Lessons, Growth, and Gratitude: A Look Back at 2025 at Belle Marie Boudoir

For many, 2025 was a roller coaster of a year. That perfectly describes our experience at Belle Marie Boudoir this past year. After an insanely busy summer in 2024, things came to a screeching halt in October. Between last-minute cancellations and reschedules, it became the first month we couldn’t stay fully booked. We hoped it was temporary, but the slowdown continued through winter, the start of 2025 and well into spring. After averaging 13 boudoir photoshoots per month in 2024, our scariest month was March 2025, when we completed just five sessions.

This downturn wasn’t unique to our boudoir studio. Many photographers, across specialities, we spoke with experienced similar slowdowns. With ongoing economic uncertainty, it’s understandable that a luxury boudoir photoshoot isn’t always a top priority during times of financial strain. Instead of waiting for things to improve, Olivia and I focused on brainstorming ways to adapt, refresh our offerings, and move forward.

Shutterfest and a Creative Reset

We kicked things off by attending Shutterfest in April, an annual photography conference in St. Louis known for its creative chaos. Hundreds of photographers and models gather at the historic Union Station Hotel for a week of learning, networking, and nonstop shooting. Between preparing for the class Olivia taught about Facebook-ad-safe boudoir photography, attending workshops, participating in after-hours photoshoots, and late-night business brainstorming, sleep was minimal. By the time we returned to Minnesota, our heads, and notebooks, were overflowing with ideas.

Some changes were practical rather than flashy. We refined our consultation call process, updated our pricing and packages, and introduced the Forbidden Album as a new product offering. That momentum also fueled creative experimentation, leading to new lighting and posing techniques and the debut of my personal favorite set: the book nook!

Teaching, Snakes, and Studio Creativity

Teaching at Shutterfest was such a rewarding experience that Olivia wanted to continue educating photographers, but this time in our own boudoir studio. While at the conference, we arranged a boudoir photoshoot featuring models posing with ball pythons, combining elegance and edge. Inspired by that experience, Olivia organized a local shootout featuring three models and snakes.

The afternoon was filled with creativity, collaboration, and photographers pushing past comfort zones. Our models were incredible, many of them faced fears and looked completely badass in the process. And Jocelyn… we’re still sorry that a snake pooped on you, but your photos turned out amazing.

New Inspiration and a Growing Team

Olivia also found major inspiration at the Passio Photography workshop she attended in Florida this summer. That experience directly influenced the liquor bar set we recently debuted. We've worked with a handful of client in the new set so far and the results are sensual and decadant. It's a set unlike anything we've ever done before!

Another big step for our business was hiring a makeup artist as a permanent member of our team. While we previously worked with talented independent makeup artists, we were ready for someone to join us as a team member. We also needed extra support with consultation calls and daily operations. Bringing Mackenzie on board in July was a game changer, and we’re so grateful she’s part of our team.

A Strong Finish and Gratitude

All of these changes paid off. By the end of summer, bookings picked back up, and we were scheduled two to three months out. In 2025, we photographed over 130 incredible women. To everyone who trusted us with their boudoir photoshoot, thank you. It has been an honor to be part of your journeys and to witness the confidence and self-love that

unfolds during each session.

Some days were emotional and deeply healing. Others were chaotic, joyful, and left our faces sore from laughing. Every session reminded us why we love boudoir photography and the impact it has. We've worked with women from all over Minnesota and even beyond our home state. Every session leaves us amazed at the beatuy and strength of women.

What Belle Marie Boudoir is Planning Next

As we head into 2026, we already have 50+ sessions booked for the year. I can’t wait to meet new clients and welcome back

returning ones who now feel like old friends.

We’re also excited to host the Art of Boudoir Workshop in March, at our Ramsey, Minnesota studio. It will be a a weekend dedicated to teaching photographers both the creative and business sides of boudoir photography. It’s the perfect blend of everything we love.

There’s no doubt more exciting changes are ahead for Belle Marie Boudoir. Olivia and I aren’t ones to let things get stagnant, and inspiration often strikes when we least expect it. Stay tuned to see what kind of creative chaos we get into in 2026!