Seeing Myself in a New Way | Boudoir : Chaya

When Chaya first reached out to me, she had her 10th anniversary in mind. But as we started talking, it became clear this was about so much more than a special occasion. She opened up about her journey with her body—how being on a health journey had sparked a deep desire to truly love herself, no matter what.

Her body had been through so much. She had given birth to four beautiful children, including a C-section, all while finishing up a demanding four-year nursing degree. While she was feeling vibrant and energized, she also craved seeing the beauty in every stage of her evolution and feeling more connected to her sensuality.

As Chaya began The Healing Boudoir Experience, I encouraged her to take herself on a date. At first, it all felt unfamiliar—carving out time just for herself, indulging in small pleasures, and eventually buying new lingerie for her session. But with every step, she started to awaken a part of herself she had been longing for. What began as a push outside her comfort zone soon blossomed into a beautiful journey of self-discovery. And by the time her session arrived, Chaya wasn’t just ready—she was brimming with excitement, fully open to embracing every moment.

There was a glow about her, a shift that went beyond the surface. The way she was beginning to see herself was felt in the room—grounded, confident, sensual, and innately worthy...

After the session, she said, “When it was over, I was on the biggest high. I never felt better. I never thought that would be so comfortable in my own body that I wouldn’t care less what I was or wasn’t wearing.

Working with Rebecca definitely made me feel more comfortable in my own body and loving what I see when I look in the mirror.”

She continued, “When I saw the final gallery for the first time, I was in shock. They came out amazing. I couldn’t believe it. It made me realize that I’m strong and sexy. I only wish I’d done it sooner… and I’d love to do it again.”

Kodak Film // Processed and scanned by Panda Labs

Makeup and hair by Beauty by Rhonda

At Home in Her Body | Lifestyle Bohemian Boudoir: Danielle

After a long break from blogging, I’m finally back—and it feels so good! There are so many breathtaking sessions and deeply inspiring stories I’ve been holding onto, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

To be honest, at first, I hesitated. Would posting these sessions months or years later be too late? But as I clicked through each folder, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. I was reminded, yet again, of how stunning my clients are, how meaningful these moments were, and how truly timeless these images will always be. I can picture my clients looking back at them decades from now, cherishing the way they felt and celebrating the evolution of who they are. So why in the world would I think it’s too late now? Silly me.

This session I’m about to share with you took place just before the war began, in September 2023.

My client, Danielle, is such a special, kind, and creative soul…

When she first reached out to me a few years ago, we had a stunning session in my studio. I still remember our first call—she was so nervous, afraid she wouldn’t like any of the pictures. But deep down, she knew she wanted to push past that fear, step outside her comfort zone, and celebrate exactly where she was in life at that moment.

Her first session was pure magic. She let herself be seen, and the results spoke for themselves. When she finally saw the images, she couldn’t believe how much she loved them. It was such a beautiful moment—watching her shift from doubt to pure joy.

When Danielle reached out about having another boudoir experience, it felt like a full-circle moment. She shared how much the photos from our first session had meant to her—how, as her body changed over time, those images helped her embrace and love herself in ways she never had before. Now, in a completely different chapter of her life, she wanted to continue that journey. This time, it wasn’t just about taking beautiful photos—it was about stepping into deeper self-acceptance, letting go of old expectations, and celebrating herself with openness and joy.

As we talked, I immediately started picturing the session—her in her beautiful home, with a more lifestyle vibe. As an interior designer, her space is a direct reflection of who she is, a sanctuary that tells her story. And with its modern bohemian vibes—textured fabrics, earthy tones, and an effortless, curated feel—I connected with it so much. It was totally my style too, which made capturing her in that space even more fun.

So, on a quiet morning, I headed to her charming neighborhood with my incredible hair and makeup artist, Rhonda Lev. Over coffee, soft music, and easy conversation, we created gorgeous art together—an experience that felt effortless, joyful, and deeply true to her…

Kodak Film // Processed and Scanned by Panda Labs

Hair and Makeup by Rhonda Lev

For Danielle’s gorgeous work: www.daniellebielski.com // www.instagram.com/daniellebielski.design

Activism is Sexy | Boudoir : Hallel

Before I met Hallel Abramowitz-Silverman, I knew her as the teenager that got arrested at the Western Wall with her mother for wearing a prayer shawl. Those images I saw 10 years ago have been forever etched in my mind.

While Hallel has done a lot of work with Women of the Wall, her activism doesn’t end there. If you find yourself scrolling through Instagram and come across her profile, justhallel, you’ll see an incredibly beautiful, passionate, and articulate woman who has so much to share with the world. I was taken aback by her confidence and unapologetic nature, and her motto, “It’s cool to care,” couldn’t have felt more true. 

When we started speaking, we connected on women’s issues and our love for Israel. My conversations always lead to sexuality and body image, and we began to discuss the double standards that women face, even in our modern day and age.

Hallel said, “I’ve always felt the outside pressure not to present myself as sexy. People tried to tell me that I shouldn’t feel comfortable with anything that shows cleavage, the shape of my body, or things like that. If I did do that, they told me that I wouldn’t be taken seriously.

When Rebecca reached out, I felt a huge sense of relief. Like what? What I’m feeling for so long is legitimate? I felt validated in the personal things I’ve been fighting for.” 

The last decade of my boudoir photography and coaching career has given me the opportunity to explore the ways in which women have been taught to hate their bodies and how we can learn to love ourselves and show up fully in the world. 

I’ve worked with thousands of women. I’ve heard so many stories. I’ve seen so many beautiful bodies. I’ve witnessed women finally being able to approach themselves with the compassion they deserve. I’ve also seen how the struggles of the patriarchy, misogyny, diet culture, and beauty standards are still very present in our everyday lives. 

Don’t tell me that there’s no patriarchy when men can get away with sexual harassment, and women are still being told to cover up so they don’t tempt them.

Don’t tell me that there’s no diet culture when at least one person dies from an eating disorder every hour, in the U.S. alone, and it’s only on the rise. 

Don’t tell me that beauty standards don’t affect us, and it’s only the insides that matter when it seems like all conversations just lead back to women’s bodies never being enough.

When Hallel and I spoke, we both were frustrated with the idea that we were constantly being told that we needed to choose the box that we would like to fit into.  

You can either be smart or sexy. An activist or sexy. Spiritual or sexy. Funny or sexy. Sexy just wasn’t available for those who wanted to be taken seriously. 

It’s not only frustrating. It’s oppressive to face serious consequences simply because we exist and are not willing to hide parts of ourselves. 

Hallel shared, “People always told me I should have two Instagram accounts, one for politics and my activism, and then a personal account. At the time, I couldn’t really explain why I didn’t do it, but now I realize why. It felt like a lie to split it. It would be as if I was two separate people. I would be compartmentalizing parts of myself to make it more acceptable for other people to digest. I am so happy I understand now why I felt that way, and my gut told me not to do it. I would tell myself, “Don’t do it Hallel! You are one.”

Why are we not encouraged to show up fully? Fuck that. I’m not interested.”

There are many people who feel that any type of expressed sexuality is playing into a stereotype that has objectified and mistreated women since the beginning of time. Not surprisingly, Hallel got backlash for posting these images. 

I just don’t agree. My work has always been and will always be about women reclaiming their bodies and their sexuality. It is a profound statement of taking back our autonomy and our rights. Get your opinions and your laws off my body, like for real. Whether I want to wear a burka or wear a bikini in the street, that is my choice.

Part of feminism is understanding that what is empowering for you might not be empowering for me, and celebrating the hell out of that.

Makeup and Hair by Jaquelyn Lawrence Beauty

Kodak Film // Processed and scanned by Panda Labs