What do you love about boudoir photography?
There are so many things I love about boudoir photography! I love helping women see how unique they are. I love creating art that someone is going to cherish for a lifetime. There is so much satisfaction in knowing I encouraged a woman to be a bit braver, to do something out of their comfort zone, to challenge their ideas on beauty standards. I love the whole process of shooting, editing, and sharing the images because I know in this process I am giving someone a gift they may not even expect and that is the gift of finding self-love and in a lot of cases self-confidence.
Are there any techniques you use to help people relax during the shoot?
All of my sessions include hair and makeup with a bit of pampering and while my clients are getting glammed up we talk about expectations, wardrobe, style, and everything else between! We laugh a lot and I share stories about past shoots. I show them every pose and coach them through the entire shoot. Many women have told me they love my calm personality and that I seem more like a best friend which helped them relax. They also like the fact that they do not need to know how to do anything and that I talk them through it all.
Do you ever shoot nudes?
Yes! However, not every woman wants to get naked, but maybe about 80% of my clients want a few tasteful nude photos to add to their book. The body truly is an art form. Beautiful in every way. The curves, lines, nooks, and features of the female form can be captured in a million different ways. With my experience and expertise in photographing women, I am going to create breathtaking works of art my clients will love. And if they opt to not do nudes at all that is okay too. I never pressure my clients to do anything outside of their comfort zone unless they ask me to.
What’s your favorite part about working with a boudoir client?
Getting to know my clients is one of my favorite things about my job. During the shoot, we spend about three hours together. I always joke I feel like a bartender/therapist because in such an intimate setting women feel they can share anything with me and they can! Their feelings and thoughts are safe with me. I would never share anything said in confidence during a shoot without their consent. Sometimes a client will tell me a story that is so inspiring I will ask if I can share the story but keep their identity private. I feel I could write a book of all the beautiful stories (With permission of course!) of these women’s experiences because I know they have inspired me and made me a better person. The stories range from abuse to overcoming illness. Some of the stories are truly incredible.
What does feminine beauty mean to you as a boudoir photographer?
It means helping women find the beauty in their bodies they may not see on a day-to-day basis. My main goal when photographing my clients is to help them find their feminine power. Just like men have this aura of masculinity and find pride in that, I feel women should not be made to feel ashamed of their sensuality. We are all sexual beings or we would not be here. There is so much healthy power in feeling confident in your body.
Why do most women choose to do a boudoir session?
A. Million. Different. Reasons. Some of the main reasons are a milestone birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, for self-empowerment, healing from trauma, after divorce, after a baby, after plastic surgery, losing a lot of weight or gaining weight, documenting youth, breast Cancer, This list could go on and on. I have photographed thousands of boudoir sessions and once you dig a little deeper you find out they did the shoot for so many reasons other than what they may have said on a questionnaire. Whatever their reason, to me it will always be 100% valid.
What are your most popular products?
My custom-designed albums are my most popular product. The albums are uniquely designed for each client. They get to be a part of the design process and approval before the album goes to print. My standard albums are hard-bound books with a leather cover. However, I have over 100 unique cover choices if the client would like something to fit their personality. The albums I offer come in a variety of sizes. Next in line would be wall portraits, digital files, and image boxes.
What’s the number one piece of advice for women who are about to do a boudoir photography session for the first time with you?
- I know it may seem nerve-racking but just know you are in good hands. Don’t worry! I am going to make the whole process easy peasy!
- You got this!
What is the most important thing you want potential clients to know about you?
They have zero things to worry about when doing a shoot with me. I am laid back and easygoing and make the shoot relaxed and fun! I never judge anyone on their body or lingerie or how they wish their images to turn out – meaning if they prefer to keep it modest or if they want to bring out their 50 shades of grey bondage, I will never judge that! Every woman is nervous about having her own boudoir shoot. So many women say the same thing – that they are worried they won’t look sexy but will end up looking awkward. Let me tell you, YOU are beautiful just the way you are and you will walk away from your shoot with the most eye-opening sexy photos you will ever have taken. You do not need to worry about posing because I will walk you through every single step. It will be fun and easy. I promise!
Critsey Rowe, Couture Boudoir’s photographer, is an experienced, internationally published, and respected boudoir photographer who has dedicated her career to helping women feel comfortable and beautiful. With the help of female-only assistants and stylists, Critsey celebrates the uniqueness and intimate beauty of every client and takes truly flattering, tasteful, and gorgeous boudoir photographs.