Boudoir — Nena Sterner Photography

San Diego Boudoir Photography

I get a lot of blank stares when I tell people what I do for a living. Sometimes people already have an idea about what it is, but usually, they just ask me, “what exactly is boudoir photography?”

I used to just say something along the lines of, “it’s basically lingerie photography” or “tasteful nudes” because honestly, I knew if I started to go into detail I’d be ranting endlessly. But, over the years I’ve rehearsed my answer, and I can finally give a succinct (but brief) explanation:

• I believe that our society has an unhealthy fixation with perfection, and all too often we find ourselves comparing ourselves to others, wishing we could be thinner, or curvier, or tanner, or younger, etc.

• We’ve been taught to focus on achieving physical “perfection”, rather than seeing our differences as the very things that make us beautiful. Most of us have been through a lot when it comes to our relationship with our body – eating disorders, weight loss/gain, body dysmorphia, illness, physical ailments…

Boudoir photography is a celebration of the human body in all its forms. It’s an opportunity to show ourselves some self-love, and to see ourselves from another perspective. We are a diverse species; every one of us is uniquely beautiful in our own way. My hope for you is that you come to understand how amazing your body is and that you love and appreciate it for all it does for you.

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Who Am I?

The name’s Nena. I haven’t always been the confident woman I am now. I battled insecurities about my body for years. I started going through puberty when I was eight (I was the only 2nd grader in my school who had to wear a bra). As my natural curves started developing, I was constantly being told to hide my body. I was told that I couldn’t wear the same things as skinny girls because things that looked fine on them looked “slutty” on me. I was even told that I looked “too voluptuous” in a turtleneck. Years of being made to feel like my body’s natural shape, something I couldn’t control at all, was something to be ashamed of led to a lot of insecurities. I felt like there was something inherently wrong and immoral about being curvy, and I would hide under baggy clothes because everyone seemed to have an opinion about my body and I couldn’t stand the negative comments.

Unfortunately, no matter what our body type, most of us have heard a plethora of unwanted comments about our bodies. It wasn’t until I made it to my 20’s that I began to realize that life is too short to be concerned about what other people think. My body is my body, and I’ve learned to own it with pride. I encourage everyone to embrace themselves with confidence and don’t let anyone make you feel bad about who you are.

What Clients Have To Say

Testimonials - Posts

Nena was so amazing about making sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire shoot and never pushed me to do anything she felt was out of my comfort zone. I don't think I would've been able to do it if it were anyone else behind the camera.

— Becca J

“Nena did a fantastic job making me comfortable and confident and sexy. As a trans woman I have never before felt so powerful and beautiful. Please do yourself a favor and hire this woman. She’s super talented, professional, kind, and affirming as hell.”

— Abbaidh N

Nena is absolutely amazing to work with! Very professional, directs well, and knows how to make you feel comfortable! She is the sweetest and I’m lucky enough to have worked with her a few times! I 10/10 recommend this angel.

— Becky F