This Shoot Pushed Me Out of My Comfort Zone in the Best Possible Way
What is your name and age? Tell us a bit about you!
My name is Karine. I’m a 37-year-old French woman who has been living in Scotland for over ten years. I’ve often struggled with confidence in my day-to-day life, and this shoot pushed me out of my usual comfort zone in the best possible way.
When did you come in for your first Boudoir Shoot? What made you decide to book? I know you came all the way from Scotland… what made you make that decision to come here instead of somewhere local? (We’re so glad you did though!)
I had my very first—and so far only—boudoir shoot (or any kind of professional photoshoot!) in early July this year. I came across a Divine Divas post on social media in the spring, with a great offer for a Boudoir Experience! At the time I thought, “Why not? It can’t hurt to try.”
But once the team first got in touch… I freaked out! Haha. It took me a moment to reply and actually get the process going with messages and phone calls. And honestly, I hadn’t even realised the studio was in Bath when I applied! Once I knew, I figured maybe it was meant to be—and I’d wanted to visit Bath anyway—so it all made sense, even with the 7-hour train journey. And honestly, I’m sure it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What did your Boudoir experience unlock, or help you recognise or celebrate in yourself?
Simply said? The experience helped me realise that even if I don’t always love what I see in the mirror, I am beautiful, and I can be sensually sexy when I want to be.
Tell us - what was the moment you saw your photos for the first time like?
Seeing my photos for the first time was emotional.
I think I was still in “photoshoot headspace” (just 1 hour after the actual shoot), so it didn’t fully sink in at first. I stayed in that headspace for a while. I didn’t even recognise myself on the little momento they sent afterwards, I genuinely didn’t realise it was me because it looked so good!
When my album arrived, I was absolutely flabbergasted. I just thought, “Damn, I look good!” Haha.
Did you find that your discovery calls helped you prepare for your day with us?
Yes, the discovery calls really helped. They gave me a clearer idea of how the day would flow and helped me understand that this wasn’t just a photoshoot, it was an empowering experience. It also gave me a good idea of the good energy from the team and talking to them ahead of the day, made it less awkward when I arrived.
Confidence is a big thing - in fact it is everything. How has your confidence elevated who you are in different areas of your life - for example has this confidence affected your relationship or your career?
It has made a real difference to how I feel about myself. I’m much more appreciative of who I am and a lot kinder towards my body. It gave me a quiet boost that shows up in small everyday ways.
Confidence really is everything. It doesn’t need to be loud; sometimes it’s just the simple belief that you’re enough as you are.
What stood out or surprised you about this experience?
I was surprised by how liberating the whole experience was.
I fully expected to feel awkward, unsure what to do, and maybe even a bit embarrassed—but none of that happened. I felt free, sensual, and didn’t worry about how I might come across. There was great music, a relaxed atmosphere, and gentle, supportive direction from the team.
And it was such a lovely treat to be pampered with gorgeous hair and makeup.
When you look at your artwork, how does it make you feel?
When I look at my artwork, I feel proud.
Proud that I did it, and proud of the beautiful results. I’ve shown the photos to far more people than I ever expected to, especially before the shoot!
Do you have any last messages you’d like to add? What would you like to say to any Divas considering booking?
My message to anyone considering booking: go for it!
It might sound obvious, but it truly is an amazing experience for all the right reasons. Yes, budget-wise it can feel like a lot-especially right now-but it’s a treat that stays with you, both in your memories and in the artwork you take home.
I think a lot of Divas struggle with embracing and accepting who you are. There’s so much pressure to look or be a certain person! What would you say to any Diva who is struggling to feel confident in who they are, or to accept their body?
To any Diva struggling with confidence or self-acceptance: I hear you, and I feel you.
I’m still on that journey myself—some days more than others. But it is a journey, and you take it one day at a time, in your own way. Experiences like this are incredibly rewarding, and they give you physical proof that you are beautiful and sexy, even on the days you don’t believe it.
Love this blog? Why not read the others below?
After Working in a Male Dominated Industry, I Had to Find My Femininity Again
Are Boudoir Sessions Worth It? We talked to Beth to find out…