When you think of a scientist, images of lab coats, microscopes, and complex equations might come to mind. But for Carrie, a recent solo boudoir client at Allebach Photography, being a scientist is just one layer of her fascinating and multifaceted life. Carrie, who discovered Allebach at the Phoenixville Pride Fest, embarked on a boudoir session that was as much about personal empowerment as it was about capturing beautiful images.
A Life of Resilience and Exploration
Before diving into the details of her boudoir experience, it’s worth noting that Carrie isn’t just any scientist. She’s had five knee surgeries before even hitting the age of 27—a testament to her resilience. A lifetime of athleticism, from soccer to Muay Thai, has shaped her, both physically and mentally. While her latest surgery has put her on the sidelines for a while, she’s not letting it dampen her spirit. In fact, her scar, which she might one day cover with a tattoo, is a proud symbol of her journey—a journey she’s decided to embrace fully, scars and all. “I might just leave it since it defines me,” Carrie shared, embracing the scar as a part of her identity.
The Leap of Faith
Like many people, Carrie had some initial reservations about booking a boudoir session. “Other than how I would look. Would I think all of those pictures of me were dumb?” she wondered. Would the experience be empowering or intimidating? But after passing by the Allebach Photography booth at Pride Fest and winning a contest (something she never expected!), she took the plunge. “I wanted to see myself as sexy and powerful—two things I never see myself as,” Carrie explained.
Dressing the Part
When the day of the session arrived, Carrie came prepared with a variety of outfits: a white set, two black sets, a black corset, and a crop top paired with red panties and pride socks. The nerves were there, of course, but so was the excitement. And once the session began, any lingering doubts melted away.
The Boudoir Experience
The actual shoot was both fun and exhausting—quite a workout, especially after being sidelined for so long. But the discomfort was overshadowed by the sheer joy of the experience. Carrie was surprised by how comfortable she felt in the space and by the unexpected workout it provided. “I am so out of shape,” she laughed, reflecting on how many muscles she had to engage during the shoot.
Carrie’s reaction was overwhelming during the cinematic reveal! Sitting in silence, tears welled up in her eyes—not out of sadness, but out of a deep, emotional connection to the images. “I sat in silence and cried. I was embarrassed for crying, but I couldn’t help it,” she admitted. She saw herself as she had always wanted to: sexy, powerful, and confident. The artwork she chose reflected this newfound self-perception, thanks in no small part to Erika’s skillful photography and eye for the perfect angle.
The Aftermath: A Boost in Confidence
The impact of the session has been lasting. While Carrie admits she still struggles with body image and confidence issues, she now has something tangible to remind her of her strength and beauty. She’s eagerly awaiting the return of her book of images, knowing that it will serve as a constant reminder of her inner and outer power. “I’ll look at them and be like, ‘You look like that. Holy hell, you look sexy. You can be confident outside or in the bedroom because that is you,’” she said with a smile.
Why Allebach Photography?
Why should someone else consider a session with Allebach Photography? For Carrie, the answer is simple: Mike and Erika create a welcoming, comfortable environment that allows clients to truly be themselves. The fact that they are LGBTQ+ friendly only adds to the sense of safety and acceptance. And let’s not forget the massage chair—an added bonus while waiting for the magic to happen!
A Thank You from the Heart
As she reflects on the entire experience, from the initial consultation to the final shots, there’s just one thing left to say: Thank you. Thank you to Allebach Photography for creating a space where people can rediscover themselves, scars and all. For Carrie, the boudoir session was more than just a photo shoot—it was a transformative experience, one she’s eager to repeat. “I’m seriously glad I stopped by Allebach’s booth,” she said gratefully.
Are you ready for your journey?! Visit my portfolio site or schedule a call here!
