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 H’s Boudoir Testimonial | Just Let What Happens Happen
Read on to find out why Miss H’s favorite part of her boudoir experience at Holly Douglas & Co. was “getting to just let what happens happen.”
Miss H’s Boudoir Testimonial
Just Let What Happens Happen
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 H., who was photographed in our luxury boudoir studio in East Nashville, Tennessee!
Tell us about yourself?
I am 43, have 5 children and 1 grandson. Four biological daughters and an amazing bonus son. I will be getting married in October to his dad. We cannot wait.
How did you hear about Holly Douglas & Co and what made you want to book with us?
I saw Holly through Facebook. I follow a couple other boudoir photographers, and always drawn to Holly's posts over the others. I love the blog posts and learning how others decide to go for it.
What was your initial reason for booking?
Initially I wanted to do this for myself, see myself in a different way. The closer my day got the more I wanted to give it to my fiance as a birthday gift. Well long story short we were finally able to set our wedding day for Oct this year. Now I want to give him the photos then. If I can wait until then!
Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?
My expectations going in were to have fun with it, and become confident as we take the shots.
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
Yes, I was nervous, as I do not wear makeup or lingerie. Not knowing what would look right or be the right color, or could I really be nude and let my picture be taken in this way?
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
As the makeup went on and my hair was done I just started feeling like WOW look at me! The 3 of us just chatted about life while my makeup was being done. Courtney just casually asked me questions about why I'm doing the shoot, what kind of outfits do I want? I told her whatever she thought would look good. The way we just talked about whatever really made me feel more comfortable.
How did you feel during your session?
At first I was like oh boy this is gonna be interesting… Watching Courtney pose so I knew what to do was a great help. Once we started taking the pics and she showed me one I felt like ok then..let's have some fun!
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
When I first saw the images it felt amazing. I loved every single one. How was I going to choose which ones to keep?
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
My favorite part was getting to just let what happens happen. I did not know how I would feel about taking these pictures going in but Courtney made me feel at ease and together we picked out the outfit and went for it. The whole day was nothing short of amazing.
Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
My self confidence has risen for sure. I am able to now see myself differently than I did before this shoot. I can finally see what he sees!
What advice would you give to another woman considering a boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co?
Do it, just do it. If you're thinking about it and have any doubts at all reach out in the group or to Holly and Courtney. Everyone is so helpful and encouraging. If you want to but the price is stopping you, you can make payments!!
Would you recommend Holly Douglas & Co for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
I would definitely recommend Holly Douglas to anyone. As someone who wasn't sure about it but wanted to so bad, these ladies are the best!
Thank you for sharing your boudoir experience testimonial, Miss H.!
Miss J’s Boudoir Testimonial | Scarred, But Not Broken
After recently surviving a bad wreck, it took a lot for Miss J. to book a boudoir session and accept that she may be scarred for life, but she is not broken.
Miss J’s Boudoir Testimonial
Scarred, But Not Broken
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!
Tell us about yourself?
I am 42 years old. I am divorced. I have 2 children. My daughter is going to be a senior in high school and my son will be a freshman in high school this year. He still thinks I'm cool because I drive a Camaro (21 LT1). I have been a single, full-time mom for 9 years. My kids are my world! I have 4 cats. I love the color pink. I am obsessed with dragonflies! I like white wine and relaxing on the couch with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
How did you hear about Holly Douglas & Co and what made you want to book with us?
I looked up boudoir places and Holly Douglas had amazing reviews and beautiful pictures. I found the FB and IG pages and was blown away.
What was your initial reason for booking?
I have been through a lot of things in my life that should have broken me, yet I'm still here. People keep telling me how strong of a person I am. I don't feel that way all the time. I recently got into a bad wreck and almost lost part of my hand and severely bruised my leg. My hand will always be scarred. It took a lot for me to accept the fact that I will never look the same or be able to do the same things again. I felt ugly. I'm also getting older now.
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
I was nervous about showing so much of my body to a total stranger. I was surprised at how comfortable I was.
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
I became comfortable almost instantly. The conversation was easy and my questionnaire about my preferences had been read.
How did you feel during your session?
I feel great! I was a little sore the next day. My ankle hurt from pointing my toes 😆. I was warned for weeks to stretch and I didn't do it as much as I could've. But, it was worth it!
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
I was so amazed! I looked HOT! And beautiful! And, I looked like ME still. It almost brought tears to my eyes.
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
I just enjoyed playing dress up and having someone focus 100% on me for a day. I always focus on everyone around me-kids, boyfriend, dad, friends. It was so much fun.
Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
I have never thought I was ugly, but I have never thought I was a 10 either. I truly felt like a model and realized that I can wear lingerie and look sexy in it. My body is sexier than I thought it was.
What advice would you give to another woman considering a boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co?
It seems scary and expensive, but it is one of the easiest and most freeing experiences of your life! It is worth every penny too! I was so concerned with what to wear & I was styled & didn't even need to worry. But, now I have new lingerie to wear for my boyfriend 😉
Would you recommend Holly Douglas & Co for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
1000 times YES!
Thank you for sharing your boudoir experience testimonial, Miss J.!
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 | The Second Session Was For Herself
After having a boudoir photoshoot for her first husband years ago, find out why Miss A. decided to book a second boudoir session totally for herself. (Including a behind-the-scenes video!)
Miss A’s Boudoir Testimonial
The Second Session Was For Herself
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 A., who was photographed in our luxury boudoir studio in East Nashville, Tennessee!
Tell us about yourself?
I am a 41-year-old single mom of two teenagers. I work full-time as a RN and a busy cardiac Cathlab. I truly enjoy my job. I get to help perform miracles every day.
How did you hear about Holly Douglas & Co and what made you want to book with us?
Instagram. I have been following Holly for a long time and I’ve always loved her work
What was your initial reason for booking?
I had boudoir pictures made back when I was married for my husband. I love the experience that I had then and the confidence that it gave me after seeing my pictures. Since then I have been divorced, and I’ve concentrated on my health and changing my body. I had the pictures made so that I could see myself for what I look like instead of just what I feel like and all the changes that I have been through
Did you have any expectations going into the shoot? What were they?
I didn’t have expectations. I had more hopes of what they would turn out like - believe me they met those expectations. My pictures were absolutely breathtaking!
Were you nervous about the shoot beforehand? If so, what were you most nervous about?
A couple of days before my shoot, I was looking through my emails to confirm my appointment and realized I didn’t have anything to wear. I sent an email to Holly with my concerns of not having time to shop or have anything to bring. She reassured me that it was fine, that she had plenty of options for me to choose from. They have a beautiful closet and she picked out beautiful pieces for me.
Did you become more comfortable after the session started? If so, what helped to relax your nerves?
I was nervous when I started, but then I just did what she said - main thing was to breathe and try to relax. She told me from the beginning that “if it bends were bending it, if it moves or moving it,” and that’s exactly what we did.
How did you feel during your session?
During my session, I felt silly. I felt like I was gonna look goofy in my pictures that my face was gonna be awkward that my body was gonna be awkward. That I wasn’t gonna like how my body looked, that I was gonna look to posed. You have a lot of things going through your mind when you’re taking pictures. None of these were even a concern after I saw my pictures.
Describe how you felt when you saw your images for the first time.
I was really nervous to see my pictures to see how I looked, to see how my body looked. My first look at my pictures I was in awe of myself - they were absolutely beautiful. I was like OH HELL this BITCH is hot 🔥! Is this really me? This is what I look like? I could not have asked for any better experience or photographer to have these done.
What was your favorite part of the experience and why?
To just get to do this for myself. To put everything aside and say this is something that I want for me and they made it happen.
Has anything changed for you since your boudoir experience and seeing your gallery? How has boudoir impacted your body image as a woman?
As a woman, you never see yourself the way everybody else does - you always pick out your flaws. Going through your pictures, you’re still gonna pick out your flaws, but that’s the only way that you can decide which picture you like better - they are all absolutely beautiful so they were so hard to pick from. That was the hardest part was deciding what pictures that I wanted because they were all the best of the best!!!
What advice would you give to another woman considering a boudoir experience with Holly Douglas & Co?
Just go in and relax and let them do what they love to do. When someone has passion for their work, you can tell and that’s what they do. Trust them and let them do an amazing job with your pictures.
Would you recommend Holly Douglas & Co for the luxury boudoir experience to others?
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Is there anything else you'd like to add to your interview?
When they say to stretch, they are absolutely not joking. You need to be prepared. You will be sore the next day.!!!!
Thank you for sharing your boudoir experience testimonial, Miss A.!