Emily’s Boudoir Session at ICON Studio
A one‑hour adventure at ICON Studio – my story with Emily
Ever wondered what you could create with just 60 minutes, a killer playlist and a closet full of daring lingerie? Let me tell you, it’s amazing what happens when you mix trust, creativity and a little bit of sass. Boudoir photography isn’t just about stripping down – it’s about peeling back the layers of self‑doubt and seeing yourself through a completely different lens. I’ve watched women walk into my studio timid and leave like they just conquered the world. That’s the magic of boudoir.
When Emily booked her session, she worried about all the usual things: “I’m not a model,” “I don’t know how to pose,” “is one hour really enough?” Spoiler alert – she rocked it. And yes, an hour was plenty. Keep reading and you’ll see why.
Why ICON Studio makes my heart sing
ICON Studio in downtown Toronto isn’t just a space; it’s a playground for light and mood. The industrial loft vibe gives me room to play with different backgrounds, textures and – my favourite toys – lights. You’ll hear photographers argue endlessly about natural versus artificial light. Here’s my take: sunlight is like that free‑spirited friend who always looks good in photos, while studio lighting is the reliable friend who never lets you down. Combine them and you get the best of both worlds.
Our Toronto boudoir photoshoot begins
With the studio all to ourselves and the music playing softly, it was time to dive into our Toronto boudoir photoshoot. Emily may have felt butterflies at first, but those quickly turned into excitement as she realised this was her moment. Here’s how we made the most of each outfit and lighting setup.
Look 1 – dark lace, big energy
We kicked off with a black lace set that instantly turned Emily from girl‑next‑door into femme fatale. Instead of rolling out a paper background, we used the studio’s cyclorama (that seamless curved wall photographers geek out over) and pulled out my trusty softbox. Why go with studio light here? Because I wanted crisp contours and control. Think of it like sculpting with light – I could shape every curve without the sun suddenly hiding behind a cloud. Fifteen minutes in, Emily was striking poses like she’d done it a hundred times. We laughed, we played with angles, and she started to forget there was even a camera between us.
Look 2 – harnesses and sunshine
Outfit two was a strappy harness bodysuit that looked like something straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. We abandoned the backdrop, threw open the blinds and let the afternoon sun do its thing. Natural light is unpredictable but oh‑so worth it. Those stripes of light and shadow wrapping around Emily? That’s Mother Nature painting with light. We had to work fast – the sun moves, after all – but those few minutes felt like starring in our own film noir.
I’ll admit, there was a moment when one of the straps got tangled and we both burst out laughing. Those moments of laughter are gold; they remind you that boudoir is supposed to be fun.
Look 3 – lady in red
For our finale, Emily switched into a red lace set. If you’ve ever worn red lingerie, you know it feels like putting on superhero armour. We pulled a cream curtain for a soft backdrop and let diffused window light wrap her in warmth. The result? Soft, romantic portraits that scream confidence without shouting.
And for those who want to go deeper — sometimes literally — we also explored more artistic nude looks. Emily trusted the process fully, and the result? Bold, soft, and absolutely breathtaking.
Every image you see here is shared with Emily’s full consent — because trust is the foundation of every boudoir session I create.
Why boudoir is more than photos
By the end of the hour Emily didn’t want to leave (neither did I – the coffee at ICON is pretty good). What really stuck with her, and sticks with most of my clients, is how she felt: powerful, connected and proud. Boudoir is like a therapy session with better lighting, and it delivers more than just pretty pictures. Here’s why this experience resonates with so many women:
Confidence and self‑love: seeing yourself through an artist’s lens can completely change the way you view your body. Clients often tell me they walk taller and smile wider after their session.
A step toward healing: if you’ve been through a rough patch, boudoir can serve as a reminder that you’re still strong, valuable and worthy.
Creative self‑expression: picking outfits, poses and vibes lets you explore sides of yourself you may not show every day.
Timeless keepsakes: whether you choose an album, prints or digital files, these images become tangible reminders of who you are right now and make thoughtful gifts for partners or milestones.
Professional guidance: you’re not alone! My job is to use studio and natural light to flatter your features, coach your poses and make the whole experience feel effortless.
Ready to be the star of your own story?
If you’re in Toronto or the GTA and you’ve been daydreaming about a boudoir session, consider this your sign to book your very own Toronto boudoir photoshoot. My sessions are tailored to you – your style, your comfort level and your wildest Pinterest inspiration. We’ll laugh, we’ll dance between poses, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. Even if you’re not ready to strip down, join my newsletter for stories like Emily’s, tips for prepping your shoot and occasional cheeky jokes.
