Traveling over 1,000 miles for a boudoir session? I'd say it's worth it.


I know, I know. It sounds a little ridiculous on paper, until you realize you aren't traveling for photos. You're traveling for the feeling of finally being seen. Last summer, Juni (they/he) traveled from New Orleans to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a boudoir session with Head to Curve. When they shared where they'd be traveling from, I remember thinking, "no pressure, Keara." 😅 In all seriousness, it humbled me. That's no small trip, especially when there are photographers much closer to home. But sometimes finding the right photographer matters more than finding the closest one.


When you're looking for someone to photograph you in one of your most vulnerable moments, beautiful images are only part of the equation. You want someone whose work resonates with you, whose values align with your own, and who creates a space where you know you'll be met with care instead of judgment. For many of my clients, that's worth the drive. Or, in Juni's case, the flight. After their session, Juni shared these words while celebrating their birthday, and I've found myself coming back to them time and time again:


"For my birthday, I thought I'd share the results of the lovely shoot I had with Head to Curve back in August!! 🤩😌 As you might've noticed from the fact that I had a slutty birthday party last night lol, I have been absolutely feeling myself this year 😜. Stepping back into my power and my body has been so affirming, and I'm thankful to Keara for creating a studio space and experience that absolutely made my whole year. It was so incredibly wonderful to look hot as fuck and be hyped up by an amazing Black, queer, fat/plus-sized photographer that I've admired for a long time. 😭💜

I'm obsessed with myself. No really: I absolutely adore myself. I refuse to hate the fat, Black, disabled body I'm in because why would I? I'm a brilliant individual, I'm dynamic, fun, and sexy to boot 😘, and I feel so blessed to be living the life I am now. I've come so far from even just six months ago, much less a year ago. I'm so grateful for all the iterations of me that have made it just in time for this moment—loving myself and loving my life."
Plus-size woman with tattoos smiling confidently in black lace lingerie, sitting on a bed in a bright loft.
A woman in purple lace lingerie reclines gracefully on a white bed, showcasing tattoos in a boudoir setting.
A plus-size woman in a teal bodysuit poses confidently on a wooden floor in natural light.
A plus-size woman in a purple lace bodysuit poses gracefully on a white bed in a bright room.
A woman in purple lace lingerie poses gracefully on a bed, showcasing elegant boudoir photography.
Plus-size model in teal green lace lingerie set, wearing glasses, with arm tattoo, posing confidently indoors.
A plus-size woman with tattoos laughs joyfully while sitting on a white bed wearing a purple lace bodysuit.
A plus-size woman poses confidently in a teal green lingerie bodysuit with tattoos, standing before white sheer curtains.
A woman in purple lingerie poses on a white bed near a bright window in a softly lit bedroom.
A plus-size woman in a teal bodysuit smiles joyfully while posing against sheer white curtains in natural light.

Every time I reread those words, they stop me in my tracks. As photographers, we talk a lot about confidence, empowerment, and transformation. But if I'm honest, I don't think those are things I can give someone. I can't hand someone confidence. I can't convince someone they're beautiful. I can't teach someone to love themselves over the course of a few hours. What I can do is create a space where people feel safe enough to show up exactly as they are. A space where they don't have to shrink themselves. A space where they're celebrated instead of critiqued. A space where they get to see themselves reflected back with the same admiration that the people who love them already see. Sometimes, that's enough to change the way someone sees themselves.


One part of Juni's post that especially stayed with me was what they shared about working with a Black, queer, plus-size photographer. Representation doesn't automatically create safety, but it can create recognition. Sometimes, it's easier to exhale when the person behind the camera already understands pieces of your lived experience. When you don't have to wonder whether your body, your identity, or your story will be understood — you can simply exist. That's never something I take for granted.


Reading Juni's words reminded me why Head to Curve has always been about so much more than taking beautiful photos. It's about creating an experience where people feel celebrated exactly as they are. Where they don't have to perform confidence before they walk through my studio doors. Where they're free to laugh, cry, swear, hype themselves up, and leave with images that feel like them.


If you've ever wondered whether traveling for the right photographer is worth it, I hope Juni's story answers that question better than I ever could. Sometimes, the right photographer isn't the closest one. Sometimes, they're the one who makes you feel the most seen. And if that means getting on a plane, driving across the state, or making a weekend out of it? I'd say that's a pretty incredible investment in yourself. If you're looking for a boudoir experience rooted in care, curiosity, and celebration, I'd love to welcome you to my Grand Rapids studio — whether you're just down the road or traveling from across the country.

A shirtless person kneeling on a white bed, leaning forward with head tilted back in a serene pose.
Confident plus-size woman with tattoos posing in black lace lingerie on a bed near a window.
A smiling woman in black lace lingerie reclines in warm sunlight with shadow patterns across her skin.
Plus-size model in black lace bodysuit with tattoos posing by sheer white curtains in natural light.
Black and white boudoir photo of a woman in lace lingerie posing on a bed.
A plus-size Black woman with tattoos sits on a white bed in a boudoir-style portrait photo.
Close-up of a tattooed woman in a sheer bodysuit sitting on a couch, showcasing intricate tattoo artwork.
Plus-size person posing nude on a white bed, smiling confidently in a boudoir photography setting.
A plus-size woman in black lace lingerie poses gracefully near sheer curtains in a softly lit boudoir setting.