Nude Boudoir: An Interview With Our Photographer
You asked, and we listened!
We asked our community of over 3,000 Divas in the VIP Facebook Group what questions you’re dying to ask our photographer, Jesse… and then we got him to answer them!
Enjoy having your curiousities satiated below as Jesse talks about everything from weirdest props to his top tips for anyone coming in…
How long have you been a Boudoir Photographer for? Bonus question - what did you want to be when you were younger?
I’ve been shooting Boudoir for eight years now. Before that, I was shooting family portraits, makeovers and corporate headshots for three years. Before that, I was watching Neill from the sidelines and shooting in my own time around Bath and on holiday.
Younger me had a few things I “wanted” to be when I grew up": in chronological order, policeman, fireman, architect, graphic designer, web designer. I only realised I wanted to be a photographer when I was doing it.
What’s your favourite thing about being a Boudoir Photographer?
Do I have to choose only one? The short answer is that it’s an awesome job. I think my favourite thing about it changes from day-to-day. Right now, I’m loving the experience of being with someone whilst they are being daring and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone. There is an energy in the room that’s hard to explain. It’s slightly addictive I think. To be present when someone is exploring their, sometimes unknown, potential is a privilege. I often tell people before the shoot that part of my job is to encourage them to be brave. After it’s all over, I want them to feel proud that they didn’t hold back.
A lot of people can’t imagine their day job being taking photos of naked or semi-naked people. Do you ever get a ‘I can’t believe this is my job’ moment?
Yes. But those moments hit me at times you might not expect. During a shoot, the responsibility and focus is all that matters, and I don’t have time to look at it from the outside. It’s more when I come back to the computer after lunch and there’s photo of naked woman open in Lightroom (a programme used by photography studios) – it’s the sort of thing that would get people in other jobs into a bit of trouble.
Actually, that answer is a little bit tongue-in-cheek. I think the real answer is closely tied to question two. I love this job for lots of reasons and there are times I think about how lucky I am to have a job to love and to have a job that is so unlike most “regular” jobs.
What’s one thing about Boudoir photography that has surprised you?
That the photography aspect is only one of a few crucial elements to doing it well. I guess that’s maybe not surprising to some people, but it could be easy to assume that once you’ve figured out the technical stuff that the rest comes easy. The relationship you’re able to build with a client is just as important – actually, probably more important. Even though my end goal is to create photos the client is going to love, the path to that comes via the client having an incredible experience.
What makes a good Boudoir photoshoot, in your mind?
It’s different for everyone. One of the things I tell clients is to reassure them that there isn’t a right or wrong way for them to go about this. But if you were to push me for an answer, I suppose I would say this; what you invest in the shoot as a client is likely to be reflected by the experience you have and the photos we create. This might make it sound like I’m placing the responsibility of a good shoot onto the client, but that’s not what I mean. I guess maybe what I’m getting at is that the difference between a very good shoot and a great shoot can sometimes be measured by the emotional investment of the client.
What would you say to anyone considering a Boudoir experience?
What are you waiting for?
Literally. There is no better time than now.
To you, what makes a good Boudoir photographer?
I’m not sure that’s for me to say. There are a lot of good photographers that create beautiful photos. I don’t know whether I can self-proclaim myself as one of them. However, I can say this. I love the photos I create, and I think my clients do too.
And as I’ve already mentioned, the client experience is so incredibly important to the final outcome that being simply a good photographer isn’t enough.
What do your friends and family think of you being a Boudoir photographer?
There’s a part of me that thinks it’s a bit like when the kids of a movie star don’t care that their Dad/Mum is a movie star. Not that I’m comparing myself to George Clooney (facepalm) or Boudoir photography to moviemaking. It’s just that any novelty factor that my job might have when I first meet someone wears off quickly and it just becomes my job. I suppose I have had conversations with a friend where we indirectly compare our days, and he says he’s been in four-hour-long meetings about business data warehousing and I’ve been photographing a half-naked woman. I guess I win that one.
Does the experience of a nude photoshoot feel any different to a lingerie Boudoir shoot?
Not as much as you might think. From my point of view, the photos are slightly different so my technical approach is too. They’re both fun though! From the client point of view, I think it is probably similar. If you come in for a lingerie shoot, you’re probably being very brave/daring to do that. If you come for a nude shoot, you’re probably being very brave/daring to do that. Everyone is different and has a different comfort zone boundary.
As a male photographer, has being a Boudoir photographer changed your perspective of the self-esteem issues women face?
Yes. And no.
I think it has improved my understanding of the issues women face. I think as a man I can never truly appreciate what it is like being a woman facing such issues. Before doing Boudoir photography I was aware that there are issues, but that was about the extent of it. Since shooting Boudoir my understanding of what those issues are has increased and continues to increase the more I shoot and the more women I meet. But I doubt there is an ultimate truth that I will eventually reach. It is an ever-changing situation for each woman to navigate in their own way. I’m just peeking my head around the corner for a couple of hours every day.
How do you approach nude photography, especially with someone who might be lacking in confidence?
I try to always be respectful of how the client is feeling. So, if they are really nervous then I will adjust my approach accordingly. Within that though, the experience still has to be fun. I’m starting to sound a bit repetitive, but it honestly comes back to the client experience. In general, people feel good about themselves when they are being brave, bold, adventurous etc. I try to enable and encourage that. Confidence is different for everyone so there isn’t an one-size-fits-all technique. Together with the client, we figure where the comfort-zone is and then aim to go beyond it in an exciting way – that’s why we’re here, after all.
What is the most interesting request/props you’ve photographed?
I don’t think I’ve had anything truly outrageous. Whips, chains and riding crops are all part of the job so I’m totally desensitised to that now!
One of our former photographers did a shoot with a woman who had brought in an exhaust from a tractor. That was pretty out-there but ended up looking awesome!
I guess if you’re asking me what was most interesting to me personally, I think back to some of the geek-themed shoots I’ve done; superhero t-shirts, cosplay elements like replica handguns, video game accessories, that sort of thing.
I also really like doing shoots when the clients wants to be extra-sexy. There’s immense power in a woman taking complete control of their own sexuality and fully embracing and owning it.
What is your favourite pose and why?
There are many. It’s a complete cop-out but it really varies depending on the client.
Alright, fine. It’s not strictly a pose, but I’m currently loving the shots where a client with long hair is leaning forward so their hair is falling forwards, and through their hair you can just see their lips, collarbones and chest.
Also, any shot involving a strongly arched back. They can create really cool art.
How do you approach photographing someone with scarring, or something like a mastectomy or a stoma bag?
It entirely depends on the individual. I’m certainly not going to try to guess what relationship someone has with their body, especially when a medical issue is involved. So, I don’t really approach shoots with any expectations. I wait to speak to the client and we figure it out together. However, I hope that everyone who comes to us takes a step (or few steps) closer to loving their body as it is. If that means we work together to show their scars (or other physical characteristic) in a more positive way for them then I’m all for it.
What advice would you give for someone to get the most out of their session?
This is the question, isn’t it? The answer may not be the same for everyone but in general my advice is this, invest yourself in the shoot.
Before you come in, make the most of the calls we have with you. They help us get to know you and help you get to know what you truly want. They also connect your experience and photos to your emotional centre.
Also, think about what you like visually. What photos have you seen that make you go “wow”? That can be hard for people because they find it hard to imagine themselves in the shots, so I prefer people to pick photos that “float their boat” artistically/visually.
And when you’re with us at the studio, give the day everything you can. Really what this means is you are giving yourself everything you can. Commit, don’t hold back, feel proud of what you did.
And finally, trust us. We’re all on your team. We love what we do, and we want you to love it too.
Want to find out more about nude boudoir? Take a look at our gallery here!
Remember, you can always call us on 01225 483151 if you’d like to know our availability.