One day, a wonderfully sweet yet incredibly shy lady booked a boudoir session with me. As we sifted through details during our consultation—discussing her vision, her nerves, and the empowering experience ahead—she dropped a note that, quite frankly, left me as stunned as if I’d been hit by a smooth jazz solo. She wanted to incorporate her husband’s trombone into her session. Yes, you read that correctly—an actual, full-sized trombone.

Now, as much as I appreciate the arts and the beautiful cacophony of emotions they can evoke, the thought of integrating this imposing brass instrument into a session designed to exude sexy and empowering vibes had me stumped. I mean, trombones are fantastic, but they’re not exactly known for their subtlety. I worried that instead of complementing her beauty, the trombone might steal the spotlight, turning a session meant to empower into a concerto where the soloist is unseen.

However, her intention was pure and incredibly touching—she wanted to bring a piece of her husband into the session, a nod to something he loved dearly. As heartwarming as this gesture was, I gently suggested maybe swapping the trombone for a different, more intimate symbol of their connection. Perhaps something like his favorite button-up shirt—less bulky, but equally significant.

 

I want to be clear: this isn’t about trombone-shaming (a term I never imagined penning down). Instead, it’s a note on why, sometimes, less is more when it comes to boudoir session props. Something too bulky might hit a sour note, overshadowing the true essence of the moment, whereas something more discrete can complement without overpowering.

If you’re considering a boudoir session, or already have one penciled into your calendar, think about what reflects you or holds personal value. It’s paramount that the session first and foremost resonates with you. Of course, incorporating elements meaningful to both you and your significant other is a beautiful gesture, but balance is key.

 

To those of you planning these sessions as gifts—whether for anniversaries, birthdays, or just because—that’s utterly romantic, and I’m here for it! Just remember, anything you bring should bring you joy, too. And hey, if my client had insisted, I’d have found a way to jazz up the trombone in the background, because, in the end, fulfilling your vision is my gig.

Ended up, she opted out of bringing the trombone. Perhaps she envisioned the logistics of lugging around such a piece and decided against it. Or maybe she just found the idea of a slightly more subtle token to represent her husband’s passions more in tune with what she wanted.

Curious about how you can harmonize your significant other’s essence into your own boudoir masterpiece? Drop me a note.  And who knows? Maybe there’s a way to make even a trombone subtly photogenic. Let’s make it a session to remember—sans heavy lifting!

In the world of boudoir photography, every session is a unique composition, and while trombones might not be the usual accompaniment, it’s the melody of you that we’re truly looking to capture. 🎼