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!
The new mini set theme is here and I’m obsessed! Just like last year’s Golden Gods, we are returning to sun-kissed celestial splendor with a renaissance art twist for our summer boudoir vibes! This heavenly scene is available as a standalone mini-session or as a set within a deluxe session!
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:
✧ Art history lovers ✧ Pregnant people/expecting mothers who want a fantasy maternity photoshoot ✧ Fantasy and romantasy (or fantasy romance, if you hate a portmanteau) readers ✧ Women whose queer awakening was Meg from Hercules (or one of the Chorus) ✧ Adults who were once obsessed with Greek Mythology (or Roman, you do you!), gods of Egypt, little cupids, big harps, and pipe-cleaner halos ✧ Adults who are still obsessed with Greek Mythology and cried at Song of Achilles ✧ Queer people who grew up in Catholic school ✧ People who love costumes. Come on. Bring me a backstory. Get in here with your hand-crafted D&D paladin or whatever. The elf ears stay on. Let’s fucking go. If this dreamy set is the vibe for your OC I’m ready. Bring wings. ✧ Fans of gilded Eastern-European iconography, and portraits of saints (CW: Saint Sebastian) ✧ Anyone who can give an unplanned 5-minute TED Talk on the inherent erotic yearning in religious art ✧ Celebrants of the divinely feminine, divinely masculine, and every hallowed combination of the two
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!
“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.”
“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→
Happy energetic new year babes! Spring is finally coming, the days are longer, and the weather is getting warmer. It’s time to shed our winter layers and step into fresh patterns and opportunities. To celebrate, I’ve invited Melanie The Journey Witch to do a fun guest blog on astrology inspired boudoir shoots to help you find the perfect boudoir session ideas for your zodiac sign!
I’d encourage starting with your sun/moon/rising signs, but most people have most signs in their charts somewhere, so you might be surprised to discover the vibe that resonates strongest with you is in a sign other than your big three! Maybe it will be your Venus sign—or the one that’s your sun sign’s perfect romantic match for zodiac-themed boudoir instead.
I turned Melanie loose in my boudoir portfolio so she could pair some of my photography to set the mood for each sign. So let’s see what she has to recommend! The zodiac signs are presented in calendar order, so scroll to find your faves.
Aries
Do you want to embrace your utmost confidence, playfulness and passion all in one image? Connect with the first sign of the zodiac in an Aries themed photoshoot for exactly that! Warm hues, reds, pinks, pops of oranges can really make you feel empowered and energized. With forward facing profiles, bold angles and power flowing through direct eye contact, tapping into this sign is not for the faint of heart.
Aries energy means minimal distraction or extras in your images because you are the main focus. Show off as the natural leader you were born to be! Embrace your sexy, bold and passionate side in stunning frames.
Taurus
Let’s relax, get cozy and grab a snack! If your vibe is more casual and you adore that I-want-to-stay-in-bed-all-day look, this Earth sign may be your inspiration.
Taurus is inspired by all things sensual, beautiful and all the luxuries of the Earth. Greens of all shades call to you, with lush fabrics flowing around your poses. Just because you prefer a laid back style doesn’t mean you don’t look absolutely drop dead gorgeous doing it though! Fine fabrics, comfy couches, and luxe accessories are a must for a Taurus inspired shoot.
Gemini
No one can label your mind, beauty or heart, and being inspired by the sign of Gemini demands to create some stunner images! Gemini energies are curious, expressive and intellectual. Capture all of that plus your outstanding beauty in vivid color with gel lights and dramatic shadow. Do you have two favorite colors? Pick gorgeous hues that connect with your two sides!
The Twins can fuel energetic and enigmatic power poses for seriously cool shots. For a Gemini themed photoshoot you’ll be looking for unique backdrops, eye catching effects and color pops of lingerie that appeal to your adventurous side.
Cancer
Emotional?Me? No way! But, sure I think I can pout over my beautifully dressed shoulder and smolder into the camera.Cancer energy in a nutshell! Instant perfection!
If you’re a combo of feeling tapped into your emotions with a dash of home body energy, Cancer inspired boudoir is for you! People may say crybaby is your middle name, but you make it look gooood. Soft pastels, tousled locks and luxe fabrics will accentuate your passion for comfort and ease. Settle in on an embellished rug, beside a beautiful window, bathtub, or other stately home piece and you have yourself the perfect Water sign homage.
Leo
Powerful. Charismatic. Born to rule. Shift into the fiery energies of Leo to catapult your beauty to the forefront. Let this generous, creative, and confident fire sign inspire you for some eternally hot portraits. Add a dash of drama to your shoot with sultry cat eyes, old Hollywood waves and boldly showing off your figure. Glitter, sequins, and shiny textures are an added boost for the perfect Leo themed photoshoot.
Oh and don’t forget that intense, can’t-look-away gaze into the camera! You are a born leader after all, and we’re watching.
Virgo
Cassie’s note: When I was doing prep work to support Melanie in this blog post, “Virgo photoshoot” kept coming up in the searches, so Virgos I feel like you are all about embracing your moment in the spotlight!
Ah, the lovely grounded energy of our Virgo sign! Poses on the floor or seriously lounging on comfy spreads are a must for Virgo, your ultimate earth sign inspo. Virgo energy loves to show off the whole length of your body, from immaculately styled head to pedicured toes.
You are inspired by the luxuries of life, taking it easy and looking like perfection through it all. Earth colors of all kinds suit you, especially greens and browns and pops of gold. Intricate patterns help to reflect your analytical mind and attention to detail. You’re modest and humble, so you won’t be bragging about how fantastic you are in your images, but the proof will be there for all to see!
Libra
Are you ready to reveal your most sophisticated self? Beauty, art, and balance are key virtues of the air sign Libra. You’re the charmer, the social butterfly of the zodiac; Libra-themed boudoir photos showcase your happiness and confidence in action.
You are also a big romantic, so dark reds, creams and purple tones can really enhance your serene, sexy energy. With your sign associated with the Scales, balance in your images is key. Mirrors can be included to literally reflect your irresistibility. Choose painterly poses that show off your torso with lovely legs and elegant arms.
Scorpio
The wind whispers in your ears and you respond with an incantation over the flame. The Moon is high in the sky and you are thriving in the midnight hour. This is you, Scorpio. Mystery, secrets and a dash of drama inspire your ideal setting for a Scorpio inspired photoshoot. You may not be so focused on capturing you per se, but you in the act of something, in the midst of ritual, capturing your energy and intention. Black and white photography suits you well, or dark moody colors.
Intense shadows and highlights cast the spell to shine a light on your ethereal beauty.
Sagittarius
You are admirably independent, royalty in your own life. You constantly seek new adventures to enhance your creative side. All while looking so flawless—so Sagittarius!
This fire sign can seriously unleash inspiration on set with a positive mindset, unlimited confidence and free-spirited flirtatiousness. You will thrive with warm tones of gold, reds and soft oranges. Pops of gold anywhere really suit you. A Sagittarius themed photoshoot will lean into bold accessories, unique jewelry, and statement pieces to add fuel to your fiery hot self.
Capricorn
Imagine yourself in a room filled with plants, glimmering jewels, soft lighting and of course dramatic furniture to lounge on. You are hard working and determined; you love to show off your practical side and strong intellect. But you also have a profound sensitive side. A Capricorn inspired photo session will show off how you can be soft and vulnerable, and sophisticated in doing so!
What is so incredible with this Earth sign is that you manage to balance the power of your seriousness and your sensuality!
Aquarius
The Aquarius themed photoshoot is for the out of the box thinkers, creatives and leaders! Aquarius, you’re the air sign that doesn’t follow the pack; you aim to be different because that’s what calls you. You love anything that is unique and unexpected, and you pull off this vibe so perfectly.
You’ll be drawn to a new setting that no one has experienced yet, or intimate close ups that surround you in a soft white light. You may choose to go full on au naturel in your shoot, or dress in the most colorful lingerie you can possibly find. Imagination is your only limit here, so be inspired by this sign when you want to step out of your comfort zone to capture your strength and grace.
Pisces
With our final sign of the zodiac, experience your vivid daydreams captured in stills! This water sign lives to dream, to create and be curious. The Pisces inspired shoot will feel ethereal, with flowing luxe fabrics, gentle candle light, and maybe even a waterfall (outdoor boudoir anyone?). Breathe in some fragrant incense and let the camera show your full form, highlighting your delicate details and your romantic environment.
This water sign’s energy may be too shy at times for that close up, and instead embrace the mood of the room, the energy of the Pisces experience. Use Piscean inspiration to live out a fantasy vision or dream-like quality that only your creative mind can conjure.
Was it a Match Made in the Stars?
How did you match up? Is your sun sign your perfect astrology-themed boudoir inspiration? Or was it your Venus? Something else? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’ve identified your perfect astrology inspired boudoir shoot and you’re ready to share it, check out my Aries birthday sale and schedule your free photoshoot consultation today!
About Melanie The Journey Witch
photo of The Journey Witch by Cassandra Panek
My name is Melanie. I am a meditation coach, yoga instructor and intuitive mentor. I love art, witchcraft, mindfulness, the tarot, folk practices, intuition, dreams… the list goes on and on! Through a combination of the above elements, I help people connect with their spirituality and make it work within their busy schedules.
Balancing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual selves is such a big focus in my teachings. Connecting with each layer not only helps us thrive, but allows us to embrace our power, intuition and confidence in all facets of life.
I am currently celebrating the SpringEquinox and the astrological new year with a 30 Day Challenge, where each day we address a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual layer. For only 5 to 10 minutes a day, we are going to first choose one layer to start with. There is a follow-along 30 day calendar so you can easily mark off your completion each day. As each week builds we will add a second, third, and fourth layer to look at so that our habits begin to build! The goal for the end of the 30 days is to begin seeing what you want to add more into your life, reconnect with yourself through these self-care habits, and feel the importance of continuing these habits onward!
And the best part: I’m introducing the Healthy, Happy Witch challengeas a PayWhatYouCan offer! Depending on what works for you, I want this offer to be accessible to anyone!
You will be part of a private Instagram group + daily check ins to cheer one another on! It is not too late to jump in and get started after Day 1! Please reach out to me for more information and to secure your spot!
Sign up now for more information on Healthy, Happy Witch:
Put Some Love in the air with a Valentine’s Day boudoir shoot
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.
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 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!”
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!
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!)
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.
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.
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!
If you’ve spent even a minute on my site, you won’t be surprised when I say I love things that sparkle! I’m a t-shirt and jeans goth, but my photography heavily features prisms and lights and things that twinkle in dark moody spaces. I also love colorful lighting and set design! Once I spent several days turning a mannequin into a disco ball just so I could have a super unique prop!
I’ve got disco planters (hello, Disco Days!), disco curtain, and disco balls to pose with. The client closet has rhinestone dresses and bodysuits and mirror-silver pasties, and my hair and makeup artist can give you the glam makeover of your dreams.
All that’s missing is you!
Disco Nights is Perfect For You If:
✧ Glitz, glitter, rhinestones, and disco balls are your native environment ✧ You’re willing to share the spotlight with our queen and mascot, Dolly Disco! ✧ Big 70s glam hair thrills you! ✧ Dramatic standing and leaning? POSE. ✧ Two words: Bisexual Lighting ✧ Is it you? Are you the drama? ✧ You’re already dreaming about which of multiple outfits you own would be perfect for a disco ball photoshoot ✧ You read the Throne of Glass series and Aelin was your favorite character ✧ You want to fight me a little for the above statement (it’s fine, I do too) ✧ Your record collection has its own zip code ✧ The plural of vinyl is vinyl ✧ You want to subvert expectations and bring some glam rock sleaze into the mix
Did the Dark Garden set building post make you curious for more? Let me help you picture yourself in the Dark Garden of Eden.
Are you: ✧ Corporeal (possibly involuntarily, because you’ve been cursed by a witch) ✧ Extremely into halloween, cosplay, or sweeping dramatically into a room in a floor-length gown ✧ Looking for any excuse to wear a crown ✧ Someone who looks at fantasy romances and thinks, ‘hmm, could be gayer.’ ✧ Exploring your sensual side (ominous, possibly as a threat) ✧ Ready to risk it all for forbidden knowledge of the arcane ✧ A will-o-the-wisp ✧ A crone who Knows Too Much ✧ Lowkey obsessed with being a Fae Prince (in a very hot and genderqueer way) ✧ Afraid for your mother to see just which books you read last year (ahem, dark romance readers) ✧ Into the Dark Maximalism or Dark Academia aesthetic
If you answered yes to three or more of the above, it sounds like your butt belongs in the Dark Garden!
Maybe it’s because I’m a photographer and a set building nerd, but I love to see process photos of how a series of images or a set are conceptualized and created! Here’s the first inkling of the Dark Garden of Eden set:
As you can see, the inspiration was darkness, gold, and roses. Maybe you’re looking at this thinking, ‘Wow, Cassie really loves red!’ and in 2024 that’s probably true! But it still feels surprising to me because I so rarely shot with a heavy red influence until the last few years!
I wanted greenery but not too green. I wanted it to be lush and detailed but not chaotic. So I began building…
…and this is when the Eden portion arrives! I thought, ‘More gold!’ and started buying and painting toy snakes, a totally normal expense to have to explain to my accountant as a boudoir photographer!
It’s difficult to paint with one hand and video with the other. But the vibe continued to expand as I added light and tested how it would look with the prisms I like to use when shooting…
… and here we are, after hundreds of red fairy lights, dozens of roses, yards of black lace and greenery panels!
A versatile and moody fantasy boudoir vibe for all my dark queens and kings (and queer-coded villains, I love you). It’s a little bit fairy tale, but the dark foreboding kind that suggests maybe you’re more witch than princess. It’s a set in which you can be your own dark romance.
Dark Garden of Eden returns for a limited time in my suburban Philadelphia studio June 2024 for your choice of a mini session, deluxe session, or couples session (bring a sweetheart or a friend, or if you’re into booktok tropes, a friend you’re hoping might become a sweetheart?). Prepayment plans are available! Come see what romantic vibes are in the air.
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
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!
