Boudoir photography is not something I ever saw myself doing. I made the assumption that I'd be uncomfortable and awkward and I wouldn't like it. It wasn't that I knew I didn't like it, it just never really crossed my mind as something I'd enjoy. I started looking into it when we received a boudoir assignment in school. I was kind of excited to explore another realm of photography, yet a tad apprehensive. The unfamiliar is always a bit unnerving. So I began researching and looking for inspiration. I was drawn to Jennifer Williams, Nicole Ashley, The Last Forty Percent, and Gabe McClintock. Jennifer poses so well. Nicole Ashley is basic and to the point. The Last Forty Percent captures intimacy so beautifully. And Gabe is just amazing. The rawness of his images and the way he sees and uses light is what got me hooked.
My first boudoir session I did was with with a good friend. Initially I thought it might be a bit weird, but I planned the whole evening before and was decently prepared. It went a lot better than I expected, even though I didn't really have any expectations. She was happy with the images and I got a lot of positive feedback from people. But it wasn't what everyone else had to say that I enjoyed, it was the moments when we were shooting that I could see the real her come out. It was about her, and making her feel beautiful and strong and worthy. That is what I found so rewarding. This sparked a newfound and unexpected passion in me, so I decided to bring boudoir into my portfolio. This session shown above is the first of 6 for this project. As I've thought more about it and why it interests me, I've found that there are multiple aspects that I am drawn to. Now that I feel quite a bit more relaxed when I shoot, I have more room to create. I start with some standard poses that I know I can get good shots from and build off of. In doing this I also develop some trust and a level of comfort with my client. As the session progresses I start paying closer attention to the light and making decisions based on it. Now I start creating. I guide them rather than simply pose them. I engage in conversation because I want it to be natural and real. I try new things, and even if they end up not working, at least I tried. And when it's all over I find myself looking at and liking the more natural shots the most.
I think I keep coming back to boudoir because I get inspiration from the people I photograph. They give me so much motivation. I want everyone to feel confident and comfortable and amazing in who they are. I want everyone I photography to own themselves no matter who they are or what they look like. Seeing someone love themselves is priceless, and I admire a person who can truly show me who they are. I hope someday I'll be as brave as the people I'm so blessed to photograph.
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A big thank you to Steph for being the first lovely lady photographed for this part of my portfolio, and the second session of my boudoir journey. She is the sweetest and most cheerful person I know. She is made of smiles, bubbles, and infectious laughter. She makes everyone around her a happier person.