When I first started photographing professionally, I had no idea what genre of photography I wanted to specialize in. I just knew I always had loved taking photos and working the creative process to make beautiful images. I also had just started a family and needed a career with a flexible schedule, since my husband's was not AT ALL.
After over a year of basically taking photos of anyone and anything that I could get paid for, I stumbled across the boudoir niche. I started doing research, which lead to more research, which lead to books and tutorials, which eventually lead to a trip to NYC to learn how the heck to do this thing. I spent 5 days in the city, in the fall of 2015, learning as much as I could about how to build a boudoir photography studio (all the while wondering where I was going to get said studio). When I returned, I rented out a local B&B ( thanks Three Oaks Bed & Breakfast), and held a model call. I photographed 12 women that day and my portfolio was BORN!
It didn't take long to realize that I needed a permanent space to photograph boudoir photos. One that was private, comfortable, and pretty. So we began renovating an old home that we had. Room by room, we (my family and myself) have turned it into a truly beautiful space for my clients. It's homey and comfortable, yet spacious enough to accommodate multiple stylists for larger photography events. I love that I can host women for a ladies night (or day) event. My clients have multiple set options and our client style closet is always growing.
What I didn't realize at the beginning of my boudoir photography journey, was how much it would actually change me. You see, I coach my clients during the entire process to help them make the most of it. Apparently, when you preach it enough times it sinks into your own soul a bit. ( Who knew that!) I have learned to love myself the way that I tell my clients to love themselves. My husband has even commented on my change over the last few years.
THIS is what I was born to do. I was born to help people feel good, to feel beautiful, to feel sexy AF, and to take that feeling into their everyday lives and ROCK it!
- Lisa Gallant
