What does it mean to be trauma informed?

Becoming trauma-informed and committing to learning and growing as a trauma-informed photographer is a process that’s ongoing, and is part of my work and my life that’s really important to me so I want to share more about it with you too! In Winter 2021, I took part in a program called CULTIVATE {trauma-informed space holding training} with Katie Kurtz, MSW LISW-S – and I’d love to tell you about it.

First, what I learned through CULTIVATE –

In this training, I learned SO much that changed not only the way I do business but also the lens through which I view the world. Before Cultivate, I knew I was creating space and providing space in the studio – which was really important to me – but I wasn’t holding space. I didn’t know what that meant or how to do it, and when I heard that phrase for the first time, something clicked and I realized that holding space (not just having it) is really important for what I want to do with my work. I don’t want this experience to be like any other photo session, like school picture day where you came in and were bossed around and didn’t get a say in what you did or what you looked like. I want you to feel cared for and listened to, like an equal partner, and when you see your photos I want you to feel like you see yourself.

Through this training I learned about holding space, facilitation skills, personal attunement, how to develop discernment, forms of harm, how to integrate consent and choice into our practices, the importance of collaboration and connection, the meaning of leadership, and so so so much more.

Before going through this training, I felt so burnt out. Hustle culture was getting to me, and I was tired of doing things the way I had been doing them. The way I was told they had to be done. I completed this training right at my third business birthday, and it was so refreshing. It helped me change my pace to better serve my clients and myself through these practices. By committing to being trauma-informed and learning how to operate in a way that’s sustainable and more supportive, I found a new groove that fit me better.

This was more than just learning how to hold space for clients, though that was my primary aim when I began. What I learned through Cultivate helps me hold space for myself too. Honoring our collective and individual humanity through my business has been a total game changer for me as a person, and also as a photographer.

Why trauma-informed space holding is important to me

I’ve been on the other side of the camera more than a few times and have sat through a thousand webinars about everything from photography to marketing and sales. I’ve had a few experiences within the industry where I didn’t feel cared for, didn’t feel like my opinions and desires mattered, and didn’t leave feeling good. From photo sessions where I was put in awkward positions that I felt uncomfortable in and didn’t feel like I could say that I didn’t want to do a particular pose to online sales and marketing trainings that were teaching me that no doesn’t mean no and to pick at people’s pain points until they give you their money – I know really well what it feels like to share space with someone who’s made themselves an authority without checking their power or being mindful of how their leadership impacts others. I never want to make my clients – or anyone! – feel that way.

As a boudoir photographer, I believe a huge part of this work includes a responsibility to hold space for clients in a way that helps them feel safe and secure. Boudoir is intimate in nature, and I think it’s so important to be mindful of how you interact with people when they feel vulnerable. In the studio, a lot of my clients are having their first ever boudoir session – so not only are they doing something entirely new, but they’re also undressing to one degree or another which adds another layer of vulnerability to the experience. Learning about trauma-informed space holding helped me become aware of how I was speaking and operating when I’m in a position of power (like holding a camera and directing a photo session), and helped me learn how to create group agreements for our space – when I talk about things like consent, choice, and collaboration being pillars of the experience, this comes directly from what I learned through Cultivate!

So much business education teaches you to be an authority, and though I think it’s important to be knowledgable and mindful when I’m doing this work and holding space for you, I don’t ever want to hold power over you. Even though I’m facilitating and guiding the experience, we are equal collaborators and co-creators in my space.

Some of the things I do to help you feel more at ease in my studio:

I ask for verbal consent before making any physical contact - such as helping you adjust your outfit or hair
I provide a designated, private changing area separate from our shooting space
I maintain consistent transparent communication throughout your session
I give you space to voice your ideas and desires beforehand and throughout the session
I put my camera down while you’re getting into poses and adjusting your outfits
I use encouraging and supportive language
I support your choice to dress (and undress) to your comfort level without pressure
I provide choice in regards to posing and offer modifications when needed

Like what you read here?

I would love to have you in the studio so you can have an experience like this for yourself! Whether you’re all in and ready to go, need some more info before we get started, or are on the fence and want to talk things through before you commit – I’m here for ya! Click the button below to get in touch!

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT SESSION