Do you shoot in a studio? I get this question allot and the answer is I don’t. I converted a bedroom into a small in-home studio space in San Diego where I shot several boudoir commissions. Going even further back, I managed a tiny shared studio space in Boston at the start of my freelance career!
Since moving to Oahu, Hawaii I have chosen not to open my own studio space and I truly believe it suits my process best! Environmental portraiture is a genre that utilizes a subject’s usual space and I adore the variety, customization and authenticity it allows me to capture clients with!
Here, “Miss L” and I designed a session based on the treasures found, mixed and matched within her own apartment and lanai. Every piece of clothing was already hers, but stylized in a fresh and truly gorgeous way. Every plant she brushed by was part of her own personal little tropical Hawaiian oasis; many of them a result of her own green thumb, love and connection to plants. Her space. Her story. Her moment in time. Environmental portraiture and boudoir certainly has its perks!
The word empowerment is often applied to the boudoir genre, but I’ve found there is no blanket definition when it comes to what specifically empowers a women or any individual. For some boudoir clients, donning 1950’s inspired pinup and being photographed while playing a character is empowering. For others, trying something new, sexy and exciting within their personal space is both empowering and comfortable within its authenticity.
For now, I love the freedom and customization I achieve toggling back and forth between photographing boudoir at hotels, tropical Hawaiian beaches, and personal homes. It helps keep my work from becoming formulaic, my creativity challenged and my clients so happy with sessions that are truly designed for them.
I live on the Windward side of the Oahu and capture people and places that are both beautiful and real.
