This is Your Sign to Fall in Love With Yourself (Again!)
I just got my photos back... and all I can say is WOW.
Last fall, I decided to stop waiting. I stopped waiting to feel "ready," I stopped waiting for my body to look a certain way, and I finally booked a boudoir session with the incredible Kristen Fonville here in Nashville, Tennessee.
She's got one hell of a wait list so it was booked for April 1 (my choice to do it on April Fools Day...it just felt right.)
And now that it's done and the photos are back? I think you should do it, too. Here’s why.
The Ultimate "Main Character" Energy 👑
From the moment I walked into Kristen’s studio in Ashland City, the pampering begins.
It was nice to not be "coach" or "mom" or "breast cancer survivor" or even "powerlifter". I was just Kristin... and that doesn't happen all that often these days.
She has a professional hair and makeup artist on-site, and let me tell you—having a full "me day" where the only goal was to make me feel stunning felt incredible.
It wasn't just a photo shoot; it was a celebration of me. ---
Reclaiming My Power
As a breast cancer survivor, my body has been through the ringer. Surgery, 20 rounds of radiation, and daily hormone blockers have left their mark. I have scars on my breast and armpit, and "cording" that’s visible in my armpit when I reach up high.
For a while, I let those things make me feel "less than."
Not really "less than" anyone else... it was never about comparison. It was "less than" who I was "before". The pre-cancer Kristin.
But this session changed the narrative. I didn't do this to hide my scars; I did it to show that I am still vibrant, still beautiful, and still very much here. I realized that my body isn't "broken" from cancer—it’s a masterpiece of resilience.
I felt like doing something as vulnerable as this would give me ownership back over my body. This is MY body. I get to choose what I do with it... NOT cancer. Me.
The Science of Seeing Yourself
If you're been following me for any length of time, you know I love a good data point, and it turns out there is significant research behind why boudoir photo sessions are so transformative. This isn't just about "pretty pictures"—it's psychological work.
According to studies on embodied photography and the psychology of self-image:
Boosted Self-Efficacy: Research suggests that seeing yourself in a powerful, positive light increases your self-efficacy—the internal belief that you can successfully navigate life’s challenges. For any woman, this is a massive psychological win.
The Power of the "Third-Person" Perspective: According to psychological experts, viewing yourself through a professional lens helps break the cycle of "body monitoring" (where we focus on our flaws). It allows us to see our bodies as a whole, beautiful entity rather than a collection of "problem areas."
Intimacy and Connection: Industry surveys, such as those conducted by major boudoir collectives, show that over 80% of women report an immediate boost in self-esteem, which directly correlates to improved intimacy and confidence in their personal relationships.
Healing Through Imagery: For trauma and health survivors, "therapeutic photography" is a recognized tool for reclaiming agency over a body that once felt like it belonged to doctors and treatments.
When we see ourselves as capable and stunning, that confidence ripples into every other part of our lives.
Do This For You (And a Special Discount!)
I want every single one of you to feel the way I felt when I opened my gallery.
If you’re in the Tennessee area, you have to see Kristen.
The Best Part: If you book with Kristen Fonville and mention my name (Kristin Petrony), you’ll get a special discount on your session!
Check out her work here: Kristen Fonville Boudoir
Stop waiting for "perfect" and start celebrating the incredible woman you are today. You’ve earned it!
📩 Reach out to me and let’s get you started on your strong woman journey. You can email me at [email protected] or hit me up on Instagram here.
You will never regret being strong.
