Nyssa booked with us as a gift - not only to her husband, but to herself. She wanted to feel more confident in her post-baby body, and be more accepting of herself. She came in a little nervous, but she let go and did so amazing. She is truly gorgeous inside and out. We loved having her in the studio, and hope to have her back again!

I’m Nyssa. I am a 32-year-old mother of one, a wife, and fur mom. I have always struggled with loving myself. I was bullied from an early age (elementary school) all the way through college. I struggled with self-harm often because I hated who I was and how I looked, which led to mental illness. I also struggled with anorexia when I was 12 years old.  

I have always been interested in having a boudoir session done. At one point in time, I wanted to be a Suicide Girl (pin-up tattoo model) and I was accepted to submit a photo set, but never did. I have always been self-conscious and never pushed myself to do it. Back before I was married, I mentioned to my now husband I wanted a boudoir shoot done but kept putting it off because I could never find a photographer that I would feel comfortable with (most were men, no thank you).  

Last year, I started talking to Megan about doing a session, but life happened, and I could not do it at the time. Several months later, she was running a special on the retainer fee, and I took the opportunity to book a session. I was extremely nervous when it came time for my session, I almost talked myself out of going but dragged my sister with me so I would go. Megan immediately made me feel comfortable when I came out in my first lingerie set. I was terrified to come out from behind the screen. She walked me through every step, played my favorite music, and showed me how well I was doing with a few photos.  

Whenever I saw my photos (she sent an early sneak peek) I was amazed how beautiful I looked. I was close to tears because I have never in my life felt that beautiful. Once my reveal day came, I had a tough time choosing photos for my album and folio, I wanted them all!  

I did this for myself, and as a gift to my husband (who also loved all the photos). It was a great confidence booster.

I still struggle with wearing a swimsuit since having a baby, but I have accepted all my self-harm scars (sometimes I still struggle with urges) but I remember that was part of me I do not want to return to. I am beautiful, even with scars and stretch marks all over. I even went through a time where I gained a ton of weight because I broke both feet the same year and could not be mobile as often, and I hated myself for it. I am now back to a healthy weight, but I have a “mom” pooch, and everyone says I look great since I am smaller. I have learned over the years that the only opinions that matter are the ones closest to you. I would say my own opinion matters, but I am a hypocrite and judge myself, as everyone does.  

Love yourself. All body types are beautiful. You can do it. Take the plunge and put yourself out there. You will not regret it.