Last night I received an email that made me stop in my tracks. Actually, it did more than that. It sent me into a full blown happy dance around my house. Joey looked at me like I had completely lost it, but he wagged his tail so I knew I had his support. The reason for all the excitement was simple yet absolutely incredible. I found out that my work was not only being featured in Boudoir Inspiration Magazine, but it was chosen for the cover. Yes, the cover. Even after all these years, moments like this still feel unbelievable in the best way possible.
Although I have been published many times, this particular announcement hit my heart differently. A cover feature always carries a little extra sparkle. It is like the universe saying, Keep going, your work matters. And honestly, as I stood there doing that ridiculous happy dance, I felt every bit of that encouragement.
The Moment It Sunk In
When I received the news, I read the email twice just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things. Then I skimmed it again because my brain loves to double check every detail. Once it truly hit me, I probably looked like a kid on Christmas morning. There is just something magical about seeing all the hard work, passion, and heart you pour into your craft recognized on such a big platform.
I kept thinking about the women behind the images. Their courage is the reason any of this is possible. A cover does not simply highlight my photography. It celebrates the connection, trust, and vulnerability shared during each session. The women who step in front of my camera are at the center of this achievement right along with me.
Why This Cover Means So Much
Every publication is an honor, but a cover carries emotional weight. It tells a deeper story. It reflects the essence of your artistry in one powerful image. It also introduces your work to people who may have never discovered it otherwise. That kind of exposure is meaningful, not just for my business but for the message behind Couture Boudoir.
Boudoir photography is more than pretty pictures. It is empowerment. It is healing. It is permission to see yourself with kindness. When magazines elevate this genre, they help change the narrative around what it means to celebrate your body and your confidence. That is why I treasure cover features so deeply. They amplify a message that matters.
Even so, the personal emotion of this moment stayed with me all night. I kept replaying how far I have come since the early days when I worried whether anyone would understand the heart behind my style. Now being on the cover of Boudoir Inspiration Magazine feels like a full circle reminder that staying true to your vision always pays off.
The Story Behind the Image
Each image I submit for publication has a story woven into it. The cover photo chosen for this feature is no exception. When I think back to the session, I remember the light pouring in through the window. I remember the shift in energy when my client relaxed her shoulders and allowed herself to be completely present. I remember the quiet confidence that settled into the room like a warm blanket.
Those moments are what make boudoir special. They cannot be forced or staged. They come from trust and connection. They come from letting go of expectations and embracing the moment. That is the real magic behind every photo that ends up published.
This cover represents more than visual beauty. It reflects a journey. Hers and mine.
Why Publications Matter for Boudoir Photography
While the recognition feels wonderful, the biggest impact of being on the cover goes far beyond my own excitement. Features like this help spread awareness about the power of boudoir photography. They show the world that boudoir is not about being perfect or performing for someone else. Instead, it is about discovering yourself in a new light. It is about owning your story and celebrating who you are today.
Because of that, publications play an important role in shifting how people view boudoir. They normalize the idea of women taking up space, expressing themselves, and feeling gorgeous in the bodies they have right now. Magazines like Boudoir Inspiration help elevate that message, and I feel honored to be part of it.
The Ripple of Empowerment
Whenever a woman messages me saying she saw my work in a magazine and finally built up the courage to book her own session, it reminds me how powerful visibility can be. A single image can spark curiosity. It can spark confidence. It can spark a desire to experience something transformative.
This cover feature may inspire someone who has been sitting on the fence for years. It may remind a mother who has put everyone else first that she deserves to feel beautiful. It may show a woman who has never liked a photo of herself that she is absolutely worth celebrating. That ripple effect is what keeps me passionate about sharing my work.
Why Client Privacy Always Comes First
One thing I want every woman to know is this. Even though my work is published often, your images stay completely private unless you decide otherwise. That rule is non negotiable. Your privacy is always respected. A publication will never see a single image you have not personally approved.
Clients tell me all the time that they love seeing my work in magazines, but they also worry about whether their images could be next. So I make this clear from the beginning. Your gallery belongs to you. No one sees it except you unless you grant permission. Some clients choose to be featured because they want to celebrate their journey publicly. Others prefer their photos stay personal and sacred. Both choices are absolutely supported.
Trust is the foundation of everything I do. You cannot create intimate, emotional, and vulnerable portraits without it. Because of that, I guard my clients’ privacy fiercely. Featuring work in magazines is wonderful, but protecting the women I photograph matters far more.
The Gratitude Behind the Celebration
As I sit here writing this, the excitement still hasn’t worn off. I am grateful. I am energized. I am inspired to keep pushing creatively. However, most of all, I feel thankful for every woman who has trusted me with her story. Without them, none of this would exist. They show up bravely. They allow themselves to be seen. They let me capture moments that reveal their strength and beauty.
This cover belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.
So yes, last night I danced around my house, and honestly, I may do it again when the magazine arrives in the mail. This feature is a reminder of why I pour so much of myself into Couture Boudoir. It is a reminder that the work matters. It is a reminder that empowering women through photography is my purpose.
And to see that purpose reflected on the cover of Boudoir Inspiration Magazine is nothing short of AH Mazing.
xo, Critsey