Transforming Self-Image: Hillary Dubie’s Boudoir Revolution Through Artful Photography

Gwen Mathews is a journalist with Community News Service, a division of the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.

At the age of 9, Hillary Dubie realized her aspiration to become a photographer. This Winooski local’s dream was realized post-high school after she completed a program at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts in 2010.

After working on cruise ship weddings in the Virgin Islands and later in Seattle, Dubie returned to her home state permanently in 2014. Since that time, she has established a solid reputation locally, being awarded Seven Days’ best photographer for five consecutive years.

Her photography style evolved somewhat after the birth of her daughter in 2015. She confronted challenges in her postpartum body and grappled with her self-esteem.

A different viewpoint on photography, she discovered, could assist her in reshaping her self-perception: She opted to create nude self-portraits. This decision helped her more than she expected.

“I thought, this is what I required, I reconnected with myself. I felt whole in my body and empowered,” she expressed. “And I recognized that others needed this too, others could gain from this”

By conversing with fellow parents, she realized she was not the only one facing negative body image after childbirth. Hence, she resolved to provide boudoir photoshoots to assist others in their journey toward body liberation.

The word boudoir originates from French and signifies a lady’s dressing area or a spot to sulk. As a photography genre, it includes intimate images of subjects in sensual stages of undress, primarily women.

Dubie began her boudoir shoots with friends. It quickly grew into a passion endeavor, and by 2022, she transformed her photography business to 90% boudoir sessions, she mentioned.

Her sessions are designed to provide people, regardless of how they identify, a supportive and secure experience.

She expressed that she aims to uphold that sense of security during the session by checking in with her clients and encouraging them to bring a companion if they wish.

Dubie noted that refocusing on boudoir photography has also granted her greater creative satisfaction. The wardrobe and props chosen by her clients provide her with inspiration.

“It empowers me to know that I am collaborating with a multitude of individuals from different walks of life,” she stated. “Every day presents something unique, which I thrive on. Observing what people bring is the most exciting aspect. What you introduce defines the entire atmosphere of the session. I have to be inventive and adaptable when individuals bring in such distinctive clothing and props.”

One unforgettable client brought a variety of “Star Wars” memorabilia.

While some might hold preconceived notions that boudoir shoots are exclusive to slender women, Dubie emphasized that she collaborates with clients of all body sizes and genders.

“I want to see body diversity,” she affirmed. “When people discover me, they often express that viewing plus-sized individuals on my website made them feel more at ease reaching out. I want individuals to see bodies like theirs represented.”

This principle drives her to pay close attention to customizing each photoshoot, she mentioned. She compared posing a 23-year-old yoga practitioner to a 40-year-old mother: “The poses will certainly differ, and they should. Both will be strong and beautiful, yet their forms will vary entirely.”

Her commitment to inclusivity shines through her collection of client attire, which boasts over 100 clothing items available in sizes ranging from XS to 6X for customers to try on — a range that is difficult to find, she stated.

“I wish there were more local choices. I had a client who was unable to find anything in her size and felt so disheartened that she nearly canceled her appointment,” she noted. “If you step into a store that specializes only in lingerie and find nothing in your size, it leads you to believe you are the issue.”

Transforming that mindset — along with the misconceptions regarding boudoir — is essential for Dubie.

“It is crucial for individuals to understand that boudoir is for everyone,” she asserted. “There is no universal experience.”