A Pre Mastectomy Boudoir Session is more than just photographs. It’s a deeply personal way to honor your body as it is in this moment. Before surgery, many women feel a mix of emotions: strength, grief, uncertainty, even gratitude. This session creates space for you to pause, reflect, and preserve the beauty that is already yours.
Choosing to document your body before a mastectomy is not about vanity, it’s about ownership. It’s about saying, “This is me. This body has carried me, fought for me, and deserves to be remembered.” Boudoir photography, in this context, becomes a powerful act of self-recognition and healing.
During your session, everything is centered around comfort and consent. You decide how much or how little you want to reveal. Some clients lean into soft, intimate portraits wrapped in light and fabric, while others choose bold, unapologetic imagery. There is no right way. Only your way.
Many clients share that this experience helps them reconnect with themselves before surgery. It can transform fear into something grounding. And afterward, these images often become a reminder of resilience, femininity, and identity that no procedure can take away.
If you’re considering a Pre Mastectomy Boudoir Session, know that you don’t have to feel “ready” in a traditional sense. You just have to be willing to show up as you are. That is always enough.
Today I am sharing Jen’s experience.
What made you book a Pre Mastectomy Boudoir Session?
“I really wanted to have the opportunity to document my body pre surgery. Getting a double mastectomy was such a huge and sudden adjustment I needed to face at such a young age. I was so overwhelmed and was looking at ways to do something for myself before my life changed.”
How did you feel before your session? After?
“I was so nervous before, I hadn’t taken pictures like these (or really of myself in general) in such a long time. But after sitting and talking to you and Sara I and walking around the studio I started to feel so much better. After I got so emotional on the car ride home, I felt such a mix of emotions – happiness, confidence, and sadness. I was sad because I felt so confident and comfortable behind the camera and felt like I wish I had more time to feel like before my surgery. But so grateful I got to have that experience and have these images to look back on and remember how I felt as they were being taken.”
What was the best part of your experience? Would you change anything?
“I had to book the session quickly so I didn’t get to plan things out as much as much as I wanted, but I still felt confident in the way set up the shots and even brought in some flowers for me. I wouldn’t change much other than have a better idea on my hair hahah I was so nervous afterwords that I should have brought in pictures or done something differently, but honestly it all worked out.”
What advice would you give someone who was nervous or hesitant to book a boudoir session with me?
“I would assure them that you are going to feel comfortable and confident. You were so encouraging behind the camera and really made me feel like I was doing great! The posing and direction advice so so helpful and made me feel like I wasn’t lost or had no idea what I was doing. So you definitely won’t feel awkward or unsure of yourself. You’ll need to prepare yourself to pick the photos lol I had no idea I would love so many.”
Was Rebecca’s direction and posing clear and helpful?
“Extremely, that’s almost what I was most nervous about. Giving clear instructions and how to best hold my hands/feet, how to elongate and elevate how I was positioned made me feel so much better!! It made me think more about my body in a good way. The direction was great, but also allowing me to play around was so helpful.”
Would you recommend a Sessions for the Soul to a friend?
“Yes.”
“After being diagnosed with breast cancer and opting for a bi-lateral mastectomy I had to face a lot of tough and scary decisions. I had to confront my relationship to my body and all the emotions that come with that. How do I feel about my breasts and how tied to them are I? How do I relate them to my femininity, or would I even feel feminine anymore? I had to make so many choices in such a short amount of time, but I knew I wanted to do something for myself to help capture my body the way it was before so many things were going to change. I am so grateful to my experience with Rebecca and how she made me feel so comfortable and confident. I got to see my body in a new way, maybe a way I should have been thinking about myself all along. But nonetheless this was a great way to say goodbye to way I look now and help myself mentally prepare for what’s coming next. She was so kind and compassionate to my situation and made so many accommodations. I truly can’t thank her enough for this chance to be photographed in this way and to lead me into my next phase of life.”
If you’re considering a Pre Mastectomy Boudoir Session, I’m here to walk beside you through every step. Reach out here when you’re ready, and let’s create something meaningful together.
For a more intimate look at my portfolio and client experiences, visit my Patreon, where I share exclusive boudoir sessions and artistic work.
