A photographers experience being on the other side of the camera
So far in 2023 I have had the absolute privilege of seeing myself through different lenses. What do I mean by this? I’ve been able to meet, connect and have photoshoots with incredible artists that have all shown me different sides of myself. As anyone who contemplates having a Boudoir or general photoshoot experience, doing your research and finding a photographer, an artist, who you could see yourself and your style within their body of work, is essential.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the 4 photoshoots I’ve participated in, why I chose to work with each artist, and what I learned from the experience. Check them out yourself, shout them out and support these incredible and passionate folks.
Kayla Lanning
@kaylalanningstudios
No surprise here! If you’ve been following myself or this studio for any period of time, this is certainly a familiar name. I met Kayla virtually when starting this studio. She became my mentor after I found her and became obsessed with her style. The way she captures sexy, shapes and mood. The heat and passion that radiated from her photos of women and couples, I knew that was something I needed to know more about and the direction I wanted to ultimately go with my own photography. After doing months virtual mentoring and education, I flew to South Carolina to her studio. I shadowed a photoshoot with her and it changed my whole life, and similarly after when she shot me. The way she intentionally utilizes space and light, the focus always being on the subject, the way she supported the model and myself, it was inspiring. I have a tendency to overthink, and it was after this experience I learned more about relaxing into the photoshoot with the model. Rolling with the creativity and the vibe as it unfolded. That was last year, before my breakup. Back in January I went back for the after and I asked for more nude and spicy, and damn did we accomplish that. We did topless, a wet set, it was a journey. I learned from this experience the empowering aspect of nudity. That I felt so strong and were ultimately so obsessed with the photos. I also learned the importance of staying hydrated during your photoshoot, I was in so much pain after. So that is something I will continuously bring up during your boudoir experience. DRINK THE WATER! Kayla knows her worth, and is so deeply strong and empowering. I trust her, which is something I aim for with everyone I have the honor of having a photoshoot with.
Speak To Me Photography
@speaktomephotography
LOL! So every once in a while the #speaktomesquad gets together and tries some fun ideas and treats themselves. Earlier this year we got together at Kasi’s house, fulfilled her murdery 70’s fantasy, oiled up Leah and sprayed her down for our first wet set attempt combined with her love for the gym, and then it was my turn. Back to overthinking. I knew I wanted to do more of a theme like the others had, so we went with a “for your entertainment” vibe. Suspenders, fedora hat, the whole 9. I was last for the day and it was so much fun. Kasi and Leah took turns taking the photos, and being amongst friends made it so much more special. In those moments I realized that truly is the experience we give our clients, and it definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve never felt super comfortable smiling in photos or doing much more than my moody default, but in this setting I just went for it. I got to see how much that support is important, and why I love my team. They have learned so much through our journey and seeing them grow as models and artists brings me so much happiness and joy.
Laurette Christman
@boudoir_by_laurette
This beautiful human is a fellow local (ish) boudoir photographer. She's based out of the Poconos and has actually worked with some of my friends. Laureate and her husband have an established wedding and event photography business, obviously a lot I could learn from her. I loved her unique depth and her experience with set design and larger scale photoshoots like wedding photography. Right away she made me feel comfortable and walked me through her home studio. The unique elements and use of space was so cool and definitely inspiring. Ahead of time we had discussed my vision for things and we got to most of them. She was so supportive and I got to try a jewelry top for the first time and I loved those photos. It was so cool seeing her use of studio lighting too, since that is something I don’t use except for out of necessity. We had such a good conversation about business and technique, and the photos were so different and beautiful in their own way.
Eric Berson
@ebfx_photography
Finding Eric was so entirely serendipitous. I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was young. Eddie Guerrero being my favorite of all time. His daughter Shaul became an incredibly talented Burlesque dancer, model and performer, and I have followers her for a really long time because I found myself so inspired by her, especially in my own pole and performer journey. There was a photo specifically that struck me where she had done a photoshoot covered in gold body paint, with her black hair, posing and facial expressions it was absolutely stunning. From there I found Eric, aka EBFX Photography. His creativity with body paint, lighting and use of color is so unique and special. One day he had followed me back personally and professionally, and me fan-girdling I reached out expressing gratitude and how much I loved his work. From there we built a great friendship. We learned a lot from one another, and eventually planned for him to come to Pennsylvania from his home base in Chicago. I was so nervous for our photoshoot. I had never done a photoshoot with a male photographer, I pushed through and it was such a worthwhile experience. Learning how he uses studio lighting and color in conjunction with natural light, his versatility was something else to witness first hand. We also took the time to edit side by side and once again we were able to learn creatively side by side. It’s a relationship I value, and an experience I will never forget. Something else I learned was the unique experience of the male photographer, and working with primarily models vs individuals without that experience necessarily. How mindful he needs to be working with women, and careful. A lot of things I take for granted in interacting with the subject. Also the difference in image with working with models vs different client bases. Those conversations were so dynamic and I hope he continues to learn his worth.
At the end of the day…
it isn’t always easy finding THE photographer that speaks to you (see what I did there). But I urge everyone to do your research. Look at different portfolios and find a style you can find yourself in. Poses that captivate you. Ask questions of your photographer. They’re experiences with different body shapes, types and skin tones. Be open to different experiences, challenge yourself but make sure that you comes through in your photos. Adding unique touches and concepts, working with someone who shares your vision. Each photographer above has a unique style and portfolio that drew me to them, and there are so many more I hope to work with in the future. Stay tuned, there is so much more to come. From me, and of me.
