Why Do I Shoot Boudoir?
Every photographer should have a why. A why they shoot the niches they shoot. Most will tell you it’s hard to put into words why they shoot weddings, or newborns, and even boudoir. That rings true for me too. It’s not something I’m ever prepared to tell somebody if they ask, but I’m sure going to try.
When I first started going into more professional photography, boudoir was something that I actually steered away from!
I knew that I didn’t want to photograph weddings (they look so stressful, and I know I couldn’t handle that), or newborns (I don’t want to break your baby), but I knew I wanted to capture and freeze certain moments in time for people to treasure. So, naturally, I just went with family photography. As time went on though, I realized it wasn’t as fulfilling as I thought it was going to be.
Don’t get me wrong, I will still photograph families, but I wasn’t as passionate about it as I thought.
As the pandemic hit, photography obviously slowed down and with that, it gave me time to think about what I really wanted to do with photography. Did I want to quit it altogether? Because bookings were far and few. Did I just want to forge ahead and keep doing what I was doing, hoping that it would be better after restrictions lifted up? Or did I want to rebrand everything?
As I thought about my options, something came into my life that made me think, “Hey, let’s give boudoir an actual try.”
It was THE ROBE
The robe did it for me. As soon as I opened it, I was in love, and as soon as Ms. J here put it on, I was in love. And so was she.
It made her feel amazing, and like a movie star. It made me feel that photography was still my calling, and I could use the robe, among other pieces, to make women see that no matter their size, or imperfections they think they have, that beauty is in them.
To me, boudoir photography isn’t just about taking “sexy” photos, but more about connecting with the power and beauty inside you. It's about seeing your own beauty, being in touch with your body and defining what "sexy photos" really are for yourself. This is something I believe every woman deserves.
It’s also a celebration of your body, your power as a woman and your authentic self. I love celebrating women, from all walks of life and being a part of their journeys. I love seeing their reaction the first time I show them the back of my camera from the first pose. They light up and question if that’s really them. Yes, it’s you. It’s always been you.
“One of the best things that ever happened to me is that I’m a woman. That is the way all females should feel.” —Marilyn Monroe
Boudoir photography is really unlike any other niche of photography. It’s glamour, and self love, and sensual, all rolled up into one. It’s something we all deserve.
This is my why.
