Over the past year, I often heard people say:
"Yes, but the women in your photos are all models. They have such beautiful bodies, I really wouldn't dare."
And honestly? That sometimes affects me. Not because I perceive it as criticism, but because I know how many women unfairly put themselves down.
And how often they forget that beauty isn't just about being a size 36 or having perfect skin, but about charisma, posture, and...
a little help from lighting, poses, and Photoshop.
A few weeks ago, I received a message from someone that got me thinking:
"Anja, you should do a boudoir session yourself."
At first, I had to laugh. Me? In front of the camera? I'm 53, not 23.
But the longer I thought about it, the more I felt: yes... why not, actually?
Every day, I encourage women to let go of their insecurities, to celebrate their femininity, to see themselves at their most beautiful.
Then I must also dare to do what I preach.
So for my 53rd birthday, I gave myself a gift: my own boudoir session.
As a tribute to myself, my body, and everything I have learned over the past few years—about photography and about self-image.
I also have body parts that I don't feel comfortable with. (Hello, menopause!)
But I now know how to hide or flatter them on camera. Not with tricks, but with experience:
1) the correct lighting,
2) good guidance during posing,
3) a camera angle that shows you at your best,
4) and yes, Photoshop to subtly finish the image.
During my session, my camera was on a tripod, so I couldn't adjust myself while posing—something I normally always do with my clients.
And I noticed that right away.
In one photo, I thought my face looked beautiful—but a bit of my breast was peeking out, which I found distracting.
On another, it was nicely covered, but I looked less flattering.
What did I do?
A subtle face swap: the face from photo A on the body from photo B.
No filter, no magic—just the right knowledge of Photoshop, which I also use for my clients.
In another pose, I found that my buttocks looked slightly rounder and more attractive in the overall picture. I was able to adjust that in Photoshop as well.
Not to change myself—but to tailor the result to how I prefer to see myself. And I want that for you too.
I deliberately show some unedited screenshots of myself.
Not to shatter the illusion, but to show you that behind every "wow photo" there is a process.
A mix of:
A photographer who knows how to guide you, Light that highlights your most beautiful features and softens the rest, Positions that flatter and bring out your strengths, And finishing touches that complete the whole thing into a work of art.
Do you ever think:
"I would never dare to do that"?
Then know that this thought is exactly why I wrote this blog.
Every woman deserves to see herself as I see her: beautiful, powerful, and feminine.
Don't let your insecurities hold you back.
I am here to guide you—with love, light, coaching, and a touch of Photoshop magic.
Be sure to check out my Boudoir page for more information.
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