This June I spent a week in Puerto Rico photographing women on beaches, under waterfalls, and in a villa with the ocean right outside the door.
My friend Alisha of Ivory and Lace Studios in Kingman, AZ asked me to be her second shooter for her annual boudoir retreat down there, and after I made peace with the mom guilt, I said yes to the plane ticket. We stayed in a villa right off the beach, and I woke up to the ocean waves EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It was heaven.
We started under a waterfall
One of the first things we did was hike to Juan Diego Falls in El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, and yes, it is as unreal as it sounds. I will be honest, the hike was a trek. Climbing up and through the trees had my thighs furious with me for days afterward and I have the bruises to prove it. Worth every step and stumble though. Some of the most stunning backdrops on earth make you earn them.
What we shot: destination boudoir at its best
This is the part that reminded me why I do this. We photographed at a private beach location that was pure magic, especially at golden hour. That low, warm sunset light wraps around everyone like it was made for skin. On the last day we did a slow, sensual coffee morning shoot in the oceanfront villa, the kind of lazy, unhurried session where everything softens. I even handed off my camera long enough to get a few images of myself, which almost never happens.
Shooting women in that environment does something different than the studio. The light, the water, the sense that you traveled somewhere to do this just for you, it loosens something. Every woman stood a little taller by the end and got to reconnect with herself and her friends. We had morning and evening meditations too, and they were a whole body reset. That is the entire reason destination boudoir exists, and now I get it. I cannot wait to go again (yes, I am already inviting myself to next year).
The moments that were not on the schedule
Between sessions we took a catamaran out to a couple of different islands. I was nervous I would get seasick. I did not. Instead I got one of the best days of the whole trip. We saw stingrays, schools of fish, and even a few sharks. Friendly ones, the non human eating variety, I promise.
When it was time to fly home I was genuinely sad to leave my new friends and a place that felt like home. I have family from PR and I had never been, so this was a soulful reunion for me. That is the thing nobody tells you about a trip like this: you come for the photography and you leave with so much more.
Yes, I travel for boudoir sessions
So let this be the official word: I travel for sessions. Whether it is a destination shoot, a milestone trip, or a group of friends who want to turn a getaway into something unforgettable, this is exactly the kind of work I said yes to a plane ticket for. If you have been dreaming about boudoir somewhere beautiful, let’s talk about it.
And if a plane is not in the plans, my Chicago studio has the same golden light, the same glam chair, and the same rule: you show up, I handle the rest. Take a look at what a session looks like or browse the collections whenever you are ready.
xx Bri
FAQ
Do you travel for boudoir sessions?
Yes. I travel for destination shoots, milestone trips, and group getaways. If you have been dreaming of boudoir somewhere beautiful, reach out and let’s plan it.
What is a destination boudoir retreat?
A multi day trip where a small group of women travel somewhere beautiful for boudoir sessions, styling, and time to reconnect. Sessions happen on location, think beaches, waterfalls, and villas, instead of a studio.
What should I wear for a beach or destination boudoir session?
Anything that makes you feel like the most confident version of yourself. Swimwear, a flowing cover up, lingerie, or a mix. We talk through it before your session so you feel ready, not guessing.
Can I book a destination session with you?
Yes. Start with a consult and tell me where you are dreaming of. We will map out dates, travel, and what your session could look like.
