The Story

The 100 Moms Project was born from a heartfelt conversation between Jill, a Boudoir Photographer and Relationship Coach and Courtney, an Esthetician at Natura Skin Boutique. As they caught up over coffee, they reflected on a shared truth—too many moms pour endlessly into others while neglecting themselves.

As mothers who work in the self love space, Jill and Courtney, know firsthand that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. So many moms put themselves last, whether by default or circumstance, without understanding the compounded weight of responsibility, the power of self-investment and the belonging and community it can bring as a byproduct . A mom who feels supported, cared for, and empowered shows up differently in her life. She cultivates a growth mindset, radiates confidence, and elevates those around her. That realization sparked a bigger vision—to create something tangible for the women of Western New York.

The 100 Moms Project is the first step toward that mission. This initiative will help fund To the Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to providing self-care services and luxury experiences to moms who need them most. Because when moms thrive, families and communities do too. Join us in making self-love accessible to every mom.

Why This Project Matters

When we support the mother's in our community, we aren't just supporting her, but every person that woman touches. Her children, her partner, her friends, and coworkers.

When she is supported everyone in her life feels the impact.

Photography in itself is a time stamp. It gives us the ability to mark a moment that you may look back upon with wonder, excitement, and transformation.

This project to photograph 100 women is to give them that experience of being seen for who they are right now- not who they used to be or who they will become but for all that they are right now!

The mission of this project is twofold, give moms a change to give back to themselves with self care and connection while also support future moms do the same for themselves.

And the bonus we also are support our own woman owned business here in Western New York.

When mothers are supported, they are
more likely to be engaged in their communities, volunteer, and contribute to local economies
(UNICEF)

Moms who prioritize self-care
experience 40% lower rates of anxiety and depression, leading to better overall health (National Institute of Mental Health)

Kids with moms who practice self-care are
more emotionally secure and resilient
because they model self-worth and emotional regulation (Harvard Center on the Developing Child)

Pick Your Date & Location

May 3rd

Saira Studios

Step inside a working artist studio located at the Niagara Food Terminal. Saira will dazzle you up with fairy hair right before you jump in front of our lens.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Location: Saira Studios

Time: 2:00-4:00

Cost: $150

May 4th

Golden Days Studio

Enjoy a 45 minute meditation inside the beautiful Golden Days Space followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Location: Golden Days Studio

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 5th

April Spencer Floral Design

April has arranged a beautiful floral design set for us to create the most unique images. Each photo session will take place every 15 minutes with Jill from Bare By Barrile. Each mom will also receive a small bouquet to take home with them to remember this special occasion.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Address: April Spencer Floral Design

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 25th

Soul Healing Center

Enjoy a 15 minute Reiki Session with Lana at Soul Healing Center followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the western New York area!

Location: Soul Healing Center

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 26th

Bare By Barrile Studio

15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile right inside her Larkinville studio! Here, you will be able to Bare it all during your portraits session!

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Loaction: 567 Exchnage Street, Buffalo NY 14210

Time: 10:00-1:00

Cost: $150

May 31st

the Bodhi Tree Holistic Spa

Enjoy a 15 minute massage to relax and rejuvenate, followed by a 15 minute photo session with Jill from Bare By Barrile.

A portion of the the fee will be used to fund our newest project, To The Roots, whose mission is to provide self care services to mom's across the Western New York area!

Address: The Bodhi Tree Holistic Spa

Time: 10:00-12:00

Cost: $150

Boudoir photograph of a woman in a satin slip dress posing in a cozy, softly lit bedroom studio

🌸 How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session: Feel Radiant Inside & Out

February 18, 20263 min read
Elegant boudoir portrait of a woman in black lingerie posing beside a chair with soft, natural window light.

One of the questions I’m asked most often is:

“How do I get prepared for my boudoir shoot?”

And my answer usually surprises people.

Because preparing for your boudoir session isn’t about extra reps at the gym, eating a perfectly “clean” diet, or finding the perfect outfit.

It’s not about fixing yourself before you arrive.

Instead, I like to think of preparation as nourishment—for both the body and the mind. The kind of care that helps you soften, open, and arrive fully as yourself.

If you’re booked for a session and wondering, Okay… what’s next?

These are my most underrated (and powerful) tips for creating a truly incredible experience.


Elegant boudoir image of a woman in black lingerie reclining in a chair, styled with warm tones and soft shadows.

Drink More Water (And Make It Enjoyable)

Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support your body before your shoot—and it doesn’t have to be boring.

Try:

  • Adding a splash of juice or tonic to your water

  • Tossing in fresh fruit or herbs

  • Swapping your midday latte for hot water with lemon

Well-hydrated skin glows differently. Your energy feels steadier. Your body softens more easily into movement and expression.

Think of this not as a rule—but as an act of care.


Boudoir photography of a woman posing on a rug beside a chair in black lingerie, softly lit by natural window light in a styled bedroom.

Stretch in a Way That Feels Good

This isn’t about flexibility or performance.

It’s about asking yourself:

When was the last time I really let my body move?

Get yourself on the ground. Reach for your toes. Roll your shoulders. Breathe.

This doesn’t need to look like a deep yoga pose or anything “impressive.”

If anything, let your body lead.

Stretching helps release stored tension and creates openness—physically and emotionally. And that openness translates beautifully on camera.


Elegant boudoir image of a woman in black lingerie posed in a softly lit bedroom setting with natural light and refined styling.

Moisturize With Intention

Especially in colder months, your skin needs a little extra love.

In the week leading up to your session, slow down when you moisturize. Take your time. Notice your body.

Witness:

  • The texture of your skin

  • The dimples

  • The scars

  • The places that tell your story

Not to judge them.

Not to change them.

But to recognize that this skin is yours—and it has carried you through everything.

That reverence shows up in your photos more than any “perfect” body ever could.


Boudoir portrait of a woman in a satin slip dress posing in soft indoor light.

Write It Out

This one often catches people off guard—but it’s powerful.

Your body holds so much beneath the surface. Emotions, memories, expectations. And all of that can show up in photos if it doesn’t have a place to go.

Before your session, try journaling about:

  • What are you feeling more nervous about?

  • What is exciting you about the experience?

  • How do you want to feel after your shoot?

Let it spill onto the page.

When your body doesn’t have to hold everything in, it gets to relax, open up, and feel seen.


Studio boudoir photograph of a woman in black lingerie sitting on a chair with cinematic red lighting and patterned wall.

There Is No “Perfect” Way to Prepare

You don’t need to do all of these things. There is no perfect way to get yourself ready.

Try what feels supportive. Skip what doesn’t.

The entire point of this experience is not to become someone else—it’s to show up exactly as you are, for who you are, in this moment of your life.

You show up and let us take care of the rest.

Want more prep work? Checkout our welcome guide that has everything you need to get ready for your boudoir session!

boudoir session preparationhow to prepare for boudoirboudoir tipsself care before photoshootbody confidenceboudoir experienceskin preparation for photoshootmindset for boudoirself connectionsensual empowermentboudoir photography guideconfidence on camera
blog author image

Jill Barrile

Buffalo Ny based photographer and intimacy coach

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567 Exchange St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA