Step 0: Find Your “Why”

Before delving into the logistics of starting a boudoir photography business, it’s essential to connect with your purpose.  Do personal experiences drive your interest in boudoir photography? Perhaps you see it as a way to empower others based on your journey. Is it the art form, the play of light and shadow, or the storytelling aspect that draws you in?  Do you aspire to celebrate and empower individuals, helping them see their beauty and worth?

Understanding your ‘why’ provides direction, authenticity, and a genuine connection with your clients.

When I first started my photography business, I took every opportunity I could to gain experience. It was completely by accident that I got into boudoir photography when one of my bridal clients asked me to take some “sexy” photos of her for her husband-to-be. That one shoot changed my business, and my life. I was successful photographing weddings and family portraits, but I wasn’t happy.  With boudoir photography I found what I’m passionate about, and I’m helping women feel beautiful in the process. I love how they walk out of my studio with confidence after a shoot.

Step 1. Build a Portfolio

You may know that you have the ability to create gorgeous boudoir portraits, but do your potential clients know that? Enlist family or friends to pose for you for free to create examples of your work. If you’d like to build your portfolio while making money, try a model call. I do this to get women to model for me and create marketing content while being paid. Either way, think about your ideal client when starting a boudoir photography business and have pictures in your portfolio of someone she, your potential client, can relate to.

Don’t forget to have your clients/models sign a photo release. The last thing you want is to get started with your new boudoir photo business and have someone try to sue you for using their pictures.

Keep in mind that while you’re building you portfolio, you’re perfecting your craft.  But make sure you approach these shoots like actual paid ones.  This includes studying up on technical skills like lighting nad posing but also soft skills like tone setting and communication.

Step 2. Create Your Boudoir Business Plan

Once you’ve built a portfolio, it’s time to create a business plan. Don’t rush through this part. It’s an important way to help you make your goals and dreams come true with actionable steps. Include the following in your plan when starting a boudoir photography business:

• Mission statement: This will help you stay on track and guide your business.
• Vision: Describe where your business is, where you want it to be in the next year, and where you see it in the future.
• Products and services: Describe what you want to offer to clients that best fits your mission and vision.
• Financials: Don’t dread numbers! This is a way to set financial goals for yourself. Be sure to include all financial information including office expenses, a marketing budget, and rent.
• Shoot goals: List the different shoots or services you’ll offer and how many of those you want to book each year. This is an opportunity to create measurable goals for the business.

After you’ve started your business, don’t forget to keep your business plan in mind and review it regularly.

Step 3. Choose Your Session Locations

When you’re just starting a boudoir photography business, chances are you won’t have the funds to buy a studio outright. Don’t worry; there are plenty of boudoir photographers who make it work without a studio. There are several places that could host a shoot such as a hotel, camp site, workout studio, or client’s home.

Everyone’s situation is different so it’s important to determine what works best for you, your budget, and your future goals (see step 2) when selecting shoot locations. If you are going to buy your own space, consider starting small because you can always expand. Don’t worry about impressing your clients with a posh studio or complimentary champagne. Focus on giving them a quality portrait service and product; that’s what they will tell their friends about, and word of mouth is a great way to earn more clients.

Step 4. Start Marketing

After you’ve built your portfolio, completed your business plan, and determined where your photo shoots will take place, it’s time to start telling the world about your boudoir photography business. Potential clients will Google your name or business name, so be sure you have a web presence, be it a web site or Facebook page, or both.

If you have an existing photography business and are adding boudoir to your services, consider adding a separate boudoir section to your web site. However, if your goal is to exclusively do boudoir someday, my suggestion is to create a separate site or Facebook page and Instagram account that you can easily switch over when you have enough clients.

One way to market your business when starting a boudoir photography business is networking. Find out about other local businesses that have something in common with you, such as an ideal client. Brainstorm different ways you can work together, and consider giving a complimentary shoot to a business owner so she can tell her clients about your service.

Another thing you can do is attend various expos and ladies’ events. When you shoot boudoir, there is no better place to go than where women gather. Don’t limit yourself to talking to guests; mingle with the other vendors as well. Don’t be afraid to venture into boudoir photography. Use the steps above to get started and your business will be flourishing in no time!

Step 5. Practice, Educate Yourself and Continue to Improve

No matter where you are in your career, continual improvement and evolution is critical to staying relevant and motivated.  Here are a few ways to continue improving your boudoir photography skills and business.

Attend Workshops – Photography workshops are more than just learning about the mechanics of your camera or mastering a new editing technique. They are about immersing yourself in a community of like-minded individuals, gaining insights from different perspectives, and understanding the nuanced shifts in the industry.

Stay Updated with Trends – Trends can shift rapidly. From monochromatic palettes to vibrant and bold styles, from vintage themes to modern aesthetics, it’s important to keep a pulse on what’s en vogue. This doesn’t mean compromising on your unique style, but rather incorporating elements that can amplify your work’s relevance and appeal.

Seek Feedback – Constructive criticism is a photographer’s goldmine. Whether from peers, mentors, or clients, feedback can shine a light on areas of improvement you might have overlooked. Embrace critiques with an open heart, discern the takeaways, and apply them to elevate your craft.

Collaborate with Other Professionals – Engaging with makeup artists, stylists, or other photographers can provide fresh perspectives. Collaborations often lead to innovation, helping you break out of creative ruts and discover new dimensions in your work.

Invest in Continuous Learning – Photography, at its heart, is a blend of art and technology. As software evolves and new equipment emerges, invest time in learning. Whether it’s a new editing tool, a camera lens, or mastering the intricacies of studio lighting, continuous learning ensures you remain at the forefront of your niche.

Conclusion

Starting a boudoir photography business is a journey of creativity, business acumen, and constant learning. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving venture that empowers and celebrates individuals through the art of intimate portraiture. Remember, as with any business, passion combined with professionalism can lead to great success.

Pre-photoshoot Preparation

The key to a successful boudoir photoshoot is preparation. This includes communication with the client, mood boards and inspiration, location scouting and setup, and wardrobe and styling. Before the shoot, it is important to communicate with the client to understand their vision, preferences, and comfort level. Creating a mood board with visual references can help you and the client to set expectations for the shoot. Location scouting is essential to ensure that the environment is suitable for the shoot, and the wardrobe and styling should complement the client’s body type and skin tones.  Be sure to provide guidance for the following:

What to Wear – Help your clients figure out what to wear depending on the concept of the shoot and their body type.  We believe styling the shoot contributes to the overall feel and imagery of the photos.

Hair & Makeup – Hair & makeup is just as important as the styling and wardrobe.  If your clients feel pampered and glamorous, they will feel more confident and more comfortable being photographed.  For boudoir photography, consider a glam look with wavy, voluminous hair and smoky, sultry makeup to make the client look both sexy and alluring.

Boudoir Photoshoot Lighting and Composition

Lighting is one of the most critical factors in boudoir photography. Different types of lighting can create different moods and atmospheres. As a photographer, you should experiment with different types of lighting to find the best fit for each client.  Here are a few tips to follow when it comes to boudoir lighting:

Natural light or flash that mimics soft natural often looks best.

Moody images often looks artistic and allows you to use shadows to conceal

Composition is also an essential aspect of boudoir photography. You should experiment with different angles, framing, and positioning to create a flattering composition. For example, using a low angle can elongate the legs and make them appear slimmer, while using a high angle can make the client appear more petite.

Boudoir Photoshoot Posing and Direction

Posing is the most important element of our photographs.  A woman can be perfectly styled, have flawless makeup, but if her body and eyes are not in sync with the viewer, it can be a distraction.  We strive to understand each woman’s body type and size so we may pose her accordingly.  Our aim is to create the most flattering shapes for our clients so anyone viewing can feel an intimate connection with the photographs.  By posing our clients properly, it also minimizes the need for extra post editing work.

Learning the subtle variations in hand gestures, looks, and body placement will diversify your portfolio and give you a better understanding of the nuances of posing. In general, one of the biggest mistakes photographers make is moving from scene to scene too quickly, without making adjustments to the posing of their subjects. The five different posing ideas presented here will help you pay attention to small details that make a huge difference.  Here are a few posing tips for Boudoir Photoshoots.

Use Hands and Arms to Conceal

Odds are, if a hand’s placement doesn’t look natural, it will draw attention to the fact that the subject is concealing something (refer to the image above). Place the subjects’ arms in a way to make it seem as though it wasn’t their intention to conceal. By doing so, you leave more to the viewer’s imagination and create thought-provoking imagery.

Watch How the Hands Are Placed

Since we are on the subject of hand placement, pay close attention to how your subject places their fingers on their body. You want to avoid stiff and tense “Barbie Hands”  and you can do this by requesting that your subject shake out the tension in their fingers and softly place their hands on their body.

It’s also good to note that bending at the wrist releases tension and eases the fingers to lay naturally. Once this has been addressed, place the hands where they would naturally be if the subject was to conceal their private parts and avoid mirroring arm placements at all costs.

Relax The Lips

Closing and pressing the lips together can have the effect of creating tension in the jaw line, and typically this isn’t what we’re going for. Instead, try having your subject open their lips, ever so subtly, to release tension and go for a softer look. Making this slight adjustment completely transforms the feel of a portrait, and the look of the subject.

Direct Where the Eyes Go

If your subject desires a sexy, confident overall feel to the images, direct them to have their chin up and eyes looking down at the camera. This showcases a more domineering and powerful gaze. If it’s an innocent and ‘longing’ look that’s sought, direct their chin down and have them look up towards the camera.

It’s good to note there that direct eye contact with the camera is the perfect posing idea for shots where you are peeking in on a scene (behind a door, through a curtain, etc), however for a voyeuristic image, have the subject look away from the camera.

Create a Comfortable Boudoir Photoshoot Environment

Creating a comfortable environment for the client is essential to make them feel confident and relaxed during the shoot. You should ensure that the environment is clean and tidy, and there are no distractions or interruptions. You should also have music playing to create a relaxing atmosphere, and you can offer refreshments to make the client feel more at ease.

Boudoir Photoshoot Editing and Post-Processing

Post-processing is a critical aspect of boudoir photography. You should use editing techniques to enhance the client’s beauty and confidence. For example, you can adjust the exposure to highlight the client’s skin tone, or you can use skin smoothing to create a more polished look. However, it is essential not to over-edit the images, as this can create an unrealistic or artificial look.

In general, a moody editing style looks great for boudoir photos.

Crop To Tell A Story

Be aware of what you choose to show and where you choose to crop.  Cropping tells a story of its own, so combining that with the power of posing leads to a world of difference in the overall quality of your shoot.

Choosing the right lens for the appropriate pose allows you to have a wide versatility of shots in just one scene. You can also use micro adjusting  of limbs, fingers, and head movements while using a tighter portrait lens and then doing the same with a wider lens, gives you the ability to capture more of the scene for more options.

Conclusion

Capturing beauty and confidence in boudoir photography requires sensitivity, creativity, and technical skill. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can create stunning images that empower your clients and celebrate their unique beauty. Remember to communicate with your clients, experiment with lighting and composition, guide them through different poses, create a comfortable environment, and use post-processing techniques to enhance their natural beauty. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of boudoir photography and create images that inspire and empower.

Check out more from our Fine Art Boudoir Earthen Bathup Workshop and learn more on how to post-produce, pose, and light for boudoir photography. Gain access to this workshop and so much more by purchasing a Premium Subscription to SLR Lounge!

Watch The Boudoir Shoot Tips Video

My 5 favorite items to bring to Boudoir Shoot

Boudoir shoots are typically held within hotel rooms or the homes of our clients. We do not always have the convenience to control lighting, so we have to make sure to bring light modifiers.

In numerous situations I do not know how the lighting will look like until I arrive at the location, therefore, I must always come prepared to shoot under any lighting condition. For this reason, my lighting kit is considered one of the most important items to bring to a boudoir shoot.

My lighting kit consists of:

• Flash – I like to bring 2 Canon 580ex Flashes to control light in almost any situation
• Westcott Umbrella – Used to create soft lighting
• Light Stand – Used to hold the flash and umbrella
• Video Light Panel – An awesome source of continuous light. With the video light panel I am able to see how the light is going to look in my scene before I capture the image.

Fan or Hair Dryer for Boudoir Shoots

I love fluidity and movement in my images. Something as subtle as hair blowing gives the picture a different dimension, so I always have both a fan and a hair dryer on me. You can easily adjust the fan and even clip it to a light stand. A Hair Dryer is perfect in creating fluid scenes, as well as keeping clients warm. If the client gets cold and gets goosebumps, this is the perfect way to get rid of them.

These two tools are also great for getting the fabric to contour the body in subtle ways to give the body a more flattering figure.

Jewelry for Boudoir Shoots

There is something about bare skin and accessories that adds an interesting, sexy element to a photograph. Some of my favorite accessories to bring to a boudoir shoot are necklaces and earrings. Necklaces are perfect for draping around the neck, shoulder and back. Depending on the size and shape, earrings can elongate and drape the neck.

Fabric or Blankets for Boudoir Shoots

A tasteful fabric is simple, attractive and forgiving. It can be used to shape, drape, and artistically hide the client’s body. Other fabrics like a robe is perfect for getting your client on and off set. It also is a great tool to keep your clients warm between shots because it prevents any goosebumps from appearing in any of the photos.

Maxi Skirt or Sweaters for Boudoir Shoots

People rarely think to bring over-sized clothing, but it’s actually a great place to start the session. By starting with over-sized clothing, it gets the client comfortable with the camera and sets the tone for the rest of the shoot. If you wear a maxi skirt and nothing else, you can get a great shot of the back and something really playful movements.

Conclusion

Utilizing these 5 tools efficiently in a boudoir shoot can easily give you a helping hand in capturing beautiful sensual images. It can help your shoot go much smoother, giving you more time to capture a wide variety of shots. Try these tips out and in the comments below tell us how your next boudoir shoot goes.

To learn more tips on boudoir shoots, check in next week where we talk about setting the tone for the shoot, when we are doing a boudoir, glamour, or beauty shoot.

A good percentage of the women I shoot boudoir for have never met me in person before the shoot. We usually communicate via email and over the phone so it’s pretty common for their nerves to be higher than normal during the shoot. In Part 1 of our Boudoir Shooting Tips, we talked about my 5 favorite tools to bring to a boudoir shoot. In part 2 we will talk about 7 effective tips for how I set the tone and alleviate nerves during a Boudoir shoot.

Watch The Boudoir Shoot Tips Video

Music: “Aerials” from Lights & Motion “Reanimation” (Deep Elm)
License this song at The Music Bed

7 Tips to Alleviate Nerves at a Boudoir Shoot

Tip #1 No Alcohol

Clients joke all the time about needing a sip of wine or a shot to help them feel more comfortable during the shoot. Alcohol may alleviate our client’s nerves, but it can negatively effect the overall flow of the shoot. I know people who turn pink or red when they drink alcohol, and some people can get a glassy-eyed look after one shot of alcohol. I don’t want to have to Photoshop out signs of inebriation, especially when it can be prevented. The other main concern I have is that I don’t want to play bad cop. I don’t want to put myself in the position of having to cut someone off so I don’t even bother opening that door. I’d rather spend the energy breaking the ice and alleviating tension in other ways.

Tip #2 Dress Down

The general rule for dressing for a wedding as a guest is that the bride is the only one in white and you can’t try to outshine her, It’s her day. I approach the boudoir shoot the same way, in fact, I dress down. I skip the makeup, I wear sweats and a pair of flip flops. I want her to be the belle of the ball. I tell my clients that shoots are major workouts for me and my team, which is true. The girls usually understand and excuse the lack of professional outfit. This rule only applies to women. If I were a male, I wouldn’t come in too sloppy, because looking professional for men is important, and it won’t outshine the client.

Tip #3 Communicate with Client

I spend the first half of the makeup session chatting with the client. I want her to feel comfortable and get to know me. Occasionally I’ll divert the conversation to my assistant or makeup artist, momentarily giving her some room to breathe. When she does get more comfortable around me, I slowly bring us around to talk about fashion. It’s the perfect segue to discussing the outfits that she brought. When discussion our thoughts behind each outfit, I gauge her reaction to each of the pieces she brought. I’m not only trying to identify which outfits would best suit her, but I’m also trying to get the back story on the pieces she chose, as well as her comfort level with each of the pieces.

Tip #4 Create a Inspiration/Mood Board

I ask my clients to put together an inspiration board for our shoots using Pinterest. I like to see what style they are interested in and it also shows me their comfort range. I’ll offer up my own board as a starting point and for my boudoir clients. I like to emphasize that sexy doesn’t always mean naked. After we talk about the outfits, we’ll review the photo styles that appeal to her.

Tip #5 Plan Out the Shoot

Once all these discussions are in place, my assistant and I will plan out the shoot. While the client is finishing up on the makeup chair, we’ll walk around, check the lighting setups, match the outfit, and even plan out the poses. We will then circle back to the client and bring her into the plan.

Tip #6  Only Play Music During Prep

I’ll stream music in the makeup room during prep on a wireless speaker that I bring. I tend not to bring the music into my shoots because it’s distracting. A good song comes on and I start dancing, and she starts singing and then we start laughing. It’s hard to get back into the mood of shooting when that happens.

Tip #7 Be Sensitive with the Client’s Needs

These types of shoots call on me to be a friend, a confidante, even sometimes a psychiatrist. Boudoir shoots are emotionally sensitive shoots and I am highly aware of that. I do my best to get her in her comfort zone, as it does make the overall shoot a lot easier and smoother. The client will also greatly appreciate your sensitivity, and it will lead to overall better photos.

Bonus Info: How To Prep Your Client for A Boudoir Shoot

Before any type of shoot, it’s always a great idea to prep your clients. Remember, most of them are not used to being in front of a camera! For boudoir photographers (or someone looking to break into that genre), this is a very, very important step. In the following video, Ewan Phelan, who runs a very successful boudoir studio with his wife Brianna called Last Forty Percent, shares some of the tips he tells a client before a boudoir shoot. From sharing with them (and showing them) how to pose so he can create pronounced curves to what lingerie to wear, Ewan describes a multitude of instructions, very simply stated, that he shares with his clients.This 5-minute video is packed full of useful posing info – even if you are not a boudoir photographer.  See the (age restricted) video here.

If you want to add boudoir into your business, another clip from their Boudoir on the Edge with Brianna and Ewan Phelan course on CreativeLive tells you how to do just that. Perhaps you’re a wedding photographer or portrait photographer wanting to offer Boudoir for your clients. Brianna Phelan starts by saying that you have to treat it like a new business and start from the beginning. You cannot just throw it into the mix. This involves having a separate blog, website, and social media links as to not confuse your clients who might want to hire you for another genre of photography. The 4 minute clip below gives some good tips on how to seamlessly integrate your business.

Conclusion

Utilizing these 7 tips can help you create an easygoing, comfortable environment for your client in your next photo shoot. It can help your shoot go much smoother, giving you more time to capture and focus during your shoot. Try these tips out and let me know how your next boudoir shoot goes in the comments below. I’d love to hear any new techniques you guys use to handle your shoot.

Boudoir photography is a genre that involves a lot of attention to detail and a knowledge of body types, shapes, and movement. Obviously, when you have a semi-clad client in front of you, as a photographer, your confidence in lighting, posing, and angles have to be on point to make your client look their best. Add to that, most of us do not have clients that are naturally comfortable in front of a camera. There will be times that you do, and man, does that make our jobs easier, but a majority of the time, you’re going to need to know exactly what you’re doing and be able to direct a client confidently.

To learn more tips on boudoir shoots, drop in next week for part 3 of our Boudoir Photography Tips, where we talk about breaking the ice in a boudoir shoot.

Tips for Black and White Boudoir Photography

To create stunning black and white boudoir photographs, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Understand The Purpose and Vision

Black and white photography can be more impactful than colored photos because it emphasizes the texture, shape, and contrast of the subject without the distraction of color. The absence of color forces the viewer to focus on the composition, lighting, and mood of the image. Black and white photography has a timeless and classic feel that can evoke strong emotions and convey a sense of nostalgia or intimacy. By removing the distractions of color, black and white photography can create a more powerful and memorable image that stands the test of time.

Communicate with the Client

It’s important to communicate photo editing styles with clients because the editing process can drastically change the look and feel of the final images. By discussing editing styles beforehand, the client can have a better understanding of what to expect from the final product and can provide feedback on their preferences. Additionally, communicating editing styles can help ensure that the photographer and client are on the same page and can avoid any misunderstandings or disappointments. By being transparent and collaborative in the editing process, the photographer can create images that meet the client’s expectations and provide a positive and satisfying experience.

Photograph in Color

Rather than photograph in-camera in black and white, photograph the boudoir session in color (with a RAW format) and make the black and white conversion in the photo editing process.  This ensures that you have maximum flexibility in case you change your vision.

 

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Conclusion

Black and white boudoir photography is a timeless and elegant approach to capturing the sensuality and beauty of the human form. By following the tips and inspiration outlined in this article, you can create stunning and artful images that celebrate your client’s unique beauty and individuality. Remember to communicate with your client, choose the right location and wardrobe, and create a safe and comfortable environment. With practice and creativity, you can master the art of black and white boudoir photography and create images that are both stunning and empowering.

When it comes to achieving that “moody” look in your boudoir photographs, it’s all about the light and where it’s coming from. While you can certainly achieve this look with studio lighting, I will mainly be talking about shooting with natural and available window light (like that window in the featured image above).

Light Direction – Essential for Boudoir Photography

Personally, I love detail shots, and I really like to highlight the subjects curves by focusing in on them, especially with directional side-lighting. It helps me carve out their curves and create a dynamic and moody final image.

To create this look, the subject was sitting on the ground below two west-facing windows at sunset. The light spill was soft, yet powerful enough. The great thing about natural light is that you can see in real time where it is falling, and how it looks. The key is just moving around or having the subject move their face and body until the light falls on them nicely. You’ll know when the light hits them just right.

When you have a large single light source to the side of your subject, the light perfectly shapes your subject’s body and envelopes them with flattering, soft, beautiful light.

Exposure For Moody Lighting

I like my initial exposure to be slightly brighter than the final image, so I can bring the shadows down in post-processing if need be. By doing this, I make sure to keep all the information in the shadows and highlights. This also gives me more options on the look and feel of the images later on (I always shoot in Raw).

The image above is straight out of camera. It’s a little darker than I normally would like, but I found the window light to be really spot-on for the look I was trying to achieve. As you can see, the light is dancing across her body, showing off her wonderful curves. The highlights and shadows are in just the right places so that the image really comes together.

Post-Processing for Additional Mood

In the final image above, I have brought down the shadows, played with an exposure adjustment layer, and dodged the highlights a little more to give it an extra punch. All in all, there wasn’t much post-processing. The bare bones of the image were already there and just needed a little polishing.

Remember: just find the light, and you will see your images being taken to the next level.

(Info for the featured image: Canon 5D MIII | 50mm 1.2L | 1/160th F1.8 ISO 200 Model | IG @iinked_saiyan)

This interview was originally posted in April 2018

The day I meet Jen Rozenbaum it’s by accident. I’m in Manhattan and working; back-to-back meetings, hours of sycophantic spadework on deck, and trying to be lost among thousands of photographers in this one massive hall. And when she arrives –and interrupts my conversation– she delivers a greeting as warmly and confidently as if I’d specifically requested it.

I hadn’t. But through the subtle yet sheer force of her charisma, whatever I was speaking about before seemed superfluous, and forgotten.

That’s quite a feat considering the company I was in, and that if Jen were a snack (perhaps she is, in the modern urban lexicon) she’d be labeled ‘fun size’ to my 6’1″. She’s dressed in dark blues; jeans as tight as the skin on an apple, and heels that momentarily betray her real height. And she wears it all with a familiarity that suggests it’s a variant of a uniform.

Then she is spotted.

A post shared by Jennifer Rozenbaum (@jenrozenbaum) on Dec 8, 2017 at 3:26am PST

In fact, she is recognized repeatedly through the course of our chat, and she obliges virtually each person that comes over or waves, with efficiency. It’s as if through experience she has figured out it would take longer to disappoint and explain than to say ‘hi!’ and smile. I would later adopt the tactic.

And ooh that smile. In a room full of sycophants it stands out. It’s relentlessly charming. And it’s real, with the eyes and everything – and it doesn’t take long to see it’s used frequently to the chagrin of those who might try to put a barrier between Jen and an objective. And that’s my first indication that Jen’s creative ability belies that she is a business woman, likely resultant from a long crescendo of ambition and grit. Many more would follow. Jen is a multi-hyphenate.

But of course she would have to be. To become a super successful boudoir photographer Jen has had to buck the antecedent notion that the landscape of those who photograph scantily clad women with an emphasis on ‘sexy’ is populated exclusively by men. And she did it all before the recent vocals of female empowerment were spawned by the electing and rhetoric of a hectoring sexist.

How did she do it? It would seem to be the collision of a myriad of factors: Skill, talent, ambition, her proclivity for being feisty and cheeky (love that), and being #shamelesslyfeminine in a man’s world.

Her bold femininity and the monsoon of goodwill that she exudes, together with her effort to help the ‘every-woman’ be unapologetic and proud in their sexuality and strength is powerful. Perhaps never more than in the past year, where due to illness Jen has been put on a journey she didn’t intend to make, and through it lives what she preaches.

It would be remiss not to consider too, that being married and a mother has had an interesting effect on her vocation as a boudoir photographer. Together they don’t diminish her take on sexuality and self-empowerment, but add gravitas and depth to it. Less pornographic, more body positive – all things she’s vocal about.

Speaking of, it could be career endangering for Jen to suggest she’s anything but grateful for her work -for making a living from photographing– as she’s committed to that and bankable, but she’s also a bit beyond only that. With her TEDx talk and her robust community, you get the feeling that at some point she’d truly be elated when one day people will go from telling her, “I really like your work,” to “I really like what you had to say.”

It may not be far off, because her behavior maps to her mentality. It’s impressive, infectious even. We should all be so fortunate.

And that’s the thing; whatever you’ve heard of Jen, what you’ve thought of her work or genre, after speaking to her in person you walk away thinking to yourself, “Yeah. Whatever she’s on, I’ll have some of that.”

I did.

Without further a do, Jen Rozenbaum:

How old were you when you had your first paying photography job, and how much time between that and the second?

My first paying job was November 22, 2008. I was 21 which now makes me 30, right? Ok, ok… truth is I was 33 when I started even learning photography. I took my first paid job just a few months later.

What’s your spirit animal?

A bad ass woman. Does that count as an animal? (No Jen. Well, fine dammit…)

Do you think there’s a maximum or minimum age where you can begin being a photographer?

Absolutely not. I LOVE when my kids take my cell phone, take photos and I get to see the world from their view. Everyone has a story and a perspective.

What’s your favorite quote?

I have so many.

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” –Henry Ford & “Comparison is the thief of joy” -Theodore Roosevelt are two I use a lot in my teachings and raising my children.

In my life I like the motto:

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”

What’s been your best photography purchase under $100 and What’s been your favorite photography purchase, period?

I would say my best purchase under $100 was the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It was the book I used to teach myself photography. It’s clear and easy to follow, and I recommend it to every new photographer. My favorite purchase ever was my Nikon D3S. I bought it a few years into my career. It was close to $7k and I was able to pay for it clear and free with the money I made. It was an accomplishment not only in skill (that I could use a camera like that), but an accomplishment in success in my business. It was an important milestone for me at the time.

What’s in your gear bag?

• Nikon D750
• Nikon D850 soon
• Still have my D3S!
• Nikon 35mm 1.4
• Nikon 50mm 1.4G
• Nikon 24-70mm 2.8
• Nikon 70-200 2.8 II VR
• Nikon 85mm 1.4
• Nikon 105mm
• Nikkor 58mm 1.4G

What’s the most pervasive myth in photography?

That technical images trump emotional images. Emotion and story telling always wins if you ask me.

What do you think the next big trend in photography will be?

To tell you the truth, I don’t know and I don’t care. Typically I find when trends start I shy away from them. I do this because everyone’s work starts looking similar. I try hard to stay true to my style and photograph women in the way I see them regardless of trends.

What’s your best quick photography or post processing tip?

Light and pose correctly and you’ll have very little post processing to do. (I hate editing!) I know it sounds simple, but it’s not. Especially in boudoir where there is so much skin showing, it’s VITAL to light properly in order to avoid hours of editing.

Do you think DSLRs are on the way out?

I hope not because I am just about to buy another one!

Who took the best photo of you (selfies allowed)?

This is a tough question for me to answer. I have a whole bunch of images that my friends took of me that I love. This last summer, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and in August I had a double mastectomy. Even though I love the images that have been taken of me in the past, I don’t feel they represent who I am anymore both physically and mentally. The image I am sending you is from my most recent shoot. I think it portrays who I am right now. Strong, vulnerable, imperfect and still feminine.

Was there a time when you almost gave up photography and why/how did you get through it?

Countless times. This is a tough industry. We have to run a business and be creative. It’s time consuming, emotional, and at times lonely. These are the times to remember why you love photography. Do something for fun, something creative. Push yourself. Meditate a lot, and sometimes I even give away sessions during these times. As much as we all love making money, sometimes the pressure to do so stifles us. When you can give your gift of your talent it’s a beautiful thing and it recharges me.

What would someone who doesn’t like your work say about it?

Typically I get the haters that think what I do is about porn or portraying women as sex objects. That’s why it’s so important to me to be message-forward in my work. I talk a lot about women’s empowerment and self confidence and I hope that is what people see and understand about me, even before they see my work

Do you have a photography good-luck charm (could be a gear piece/person/whatever)?

Little known fact about me… I am super superstitious so I always have a good luck charm on me at all times. Evil eyes, red strings, hamsa’s – you name it. If I think it works it will be on me!

What’s the best move you’ve made in your career?

Raising my prices dramatically when my volume got too high. It was scary but it was a huge change in my business and my mentality about my business. It also allowed me to cut back my volume so I can give my clients better experiences.

If you could go back to your first year in photography what would you do differently?

Absolutely nothing. I don’t live with regrets. I believe everything I did, every mistake I made has led to me where I am now.

Have you identified your ideal client, and if so, how to you market to them?

My ideal client isn’t a person necessarily, it’s a mindset. I want a woman who is a little bit of a rebel. She might have a fairly average life, raising a few kids, cooking dinners, et cetera, but deep down she is a fiery, kick ass woman who comes to me because it’s a safe place for her to be who she is, shamelessly.  And truthfully – my ideal clients have always been similar to me. First they started as brides, then new moms. Now I get a lot of 40+ women that are just ready to celebrate themselves.

What’s your single favorite lens?

The 58mm. I work in such a small space that it’s what I shoot with 90% of the time. In addition it allows me to be close to my clients which helps when I am trying to adjust hair or poses and it creates in intimacy, which is nice.

What’s your craziest photography story?

Because I shoot boudoir, I have many, lol. But in order to protect my clients, I will tell you the story of my first paid job ever. It was a SMALL wedding – maybe 8 people where there. It was a second marriage and the groom had a few teenage kids. Well, I guess they weren’t so into the marriage. I couldn’t get them to cooperate at ALL. They wouldn’t pose, smile, listen – NOTHING! PLUS they were heckling me and the couple during the ceremony. Can you imagine this being your first ever experience at a paid job? I can’t even believe I took another job after that. It makes me laugh to this day though, because I totally delivered them an image with selective color (I colored their ties), cause I thought it was cool. I guess karma is a bitch.

If you had to give one piece of advice to aspiring and established photographers today, what would it be?

Be vulnerable and authentic.

[RELATED: CHRIS KNIGHT RAPID INTERVIEW | DRAMATIC PORTRAITS & THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY]

What’s your favorite joke?

It’s a dirty one – but it always gets a laugh (especially in our industry)

A groom waits at the altar with a huge smile on his face. His best man asks, “Why do you look so excited?” The groom replies, “I just had the best blow job I have ever had in my entire life, and I am marrying the wonderful woman who gave it to me.”

The bride waits at the other end of the aisle with a huge smile on her face. Her maid of honor asks, “Why do you look so excited?” The bride replies, “I just gave the last blow job of my entire life.“

Jen, it’s been a pleasure.

You can find more about Jen, her work, and workshops on Jenerations.com, jenrozenbaum.com, her encouraging and fun Facebook group, and her Instagram.

[REWIND: The Sony Story No One Tells, Not Even Sony | It’s Not In Our Nature To Snuff Out The Fire]

Recently, a shoot by Wolf & Rose Photography that can best be described as outdoor couples boudoir went viral as a promotion of body positivity, showcasing beauty with a body type less typically celebrated than what our senses are inundated with daily. The woman in the photos, Stephanie, is plus-size, and her scantily-clad figure entwined with her fiancé drew much applause from crowds weary of the same-old body type, and appreciative of representation.

[REWIND:] ‘BODY POSITIVE’ | IT’S MORE THAN A MOVEMENT, IT’S A REVOLUTION

Many people were enamored with the empowering set, unabashedly baring what is so often left covered to reveal a woman who reflects what so many see in their own mirrors. Fueled by these feelings, the set was shared like wildfire and ultimately was picked up by major media outlets like Huffington Post and was seen by millions of eyes.

Sadly, the social media roller coaster ride has taken an unpleasant dip – the unsuspecting heroine of body-positivity was subsequently fired from her job at Austin Bank Texas N.A, as a direct result of the viral photo shoot.

A post shared by Wolf & Rose Photography (@wolfnrosephotos) on Sep 14, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

Of the situation, Stephanie told Buzzfeed,

”I gave over a year to a company that I worked really hard for and then to have them turn on me for doing something so positive, something that I was so proud of — to help myself as a woman — it was hurtful. People were pulling out their phones at work and showing the pictures and that was blamed on me.”

As a photographer, it gives pause when considering what to post on social media to promote one’s work. This particular scenario lurks in a grey area – no parties involved could have reasonably foreseen the extent that the photos would gain traction online, and arguably there are lasting positive consequences – though the job loss does dampen the triumphant feeling of seeing other varied body types elevated, it is still empowering to many women, and the photographer has received (and is still receiving) massive amounts of publicity over the ordeal. But Stephanie’s loss can’t be ignored as a real and unintended negative consequence.

[REWIND:] GETTY IMAGES NOW REQUIRES DISCLOSURE OF MODELS PHOTOSHOPPED TO LOOK THINNER

Per Wolf & Rose Photography’s Facebook page, Stephanie is pregnant and has just lost her insurance and maternity leave for what amounts to nothing. She’s “guilty” of nothing more than being a sexual female who doesn’t fit society’s mold of what is acceptable to show in a photograph. Albeit finance isn’t known to be a particularly free-spirited career path, there is really no reason to fire someone for something they’ve done on their own time that is harming no one.

Here’s hoping all the publicity helps Stephanie land before the eyes of an employer who is more appreciative of her as an individual and she ends up in a better place for it all.