Hi everyone! For those of you who don’t know me well, I thought the best way to introduce myself would be to re-post an interview I recently did with a local publication. Take a look, and if you want to say “hi” back, just leave me a comment!
It’s so nice to meet you, Evgenia! Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you first become interested in becoming a boudoir photographer?
Thank you so much! I have been a wedding photographer along with my husband for quite a few years. At one of the weddings, when the bride was getting ready, she asked me to take a few pictures of her in lingerie. I almost died as I didn’t know what to do with a girl by herself – let alone when she was barely dressed! Nevertheless, I snapped a few pictures, came home after the wedding, researched boudoir photography and fell in love. I got my friend to strip for me and practiced. When I first researched boudoir, lots of the images I saw were cheesy and tacky. I definitely didn’t want to create that. I wanted to create powerful, sensual and edgy images. Sometimes they can be raw and risque, but I wanted to take ones that people would want to look at and come back to.
What is it about boudoir photography that you love so much?
I get inspired with each client I book. As women, we are never too confident about our bodies, skin, face, hands, etc. I love pushing myself and my craft to show how beautiful women really are. It’s very easy to find flaws with yourself… and it’s much harder to compliment yourself. I am the one who compliments my clients through my work. I get teary-eyed every time I receive great feedback from my clients. I love when they write, “I can’t believe it’s me” or “I couldn’t recognize myself”. Then I say, “This is how people really see you – beautiful, sensual, sexy and powerful!”
Doing a boudoir session can seem really intimidating to many women. How do you get your clients to feel relaxed and enjoy their time in front of the camera?
It definitely seems intimidating! When clients meet me for the first time, they need to get semi (or fully) naked in front of a stranger. I would be intimidated too! However, most of my clients book my amazing makeup and hair stylist, and we spend an hour or so getting makeup and hair done. That gives me time to chat and discuss things. It kind of eases the process since we bond over things. We also look at outfits the client brings, and I help them choose what looks best. The client looks at products, albums and images. They see that many, many, many women have done this and it looks so amazing as a final product. So they have very little hesitation when we are actually ready to shoot. I also completely guide them through the whole process as far as to how to pose, where to turn their heads and how to look. They really just need to follow my direction and enjoy the session!
You also take couples boudoir photography. How does the session work? Is it difficult to get 2 people to relax and look natural together in front of the camera?
I absolutely love couples sessions! It is actually a little less intimidating than a single person session, and people feel more relaxed since they have their partners in the room. It’s fun and perhaps even more candid at times since the bond and chemistry takes it course. And if people feel a little lost, I absolutely help them with the best poses and looks!
How would you describe your style?
My style is sensual, provocative, edgy, bold, sexy, seductive, honest, confident and raw. Can’t really just have 1 description 🙂
What’s the most rewarding thing about being a boudoir photographer?
I have done quite a few sessions, so by now I know when the session came out well. But it really puts the cherry on top when I get an amazing review and feedback from my clients.
Tell us about the products that clients typically purchase during your session.
My clients have the options to choose an album and/or print box and/or digital images on a USB drive. Most of my clients purchase a 10X10 album with 30-40 images plus a USB drive.
What you would tell someone who’s on the verge of booking a boudoir session, but doubts if she should really do it or not?
You will always be 5 pounds away from your ideal weight or 30 days away from getting the perfect abs in the gym… but life goes by and you can never get back TODAY. Trust my craft, enjoy the session and see how beautiful you really are!
Are you searching for a female boudoir photographer in NYC?
Get to know me more by sending me a message! If you’re just curious about boudoir photography right now, it never hurts to learn a little bit more! That’s why I created a private Facebook group for you to get a glimpse into the world of boudoir. Take a look… you have nothing to lose (and maybe some friends to gain)!
Until next week!
xoxo,
Evgenia