Boudoir Photography - Calgary Boudoir Photographer

Hello There Darling Boudoir

Wild Rose Workshop - French Inspired Boudoir

I had the opportunity to help lead and guide professional photographers on how to best capture boudoir portraits in a portraiture style for the second time as part of one of the Wild Rose Wedding Workshops. These lovely workshops are primarily intimate, are learn-by-doing approach and very informative. They are all organized by Heather Johnston, of Orange Trunk Styling and Rentals and her main goal is to help educate creatives, especially photographers on how to capture styled spaces and beautiful portraits. What you will see below is one of her magical sets she has designed at Venue 308, located in Calgary, AB. She has also brought together a diverse team of creatives that will in turn transform the spaces into amazing sets. To say I was excited was an understatement.

For me, I really wanted two very different types of models so I could relay as much knowledge I could as the lead photographer role. I feel very strongly about diversification and I typically ask for the most unexperienced models when teaching or shooting any editorial shoot. This always allows when I am shooting the most genuine portraits captured and creates the opportunity for the learning photographers to see the real side of boudoir. It is less about the technical skill of a photographer and more about making your subject (model) feel comfortable with you. You must understand who you are photographing and pick up on cues when they need guidance while all the while following light and changing settings in your camera.

What I didn’t expect from this shoot :

I noticed quite soon on that my own insecurities were going to be at the forefront of my mind.
How do I teach a group of photographers how to capture two completely different body times and skin tones as beautifully as possible. I had no idea who the attendees would be and how much experience they had as a photographer.
Covid - 19 Studio Restrictions were going on and on for way longer than we anticipated and less attendees were able to attend. However, it did make it feel more personalized and everyone was able to take their time and ask as many questions as they wanted.
Lastly, I didn’t expect to leave this workshop, by leading and guiding other photographers and models and feel beautiful myself. Something quiet happened inside me. I received a little more grace about myself after this workshop.

Usually where the magic is for me is during the post production process of my photography. Some of the take aways I saw during my editing process was how no matter how small or curvy your body is, you can be captured in a way that can make you feel and look amazing. For too long, too many people have gone on living and not felt beautiful in the skin they have today. If I had to wait for a day when I was thin enough, small enough, smart enough, rich enough, I would never be enough. So, to see and show other photographers how to capture a woman’s beauty with regards to what they love about themselves is enlightening. It brought me back to why I started shooting boudoir portraiture in the first place. I wanted to be a part of the solution and the evolution of female empowerment. I knew and know that is starts with our minds and how we see ourselves. This is impactful and life changing, not just beautiful and unnecessary imagery.

Please let me know your thoughts and thank you for taking the time to read a little behind the scenes of this workshop I took part in. FYI, shooting boudoir portraiture while leading other photographers isn’t easy at all but damn it is rewarding.

Much Love & Respect,

Christy xoxo