My Background
I learned how to photograph boudoir photography from other boudoir photographers. While I was first learning I took on their style (as many students do)! Eventually I came to a realization: in order to photograph someone in “the most flattering way possible” I have to accept certain rules. Those rules follow conventional beauty standards. We know them well, although everyone’s answer isn’t the same. My question became: how do I know how to capture the woman walking in the door? How would I know what she loves, or what she is insecure about just by looking at her?
My Process
Understanding how someone wants to be seen can only be accomplished after taking the time to learn more about them. I simply ask “what do you love about your body?” to see what I should be highlighting. I also ask “what concerns do you have for these photos”? This is a great prompt to avoid projecting that there should be something they don’t like. At Fine Grain Boudoir I have the opportunity to get to learn these things BEFORE they stand in front of my lens.
Assumptions
I don’t assume you want to hide your tummy, minimize rolls, edit out cellulite, make your butt look bigger or smaller. Instead, I get to know you and what you want out of these photos.
Most of my clients are on a journey of self-love, having a list of things they’re trying to accept and love about themselves. They don’t need to be shown a projection of mine or someone else’s ideal of beauty. We’re all at different points in this journey and there is zero judgment no matter where you are at.
Acceptance and Love
I ask women, “what features do you love most about yourself ” and sometimes they can’t come up ONE thing. My mission then becomes to use my camera as a tool to show them many things to love about themselves. Finally you’re going to look at yourself with a much kinder eye after you see you photos through my lens.
See more about the BTS process here!
