2025 Heart of Gold Fundraiser

Photo of a queer person in a beanie and a hoodie that says "You've got an enemy in Pennsylvania" grinning to the left at several heart-shaped art pieces on a black wall.

Most of you know me here for my work as a photographer. But in my leisure time I’m also a mixed media artist and painter! I’m mostly a self-taught artist and mostly paint for fun. So it’s always such an honor to participate in art shows as a painter. On February 8th I joined the 3rd annual Heart of Gold fundraiser, contributing my newest painting for the silent auction.

Gold Door Gallery in Hatboro has been hosting Heart of Gold since the gallery (which shares walls with Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal) opened. The annual fundraiser’s proceeds benefit different lovingly chosen organizations and foundations each year. Hannah’s receptions are always filled with nice people and tasty snacks, and I make a few new friends among the artists and art admirers at every show.

If you’re unfamiliar with the idea, Heart Shows are art shows where all the artists work on heart-shaped canvases/surfaces. Heart, get it? Philly has a bunch, hosted by various galleries and orgs. They’re often around Valentine’s Day, drawing artists of all styles, levels, and notoriety. 2025’s only unifying theme was the canvas, so Heart of Gold had a great variety of mediums and moods on display.

This year I picked up canvas blanks for myself and two fellow artist friends. After a few thumbnail sketches I decided to do a pop culture homage. That’s how I started on this Tanya McQuoid art, in honor of the White Lotus character played so impeccably by Jennifer Coolidge. Santa Cipolla, the diva of Palermo!

Gif of Tanya from The White Lotus saying "Show him the core of the onion"
photo of a heart-shaped canvas painted in bright tropical colors with stained-glass style shapes. it depicts a blonde woman wearing oversized sunglasses and a pink robe and scarf. she has a golden saint icon halo and behind her is a blooming white lotus in front of a field of oceany blues and greens. an artistic rendering of tanya mcquoid played by Jennifer Coolidge, painted by Cassandra Panek. Acrylic on canvas, 2025
Santa Cipolla, 2025. acrylic on canvas

It’s rare that I’m timely on anything but it was fun to get this finished and hung in time for both the gallery show and The White Lotus s3 premiere! Hannah was also kind enough to include a few of my romantic art pieces on the sale table. If you see anything you like, my Valentine’s cards and other prints are available here.

My piece is one of a dozen still for sale if you’d like to buy art and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The 2025 beneficiary organization is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! There are some really cool pieces by artists from Philly and the surrounding area available.

And if you love to see behind the scenes videos of the painting process, here you go:


What Clients are Saying

“Working with Cassie is like working with your badass friend who hypes you up no matter what you’re doing. Cassandra has helped me advertise both sides of my personality with comedy headshots and spicy portraits. I always feel so comfortable in their studio and I always appreciate their direction! Sometimes I feel lost or intimidated, … Continue reading Oliver D.

Oliver D.

Fall in Love with Black and White Boudoir Photography

If you’ve clicked around my portfolio it’s probably no secret that I love to shoot black and white photos! Maybe you’re with me! Please enjoy this collection of my black and white boudoir photography. But if you’re still on the fence, give me a chance to inspire you!

a cinematic black and white image of a tattooed woman on her back on a sofa with her legs up and head tipped back over the edge. she wears strappy dark lingerie and black thigh high stockings. her makeup is dramatic in a boudoir photoshoot at Neon Velvet Studio in the Philly suburbs

Why Black and White?

Boudoir photos in black and white are a classic for a reason. Whether it’s the rich and cinematic clear contrast of Hollywood’s Golden Age or the lo-fi grit and matte black and white tones of expired film from the 70s-90s, it creates a mood, drama, and intimacy. Monochrome is so personalizable. It helps me give a gritty punk client their DIY venue vibe, or a burlesque performer their perfect backstage sensual glamour session.

Explore Your Darkness and Find Your Light

As a boudoir photographer I love the way that black and white photography really makes light matter. When you remove color from an image it allows the eye to really pay attention to focus and contrast. It helps me shape a dramatic silhouette! Create anonymous boudoir images using shadows! Emphasize a body’s strength or softness.

Shooting in black and white is flattering for everyone, no matter your size, race, or gender. It’s hot for couples. It can help your bridal boudoir session vibe match with your wedding photos. Monochrome can help highlight your favorite features.

a fashion boudoir black and white of a pale woman with freckles, dark hair, and minimal makeup. elegant fingers cup her throat, and more reach for her parted lips in a boudoir photoshoot at Neon Velvet Studio in Philadelphia PA

Black and White: Beautiful in Print

Black and white boudoir prints make gorgeous art pieces people are delighted to display in their homes. I love to print them on metal, which gives a magical lustrous shimmer that makes the tones shine. Bonus: they can hang safely on a wall without framing, if you’re into minimalism or still waiting for the perfect thrifted frame to find you.

Black and white photos interspersed with color images from the same session can add some drama and extra visual interest to albums. It can draw attention to favorite frames in your keepsake album.

I advocate for them when a client is having a tough time choosing between two beautiful but similar images—each can be a distinct work of art with tonal change and creative cropping.

black and white boudoir photo of a Black woman in lingerie with long braids. she's posed on an animal print rug and backlit by big windows, grasping her garter straps and arching her back off the floor.

Can You Have the Best of Both Worlds?

Yes. The best part of the digital age is that you don’t have to commit to an all color or all black and white session!

Most of my sessions are fully digital (with exception to special polaroid/instax bonuses for people pre-purchasing collections!), so you can get edits from your boudoir session in lush vivid color and romantic black and white. This goes for photos and videos.

Just like my color images, black and white photos are lovingly retouched to deliver luxurious, cinematic, and timeless boudoir portraits that show you as absolute art.

Creative black and white boudoir pose inspiration with a dancer. she's seated wrong in a chair so that her legs are in the air and her long hair hangs down

Enough Talk, Cassie! ON to the Black and White Photo Gallery!

Build your dream boudoir session now!


What Clients are Saying

“I have worked with Cassie multiple times now, on a variety of projects, over years. She has a unique eye for visuals and can work magic to bring the imagined to life. To top it off, every single shoot I have done with her has been with kindness, relatability, respect, fun, and overall enjoyment. Cassie … Continue reading Kat L.

Kat L.

“Cassandra is one of my favorite photographers to work with! She’s so talented and such a pleasure to hang out with. From the first time I met her I felt like we had been friends for ages. I have done makeup and hair for her shoots and also modeled for her. I loved both roles … Continue reading Jessica Saint

Jessica Saint

a high contrast black and white boudoir photo of a pale dark-haired woman. she is wearing a pair of heels and nothing else, though it is an implied nude boudoir image and nothing nsfw is visible. the lighting is very old Hollywood glamour inspired and the setting is gothic and romantic with lanterns and candles.

Valentine Dreams: How to Heart Your Vibe

pink boudoir image of a tattooed woman with blonde and rainbow hair wearing pink lingerie, twirling a necklace in her fingers and looking at the camera. Valentine's Day boudoir inspiration

I’m an elder goth, the absolute last person you’d expect to get fired up about Valentine’s Day. And you’re right; I don’t care about it as a commercial occasion. But I love it as a themed boudoir session opportunity! These can feel more playful than a classic boudoir photoshoot because they’re colorful and can involve cute props. Valentine’s Day has always been campy and Valentine’s boudoir is too. Want hot pink femme euphoria? Got it! Or maybe you’re a them fatale. Iconic widow robe vibes. Or you want to dress up like a powder-blue fox and wear heart-shaped pasties. I’m for it.

There are three types of people I think Valentine’s Day boudoir sessions are perfect for:

  • People in love
  • People out of love
  • Happy singles

Let’s get into it!

People In Love

Got that special someone you want to be sure is thinking of you when you’re thinking of them? Nothing says love like the personal and sensual gift of sexy photos! Flowers are beautiful and candy is nice, but a custom photo album will last forever. Valentine’s Day boudoir sessions are a little sweet, a little spicy. Use them to set the romantic vibe for the year to follow.

Or really lean in and schedule a Deluxe Couples Session with your sweetie! You’ll be together forever in your album and prints, memorialized for the hot pair you are.

People Out of Love

Look babe, I get it. Heartbreak hurts. But sometimes the best way to move on is to be so hot they regret everything. Make them cry. Let them regret. Block their number. You’re hot and you’ve moved on. You’re dressing for revenge. You are a sultry siren ready to break the heart that broke yours, and maybe a few others on the way. I don’t judge. That’s for god and drag queens to do.

These photos are for you, but maybe they’re for the internet too. So let’s accentuate your favorite features and get you feeling fire again. And if you want extra moral support, book back-to-back sessions with your pal for Galentine’s Day and make it a party.

Happy Singles

Welcome to the Self Love Club! You’re living your glorious unattached life and this session is about you creating a glamorous archive of self-adoration. I love the other kinds of sessions but between you and me, this is my favorite one. You’ve got no one to prove anything to but yourself, and it’s time for a luxurious little treat. Like those expensive bath bombs, but much longer-lasting.

Get glamorous with professional hair and makeup styling, have a dress up dream in the Client Closet, and pose your heart out! You can be sweet or spicy or a bit of both! I’ve got time! You’re on a journey to fall in love with the most important person in your life—yourself.

Schedule a free consultation to see if you’re ready for your closeup!

Book your Valentine’s Day Boudoir Session Now!

If you’ve made it this far I just need you to know that at some point writing this I confused St. Valentine with St. Sebastian and barely course corrected in time. But like… if somebody wants to do a St. Sebastian-themed session I think that would slap. Love you.
Please sign up for my mailing list if you want to.


What Clients are Saying

“I’ve worked with Cassie several times now for my business and every time I’m blown away with the images she captures! Each time I think it’s the best shoot we’ve ever done… until the next one, and then THAT’S the best one. She always makes me and our models feel comfortable and confident, she pays … Continue reading Johanna S.

Johanna S.

Free Professional Headshot Photography for Trans Artists

What’s Going On?

With the support of Wax Poetic Clothing I’m hosting a day of free professional headshots for trans and non-binary writers, artists, creators, and makers in Philadelphia! If you’re a trans realtor or something I’m not going to turn you away, but my headshot style is a little funky and a lawyer or executive probably won’t be getting the right vibe.

Come get a new headshot and/or network a little, say hi, and shop Wax Poetic Clothing’s racks of new clothing and sale items!

Why am I doing this?

To spread a little joy and light to my friends in the trans community. You matter. Your art matters. I can’t hire you all or buy all your art and books, but I can do this to help you on your professional journey! From each according to their ability, etc.

Who Am I?

I’m Cassandra Panek (she/they), the owner of Neon Velvet Studio! I’m a queer artist and trans inclusive and LGBTQ friendly photographer based in Philadelphia. If you click around on this site you’ll see my primary work is boudoir photography for queer people and our allies, but I also do bespoke branding work and a few other things like fashion lookbooks (which is how I met Johanna of Wax Poetic Clothing, our other host!) and food photography. I’m a little silly and had to work really hard not to title this Headshot Photography Gay. Want to read more about me?

LGBTQ+ photographer Cassandra Panek, owner of Neon Velvet Studio, a boutique luxury boudoir photography studio in Montgomery County, PA. Offering Philadelphia boudoir photography, montco boudoir photography, and bucks county boudoir photography, and more!

hi! I’m Cassie!

Where’s The Studio?

Wax Poetic Clothing’s studio is located on the 4th floor of the Bok Building in South Philly! (It’s accessible by elevator; please check out Bok’s website if you have specific accessibility questions, and if the site doesn’t have an answer email me and I’ll try to find out)

When is the Event?

Monday, February 17th, 2025 from 1pm-4pm. Appointment times will be scheduled, but please come early or stay late to chat and socialize!

What Else Do I Need To Know?

If you only want to come by and say hi or browse Wax Poetic Clothing’s pop up shop you can do that! If you’d like headshots please use the form below to sign up. Sessions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis; if they fill up I’ll create a wait-list.



Form above not loading? Please click here!

an image collage of headshots of various people, with text advertising free professional headshot photography for trans and non-binary artists by a trans-inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly photographer.

Can’t Make it?

If you can’t make it to this date but you’re interested in more events like this, you can sign up here for my mailing list!

Questions?

I’ll be posting about this on instagram and bluesky; please drop any Q’s you have and I’ll answer!


What Clients are Saying

“Getting boudoir shots was always on my bucket list, but getting them done with Cassie made the whole thing that much more special. She was super supportive and made sure I was comfortable with every aspect of the experience. I had a rough patch several months before my session (the passing of one of my … Continue reading Rommy D.

Rommy D.

2025’s Best Photographer In Montgomery County? 👀

2024 best photographer in montco finalist badge from montco happening, Montgomery county's best photographer
it’s a major award!

Last year we were a top Finalist for best photographer in Montgomery County, as voted on by locals! This year, can we score a total win?

If you’re wondering why your vote is important to me, I listed some reasons I care in last year’s post! But here are a few new ones for the new year:

✧ Last year’s posts about voting brought hundreds of new eyes to my work! Literally hundreds of people who might not have otherwise known about me. For a small local business, that’s huge. I’m so grateful for it, and for the chance to grow my network again this year.

✧ The voting process involves a few steps and a few minutes of your time. Some people—no matter how much they love my work—won’t do that, so every vote really counts and I appreciate any and all help to spread the word!

✧ It feels more important than ever for LGBTQ+ artists and queer-owned businesses to be represented and visible for our community and for our allies!

✧ I’ve been a Montco resident since I moved to the Philly metro in 2002, which officially means I’ve been here more than half my life! I love being part of the community here, and the more people who know about me, the more I get to meet and make gorgeous photos of!

✧ 2024 was a difficult and often demoralizing year and 2025 is already bringing its own complications; a win would make me feel very appreciated for the queer joyful work I’m putting into the world.

Photo of Cassandra Panek, owner and artist of Neon Velvet Studio. Image features a dark-haired white person wearing red, posing in front of a black wall that shows four monochrome red canvas paintings.

Got more love to share? Here are links to vote for some of our nominated friends:

Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal
Gold Door Gallery
Joy Movement Arts
Reya Barre and Yoga

Are you a nominated friend? Message me and I’ll add you above too! Let’s spread the love 🖤

I will leave you with our local blessing: go birds

Build your dream boudoir session now!


What Clients are Saying

“I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Cassandra multiple times and never in my life have I felt so empowered and comfortable with a photographer. The amount of detail and care that is placed in every aspect of the sets, lighting, down to the gallery curation is magnificent and there is never a … Continue reading Heather D.

Heather D.

“Cassandra is one of my favorite photographers to work with! She’s so talented and such a pleasure to hang out with. From the first time I met her I felt like we had been friends for ages. I have done makeup and hair for her shoots and also modeled for her. I loved both roles … Continue reading Jessica Saint

Jessica Saint

Nude Boudoir: the Naked Truth About Being Bare

On Artistic Nude Portraits

For as long as we’ve had bodies and art, artists have been celebrating the wonderful beauty of the nude figure. Bodies of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders doing all kinds of fantastic activities and luxurious lounging! Stark ass naked, wearing nothing but a smile, or occasionally a little drape of lovely fabric! I’ll be sharing a few examples from classical art with you today because I’m a nerd, and also because if I share nude boudoir photos directly in this post I won’t be able to share the post anywhere.

If you’d like to see the nude boudoir photography I’ve created, I’ll be linking that at the bottom of the page. Apologies for the inconvenience, but let’s pretend it’s a fun scavenger hunt.

Giovanni Boldini's painting "After the Bath," which features a brown-skinned nude woman with hair pulled back, toweling dry after a bath.
“After the Bath,” by Giovanni Boldini

There’s something wonderful and timeless about nudity; the human form is beautiful and largely unchanging on a cosmic scale. A body won’t be dated by fad wardrobe (though maybe by poofy 80s hairdos). The human physique is frankly a marvel. I’m obsessed.

Titian's painting "Venus with a Mirror," circa 1555 features a warm-toned oil on canvas of a pale soft-featured blonde woman being crowned by one cherub as another incredibly buff angel baby holds up a mirror for her to adore herself.
Titian’s “Venus with a Mirror”

What is Nude Boudoir?

Like all boudoir, artistic nude portraits are intimate. They’re vulnerable to make and share. And the end results are often very powerful! Posture and posing matter so much; as a model you’re using your body to tell a story, set a scene, create a mood. Marry that with setting and lighting, and we can build a cinematic masterpiece in three simple steps (none of these steps are simple but that’s a future blog post).

A nude boudoir photoshoot has a lot in common with a regular boudoir session: it should be fun, something you’re excited for! Please never do anything that makes you uncomfortable. It’s never mandatory to show more skin than you want to. This artistic collaboration is all about enthusiastic consent!

Because comfort levels are unique and personal, open honest communication and a consultation are especially important to me for sessions like this. It’s important to find an artist you vibe with! You deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and safe with your photographer, regardless of what you are—or aren’t—wearing.

All Nude Boudoir Is Not Created Equal

How nude is nude? Let’s begin with a quick breakdown of types of nudity!

Non-explicit nudity: Honestly this is all wildly subjective, but my definition would include all the classical art included in this post.

Explicit/sexual nudity: NSFW. Nudity in situations designed to arouse. You can see how this gets vague depending on your worldview, right?

Implied nudes: Might be considered SFW depending on the details. Nudity is suggested to the viewer, but nothing spicy is visible in the image–it’s covered in fabric drape, a towel, or even a particularly deep shadow. Historically this could include obscuring intimate parts with a hand, but social media censors consider this “sexual touching,” so today an implied nude with a ‘hand bra’ would be flagged as sexually suggestive content—a great example of how the creation and reception of art are both interrelated with the times and circumstances in which they’re made.

The cool thing about implied nudity is that you don’t need to be fully naked to create this style of image; a model for boudoir implied nudes could still be wearing pasties, a thong or low-profile pair of underwear, a modesty pouch. Illusion at work!

François Boucher's "Aurora," a red and white chalk drawing on brownish paper circa 1733. the subject is a soft-bodied and round-faced nude woman who appears to be looking serenely down and away from the artist/viewer.
“Aurora,” by François Boucher

Nude Boudoir is For You If:

✧ You hate worrying about what to wear.
✧ You’re in touch with your sensual side and the idea of nude photos of yourself thrills you.
✧ You want to star in timeless fine art nude portraits.
✧ This isn’t your first boudoir rodeo and you want to try something new!
✧ You love art history and long to recline dramatically on soft pillows, possibly eating symbolic fruit.
✧ You never want to be able to share the images on instagram (I joke, but I kinda don’t joke)
✧ It’s time to commemorate a moment in time with your body. Maybe it will be changing soon, going through a major life transition! Maybe you just love it as-is! Or maybe this is part of your journey to loving your body in all its present glory.
✧ Your favorite feature would otherwise be obscured by an outfit: maybe you love the natural shape of your unadorned butt or hip dips, or your bra strap covers part of your favorite tattoo!
✧ You don’t feel you can move and pose freely in clothes!

What Do I Do with My Artistic Nude Portraits?

I knew somebody who put a 24×36″ gorgeous fine art nude image of themselves in their guest bathroom where any visitor could see it. Other clients order discreet 5×7″ print collections in a custom keepsake box, or small albums that are easy to hide from tiny household fingers but can be viewed by the subject (and friends?) at will! Some clients ask me to submit their photo sessions to magazines because they want the world to see. Some people go all-digital, and text their bespoke nudes. I keep a boudoir photo of my partner as my phone lock screen. My partner has a polaroid of me in their wallet. Some people put their boudoir nudes on onlyfans for the world to see.

As always, nude images or clothed, the photos we make together are totally private. I don’t post them unless you choose to sign a model release allowing me to share one, some, or all of them!

You wouldn’t put a robe on the statue of David, would you?
This cc0 image of Michelangelo’s David photographed by Guy Percival

Already seen Dare to Bare?

Schedule your free consultation or book your session now!


What Clients are Saying

“Is it silly to write my own testimonial? Maybe! But I’ve done self-portraits for years and hired other photographers too, and I believe that seeing lovingly crafted art featuring yourself is a transformative experience. Doing sessions for myself has made me love parts of my body I never expected to, and revealed the way my … Continue reading Cassie

Cassie

Bonus content: if you’d like to read more about any of the artworks I’ve included here, great info is available about them and other public domain works through the National Gallery of Art.

Black Friday Boudoir Sale: Limited Edition Sessions

editorial boudoir: glamorous lingerie in Black Friday boudoir special sets with Neon Velvet Studio, an LGBTQ+ owned photo studio in Philadelphia

Black friday Boudoir is Back!

I’m getting in early for once, instead of scrambling to put together a Black Friday boudoir sale at the last minute! Is this growth? The High Roller Collections are back in extremely limited numbers. And since I’m so excited about this year’s special edition session, I’m sharing it early too!

You’ll get two hair and makeup looks for double the fun! Plus multiple wardrobe changes and one or two sets, whichever best suits the concept we come up with. And if you’re feeling bold and want to share with the world, I’ll help you submit your photos as a magazine editorial to some publications.

And as always I love to reward my regulars: If this isn’t your first session with me, you get a complimentary bonus edit!

✧ A pre-session consultation to get you feeling prepared and excited for your experience!
✧ Professional hair and makeup styling by one of my favorite local artists to help you feel pampered and relaxed. Since this editorial boudoir session includes two gorgeous glam hair and makeup looks, expect to spend extra time here getting your look switched up!
✧ The location (most sessions take place in my home studio, unless otherwise specified/discussed)
✧ Access to my client closet! This is a great way to add variety and spice to the favorite outfits you bring (I have sizes S-4X; if you fall outside this size range I’m always shopping for new pieces and am happy to add to my collection in your size!)
✧ Pose coaching, hype, and guidance through the entire process! I have over a decade of experience photographing people, so you’ve got nothing to worry about if you’re nervous or have no experience in front of the camera.
✧ Approximately 45 minutes of session time in one or two sets. This is enough time for multiple outfits!
✧ A post-session image reveal appointment to view and select your images
✧ Your six favorite images, edited for digital delivery, web sharing, or submission to publications! And if you’re a returning client, you get a bonus image, on me!

Fine Print

✧ To receive the special promotion, you must schedule your session, sign your contract, and pay your retainer during the sale period (now-Dec 1, 2024)
✧ Specialty sessions are limited availability, and will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. When they’re sold out, they’re sold out!
✧ These are solo sessions only! If you’d like to do photos with your boo or your bestie, you can book two back to back sessions on the same date, availability permitting.
✧ Sessions can be gifted but they must be paid in full if the buyer is not the user.
✧ Any add-ons (prints, albums, additional images) selected at the time of your image reveal are not eligible for payment plans through me. You can put them on a credit card or pay however you like, but it needs to be paid in full in my accounting system!

Schedule your consultation and reserve your date for your two-look special editorial boudoir session, or indulge in extra self-care with an extremely limited edition high roller package!

Ready for some Black Friday boudoir editorial inspiration?

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Treat yourself or someone else with our Black Friday boudoir specials! We offer gift certificates from $100+ so you can give someone part or all of a session. And if you’re particularly forward-thinking with an eye on birthdays, anniversaries, or the 2025 (I know!) holiday season, you can use this Black Friday sale to score some unique photo session packages to use throughout the year.

Savor the whole experience and keep the mementos for yourself, or order albums and prints as a gift for someone who’ll love to see the sensual side of you.

In the spirit of giving, take 15% off a la carte items when you add on to any session at the time of scheduling. We accept credit cards and offer pre-payment plans for people who wish to break their order into installments.

Still deciding what to book? See what past clients have said about their Neon Velvet Studio experience!

Halloween Boudoir is So Fun it’s Scary!

halloween boudoir inspiration! Queer boudoir for LGBTQ+ people by Philly queer photographer Neon Velvet Studio
Italian horror boudoir with dramatic lighting and moody film noir vibes
Crown yourself queen of your favorite romantic fantasy with limited edition sets like the Dark Garden of Eden at Neon Velvet Studio! Photography by Cassandra Panek in Philadelphia, PA

It’s Halloween Boudoir season again, so let’s get into a few ways you can add a little pumpkin spice to your boudoir session! 👻

I’m a gay goth goblin so it’s probably no surprise to hear I love Halloween and the season that surrounds it. It’s leather jacket weather, the air is crisp but not too cold, leaves crunch when you step on them, and I’m not the only one listening to The Cramps and hanging out in cemeteries. I’ve got a great group of spooky friends and clients, so it’s only natural that energy creeps into my boudoir photography.

Let’s look at four basic categories of halloween hottie!

Sweet Treats

This one’s for my lifestyle spooky babes, who keep halloween in their hearts year-round. Your perfect boudoir session is dark and moody, atmospheric, dramatic, a little creepy cute, smolderingly sexy. Maybe you dream of witchy boudoir to help you cast a spell on your sweetie with a one-of-a-kind photo album!

Maybe you're a witchy woman looking to hex your ex this Valentine's Day? Or want a halloween session that's more cute than creepy? No judgment, bestie!

Spicy Pumpkins

Where are my sirens? Those who embrace sensuality all the time, and are looking to Halloween for an excuse to live out their particular dark romance fantasies! Maybe that scream mask hair pull TikTok awakened something in you. Your dream session a mix of drama, kink, nudity, and maybe fake blood or Evil Dead style black ooze. (Note: I’m keeping reference images here suuuuper PG but please don’t feel limited by that!)

Will you be the hero or the villain in a dark romantic fantasy? Limited edition sets like the Dark Garden of Eden at Neon Velvet Studio! Photography by Cassandra Panek in Philadelphia, PA

Spooky Cuties

You’re a halloween movie buff! Are you planning a Beetlejuice boudoir look while you’re reading this? Maybe you’ve been working on a sexy cosplay of an original character or a fan favorite. You’re delighted by fantasy boudoir, elaborate costumes, theme sets. More is more, and you really bring your best this time of year.

witchy halloween boudoir with candles and skulls for creepy queer cuties by LGBTQ photographer Neon Velvet Studio in suburban Philadelphia, PA

Autumn Vibes

This is for my babes who aren’t into all the halloween stuff. They want a little candy, some pretty leaves, and a nice latte! You love dress up but like to keep it cute, so maybe you’re a Pink Pony Girl looking for your fantasy dance club photoshoot. Your perfect halloween mask involves lace and rhinestones, more masquerade than mask. You get the picture.

is your halloween boudoir vibe more masquerade than mask?

Halloween Boudoir Inspiration: How to Get the Halloween Spirit

You’ve got a lot of options to make your photos a scream, whether you’re doing a professional boudoir photography session or taking some sexy spooky selfies! Here’s some things to help you prepare:

  • Choose your vibe: are you silly, spooky, or scary? Horror comedy, or dark thriller?
  • Pick thematic outfits. This can be anything from goth lingerie to something straight from the scenes of your favorite final girl or haunted horror.
  • Get atmospheric. Setting is huge! Maybe you’re a Scream fan, so you want to do your session in an oversized sweater in a kitchen while making some stovetop popcorn! Or the isolated woods are calling you.
  • Lighting matters! Deep ominous shadows and color gels can help create a dark and moody boudoir vibe to perfect your scenery and get that Dracula vibe.
  • The devil’s in the details. What little elements can you add to really put the last nails in the coffin? Claw-like fingernails, fantasy contact lenses, ominous ooze? Props are great so don’t forget candles, candy, jack-o-lanterns, or your favorite crystal ball.
  • Shy? Halloween boudoir is a great opportunity to wear a mask or get out of your shell and into character.

Final Girl Final Thoughts

The most important part of boudoir in general–and halloween boudoir in particular–is to have fun. In my opinion classic boudoir photography is a great opportunity to see yourself in a new way, and themed boudoir sessions are perfect for trying something fun and maybe a little unusual for you! So what are you waiting for? Get your selfie setup and start snapping, or schedule your free consultation for a session with me!

The Results Are In! Best Photographer in Montco is…

Have I been biting my nails for months, waiting to see who Montco Happening would crown best photographer for 2024 in Montgomery County?

Not exactly, but I have checked several times to see if results dropped without me noticing.

But the wait is over!

2024 best photographer in montco finalist badge from montco happening, Montgomery county's best photographer
it’s a major award!

I’m excited to announce that, while I didn’t win the whole deal, I was voted a finalist! So I’m not quite the best photographer in montco, but I’m one of them! I might even be the best boudoir photographer in montco; the list doesn’t get that specific. 🤔

Congrats to the winner, the other finalists, and the nominees! If you’re curious you can find everyone’s info at Montco Happening; we all do very different genres of work so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And I also love being part of an industry that has so many creative woman-owned small businesses.

Thanks to my clients, friends, and everyone who took the time to vote or share and hype me up on this journey. I appreciate your time and energy and love so so much! I’m gonna take another try at the title next year, and in the meantime I’ll be here working on my craft! <3

Some things I’ve got planned:

✧ More themed mini sessions, announced ahead of time so payment plans can be accessible to more clients!
✧ An exciting collaboration & promotion with other local businesses, because teamwork makes the dream work
✧ A super special giveaway? 👀

If you want to be the first to know, be sure to join my VIP mailing list!

hate lots of emails? me too bestie. it’s RARE you’ll get more than 2 per month from me!

Lastly: congratulations to my friends at Gold Door Gallery in Hatboro for being a finalist in their category too!

Best Friend Photoshoots and Why We Love Them

Best Friends Forever!

Let’s be real: romantic lovers come and go, but there’s absolutely no life partner like your best friend. So why is everyone always talking about couples boudoir and not the magical best friend photoshoot? I love love in all its iterations, especially the platonic, ride-or-die kind that grows between soul siblings. So let’s talk about why you should do a BFF session.

Reasons To Book a Photo shoot with Your Best Friend

✧ Automatic hype! I’ll always cheer you through the photo process, but nobody is as experienced at making you believe how incredible you look like your best friend.
✧ Instant morale! How are you gonna be nervous if your best friend is right here with you?
✧ Mark a milestone. Book a best friend photoshoot for any occasion: friendship anniversary, birthday celebration, a breakup party, Tuesday (let’s be honest, it needs all the help it can get)
✧ Celebrate your similarities! Wear matching outfits or coordinating colors. #twinning is winning. OR…
✧ Emphasize your differences! Are you an odd couple? She was a punk and she did ballet? Make the most of your mismatched aesthetics and show the world it’s never gonna hold you back.
✧ Plan a pajama party. Picture it: pajamas, pizza, ice cream sundaes, pillow fight! CUTE.
✧ Longer lasting than a spa day: Getting your hair and makeup done is pampering as hell even if it doesn’t relax you like a massage. And while a steam room is exactly where you’ll find me on my day off, that joy is temporary and photos are forever.
✧ As unique as your relationship. Let’s work together to design a best friend photoshoot as perfect as you are.

Pose Together…

…and Pose Apart!

You can do your whole best friend photoshoot as a team! Or you can do some together, and some individually. Or you can share the experience with back-to-back solo sessions, so you’re each the star of the show (okay Aries/Leo pairings, I see you) but you’ve got your best hype mate in the wings.

Did these best friend photoshoot ideas give you some inspiration? Are you already texting your friend? Contact me too bestie! We’ll do a free consultation 🖤

Get your Bestie Boudoir shoot scheduled!

Select a ‘couples’ session or schedule two solo sessions (full length or themed minis!) back to back.
If y’all love this I’ll build a special bestfriends photoshoot package for 2025 sessions! Got more than one bestie? Let’s discuss a party package!


What Clients are Saying

“Is it silly to write my own testimonial? Maybe! But I’ve done self-portraits for years and hired other photographers too, and I believe that seeing lovingly crafted art featuring yourself is a transformative experience. Doing sessions for myself has made me love parts of my body I never expected to, and revealed the way my … Continue reading Cassie

Cassie