Holding Space in the Studio – Evansville, Indiana Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir sessions are all about creating a space that's encouraging, supportive, and most importantly, empowering.

I get it – booking a session can come with a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties. I know it can be overwhelming if you have no clue what to expect! In my studio, I'm all about holding space for you in the most empowering way possible so that you leave your session feeling confident and connected to yourself.

First thing's first – your safety and comfort are non-negotiables.

I want you to feel safe and secure from the moment you step into my studio. Now, I can't read minds (I wish!), but that's why we get to know each other before your session so that you feel as prepared and supported as possible – and you aren't stepping into this vulnerable experience with someone you don't know anything about!

I promise to do my best to provide a soft, welcoming environment where you can truly be yourself, even if it's a tad outside your comfort zone.

And hey, that's totally okay – most people find boudoir a bit nerve-wracking at first! Let's talk about my journey for a sec. In 2021, I embarked on a six week trauma-informed space holding training with Katie Kurtz called Cultivate, and let me tell you, this education was a game-changer in my career and more importantly in my life. Before this, I understood the importance of consent, but I didn't fully grasp what it meant to be trauma-informed. Through Cultivate, I learned how to lead and hold space for you through a trauma-informed lens.

Why does this matter?

Because boudoir is an inherently vulnerable experience, and I want to ensure that I'm equipped with the skills and awareness to help you feel safe and supported every step of the way, while staying in my lane as a photographer. I believe this should be standard practice for boudoir photographers, but unfortunately, the stories I hear from clients who book sessions with inexperienced and uneducated photographers and leave feeling worse about themselves are all too common.

I've been in that situation too, feeling uncertain and uncomfortable in front of the camera.

I’ve been in front of the camera with someone I didn't know very well and was left feeling like I didn’t have a say in what poses we did and like I was an inactive participant in the process. In this instance, I walked into a studio for a mini boudoir session with an inexperienced boudoir photographer who had a second photographer with her who I had never met and didn’t know would be attending and photographing my session too.

When you’re about to undress for a virtual stranger who’s photographing you, the last thing you want is to double the amount of strangers in the room!

I joke about it now, but to be honest, it was a really uncomfortable situation. I was asked if it was okay, but in that moment, it was clear that the expected answer wasn’t no because the second photographer was already there and ready to go. Through the trauma-informed training with Katie, I did some reflecting on that particular experience and how I could make sure my clients don't ever feel that way. I realized that it would’ve felt wayyyy different if I had simply been given a heads up that there would be another photographer! Through this unfortunate experience, I learned exactly what I didn't want to do. And through Cultivate, I learned how to consciously hold space for my clients so that they know that their desires are heard and their consent matters.

Cultivate helped me reframe the content in my guides and resources to be more expansive and direct so my clients always know what they can expect from the experience they’re investing in.

Part of this process had me sitting down and considering each and every step I walk you through leading up to your session–from the booking process to helping you feel more supported before your session to explaining what to expect afterwards – and through that, I was envisioning ways that I could do a better job to meet people where they’re at.

The training was experiential, meaning throughout those six weeks I not only learned but really experienced what it feels like to have space held for me in a way that honors my full humanity. It really changed the way that I approach boudoir and changed the way I viewed my business altogether.

It helped me not only be a better businesswoman and boudoir photographer, but it helped me learn how to hold space like that for you. It helped me see the areas in which I can continue to grow and improve to offer you the best experience possible in my studio.

So, how does being trauma-informed actually show up in the studio?

→ I always ask for verbal consent before making any physical adjustments to your hair or your outfit.

→ I provide designated changing areas for your comfort and privacy.

→ I maintain transparent communication throughout your session, so you never feel like you're out of the loop.

→ I give you the space to voice your ideas and desires.

→ I use encouraging and supportive language to lift you up every step of the way.

→ I respect your boundaries and empower you to dress (and undress) as you see fit.

→ I offer choice when it comes to posing, with optional modifications for your comfort when needed.

I know that boudoir can seem intimidating. But by being intentional about the experience I provide and how I hold space for my clients, I hope to make you feel empowered both in and out of the studio.

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!