Not another “Dude with a camera”

I may not correct you if you called me sir [or my personal favorite: sir-ma’am ] but I promise I am not just another dude with a camera. I didn’t decide one day to buy the newest Sony mirrorless camera on the market and start taking nudes of my local models while calling myself an artist. Men still have a monopoly on that, don’t worry guys.

My relationship with boudoir started when I was a young model on the Big Island of Hawaii, trying to make it in a sea of model mayhem predators and no online regulation – Yes, I am a millennial. I was 19 and naive, and all my friends were working with the same photographer and getting amazing images – so I joined and found myself naked under a red cloak and running around a cloud forest. I felt free. I felt comfortable in my skin, no shame, no stress about being witnessed with stretch marks or cellulite or any imperfection. Which, duh, I was barely an adult and didnt have half the reason to be self conscious as I do now in my 30’s – but I was a deeply insecure person, and I thought that every single woman should experience this freedom. Seeing myself that way through the photos gave me a boost of confidence I desperately needed – and years later, motivated me to pick up a camera myself and start learning. How hard can it be, if boys do it? Spoiler: Very hard, in fact.

My philosophy on Boudoir Photography:

I am here to celebrate you, as you are in this era of life. To remind you that your skin is real, strong, beautiful and valid in all stages of life. The wrinkles tell our stories, the laugh lines, the crows feet, the marks of bringing a child to the world – these are signs of love. Even deeper than that, I hold space for pain, too. A place to express dysmorphia, gender affirmation, self harm battles, eating disorders, and all the other ways we cary pain and trauma in our bodies as we navigate an impossible system of perfectionism. Boudoir is so much more than what I see sold all over my facebook feed: Heels, Lacey Lingerie, Full Hair and Make-up etc. That can be fun too, but it is not needed to get beautiful photos. If you don’t normally wear makeup to feel good, then don’t feel like you need it for a photoshoot.

All you need to do is show up, and allow your walls to fall [Or take a drag from a joint] and The rest comes naturally.

Motivation = Message

Why are you considering booking an Alaska Boudoir photoshoot? Are you a new mother wanting to step back into her skin and feel good? Are you celebrating a health journey? Are you celebrating a birthday or a wedding? – You don’t need a reason to want to book a session that celebrated you. But your intent will direct how your photos look, and the message they give. I want to give you art you want to hang on your walls, that have a message about your journey, who you are, and giving a middle finger to any system or person that tried to shrink us to fit their box. If we are focused on body positivity, I am not going to put you in a stiff environment – instead we will be out frolicking in nature somewhere that you can be uninhibited and let go of any weight society pressed into you. If we are celebrating a birthday – I might switch gears and create a custom birthday set that perfectly suits your vibe, complete with a cake and balloons. Maybe we are overcoming something or want to show off a new tattoo, so I will frame your photos to reflect it. Boudoir photography is not about looking flawless and perfect for a specific reason, at a specific weight or age. It can be for any reason or none at all and no matter WHAT your boudoir photos are going to look incredible because they hold up a mirror to yourself and reflect how naturally beautiful you are – regardless of gender [ that’s a seperate blog post to come].

Creating Raw Connection for All Lovers

You won’t find proudness here – no matter what your relationship structure looks like, I am here to capture it. I ask all clients show up with an open mind, and know their intimacy is sacred to their photographer enough to relax and show me those details of your life together. That can look like Netflix and chill, or making out on the beach, or embracing at a steamy sunrise – all while I shout out “Cuuuttteeeeee” and “Grab that azz” from nehind the camera. My most important goal for every client at any photoshoot is: have fun. Be silly and handsy and flirt with your partner like it’s the early days. Love only gets stronger and more beautiful over time, and the honor of being included in that special place reserved for your most close people – is never taken lightly. We go at your speed, to your level of comfort with no pressure to ever reveal more than you are comfortable with. Privacy is always an option at any time, so even if you decide later that you want your photos offline, I will ALWAYS honor that.

Lets tell your story, YOUR way.

xo – Jazz