Allan Pickering of Steamy Esteem Boudoir taking photos of a blonde. plus sized woman in blue lingerie.
Hi, I'm

Allan

How I Discovered My Passion for Boudoir Photography:

My journey, like so many others, wasn’t easy. I was the shy, awkward kid—the one who never, ever fit in, bullied daily. I walked staring at my feet. Confidence wasn’t something that I ever developed, and for years, I doubted my own worth. Don’t worry! The story has a happy ending. After I met my wife, in my thirties, I stepped into my own, learning to embrace who I was rather than who I thought I should be.

That journey of self-discovery led me to an unexpected realization: confidence is life-changing, even life-saving. And for many women, it’s something that’s been buried under years of self-doubt, unrealistic expectations, and the pressures of everyday life. That’s why I fell in love with boudoir photography - it’s not really about beautiful images – though the images are beautiful; it’s about the transformation. It’s about seeing yourself in a way you may not have in years (or maybe ever). It’s about owning your beauty, your strength, and your story.

In 2020, I picked up a camera with one goal in mind: to help women rediscover the self-confidence they deserve. From the moment I saw the impact these sessions had—watching women light up, seeing them walk away with a new sense of empowerment—I knew this was what I was meant to do. And I’ve never looked back.

Allan Pickering, photographer of Steamy Esteem Boudoir, posing with camera and smiling.
A Bit About

Who I am

Allan Pickering pointing up at his LEGO Millennium Falcon on display.
Certified Geek Status

My most prized possession? The LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon—because yes, I'm that much of a geek.

And don't even get me started on Lord of the Rings trivia... Because of those books, I graduated with a BS in geography—just ask me how!

Allan Pickering, photographer of Steamy Esteem Boudoir, with his wife.
The Love of my Life

Meet my mermaid—because when you're a passionate scuba diver, that's the only fitting nickname for the woman who stole your heart. She's the smartest decision I ever made, saying "yes" to a life together nearly 15 years ago.

Kids? Nope. But our three cats have made it their mission to keep us in line, and honestly, they run the household.

Middle-aged blonde woman posing in front of mirror, miss-placed can of diet coke hiding in plain sight.
Love of Diet Coke

When you see me, chances are I'll have a Diet Coke in my hand—or I'll be looking for the one I just set down and forgot about! It's my inseparable sidekick at this point. In fact, I once captured a stunning boudoir shot, only to realize I had to retake it...

Now it's time for a little game—can you spot the Diet Coke in my shot?

A Bit About

What I do

Any doubts melt away because a million pixels can’t lie. The end result is undeniable.

Investing in a boudoir session is investing in self-love and confidence. It’s about seeing yourself in a way you haven’t in years, or maybe ever.

Ready to see yourself through a new lens?

My Portfolio
"Boudoir photography is an investment in happier tomorrows."
- Allan Pickering
Allan Pickering of Steamy Esteem Boudoir photographing senior woman lounging on a chair in the studio.
A Day in the studio

Laughter and a Good Stretch

This is a pretty typical moment in the studio—me fumbling over my words while making sure you look amazing! Posing? Don’t even worry about it—posing is my job. I’ll guide you through everything, down to the smallest detail. I’ll even demo them – and if you haven’t seen a fifty-something nerd try to get into a sensually suggestive pose, you are missing out. Hilarious! Just be ready for some deep stretches—you might discover muscles you forgot existed!

My Style - Bold, Myserious,

Authentically You

Woman draped over ottoman in black lingerie and black gloves, reflection in mirror. Winner of the AIPB Best of Boudoir 2023 award. Brunette with striking green eyes wrapped in white fur. Winning image of the AIPB Best of Boudoir 2024 award.

I embrace deep, rich tones, but it's a warm darkness—one that feels intimate, elegant, with suggestions of mystery. These photos (Best of Boudoir, AIBP 2023 and 2024) capture my style perfectly.

Most importantly, my goal is to photograph you—as you are, as you see yourself, and maybe even in a way you've never seen before. I don't believe in reshaping bodies because your body is already yours—strong, beautiful, and worthy just as it is. The only "cover-up" I'll do? Zapping away any pesky blemishes that pop up at the worst moment. Woke up with a pimple on the morning of your shoot? Don't worry—I'll make sure it never existed.

Ready to

Transform yourself?

Let's Connect! The best way to truly understand the magic of boudoir photography and the incredible impact it can have on your confidence and self-image is through a complimentary consultation with me, your photographer. During this relaxed and personalized chat, we’ll explore your vision, answer your questions, and talk through any hesitations you might have. It’s your chance to discover how this experience can help you see yourself in a new, empowering light while creating something beautiful and meaningful just for you. Together, we’ll craft a session that celebrates who you are and highlights your unique beauty. Let’s connect and start this journey—I can’t wait to talk with you and show you just how transformative this can be!

Who we serve: Steamy Esteem is a photography experience exclusively for women. Within that, everyone is welcome: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, all sizes, all ages, all abilities, all walks of life. Whether you’re bold or shy, inked or modest, glam or granola—you are seen, celebrated, and supported here. Every session is led by me, Allan, and my incredible assistant Alexis. She’s there for comfort, encouragement, posing guidance, and hype—think of her as your on-set best friend and personal confidence coach.

*We shoot in a studio that’s wheelchair accessible (though the restroom does not have grab rails). If you have accessibility needs, we’re happy to adapt and accommodate however we can.

Contact
Transformative woman posing on bed, topless, in underwear, holding shirt playfully above head.