10 Confidence Boosting Tips for Women
Confidence Boosting Tips for Women
Are you currently struggling with feelings of self-doubt and longing to boost your confidence? Well, you're not alone. Frankly, the modern woman faces a lot of pressure. Given the ever-changing contemporary landscape of modern society, women are forced to multitask. From juggling work and family commitments to traversing the contemporary struggles of life, it’s no wonder that many women struggle with low confidence. However, it doesn’t have to necessarily be that way.
With all the appropriate tools and a stable mindset, you can regain control of your confidence. Nurturing higher self-confidence is important since it can benefit your wellbeing and positively impact your relationships, health and career.
In this article, we shall review thirty confidence-boosting tips that all women should be aware of. Whether it’s going for a photoshoot or changing your wardrobe, these tips will assist you to feel more empowered and secure.
1. Embrace Daily Self-Affirmations
Each morning, begin the day by using positive affirmations. Do not focus on your life's negative aspects but tell yourself, "I am strong and capable of accomplishing my goals." Beginning a day with this kind of word is critical in boosting your self-esteem and ensuring that you are focused on your ambitions.
2. Take Control of Your Physical Wellbeing
Research shows that there is a great link between an individual’s health and their mental state. As such, taking full control of your physical health through outdoor or indoor exercises and eating the right food greatly enhances your confidence. Note that it is easier to stay focused and feel accomplished when your body is well taken care of. Physical exercises do not necessarily involve joining the most expensive gym around your neighbourhood; rather, you participate in activities you enjoy. You can take a nature walk or jog down the street, and I can assure you that it will do wonders for your overall mental health and confidence.
3. Practice Self-love
As Monica Periade, a coaching expert, states, self-love is the foundation of self-esteem. Failure to love yourself will likely lead to low self-esteem. Loving yourself involves several aspects, such as eating healthily, sleeping well, exercising, and taking care of your mental health. Furthermore, it involves learning more about yourself, including what you mostly enjoy, and, most importantly, accepting your flaws and imperfections. Practising self-love also involves avoiding too much toxic positivity, which forces you to only focus on the bright side of things. It is good to consider all your great personality traits and how you thrive, and also seek ways to improve your faults and undesirable traits.
4. Watch out your Mental Health
Mental health is a very crucial aspect of boosting confidence. In all that you do, never forget to take some time out for yourself and do activities that make you feel good. Research indicates that spending time with people who share positive vibes, getting enough rest, and practising relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation are critical in improving an individual's mental wellbeing and boosting confidence in the long run. Furthermore, never hide your feelings; always speak out. Get a way to express your emotions by talking to someone, gaining insight, and learning how to cope with situations that are tough on you.
5. Detach from Toxic Relationships that Drain You
Maintaining high self-confidence in a toxic environment is impossible. Frankly, it’s challenging to have a positive mindset in an environment where your boundaries are being violated or when you abandon your needs to please others. For you to have a positive mindset that, in turn, enables you to have confidence, kindly detach from interactions that are taking a toll on you and draining your energy. Learn the art of saying NO!
6. Set Small Goals
According to Andrew Mecca, individuals with low confidence or self-esteem usually view themselves as failures and cultivate learned helplessness. If you are in such a situation, you must create small achievable goals that, in turn, assist you in building competence and, consequently, confidence. When you notice signs of poor self-esteem in your life, take action immediately before it gets worse. For instance, you may desist from making self-deprecating jokes with your friends or colleagues or compliment yourself the next time you look in the mirror. These nitty gritties are critical in creating a bigger picture in the long run.
7. Don’t Compare Yourself with Others
Low confidence can significantly be attributed to viewing yourself unfairly and comparing your situation with others. Remember, we are not all the same. Be gentle with yourself and desist from conditioning yourself negatively. Have a positive mindset without trying to push yourself beyond unachievable limits by beating yourself up. Accept yourself and strive towards positive change.
8. Seek to Know Yourself
Picture this: you are a soldier going into battle. However, you have not been briefed about the enemy, meaning you don't know what you are set to face. What are the probable outcomes of such a battle? Well, you can’t defeat the enemy without knowing him or her very well. In this case, when you are trying to overcome a negative self-image and replace it with self-confidence, the enemy is usually yourself! It is, therefore, important to get to know yourself well. This can involve listening to your thoughts, writing a journal about yourself and your thoughts, and analysing why you have negative thoughts. After that, start thinking about the positive things about yourself, the things you do well and like. Also, consider the limitations that deter you from achieving the positive things in your life and if they are real or artificial ones placed by you. By digging deep within yourself, you will eventually develop even greater self-confidence.
9. Develop an Efficient Support System
As a woman in the modern era, never fail to have someone who holds you back when everything seems to go south at any given time. Having meaningful relationships with people can greatly boost self-confidence. Find friends, family members, or even colleagues you can rely on. If you don't have a support system, create one as soon as possible. To achieve this, participate in activities or events you like, and you may find like-minded people. You can also volunteer in diverse activities related to your interests, which can be a great way of meeting new people with similar interests.
10. Go for a Professional Photo Shoot
Surprised? Well, don’t be. A professional photo shoot can greatly boost your confidence. Unfortunately, most women usually have insecurities about themselves, more so their bodies and feelings that they are not good enough. Such negatives are very damaging.
In most cases, they lower one’s confidence and negatively impact everything in the long run. According to Dr John Diamond, photography has a healing power. It is right to say that body-confidence photoshoots with a professional photographer will help you feel renewed, refreshed, and ready for anything. Such photography brings out your long-forgotten version of yourself, enabling you to enjoy and feel liberated.
A professional photographer will support and guide you through a shoot and create for you some beautiful photos. You can reconnect yourself through your boudoir or beauty portraits, dressed and propped in a way that feels good for you and your most comfortable and unique poses.
What Is A Boudoir Photoshoot?
What is a boudoir photoshoot?
Your boudoir photoshoot, explained
A boudoir photoshoot is an investment in yourself, a celebration of your body, it’s an empowerment session. Something to instil you with a confidence you’ll never let go of, and help you to see how beautiful you really are! Whilst a lot of people will see “just sexy photos” (and there’s NOTHING wrong with that), it’s so much more than that. The way it lifts us up, helps us love our bodies, helps us see what our loved ones see when they look at us – it’s something truly spectacular.
I grew up in an era of women being scrutinised by the media. Unhealthy diet fads/trends and body images were everywhere. Cellulite/rolls/bad skin being highlighted and splashed all over the front of magazines. Celebrities having to “bounce back” to their pre-baby body in record time otherwise they’d “let themselves go”. So toxic. And I believe we’re all still healing from that.
And that’s where I come in, that’s where this photoshoot plays its part. The importance of realising our worth is not determined by how we look. We are all beautiful – to paraphrase Bridget Jones – … just as we are.
When should I book in for my boudoir photoshoot?
Now. No really… Now!
I’d book as far in advance as you can. I have clients booking in up to 18 months in advance!
What are you waiting for? Let me tell you, “the right time” doesn’t exist. By all means, get yourself prepped. Book in for a haircut/nails appointment/ waxing etc, but other than that, get it booked!
If you’re wanting the images for something in particular, for example, loads of my clients do their shoots as a gift for their partner, or a wedding/anniversary present, or even for themselves to celebrate a birthday. For these occasions, I’d advise booking in for your session at least 8 weeks in advance. This allows plenty of time for the photoshoot, viewing session, and to order any products you may wish to purchase. Wall art/albums etc can take up to 4 weeks to turn around.
Also if you’re thinking of taking advantage of one of the pre-payment plans, you need to give yourself time to pay in instalments!
How do I prepare for my boudoir session?
I will send you out a full prep guide when you book in with me and always offer a pre-shoot consultation. The guide talks you through preparing your whole body, from eating well to waxing & exfoliation. I also send out advice on your boudoir photoshoot wardrobe. Outfits can make or break a photoshoot so I always encourage my clients to get in touch with me if there’s anything they’re not sure on! Plus those all important on-the-day tips, such as not wearing anything tight that will leave marks on your skin for the photoshoot.
What happens at my boudoir photoshoot?
A typical boudoir experience looks like this:
10am – Arrive
10am – 11am – Hair & Make Up
11am – 1pm – Photoshoot
1pm – 2pm – Lunch (you leave the studio for an hour or so to grab a bite to eat whilst I get your images ready to view)
2pm – 3pm – Viewing
3pm – All Done!
After your hair and make up artist has left, it’ll only be the two of us in the studio, so you can relax with me. I’ve done my own boudoir photoshoots before so when I tell you I know how you feel… I really do! I’ll talk you through everything, tell you and show you what to do, and we can take it as steady as you like.
I can't pose/I'm not sexy!
Firstly, you can & you are!
Secondly, I got you.
I will not only tell you exactly how to pose, but I’ll show you what I want you to do too. Most of the images you’ll be looking down/eyes closed/ away from the camera. I won’t ask you to pout or pull a “sexy” face at the camera! It’ll be great fun, and you’ll nail it. The only thing I will warn you of… it’s HARD work. You may well feel like you’ve done a full body work out after the photoshoot!
What should I bring for my boudoir photoshoot?
Outfits you LOVE!
As I said above, the right or wrong outfit choice can make or break a boudoir photoshoot. If you love it and it makes you feel good, it’ll show on camera!
My photoshoots are about you & your body, so I don’t tend to do much with props, but I have had clients bring in items to personalise their photoshoot. Particularly, for example, if it’s for a gift. Your partners motorbike helmet, a golf club, his shirt, his tie, a rubgy ball… you get the idea. So this is an option for you if you want it!
Heels & accessories/jewellery can really finish off an outfit too. You can also bring make up/moisturiser/deodorant/robe etc so you’re as comfortable as possible. But I do have similar bits to hand at the studio in case you forget!
How many outfits should I bring?
We’ll aim to shoot up to 3 outfits, but you can bring as many as you’d like with you. I’ve had clients turn up to the studio with a suitcase that looks like they’re moving in for the week! I’ll help you narrow down your options to the best ones. If you’re unsure on your outfits, we can always do a little try on session before we start shooting and I can give you my advice on which pieces will work best. I also have bits at the studio that you can use such as bodysuits/lingerie sets/stockings/heels/body jewellery. My outfits range from XS to XXL.
Do I need to buy new underwear?
Yes.. and no. It depends what you’ve already got! I do however, think a boudoir photoshoot is an excellent excuse to treat yourself to some lovely new pieces and make you feel extra special!
Try and avoid bringing anything that no longer fits you properly or perhaps looks a bit old & tatty.
In my prep guide I’ll give you advice on where to shop and I do break it down into low, middle and high end budget sections.
How much does a boudoir photoshoot cost?
My sessions are £299. This non-refundable booking fee covers our pre-shoot consultation, complimentary hair and make up, your in depth prep guide, up to 2 hours shooting time, and your images retouching ready to view. This price does not include any images.
Prices for smaller collections of digitals start from £349 and are better suited for smaller budgets.
Most of my clients opt for one of my all inclusive packages which start at £749 but include ALL your images from your session (usually around 50 images) PLUS a gorgeous printed product. These have been specifically designed to be the best value for money. I also offer prepayment plans to make this often once-in-a-lifetime experience more affordable! You can see my full boudoir price list here: Price List
How long after the photoshoot until I can see my images?
The boudoir experience includes a same day viewing. You’d leave for around 1 hour after your photoshoot whilst I get your images ready to view.
If you don’t have time for a same day viewing, the other option is to return for a viewing. This is where you’ll be invited back to your “view and order” session usually around 2 weeks after your session.
I need my images for a specific date - how far in advance should I book?
Ideally at least 8 weeks. This gives us time to schedule your photoshoot, viewing, and if you’re opting for something like an album, it allows time for the production turnaround.
Can my photos remain private?
Of course! I love it when my clients allow me to use their photos, but it’s completely your decision. I will ask you about your image preferences, and if you’d prefer I use unrecognised photos, or only post them in my VIP group, that’s absolutely fine. Equally, if you know you’ll be happy for me to share your images, please let me know in advance of your session so I can take some behind the scenes shots of me working and include a special gift for you!
Where are you based?
My studio is nestled in Esholt woods which is North/West Leeds. Just off Apperley Lane in Rawdon, you’ll find me in a beautiful business park that used to be a working farm before it was converted! My boudoir studio is totally private and you will have a designated parking space for your session.
I do have clients travel to me from all over the U.K and I am more than happy to provide recommendations for hotels if you’re planning on staying over in Leeds.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Please do follow me on instagram: Leeds Boudoir Instagram
And come and join my private facebook group which is full of past, and present clients. See questions they’ve asked, videos posted by me, session advice plus be the first to know about offers and exciting news!
Hopefully that’s answered all the questions you might have about a boudoir photoshoot, but if there’s anything else or you just want to have a chat, I’m here! We can organise a phone or zoom call or even an in person meeting to talk through everything if it would make you feel more comfortable.
I can’t wait to hear from you & create some stunning empowering photos of you, for you to treasure forever!
Lots of love, Laura x
Boudoir Photography Leeds | Alice
Boudoir Photography Leeds | Alice
Boudoir Photography Leeds.
Alice came to my Leeds-based studio for her boudoir session a few months ago. She knew she wanted to have a boudoir shoot before her wedding in July so that she could surprise her husband-to-be with the pictures on the morning of their wedding!
Alice did EVERYTHING right in preparation for her boudoir shoot. I always send my clients a preparation guide but it's so nice when they follow my advice!
She'd gone out and bought new underwear (she got lots of lovely bits from Boux Avenue), she'd had her hair and nails done, and other than acquiring a huge bruise on her leg (an accident though!) she was ready to go!
As it was sort of a bridal boudoir shoot, we did the first set of images in a lighter coloured underwear set with more reserved poses and slightly softer lighting. We then moved on to darker sexier underwear and poses to match of course!
Alice absolutely rocked her session and loved her images! When she came back to her 'view and order' session she got 20 digital images and a huge framed piece of wall art that she surprised her husband with on the morning of their wedding!
When he saw me that day, he was very impressed and very grateful!
To see my full boudoir gallery, click here > Boudoir Gallery
Here at some highlights from Alice's shoot:
50th Birthday Boudoir Shoot
50th Birthday Boudoir Shoot
Hitting 50 years young is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way than with a 50th Birthday Boudoir Photoshoot? It's not just about capturing stunning images; it's about embracing the incredible journey you've had, the wisdom you've gained, and the radiant person you are today. I know some ladies hate talking about age and seriously resent getting older. But growing old is a privilege and one that we should be thankful for. Think about yourself in your twenties and thirties, you probably gave yourself a hard time about how you looked and didn't love your body enough. And now you look back on photos from you at that age and think "my god what was I thinking! I looked incredible!". Well the same will apply to these images in another 20 or 30 years time.
So step into your 50s with confidence, grace, and a sprinkle of sass! Whether you're celebrating solo or sharing the experience with a loved one, a Boudoir Photoshoot at 50 is an investment in yourself and a celebration of the amazing person you've become.
Kerry booked in for a 50th birthday boudoir shoot and what a way to celebrate a milestone birthday!
"Fierce at 50" is how I would label this shoot, and Kerry!
Kerry contacted me to book in for a boudoir photoshoot having done her previous one 10 years ago. After her ex husband didn't appreciate the last photos, this photoshoot was all about her! I loved her confidence and her attitude! Kerry really wanted to update her photos to show off her new tattoos and her now trademark red hair.
Kerry came for her shoot on her birthday. She'd had her hair done by her own hairdresser, and the lovely Charlotte did her make up at the studio.
Kerry had an amazing range of outfits that I was so excited to shoot her in! We made sure to show off her amazing tattoos and her fiery red hair as much as possible!
Kerry chose an incredible photo to be printed and framed which would then be hung above her bed! Her other images were taken away on the day on a USB stick.
To book in for your very own boudoir photoshoot, Get In Touch!.
