare and lovely experience to focus on yourself in this way, for yourself.

I think one of my favorite things about my session was a phrase that you'd use when talking about poses. You asked some version of does that feel ok for you, or does that feel right to you? It really made me think to myself, what DOES feel right, for me, in my body? We don't often stop to ask ourselves that and so the intentionality there really struck me. I think that shows in the photos. I look happy, comfortable, joyful and I couldn't have asked for more. I think it not only helps me see myself, my body in a new way but also lets me see the joy that others so often see that I maybe pass by or miss.

Helen

I loved having the opportunity to connect with nature during my outdoor session. It was a fun new way to enjoy the outdoors.

Alyssa made the whole experience very comfortable by checking in every step of the way to make sure that my session would be great (from finding a beautiful private location to assessing the number of stairs required to reach it) and it really paid off. I felt so comfortable during my session and really loved the experience.

M

How would you rate your session on a scale of 1-10? 

“10 x 100”

I think this was the most confident I have ever felt in my body. I have a desire to do a boudoir shoot every 10 years of adulthood to honor all my body has brought me through in each decade. I came into this particular shoot 50 lbs heavier than the last from carrying the weight of the world around me. And even so, I saw every (extra) inch of myself as a testament to my strength and perseverance.

Sarah

The photoshoot itself didn't change my feelings about myself, instead it was a celebration and a visual representation of work I have been doing for 3+ years. I have been working on myself internally and externally, and I felt the whole experience was a celebration of the entirety of my existence.

Thank you for the care and intention that you have put into the entire experience. It was a day above and beyond my dreams and worth every penny.

S

“Meeting Alyssa was like meeting an old friend. It felt like I'd known her for years. She made me feel safe, intentional, and worthy of being seen throughout the entire shoot. I remained grounded and in my body throughout the session, which was really important to me. Plus, it was just fun! Alyssa is a creative and a collaborator. I trusted her vision and expertise throughout the entire process, yet she continuously asked for my ideas as well.

My feelings about myself and my body are always a work in progress. I came into this session knowing my body doesn't look like it did when I was twenty…. it has more folds and curves than it used to. And at the end of this day, I did find myself staring at my belly folds in a photo while still thinking I looked hot as hell. That was a small but significant moment.

During the photo reveal, I was so proud of the art we created. Book with Alyssa, you will love it!”

D

Honestly, this experience was so much more than I thought it would be! I was a little nervous about how it would go, or if I would like the pictures, but everything Alyssa did made the experience so comfortable and normal. I want to tell everyone I know that they should do a boudoir session!

I'm surprised by how much delight and empowerment I felt during the session and the reveal, and I want to carry those feelings with me always. It's so easy to be harsh or critical towards my body, but this experience has made me really feel in awe of myself.

K

You made something that has always been a source of stress for me - being photographed - an enjoyable and moving experience. It was unlike any photography experience (graduation pics, engagement pics, etc.) in that I could enjoy bathing in the natural light and allowing myself to be seen, not just by Alyssa, but by myself in a way that I had never taken the time to do.

I could sing your praises forever! Your guidance for poses, reminders for me to breathe, laughing with me, and constant chatting all helped me relax and embrace the moment. I found so much delight in enjoying the moments of peace and breathing during and in between shots.

Also, I came into the day knowing that I wanted to do artful nude shots, but your decision to include such imagery from past clients in your studio made me feel more assured and safe with you. I guess I didn't know how I expected you to handle/photograph those shots, but your respectful presence made me feel very safe. I appreciated you not using sexual language to praise any of my shots, and I think that decision on your part contributes to a very artistic and gracious environment.

My session was a stellar way to take a break from life and allow myself to be art.

Annika

My confidence has… skyrocketed. Being photographed by you was a dream come true! I have never felt so comfortable in my body.

I think that women are taught to carry so much shame about their bodies, and you don’t realize how heavy that shame is until you get the chance to let some of it go.

Women are taught to conceptualize their physicality and sexuality in terms of some “other”: a standard, an ideal, a partner, etc. For the first time, during this shoot, I felt like there was no “other”. There’s a camera, and a photographer, but there was no pressure to be anything but myself. And the best part is that now I have a beautiful set of pictures that look like me. They don’t look like me trying to be something else for someone else, they just look like me.

For anyone who is nervous about incorporating nudity (implied or not) into their photoshoot: it is an INCREDIBLE feeling. The whole day overall was incredibly empowering, but my favorite part of the day was the section of the shoot that we dedicated to implied/artistic nude photography. My favorite picture is one where I am sitting on the ground, with my legs crossed in front of me. My little tummy rolls are totally on display, and I genuinely feel like they enhance the picture. I would say that I spend 90% of my time feeling insecure about that specific part of my body, and yet that photo wouldn’t be nearly as magical without them. And that is a powerful feeling.

Melissa

Alyssa is such a calm, respectful photographer. As a larger bodied person, I appreciated her showing me poses and then offering variations that might be more comfortable for me to hold. The use of the word 'variation' felt affirming and didn't make me feel 'less-than' if I needed to use that instead. 

With the pandemic, I also felt very confident that everything was clean. Alyssa wore a mask the whole time and was conscious of physical distancing while shooting and showing me poses. 

I really loved doing the whole experience in one day. It feels special and exciting to see the images from earlier in the day in an immediate way!

K

How would you rate your session on a scale of 1-10? “100”

When I came back for a second boudoir shoot, I was secretly a little worried that it was just going to look similar to my first shoot, but that wasn't the case!

Alyssa provided a space for me to truly see my growth and expansion as a woman over the last few years. I felt like a total goddess when I was in the studio.

If you've already worked with Alyssa but are considering another session, I say go for it!

A

This was my first time doing a boudoir shoot, and it was the most comfortable I have ever been in my own skin.

I was worried that I might walk away from the experience feeling more self- conscious about my body, but it had the complete opposite effect.

Working with you, and seeing my final photos was the most validating and empowering experience I have had with my body. I look at my photos and keep thinking "Wow! That is me. That is what I look like. Damn!"

It was honestly the perfect day. You really know how to make others feel special and supported.

A

Thank you again SO MUCH for such a memorable, special, AMAZING day. You are a very thoughtful, generous and overall sweet photographer - I truly can say that I have not experienced the level of attention and care that you gave me and will forever remember it and keep you in mind for future photography needs.  

Also, I wanted to mention that I REALLY appreciated your direction and helping me pose. I loved SO SO many of the photos... I will definitely look back at these photos decades from now and will think of what a great day I had with you!

Natalie

As a mom of two busy little kids, I so rarely take an extended period of time to do something for me, to celebrate me.

This was such a special day to celebrate me as a woman — and celebrate all that my body has done and ways it has changed throughout my journey of motherhood.

You helped me to celebrate ME! You made me feel completely comfortable and excited the entire time... and then when I saw my pictures, I truly felt beautiful in my own skin!

As I looked at my final pictures, I truly felt beautiful as me — exactly as I am. Thank you for helping me to embrace myself and celebrate all that I am. I have looked at my pictures multiple times and feel truly wonderful. They bring a smile to my face. Thank you!

Anonymous

I was nervous going into the session because I have never been photographed in this way. I was worried about appearing bloated, sleepy, and shy. As soon as I walked in and met you, and the makeup/hair team, those worries started to melt away. You made me feel so worthy of being photographed and feel prepared to seize the next 4 hours. 

I appreciated the intention behind the whole day. I think you have the schedule down perfectly. I liked that we eased into the day. I enjoyed talking about my outfits when I walked in and that you made a plan for us. I am so grateful you served as creative director.

I was worried about poses but I felt calmed by your organization and ideation. It was calming to that you demonstrated poses and were so kind and helpful about my fears of frozen face and weird expressions. I appreciated that you made sure I was comfortable often. I still can't believe that as someone who identifies as shy I felt so calm and comfortable by our last look (fine art nudes).  I am very happy with how the photos turned out. 

M

Alyssa is truly a body positive photographer and she really listened to my thoughts and concerns and was able to guide me into making my portraits feel authentic to me. She made me feel comfortable and confident from the first phone call to the reveal appointment. I was especially excited to be able to have my session outside in a place that I love and is meaningful to me!

I have struggled with my feelings toward my body for as long as I can remember. After years of eating disorders and body dysmorphia, I wasn't sure that I would ever truly love a photo of myself, much less boudoir photos, but I felt like it was something I needed to do on my journey toward acceptance and self-love. Looking at my photos now and absolutely loving them, I feel so at peace with myself in a way I don't think I would have been able to without this experience.

I am so, so grateful for this experience. Thank you for making me feel so comfortable and making the experience amazing!

Elizabeth

I’m so glad I booked Alyssa for my maternity session. She was so easy to work with and document this season of life!

Right now, love is a motif I have been acknowledging in my life. Love for myself, love for my husband, love for the life we are building. I’m so happy I took the time to document this season of life, and will forever be able to look back at these photos.

Abigail

I can’t stop looking at these photos! They look so natural and I never ever thought I could do this. You create a warming environment and are very helpful with explaining everything!! I felt so empowered leaving for the day.

Mariah

To say I had an "exponential" increase in my self-confidence and positive thoughts surrounding my personal body image does not even do it justice. I came out of this session with a whole new identity! I saw myself in a new light- my pictures are strong, delicate, intimate, warm, and happy all at the same time, and revealed to me side of myself I never allowed myself to see. This is one of the best things I have done for myself.

Every step of this experience was incredibly personalized and comforting. Alyssa took the time to tailor the whole day to be about me, beginning with a phone call and studio tour before my session to get a feel of what I wanted, adding personal touches in the studio on the day of my session, and wrapping up the day with a celebration of my images that was emotional and powerful. Her guidance in deciding which outfits to use and where to shoot along with the precise posing instructions made me feel the most comfortable I've ever felt in front of a camera. I am so grateful for this experience and am a changed woman because of it.

R

You made every step of the way so comfortable. The energy that you set the stage with really carried through the day.

The structure of arriving in the morning to your beautiful space, taking the afternoon to relax and treat myself, and then getting to see photos only 4 short hours later was so wonderful!

I also felt so supported and safe during the session. Thank you for demo-ing every pose and looking out for the little things like my hair binder on my wrist and my flyaway bangs! Overall so grateful for the experience and for you.

Anonymous

I would recommend Illuminate Boudoir over and over again to anyone who is thinking about doing boudoir. I thought this was going to be a 1 and done type of thing but I already want to come back! I want to take this confidence you gave me yesterday and do it all again to see how fierce those photos would come out. Maybe I'll be back in a couple years...

You are amazing and are meant to do this amazing and therapeutic work. Thank you thank you thank you.

When I walked into our portrait reveal, I couldn't believe the pictures in front of me were in fact me. I have never seen myself this way and I am so grateful for Illuminate Boudoir for helping me to see myself in this light. Alyssa helped me feel strong, confident, and beautiful. Alyssa is so intentional and created the perfect day. I would recommend to my friends 100 times over. Thank you!

Hannah

My boudoir session was: thoughtful, empowering, unique. I'm so grateful for the experience, how thoughtful and beautiful every detail was – it was a flawless day. I am so glad that I decided to do this! I feel like I embraced myself in a new light, and have a new way to appreciate myself.

Anonymous

Alyssa helped me feel comfortable and walked me through every part of the day, and even played my favorite music to help me feel more relaxed! She was very thorough and ensured all my questions were answered, and was well-prepared for our photoshoot, which helped me feel less nervous.

Seeing my photos gave my self-esteem a healthy boost. I feel great about my body and the stage of life I'm in right now.

K

I love the photos—which make me feel better about my body! You made everything comfortable and encouraging! Thank you!!!

Anonymous

When I first started planning for my boudoir session it was in hopes of having a special Valentine’s Day gift for my husband. A few months later, I became pregnant for the first time and unfortunately suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated and felt like there was something wrong with me.

The photos from our session continually reminded me of my strength, as a woman and a wife.

It reminds me of joy and beauty in a time when I felt most down and in darkness and continue to struggle with infertility.

I got so much more out of that session than I ever could have imagined. I am so glad I will have that memory and those photos for years to come not just for my husband, who adores them, but also for me.

Skye

I arrived on the morning of my shoot with Illuminate Boudoir and I felt so relaxed and Alyssa (and the make up artist) made me feel so special and beautiful.

I cried on my way home because I never saw myself as beautiful. I now see me how my friends and loved ones do.

M

I felt so at ease during my shoot. I loved your communication style and how you were always checking in, creating a safe space, and making me feel like a goddess. Everything from picking out my outfits, to taking the photos, to the reveal at the end of the day felt like I was part of a team and I thought we worked together really well.

I feel so confident! Not only did my session bring about a new sense of self-empowerment, but it also reminded me why I love my femininity.

Thank you so much for everything! I'm so happy people like you exist in the world and I'm completely grateful that I got the chance to work with you.

D

To say this was one of the best choices I have ever made would be an understatement.

Being a curvy woman, I’ve always struggled with my own body image but Alyssa made me feel so comfortable in my own skin that I forgot about the areas I don’t love about my body. When I left my session, I couldn’t help but feel so beautiful and appreciative of the body that I was given.

I was so nervous to see how the pictures were going to turn out. Since there's some places on my body that I'm not a huge fan of I was nervous to see how I was going to "hide" those parts to make them beautiful.

The funny thing is that Alyssa didn't even hide them, she placed me in poses that flattered my figure and made me love the quirks that I have. When I saw my pictures, all I could say for the first 10 minutes was "Oh my goodness". The pictures turned out better than I could have ever imagined! They were exactly what I was looking for, I looked like myself but amplified and sultry and slightly sexy.

Alyssa, thank you for everything! You didn’t only capture beautiful and sexy pictures but also opened my eyes to the beautiful woman that I am!

Kelly

Alyssa is AMAZING to work with. She is a natural at making you feel completely at ease during the photo sessions.

Her studio is gorgeous, and is comfortable to take photos in. I highly recommend you go with Illuminate Boudoir if you are thinking about taking boudoir photos.

I've worked with her twice already, and plan to work with her again in the future :)

Anonymous

This day and the photoshoot really met and exceeded my expectations. From all of the thorough communications about what to expect, and individual attention leading up to the day, to the actual day-of experience, I felt so seen and so special.

A

It was so much fun having my second session outside!

It was a great afternoon of self care and self-love.

anonymous

Looking at the pictures is starting to help me accept my post baby body… I haven't had an entire day dedicated just for me in over 7 years. The whole experience was amazing. Alyssa's caring heart and photography skills will help make boudoir sessions more mainstream and acceptable.

Autumn

(personal branding session for her dancing career)

It was amazing to work with Alyssa in a personal branding capacity after having previously done a boudoir session with her! She already had an idea of my style, and was totally open to trying all different kinds of artistic shots.

At the end of the day I walked away feeling like I got exactly what I wanted!

My personal branding session gave me such joy because I finally feel like I have photographs that capture my identity as an artist and show what I'm capable of.

S

I was very nervous prior to the session. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and natural Alyssa made me feel. It made the entire experience amazing and I am thrilled with the resulting photos.

It has definitely had a positive impact to my self confidence. I saw myself in a whole new light. It feels amazing.

N

My experience was exactly what I wanted - a settling into myself filled with vibrancy, joy, and empowerment.  There's something magical about knowing someone is dedicated to helping you be your most authentic and beautiful self for a few hours.  I wish everyone could have this experience - it's life changing!

I know that I am living my life with the most joy and intention that I've ever had, but it was really fun to see those feelings reflected back in the photos.  I will treasure this stage of my life always and have a beautiful, documented, reminder of this time.

A

I was slightly nervous before the session, but Alyssa was so easy to connect with and made me feel comfortable.

It was so cool to see her creativity and vision come together in the photo reveal! My jaw dropped, all of the photos turned out incredibly.

After the session I felt significantly more confident, as well as comfortable in my skin. Thank you so much for a wonderful session and day! I'm so glad we were able to connect, the photos all turned out amazing!

Anonymous

Alyssa made me feel super comfortable from the moment I walked in.

I felt insecure about the top half of my body before the session, but by the end I felt comfortable enough to take some topless photos! I lived in the moment and it's something I can look back on and see my confidence. Looking at my photos makes me smile from ear to ear!

I can’t stop looking at my photos! They make me feel amazing. I'm happy that I did it and I would do it again 1000%!

Sarah

Alyssa is phenomenal! From the initial chats to the final finished product, she makes you feel comfortable, confident, and knowledgeable about everything your session entails.

Beyond that, she takes stunning photos that capture true beauty: inside and out.

She is an amazing artist with a soul of gold. I am so lucky to have been able to work with her and would recommend her services to anyone.

Gillian

I had an outdoor boudoir session at my family's cabin in the Wisconsin Northwoods. I have to be honest, I was super nervous — I love helping and celebrating others, but feel way less comfortable when that attention and love is turned towards me!

Alyssa was, in a word, incredible. She made me feel like a dear friend from the very start and was so accepting that I found myself feeling calm and excited within minutes. She paid attention to every single detail; especially in this season of COVID-19, I could see how much care and focus she took to make sure we had a super safe photo session. Being that we were outside and on a lake, she also made sure to keep a lookout for anything that might make me uncomfortable (other humans, mosquitoes, rough terrain) — AND she somehow captured the most magical photos I've ever seen of myself.

Alyssa, you are a true gem of a person. I left my boudoir session with a sense of fullness that I've never had before — I really feel deep in my soul a sense of completeness, confidence, and inner strength. It's been two weeks since my boudoir session, and this feeling has stayed with me. The photos you took feel so authentic to my personality, and the feelings of inner light and strength come rushing back every time I look at them. I will cherish these photos for the rest of my life! This experience uplifted me in a way I never expected, and I am so, so grateful for it.

Marissa

This is been by far one of the greatest experiences of my life. I felt like I knew what to expect going in and it 1000% went above and beyond my expectations.

I feel like I am finally free of the shame I carried for so long. Free of the shame of embracing my sexuality, free of feeling the need to hide and the need to cover up.

Today was beautiful, inspiring, freeing, empowering, emotional and inspiring.

You were so warm, welcoming, creative, directive and yet so delicate and conscientious! I honestly cannot thank you enough.

Anonymous

You created an environment that was encouraging and accepting while also helping me to find those things within myself. It was such a unique experience and I’m so glad I opened myself up to it.

Candice

I cannot even explain how much my session changed my life. You’re not just an artist, you’re a miracle worker and a healer.

AmandaJean

I enjoyed every minute of the shoot. Yesterday will go down as one of the best days ever. I didn’t worry for a second on what my body looked like nor did I care.

To me it was very healing to celebrate how far this body of mine has carried me. I just left feeling so at peace with myself and normal.

I think we often forget that survivors are just normal regular everyday people with a story to tell. 

Thank you, thank you a million times over ️<3

Anonymous

Alyssa truly thought about every detail for the entirety of the shoot. I’ve never been professionally photographed and Alyssa made the whole process effortless! It was so helpful how she planned my different outfits to best fit with unique locations and poses and the whole progression felt seamless.

It was very empowering to be alone in front of a camera for a few hours in an intimate setting and then to see the final result! I think the moments captured today will be memories of a lifetime.

K

Honestly, I thought about cancelling our session a couple of times because I wasn't feeling "camera ready". But I stuck to it because I knew deep down this was going to be an eye opening experience. And it certainly was!

Alyssa really cares about you and how you want the shoot to go for you, what you want out of it. Her years of experience are apparent as she makes you feel so comfortable the whole time and always checks in with you to make sure you are okay. She gives you the space to choose from a few options of poses, turn down ones you're not feeling comfortable with, and the opportunity to suggest one or two you want to do.

The fact that your photos get done the same day is mind blowing (as a fellow photographer who is so finicky when it comes to editing I am seriously impressed). The feeling of seeing all of these photos of myself in such an out-of-my-comfort-zone way was so liberating! I even exclaimed: "Damn, I'm sexy!" Alyssa really creates something special.

S

How would you rate your session on a scale of 1-10?

15

How has your boudoir session affected your overall feelings about yourself? 

Acceptance! It's been hugely positive in claiming myself in all parts of me - not just the ones that I like.

This experience is therapeutic. Alyssa sees you as you are - all of you including the parts you might not love, and photographs you in total in a way that reveals you back to yourself and really shows the beauty you really hold.

J

Absolutely Perfect. The atmosphere was relaxing and friendly. I loved all of the little thoughtful details. It is a confidence booster but it really helps you reach a different part of yourself. Its a great journey of self reflection and celebration.

Michelle

This experience is like unlike anything I could have imagined. I teared up looking at my photos for the first time, Alyssa captured me so naturally and beautifully. I have never felt sexier, more beautiful, or more empowered.

Simply amazing! From the very first email, to walking out of the studio with my photos, my entire experience was so wonderful. Alyssa is extremely professional and SO talented, I felt so well taken care of. And it’s safe to say I’m OBSESSED with my photos!!

Marisa

Loved the space, the process, and how accommodating Alyssa was with a payment plan for the photos I wanted to buy. Alyssa was an absolute joy to work with!

Cassie

I am so glad I had this experience. And doing it while pregnant was so special and made me feel really beautiful in this time of life.

Outside of the pictures, the studio is beautiful and calming. Alyssa is so easy to talk to and I felt comfortable with her! She even offered snacks and coffee making it feel laid back and homey.

I appreciate my body, especially pregnant body, so much. I feel beautiful and even sexy while pregnant!

Anonymous

When I think about my session, "warm" and "uplifting" are the words that come to mind! You have taken such care to create a supportive environment for your clients, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be among them.

L

Honestly it was very interesting, I was expecting to either leave the experience feeling like I ABSOLUTELY love my body or I ABSOLUTELY hate my body but it left me with a great feeling of acceptance of my body how it is, imperfections and all.

I think seeing my body literally through a different lens put it into perspective - in my head my imperfections are magnified but when you see them for what they are you realize it's not big and scary at all and is in fact just part of what makes you a human.

You were amazing at posing and making me feel very comfortable even with very little clothing on!!!