This past August, we brought something truly magical to life — our Waterfall Mini Sessions at Black Dress Boudoir in Clio, Michigan. These limited-time sessions gave clients (and me!) the chance to step outside of our usual studio sets and into a completely different kind of experience.
The Vision
From the beginning, I knew I wanted these minis to feel sensual, bold, and unlike anything else out there. My inspiration was a “water nymph” vibe — ethereal, a little wild, and dripping with power. Not just another photoshoot in nature, but something immersive that made you feel like you were stepping into a fantasy. After all, who else builds a whole waterfall in their backyard just for their clients?
The Build
Creating this set was a project of love. I spent weeks gathering plants to layer in that lush, jungle-like atmosphere. And yes, I’ll admit it — there was duct tape, paper, and plenty of zip ties involved. But that’s the beauty of photography: it’s not about what goes into the build, it’s about the end result and the feeling it creates for the person in front of the camera. And when the water was flowing and the set came together, it was pure magic.
The Experience
Session days were such a blast. My sister assisted me — from helping create a foggy atmosphere to keeping me from tripping over support anchors while I posed, directed, and shot (all while yelling over the roar of the water). It was playful, powerful, and just plain fun. Clients got to splash, laugh, and fully embrace the freedom of stepping into something so unique.
My Reflection
This set gave me the chance to create in a way I hadn’t in a long time. I’ve always loved working with natural light outdoors, and blending that with boudoir energy was incredibly inspiring. What we created together felt magical, and I’m so glad my clients trusted me enough to jump into this wild idea with me.
Looking Ahead
The Waterfall Mini Sessions were a limited-time summer set, but they won’t be the last. I’m always dreaming up new ways to make each boudoir experience exciting, fresh, and empowering. There’s a good chance the waterfall will make a comeback next year, but in the meantime, the best way to stay in the loop is by joining our Black Dress Boudoir VIP Group. That’s where I share upcoming mini and special sessions first, and you definitely won’t want to miss what’s next.
Curious about what it’s like to step in front of the camera? Read our client testimonials and see why women across Michigan are choosing Black Dress Boudoir for their luxury boudoir photography experience.