It's been a while since my last blog, and honestly? It's high time to change that.
Because the session I want to share with you today definitely deserves a place in the spotlight.
Meet Reinout—my very first male boudoir client.
And what a one.
Reinout and I have known each other for a long time through Facebook. He is the kind of person who is always busy—enterprising, energetic, full of ideas.
When he approached me for a photo session, it quickly became clear that this would be much more than a classic boudoir session.
It became a combination of boudoir, branding, and a confidence session —a reflection of who he is, what he stands for, and how far he has come.
Reinout has been on his fitness journey for a year now—and he has every reason to be proud of that. He also runs "Whiskey at your place" and "Cocktails at your place": unique concepts for whiskey tastings and cocktail workshops on location.
So yes—that could be shown as well.
Before the session, we discussed in detail what he wanted to do.
But in the end, he gave me... carte blanche.
You don't get that kind of trust every day, and I immediately felt the responsibility to do it right.
Because men pose differently than women, I decided to take an extra workshop beforehand—I wanted to be really well prepared.
The poses, the body language, the use of light: everything was tailored to his personality and what he wanted to convey.
When Reinout walked into the studio, I noticed he was a little nervous. That makes sense—it's a vulnerable experience, no matter who you are.
But as soon as the music started and I picked up the camera, everything fell into place. We started off relaxed and built up the session step by step.
From sultry boudoir to powerful fitness poses, from stylish branding to playful cocktail shots – Reinout immersed himself in the role.
And the best moment? That came afterwards.
On the way home, he sent me a message:"I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. What an experience!"
And that is exactly why I love doing this work so much.
Boudoir is for everyone—for women, for men, for couples. It's not about perfection, but about feeling.
For self-confidence. To dare to see yourself in a new way.
I want people to feel dignified. Proud. Sexy. Powerful.
I want people to dare to see themselves in images that they would love to hang on their walls in life-size format.
Because you can. Because you deserve it.
Reinout embodied that perfectly. And I am incredibly proud that he was my first male boudoir client.
You want meaning.
A moment in your life
that deserves to be paused for a moment.
Not to decide.
Not to plan.
But to feel what this moment does to you.
That is why every session at ESSENCE OF YOU
starts with a personal discovery call.
A relaxed conversation
in which you don't need to prepare anything
or make any decisions.
Just space
for your story
and what is truly valuable to you.
Schedule your personal discovery call
(completely non-binding)
by Anja Maesen