Why I Built Chantel Allen Boudoir (And No, It’s Not Just For the Spicy Photos)
If you stumbled over here from my recent email, welcome. If you’re new here, buckle up.
Let’s get something straight right out of the gate: Chantel Allen Boudoir does not exist just so you can get some fine af photos of yourself in perfectly fitting lingerie. I mean, yes, you will get those. And yes, your jaw will absolutely hit the floor when you see what we create. But if that’s all this was, I would have gotten bored years ago.
This studio exists because I got tired of watching incredible women feel lost.
You know exactly what I’m talking about. You don’t disappear all at once. It’s slow. You become the manager of the chaos. The keeper of the master schedule. The one who handles the deadlines, the groceries, the endless emotional heavy lifting, and the "I'll figure it out" moments. You become the person behind the camera making sure everyone else looks great while you hide because you no longer recognize yourself.
But since my name is on the door, we should probably get properly introduced.
The Moment I Said "Enough"
I didn’t just stumble into becoming a boudoir photographer. I built this space because I had my own breaking point with how women are expected to just silently shrink as they get older, busier, or more successful.
I remember when I realized this myself. I had FINALLY started seeing a therapist (long overdue) and we were discussing why I felt so heavy. So lost. So ugly (sorry - just trying to keep it real). But it was after birthing two kids, being thrown into "responsibility" and feeling like I was literally just hiding in pajamas all day and looking forward to bedtime. I did not recognize myself. Where was this 20 something girl in the hot little bod I remembered who was so full of life and energy?? It was starting to impact my marriage and tbh, I had a daughter that I needed to set a better example for. She saw me covering myself up, not wanting to be in photos, and when I was, hearing me say negative things about my appearance. Thankfully my son was too young to pick up on it but what he could read was energy.
At the time my photography business was centered around families, weddings, and other milestones you’d normally hire a photographer for. In working with this counselor (who I literally owe everything to)I had discovered that lifting women up from this place was going to be instrumental in my own healing. So that's exactly wtf I did. Ever heard of fake it till you make it? Well, that was me. I was the ultimate hype girl. I was SO GOOD at empowering these ladies to embrace themselves. Really and truly. To see in them what I saw in them. I pulled them from the daily routine, right out of their pajamas and into my make-up chair. We bonded. We shared. We laughed and cried. And together, we changed. We changed our minds, our perspective, and at the risk of sounding cheesy, our future. And with every woman that came through my studio door I healed. I grew more and more into the woman I wanted to become. I am forever grateful to each and every beautiful soul that let me in. THAT’S why and how CAB came to be.
What the Chantel Allen Boudoir Vibe Actually Feels Like
Let’s clear the air on something: I don’t expect you to know how to do this. That’s my job. We are in it together. When you book an intimate portrait session, you aren't walking into a stiff, clinical studio with white walls and awkward silence. My space is warm, inviting, and with a relaxed comfortable energy that immediately allows you to let go.
The music is already playing (and no, it’s not boring elevator music). While my team and I are glaming you up with hair and professional make-up we will talk, laugh, sometimes cry, and share stories that make us feel like we’ve known each other forever. Then we will take you into the overstuffed client closet where we will hand pick your wardrobe to perfectly fit your vibe.
By the time you get in front of my camera, the nerves are gone. I am guiding you through each pose, making sure everything is perfectly placed and the lighting is just right, and within minutes you’re moving with a confidence you forgot (or never knew) you had.
3 Truths About Me
Before you trust me with your style, your skin, and your story, here is a quick, zero-BS look at the woman behind the lens:
My absolute favorite part of a shoot: When you let go. There is a visible shift that happens when you're in front of the lens. Most people, no matter how many times they've been in front of the camera, start out a bit shy, reserved, or just a little guarded. I get it. It's a vulnerable place to be. But there is always that one moment when you see the guard drop and it’s one of the most beautiful things to witness.
My unfiltered philosophy on body confidence: Now here’s the real deal. And this is going to be controversial. I’m not going to tell you you need to love the way your body looks all the time. The truth is that that’s simply not realistic for everyone and I am not going to make you feel wrong for not shouting from the rooftops how much you love every square inch just as it is. We are human, with real emotions and insecurities. If you want the mommy makeover - do it. Botox & filler? No shame in the game. I’ve had a breast lift after nursing my babes and never thought twice about it. Did I love my body for all that it's done for me? Yes. Did I love the way I looked after nursing? No. BUT hear me on this. There is no perfect. And there is certainly no magical moment when we think we have finally hit “the goal” that makes our bodies “photo-ready”. The most powerful thing we can do for ourselves IS THE SHOOT. Before the mommy makeover, the breast lift, and the extra 10lbs we keep telling ourselves we need to lose. When we look in the mirror or see a photo of ourselves our eyes are automatically drawn to the areas we love the least. Let me show you what I see. Let me give you an opportunity to look at yourself through a different lens. Mine. Let me give you permission to show yourself some grace. THIS is what puts you on the path to acceptance. And this acceptance will lead to confidence and then, love. This is what it’s all about.
When I'm not running the studio, you can find me: Either sitting on my couch decompressing with trash reality tv and snack nestled in between a pile of dogs that really shouldn't be on the couch… or camping. I have a couple of vintage campers that I’ve renovated into the cutest little soul cabins and I’ve got a few favorite spots I like to call my slice of heaven. Waterside by day and campfires by night. There’s no place I’d rather be.
Stop Waiting For a Reason
You don’t need a milestone, an anniversary, or a permission slip to take up space. You just need to decide that you’re done waiting. I’m ready when you are… let’s start planning your session at Chantel Allen Boudoir.
