Nothing obliterates my seasonal depression quite like outdoor boudoir photography! After a long-ass winter, all I wanted was to feel warm sun on my skin and see some actual color again! Lush greens, vivid blues, something alive. My vision included a pool. I first looked into a kiddie pool for my backyard. That silly idea wasn’t going to cut it. I wanted luxury! Enter: Swimply.

Yep, Swimply. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically Airbnb but for pools. You can rent someone’s backyard pool by the hour. One of my incredible clients-turned-friends recommended it, and I was instantly intrigued. So, I found a spot here in Denver with great privacy and tons of greenery.

Now, let’s be clear. These are not professional models. These are badass, regular humans who said yes to a fun, spontaneous, slightly risqué idea. But when I tell you they look like models? I can see why you’re confused. They crushed it.

We shot in a variety of looks: bathing suits, lingerie, sunglasses, a whimsical white dress. Huge thank you to that gal for braving the waters in her dress! One of the women played chess by the pool, which felt like she was waiting for her lover to return with frozen margaritas in hand, sunbathing and killing time in style. I loved that concept of luxury outdoor boudoir photography — not just sexy, but story-driven and cinematic.

The sun was intense, which is honestly the opposite of what I usually go for. My signature style tends to be moodier, more shadowed, more sensual. But this time, I leaned into the boldness — all that natural light, the contrast of wet skin and bright color, the sharp edges of mid-day sun. I even edited the photos in a different way than I usually do. It was a creative risk, and I absolutely loved how it turned out.

Would I rent a Swimply pool again for a client shoot? Probably not. The space was private in terms of fencing and street visibility, but the owner of the house was very present. (It was his house after all!) He came outside to check on us multiple times, and technically, nudity wasn’t allowed. (Oops.) It worked for this styled session, but for a real client, I’d want a space that allows for complete comfort and freedom.

Still, I’m so glad I followed the impulse to create something different! This shoot reminded me that boudoir doesn’t have to be confined to the bedroom. It can be anywhere you feel bold. Anywhere you feel yourself.

So if you’ve ever dreamed of an outdoor boudoir session, especially something summery and nontraditional, let this be your sign. It’s your story. Let’s shoot it somewhere unexpected. Want to see another boudoir photo shoot that fueled my creative soul?! Check out this collab I did with Project Floral.