Welcome to Our Nashville Boudoir Blog
Welcome to Holly Douglas & Co, where timeless elegance meets the art of empowerment. We are not just a boudoir studio; we are a sanctuary of self-expression and self-love, dedicated to helping you discover and embrace your inner beauty.
At HDCO in Nashville, Tennessee, we believe that every individual possesses a unique, captivating essence that deserves to be celebrated. Our mission is to create an empowering and transformative experience through the art of boudoir photography. We understand that the journey towards self-confidence and self-acceptance can be profound, and we are here to guide you through it.
Miss J’s Boudoir Testimonial | Trust the Professionals
Learn why the anonymous Miss J. said that staying open to the whole boudoir experience “helped me to not have nerves.”
Miss J’s Boudoir Testimonial
Trust the Professionals
We at Holly Douglas & Co. believe that EVERY woman, man, person and couple should experience a boudoir photoshoot at least once in their lifetimes. We love empowering people and boosting their self-confidence through the art of boudoir photography! Of course, people expect to hear that from us, the boudoir photographers, because we do this for a living. Boudoir testimonials written by our past clients who have actually experienced a boudoir session, on the other hand, are the most convincing! For this reason, Holly Douglas & Co. proudly features a new boudoir experience testimonial each week.
This week's boudoir experience testimonial comes from the gorgeous Miss J., who was photographed in our luxury boudoir studio in East Nashville, Tennessee!
(Miss J. chose to keep her images private, but gave us special permission to post the two anonymous photos seen in this blog.)
Tell us about yourself?
I've recently turned 40. My partner and I have been together for over 12 years. We don't have children but we do have 2 bunnies, so it's like having 2 permanent toddlers with attitudes. I've worked in a blend of health, fitness, and rehab for over 20 years and I'm fortunate enough to be an adjunct instructor in my field.
How did you hear about Holly Douglas & Co and what made you want to book with us?
I started seeing boudoir photography pop up on my TikTok feed so I started just looking at local companies as my 40th birthday approached. HDCO and a few others were at the top of my list, but after comparing images and costs, it was easy for me to feel comfortable that they were the ones that were right for me.
What was your initial reason for booking?
My first one was a gift to myself as I approached my 40th birthday. I also had never really had professional makeup and hair done and certainly had never had boudoir photos done. So, mostly, I had this burst of, "I'm going to do this for me because I want to and I deserve it."
Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?
I tried not to. I've learned over the years that professionals know what they're doing and they'll guide you because that's what they do. I think being open to see what the experience was helped me to not have nerves.
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
A little bit. But everyone was so warm and welcoming that disappeared immediately. I did get a rush of nerves in those seconds right before you see the pictures, but those were good, excited nerves.
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
Absolutely. I think it helped that the atmosphere was casual and chill, not uptight and rigid. It think it helps that I'm close in age to the photographer (s) and makeup artist so listening to music we all knew and talking made it seem like having coffee with friends.
How did you feel during your session?
It was just so fun. Both photographers I worked with were so encouraging and genuinely excited about their shots. The vibe was just very focused on taking great pictures and having a great time while doing it.
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
Sometimes holding the poses you feel awkward or strained and it's so wild how you don't look strained or awkward in any of the images. I was afraid I might not like any of them, but some of them I honestly couldn't believe they were actually me because they were so incredible!
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
I love pictures and organizing them, so I love sorting through and deciding what to keep (although that's also a little tortuous). I also love talking about the outfits I brought and figuring out what accessories and shoes they look best with.
Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
As I went through my 30s, I became so aware of the misogynistic and agist noise we absorbed and wanted to take back the idea that 40 was old. I'm not old, I'm an adult. I'm strong, I'm mobile, I can pick up heavy stuff. And you can see that.
What advice would you give to another woman considering a boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co?
Do it. There's no right or wrong person or age or body shape or type. All the nerves are good nerves. Do it for you.
Would you recommend Holly Douglas & Co for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
Absolutely. It's probably weird how much I encourage people to do it (like the girl who was ringing me up at Lululemon the day before my shoot).
Is there anything else you'd like to add to your interview?
I just really love that this is an option for women and want to help be a voice to normalize it.
Thank you, Miss J., for sharing your boudoir experience testimonial!
Miss A’s Boudoir Testimonial | More Confident and Positive
Miss A. anonymously shares her boudoir experience testimonial about gaining more confidence and a positive body image from her boudoir session with Holly Douglas & Co.
Miss A’s Boudoir Testimonial
More Confident and Positive
We at Holly Douglas & Co. believe that EVERY woman should experience a boudoir photoshoot at least once in her lifetime. We love empowering women and boosting their self-confidence through the art of boudoir photography! Of course, people expect to hear that from us, the boudoir photographers, because we do this for a living. Boudoir testimonials written by our past clients who have actually experienced a boudoir session, on the other hand, are the most convincing! For this reason, Holly Douglas & Co. proudly features a new boudoir experience testimonial blog each week.
This week's boudoir experience testimonial comes from the gorgeous Miss A., who was photographed at our luxury boudoir studio in downtown Nashville, Tennessee!
Please Note: Miss A. asked that we do not share any of her boudoir photos publicly. Because our clients' comfort and privacy is top priority, we are honoring her request by posting some behind-the-scenes photos of Holly Douglas doing what she does best instead. (These photos were not taken during Miss A.'s boudoir session.)
How did you hear about Holly Douglas Boudoir?
Why did you choose Holly Douglas Boudoir for your session?
I checked out a few different boudoir photographers in the middle TN area and I liked Holly's reviews and images the best.
What made you decide to take the leap of faith and do a boudoir session?
I had been thinking about it for a couple of years, first for a milestone birthday gift for my husband, and then for a milestone anniversary gift for him. I booked a session with another photographer a couple of years ago, but ended up canceling it for a lot of different reasons, mostly my social anxiety and embarrassment of my weight and body. Then I had a couple of life events this year that opened my eyes and made me realize that if there are things you want to do, you shouldn't put them off because you never know when you won't have another opportunity.
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
I was most nervous about the intimacy of the situation - wearing lingerie (or nothing at all) in front of a stranger with a camera.
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
Holly's positive energy and constant hype really helped me relax. And the shoot goes so fast that you don't really have time to be nervous!
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
It's hard to pinpoint my "favorite" part because the whole experience was so amazing!
How did you feel during your session?
Honestly, I felt almost like I was outside of myself. It was hard to believe what I was doing and that I was having so much fun doing it.
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
I was amazed that I could actually see myself as beautiful.
How has your relationship with your body changed since your session?
I'm much more positive and confident about my body now. I still see flaws, but flaws aren't the ONLY thing I see anymore. For the first time in more than 20 years, when my husband says I'm beautiful, I believe him because I can see it for myself now.
What would you say to people who say they can't do a boudoir session because they are too shy, nervous, etc?
If I can do it, you can do it! You will be amazed at the confidence you have inside yourself.
Anything else you'd like to add?
When I scheduled my boudoir session, the intention was that it was going to be a gift for my husband. It turned out that it was actually a gift to myself. My body image is so much more positive now. I've realized that my body image has had a huge - mostly negative - impact on my life. Since my session, I've been more confident and positive, I've smiled and laughed more, and people in my life have noticed. It has all been an amazing experience!
Thank you for sharing this boudoir experience testimonial, Miss A.!