Turning 40 felt different. Not in a “getting older” way, but in a grounded, powerful, fully in my skin kind of way. So when I decided to celebrate this milestone with a boudoir session at Gloss Boudoir, it wasn’t about proving anything to anyone. It was about honoring myself.
And there was never a question about who I trusted to capture that moment: Marcee
Marcee and I have been friends for over a decade. We’ve seen each other through different seasons of life, career pivots, relationships, motherhood, growth, reinvention. So walking into the studio for my 40th birthday shoot didn’t feel intimidating. It felt safe. It felt celebratory. It felt like stepping into a space created by a woman who truly understands other women.
From the second I arrived, the experience was intentional. The studio itself is stunning, soft light pouring through the windows, carefully curated sets, and an energy that somehow feels both elevated and deeply comfortable. There’s a reason Gloss has more five star reviews than any other photography studio in the city. It’s not just about beautiful photos. It’s about how you feel while you’re there.
And I felt incredible
There’s something vulnerable about boudoir. You’re showing up without the armor we all wear every day. But with Marcee, that vulnerability transforms into strength. She has this rare ability to guide you in a way that feels natural, never forced. She knows angles, lighting, movement, but more importantly, she knows women. She knows when to hype you up, when to soften the moment, when to make you laugh so hard you forget you’re even being photographed.
Turning 40
Turning 40 means I know myself differently than I did at 25 or 30. I’m more confident. More aware of my body. More appreciative of everything it has carried me through. This shoot wasn’t about trying to look younger. It was about looking powerful now. And somehow, Marcee captured exactly that.
There’s a moment during the session where I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror between poses. Not filtered. Not curated for social media. Just me. Strong, feminine, sensual, and fully owning it. That moment alone was worth it.
When I saw the final images, I was honestly emotional. Not because they were “sexy” (though they absolutely were), but because they reflected back a version of me that felt authentic. Radiant. Confident. Alive. It’s one thing to feel empowered internally, it’s another to see it visually documented.
That’s the magic of Gloss Boudoir
Marcee doesn’t just take photos. She creates experiences. She creates transformation. Every woman who walks into that studio leaves a little taller, a little softer with herself, a little more aware of her own power. The reviews speak for themselves because the experience is consistent. It’s intentional. It’s heart led.
For me, celebrating turning 40 this way felt symbolic. It marked a chapter where I’m no longer shrinking myself. Where I’m not apologizing for taking up space. Where I can celebrate my femininity without hesitation. And doing that with a friend who has championed women for as long as I’ve known her made it even more meaningful.
If you’re on the fence about booking a boudoir session, whether you’re 25, 40, or 60, consider this your sign. Do it for yourself. Not for a partner. Not for validation. For you.
Because one day you’ll look back at these photos and remember not just how you looked, but how you felt.
And at 40, I’ve never felt better.
Ready to book your own boudoir session? Find out all the info HERE!
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