Rain Room vs. Shower: Which Photoshoot is Right for You?

Ready for tips on choosing between traditional shower boudoir and unrestrained rain room boudoir for your wet summer photoshoot? I’ve got some info about similarities and differences to help. But first…

If you get my VIP mailing list you saw this weeks ago, but stick with me! I’m trying something fancy this summer at my Philly boudoir studio and

BUILDing A RAIN ROOM!

Some of you are already excited, and I love that. If you haven’t already signed up for your session, don’t wait! But for those who need a little more information, let’s deep dive into wet sets.

What is a Rain Room?

A rain room is an immersive studio setup with custom lighting where water falls from above to simulate rain! If you’re of a certain age you might recognize the concept from Tom Holland’s iconic lip sync performance:

just tom holland in a famous television rain room with a very boudoir outfit, if I may say so!

(If you’re of a different substantially younger age, you might know it from TikTok, and if you’re of an older age think 80s video vixen)

Rain rooms have been staples of cinematic sound stages in Hollywood for decades, and now I’m bringing one to Philly! I’m so excited to put a little Neon Velvet Studio spin on the concept.

What are A Rain Room’s advantages over shower Boudoir?

Size and drama! Unlike a shower, a rain room isn’t moored in most people’s realities, so you can wear whatever you like in it without people being like ‘why are you dressed like a pouty shepherdess in the shower?’. Judgy.

But outfits aren’t the only advantage! It’s also bigger than a shower stall, offering more opportunity for dramatic poses. As the model you’ll have more freedom and space to pose your heart out. You can do your best Flashdance moment, shoes and chair and all.

And with a custom set build, I can create more variety and more moods! I can shoot from more angles, and place lights where a shower wouldn’t allow. A rain room offers so many different opportunities for the finished product.

Why Choose a Shower Photoshoot over A Rain Room Boudoir session?

Rain rooms can be built inside or outside. They won’t always have a hot water hookup; like organic rain, there might be no control over the water temperature or climate! Maybe you’re a brave soul who’s ready to risk it all for results (bless you), but if you’re not, a steamy shower might be more your vibe. A shower offers the opportunity to lean into lather, revealing or concealing with soapy foam. It’s simple, easy, sexy, great for beginners.

Shared Pros

Both styles of set offer some similar opportunities:

✧ crisp water droplets beading on wet skin
✧ sensual streams of water in motion
✧ wet t-shirt contests
✧ wet no-shirt contests
✧ slicked back hair
✧ runny makeup (optional for my messy queens)

What will I need to bring?

Any outfits you don’t mind getting wet! Great options include a white t-shirt or simple tank top, a pair of sporty bottoms like the classic cotton Calvin Klein set, or something a bit more femme! You can bring swimwear like your favorite microkini or sultry one-piece, glitzy chain harnesses and body jewelry, or shoes you won’t slip-and-slide out of when they’re wet. Most outfits from the Neon Velvet Studio closet can also be used for a wet set! Bring something cozy to wear after; I’ll have towels to dry off with, and makeup wipes in case you’re too smudgy to be out in the world.

Booking Your Philadelphia Rain Room Boudoir Photoshoot with Me

I’ll only be scheduling a limited number of these sessions this summer at my home studio in the Philly suburbs, so please plan ahead so you don’t miss it!

Why am I making a big deal about this? This might be a one-and-done theme for me, or maybe a once a year one if it’s really fun, so if you want to get wet and wild with a Neon Velvet twist, don’t miss your chance! Since it’s a huge undertaking and involves a lot of material costs, this is not something I will be setting up and taking down repeatedly!

✧ Submit your booking form and pick your session style (mini or deluxe!) and date. Current options for rain room sessions are August 25-28th, and a few more as available.

✧ Pay your retainer and/or start your payment plan

✧ Tell your friends! The more the merrier!

✧ Best value: the rain room will be available as an add on to deluxe sessions during August/September! So you can come and shoot just the Rain Room, or do a whole NV boudoir session then get your rain on! 🖤

Build your dream boudoir session now!


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.

“I have worked with Cassie numerous times. And every time she impresses me more and more. She is so creative and fun to work with. Whether it’s her project idea or mine. She knocks it out every time. She is one of my top favorite female artists!”

Ashlie F.

Bonus content: Umbrella has been stuck in my head for over a week now and I don’t see that changing soon, ella-ella-eh-eh-eh

Heavenly Bodies: A Creative Boudoir Session in the Clouds

Be the Star of A Renaissance Painting in the New Cloud Boudoir Mini Set

I’m still figuring out what to call it—Mount Olympus? Cloud Nine? Hera’s Haze? Just Like Heaven? Another secret thing yet to reveal itself?—but I’m too excited to share with you to wait. I’m bringing back cloud boudoir!

A renaissance art inspired creative boudoir photo. Features a pale, curvy tattooed woman with dark hair. She's wearing pale pink and draped in rosy fabric and wearing a radiant golden crown. she stands on glowing golden golden clouds and is surrounded by a sunset cloudy scene of teals and burnt oranges. cloud boudoir meets renaissance painting photography at Neon Velvet Studio in suburban philadelphia!

SAY LESS I’M ALREADY READY FOR HEAVEN

Schedule Your Free COnsultation

Embody your goddess energy for a Renaissance painting-inspired boudoir cloud mini photo session, featuring lush golden colors, dreamy fabric drapery, and glowy soft fluffy heaven! These ethereal sessions will put you in photos that look like fine art paintings, with gorgeous buttery lighting and angelic haze. You can be a serene and benevolent god, or a sultry avenging angel. You can be a holy mother, or an unholy terror. The choice is yours.

It’s like a Renaissance art photoshoot and an intimate cloud boudoir mini set all in one!

This creative boudoir session in the clouds is perfect for:

Customize Your Cloud Boudoir mini shoot

As always, the Neon Velvet boudoir client closet is available to help you achieve your dreamiest most heavenly version of yourself, but here are some ideas to inspire your mood board for your creative boudoir session:

✧ Accessorize with gold, silver, leather, jewels, harnesses, and more
✧ Fresh flowers for a spring goddess, lush greenery for summer, a cornucopia for harvest gods, a sheaf of wheat, a spear, a candle
✧ A lantern to guide souls to (or from) the underworld
✧ A bow, a harp, a halo, or wings to keep it classic and angelic
✧ Chains and swords to be a fallen angel
✧ Fantasy ears, crystal crowns, leather accessories if you want to dress like your favorite bat boy (I see you, booktok girlies)
✧ Gold leafing painted on you, and nothing else

Honestly the sky’s the limit (I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m just pandering to my audience!) and I’d be delighted to hear which divine being, fantasy figure, or virtue you vibe with! Let’s brainstorm unique elements together in your consultation. And if you don’t have a concept but you want to join in the fun, I have ideas to spare and will tailor one to fit you!

So… are you ready to join the Cloud Coven?

Build your dream boudoir session now!


What Clients are Saying

“I’ve worked with Cassie for maternity photos, headshots, and boudoir. In each of these very different contexts she made me feel both comfortable and creative, and the end products were beautiful representations of me.”

Kora P.

“The studio atmosphere and beautiful set made me feel comfortable and creative, with room to play around and indulge in finding poses and character moments.”

Kate

I’ve used too many parentheses here. Sorry, I’m over-caffeinated.

My Gift to You: An Exclusive Birthday Boudoir Sale!

cute pink birthday boudoir photoshoot of a rainbow haired tattooed woman wearing a birthday hat and holding a noisemaker

You’re invited to be the star of the birthday boudoir party! This limited-time discount is to celebrate my birthday, but you can use it to your advantage. Now is the perfect time to schedule your own birthday photoshoot if your special day falls between May and November! Or to celebrate any other occasion that makes you want to be camera-facing.

Why am I doing this? I wasn’t really feeling my milestone birthday in 2024, so I’m going big this year and want you to join me.

Introducing Muse Sessions!

Introducing Muse Sessions, a special gift for my VIP mailing list subscribers in celebration of me, your favorite Aries menace, in this, the month of my birth! 

Muse Sessions are a buy-one-get-one-nearly-free opportunity to get two entire photoshoots for only a little more than the price of one! Why?

Because seeing your beautiful face just once isn’t enough 🙂

The details

Book one solo deluxe session for May/June/July/August of 2025 and get a themed mini session in August/September/October/November of 2025 for only $250! That’s over $1100 in savings, holy cow! 

Two sessions, two dates, two looks, two sets! Because you’re so nice you should treat yourself twice. We’re grown now; it’s time for medium treat behavior.

Solo Deluxe vs. Themed Minis

Both sessions include all the goodies detailed on our “What’s included in a luxury boudoir session” page—hair and makeup, wardrobe assistance, pose coaching and more! Both sessions include a video chat image reveal and our signature masterful retouching.

Solo deluxe sessions are a little longer, allowing for more looks/outfit changes during the session. The package comes with more edits, and a discount on any add-ons including albums, prints, and collections.

Themed mini sessions will be a specific set based on your session date! Some are simple, some are elaborate, all are fun! If you’re a returning client and the theme for the date you’d like to book is one you’ve done before, I’m happy to discuss alternatives for you so you can have some thing new to you!

If you’ve had trouble choosing which style of session you want in the past, this is the promo for you because you just get both!

Celebrate a milestone, a birthday, or any occasion with Neon Velvet Studio this year! 🖤

photo of an LGBTQ person with short dark hair. They're wearing a long and long-sleeved black Wax Poetic Clothing dress peppered with tiny white stars. They're seated in a pink swivel chair in front of some windows and pink fuzzy plant life. birthday boudoir photo date!

Can’t wait to see you for my birthday! xoxo, your favorite Aries (maybe?)

The Birthday Boudoir Sale’s Fine Print

**Fine print: Can’t be combined with other offers, discounts, contests, or previously scheduled sessions. For sessions booked in the month of March 2025 for the date ranges listed above. For sessions in the Neon Velvet boudoir photo studio home base only, unless otherwise specified.

Invoice must be paid in full before 1st session; if you want a longer payment plan you can use Affirm/Klarna buy now pay later! All your options can be discussed in your free pre-booking consultation.


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.

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.

Classic Boudoir Photos: Relax in The White Room

When you think of boudoir photography, what comes to mind? There’s a 50% chance you thought of something light and dreamy, with a simple minimal background or a bright bedroom environment.

Do you dream of simplicity? Soft white sheets, gauzy curtains, the gentle light of an afternoon sun filtering through? A bright and airy boudoir set is a classic for a reason–it’s timeless, it’s minimalist, and it allows you to shine in a natural, neutral environment. And if dark and moody is your boudoir vibe, that’s easy too!

In this classic boudoir photo set you can dress up to set the mood or strip down and bare it all. A simple bedroom looks gorgeous with clean editing, vintage film effects, and classy black and white color toning. It’s perfect as an only set or second set, woven into your custom boudoir album alongside other more elaborate sets or features with vivid colors.

A bedroom setting is great for beginners because it’s soft and sensual and relaxed, and pretty much everyone has used a bed before! It’s easy to get classic boudoir poses in a literal boudoir (pardon my French). It’s an organic, comfortable setting for such intimate photos. It matches easily with timeless boudoir outfits; you don’t even have to pick out shoes (unless you want to).

Lastly, the set can be accessorized easily with fresh flowers or rose petals, a cozy cup of tea and a favorite book or comic. Anything goes if it helps personalize the vibe and make it about you.

As always, consultations are totally free! Use the link above to get started planning your dream boudoir session. And if you want more inspiration, be sure to follow me on instagram at @neonvelvetstudio

Mini Sessions: Limited Edition Themes for 2025

Mini sessions: Photography for all!

2025:

Heavenly Bodies, ongoing 2025
✧  Rain Room, August 2025
✧  It’s Witchcraft! September 2025
✧  HallowQueen, October 2025
✧  Burlesque! November 2025
✧  Birth of Venus, December 2025

A tattooed plus-sized burlesque performer in glamorous makeup. she has a partially shaved head and wears a black faux fur caplet, a strappy lace bra, and a striped corset.
a queer burlesque dancer posing with black ostrich feather fans in a boudoir photo session in Philadelphia PA with Neon Velvet Studio photographer Cassandra Panek

What are mini sessions?

Themed mini sessions offer all the great stuff of my deluxe boudoir photoshoot sessions (hair and makeup, wardrobe, pose coaching, and more!), but at a bite-sized duration and price. But they’re not just quicker, they’re ephemeral. Some of the themes are unique: they’re one-and-done, never to return again! Some themes will return annually, or with variations in the future. Catch them while you can!

Why Mini Sessions?

My clients have always been vocal about their love for my set building and immersive environments, and the mood it creates for them. 2023’s sessions taught me that my ultra-detailed themed sets need to be special editions, built for a week or two at a time then taken down(for my sanity), not offered all year! They often take up an entire room in my Philly studio homebase, and there’s no space for me to take other non-theme bookings around them!

Building sets with a finite lifespan in mind allows me to be more deliberate and more elaborate, creating an immersive romantic fantasy session for you! And it’s fun for me too; mini sessions let me try new things in my photography and art, with you in the starring role.

What’s Included?

All this great stuff from my deluxe photo sessions!
✧ Hair and makeup by a professional makeup artist
✧ Wardrobe styling
✧ Pose coaching and guidance
✧ Free consultation before your session
✧ Prep guidance so you feel ready and excited
✧ An image reveal appointment via zoom to pick your photos
✧ A few edits, delivered digitally
✧ The option to upgrade a larger digital collection, custom photo albums, and beautiful wall art!

romantic goth boudoir mini sessions! photography in suburban Philadelphia by Cassandra Panek

As always, payment plans are available for any session. For more information, schedule a consultation or begin your booking process!

Past mini sessions! See what themes you’ve been missing:

✧  Valentine Dreams
✧  White Room Classic
✧  Disco Days
✧  Disco Nights
✧  Leather & Lace
✧  Dark Garden of Eden
✧  Christmas in July
✧  Golden Gods
✧  Gothic Romantasy
✧ Bride of Dracula
✧  Monochrome Red

Live your dark romantic truth with Gothic Romantasy! black lace, candles, and roses for all my goth boudoir kings and queens <3 mini session photography sets for a limited time

Build your dream boudoir session now!


What Clients are Saying

“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

“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.