Coming out as Transgender with a Boudoir Shoot

Coming out as transgender with a boudoir shoot may sound intimidating right now, but I promise the more you read on, the less it will be. 

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you are the author of your own story, and no one can write the next chapter as genuinely as you can. The personal journey of a trans woman can be challenging for a variety of reasons. That makes those journeys all the more important and impactful to share. 

Boudoir photography is a powerful tool for gaining a sense of agency and empowerment in your own life. I’m grateful to share Autumn’s story here, who was open to sharing more about her own journey of coming out and her experience of coming up from Orlando to work with me.

The Journey of Coming Out as Transgender: Autumn’s Story

“For me, the experience was part of a long, arduous journey that I had navigated for years and years. As I struggled as a trans woman in the shadows throughout my life—​​multiple negative events kept me from being my authentic self.  

I was bullied, made to feel inferior, labeled a sissy, continually questioned about my manhood, and called a homosexual. Oh yes, I could have easily given up—but failure was not an option for me. After a certain point, enough was enough, and I embarked on  a mission to let go of all the doubt, denial, and insecurities.   

I had always dreamed of a beautiful photo shoot to truly express my feelings and just let all the negativity go.  

During my search for a photographer I came across Laura Beck, and after reviewing her credentials and talking with her, I put my trust to just let myself go and be the beautiful woman that I had doubted for years. The beauty of the shoot was beyond belief. It captured the different expressions of my life. A true reflection. And yes, it was emotional for me.  

A boudoir shoot is about a person having little (or no) clothing on, which no one should be ashamed of. Everyone is beautiful and should not rely on someone's affirmation to do this. With the help of Laura Beck, I was able to pass through those negative waves and insecurities. 

The session was empowering, and yes the ability to let go and be the true beautiful person I am has provided me the greatest feelings. 

The reveal session was also emotional but it was a great moment in my life. I would suggest that anyone desiring to express their beauty to seek Laura Beck. You will have an experience that will last a lifetime. In the months that followed, I discovered through some tests I had been Autumn probably my whole life. In addition, my parents—who always supported me—revealed that I was born androgenous and the final decision would have to be mine and mine alone. 

My wife has stood by my side for thirty years. I have full closure, and I have made the long journey. I am truly blessed to be accepted as a daughter. The misery is over, healing has begun and yes no regrets. I have always been and will continue to be Autumn.”

Empowering Boudoir Photoshoots for Every Body

Your boudoir photoshoot is about reclaiming yourself and rewriting the narrative about who you truly are. It’s of the utmost priority for me to provide an inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable space for all individuals who simply desire to express themselves fully. 

It’s time to embrace YOU. Not part of you, and not pieces of you. All of you—the essence of you—so that you can reflect on the transformation you’ve embarked on with the reverence and self-admiration you deserve. Your boudoir session is an opportunity to shed insecurities (or embrace yourself in spite of them) as you realize that you are a sexy human being!

Coming out to your family as transgender with boudoir photos

Whether you’re interested in a boudoir photo shoot for your own personal enjoyment or because you want to use it as a tool to share your story with others (or both), a boudoir shoot is an opportunity to get creative, appreciate yourself, and to invite others to share in your journey with you.

In Autumn’s experience, she was able to use her session as a starting point for coming out as transgender in an authentic yet creatively expressive way. There’s no perfect way to come out, and it’s perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions. You may not be able to control the outcome of others, but you can grab your story by the reins and tell it your way. 

There is no “perfect time” to come out—only the time that feels right for you. It’s up to you to decide at which stage you want to come out, whether you’re just beginning, in the midst of, or on the other side of your own process. 

No matter which part of your own personal experience you’re navigating, your photoshoot is your gender affirming, healing experience. As your boudoir photographer, I’ll be there to facilitate your journey into the next chapter of your life. 

Tips for Coming Out as Transgender

If you’ve found yourself here and it’s inspired you to take the step of coming out, I want you to walk away with the confidence that it is and always has been okay for you to express your true self. 

Here are some tips for coming out as trans to your family and/or friends:

• Don’t rush the process or feel like you have to come out on anyone else’s schedule. Do it when you’re ready, and after you've given some forethought to what you'd like to say.

• Know you don’t have to come out in person if you don’t want to. You can share boudoir photos instead, or any other photos for that matter. You could also write a letter, an email, or come out through any other creative way that resonates with you.

• Think of the most supportive person in your life, and consider coming out to them first. It can be easy to jump to the worst-case scenario, but know that not everyone—or maybe not anyone!—will react in a negative way. 

• Your loved ones may or may not be well-versed in the trans experience. You may have to answer questions or even give them time to fully understand what it means to be transgender. 

• Show yourself the love, kindness, and compassion you deserve all the way through. If you’re not receiving support from family or friends, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from people who get it.

Upcoming Boudoir Shoot? Just Bring Yourself.

Coming out as transgender looks different for each individual, and I’m so grateful to Autumn for sharing her story. Like Autumn, all trans women deserve to celebrate themselves and the challenges they’ve undoubtedly overcome. 

I can’t wait to capture you in photos that capture the internal and external beauty you naturally possess, if only to help you see your absolute radiance for yourself. Reach out and let me, the photographer, do the work. The only thing you have to bring is your magnificent self.