A Heart-Shaped Beginning: Our First Boudoir Collaboration
Shot by Daniel Hadfield
Some creative partnerships start with careful planning. Ours started with a heart-shaped hot tub, a little curiosity, and a “hmm…what if?”
I’d photographed at the iconic Heart-Shaped Hot Tub Hotel in Niagara plenty of times before, but Daniel (as in @danielhadfield) had never shot there - though it had always been on his creative wish list!!! The moment it came up, his interest was immediately piqued. I told him that if my Valentine’s Day minis didn’t sell out, we’d make time for a collaborative shoot together.
Well… one shoot quickly turned into shoots, and the rest was history!
This day felt like a full-circle moment - a blend of trust, shared vision, and creative chemistry that honestly exceeded every expectation I had. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Shoot One: Shae — Vintage Playboy Meets Playful Tease
We kicked off the day with Shae, executing a pre-planned vision rooted in vintage Playboy nostalgia.
Think a yummy bubble bath, slow teasing moments in the tub, and that delicious balance between playful and sensual. I styled the room and guided the posing, while Daniel handled the lighting and most of the shooting - creating images that felt cinematic, intentional, and effortlessly sexy.
There was something really special about how everything clicked right out of the gate. The energy was relaxed but focused, flirty without trying too hard. By the end of Shae’s set, we all looked at each other like… yeah, we just did that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And honestly? I think we killed it.
Shoot Two: Baleigh & Leah — Best Friends, Bold Energy!!!
Next up were Baleigh and Leah - two best friends who showed up knowing exactly how to have fun and lock in when it mattered.
This was my first time photographing two women together, and wow - it did not disappoint. Their chemistry was natural, playful, and magnetic. There was laughter, movement, moments of softness, and moments of absolute fucking CONFIDENCE. The heart-shaped tub somehow felt even more iconic with the two of them owning the space so fully!!!
What I loved most was how fluid it felt - no forcing, no overthinking. Just trust, connection, and a shared willingness to play.
It was bold, beautiful, and so. much. fun.
Shoot Three: Dani — An Intimate Valentine’s Moment
The final shoot of the day was with Dani - originally booked as a Valentine’s Day mini client (and yes, she’s also my roommate and v talented tattoo artist!!!). This one felt especially intimate and intentional.
I photographed Dani exclusively while Daniel focused on behind-the-scenes video. Because Dani was originally booked as a Vday mini, Daniel was not intended to join initially - but I pitched Dani the idea to have him join in and she said sure! (Just so you know, I would never bring someone into a boudoir session without clear communication and consent.)
This part of the day carried a quieter, more grounded tone - not in contrast, but as another expression of the day’s creative range.
Shot by Arcadia Boudoir
Conclusion: A Dream Realized (In a Heart-Shaped Tub)
This shoot was so much more than content creation.
It was proof that trusting your instincts pays off. That collaboration can amplify creativity in ways you can’t always plan for. And that sometimes, the dreams you joke about - like shooting hot babes all day in a heart-shaped hot tub - actually come true.
My heart-shaped hot tub dreams? FULLY REALIZED. Hooollyyyyy. 🔥
This was just the beginning for Daniel and I, and if this first collaboration was any indication… there’s so much more magic coming.
Check everyone out on socials!
• Shae
• Dani