How It Makes Me a Better Boudoir Photographer
In the heart of Washington DC's Dupont Circle, tucked away in a cozy office, you'll find me. It's 11 AM. on a Saturday morning and I've been here since 8 AM, meticulously retouching photos. It's not just about editing photos though, this time is sacred for me. I’m the kind of person who craves silence when I'm working, but retouching and listening to podcasts is the one rare things I can truly multitask. There’s something about being fully absorbed in both that makes the hours melt away. It’s a chance to refine my art but also myself.
As a boudoir photographer, my job goes beyond just taking intimate photos. It's about creating a safe space where my clients feel beautiful, empowered, and confident. There’s a lot of nuance to this kind of work, and as much as the technical skills matter, the mindset I bring into the session is just as important. Surprisingly, some of the most important work I do happens in the quiet moments away from the camera.
Photography can be fast paced and demanding but there’s a lot of downtime too. Hours spent editing, processing, and fine-tuning images require patience and an eye for detail. During this time, I drink outrageous amount of kombucha, jam to some 70's soul funk and listen to a lot of self improvement podcasts. It was that last one that lead me to stoic philosophy.
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”
One stoic principle I live by is the belief that since external events are beyond our control, it's crucial to focus our energy on what we can influence or change. In boudoir photography, emotions can run high. Clients often come into a session with nerves, body insecurities, or past experiences that shape how they feel in front of the camera. I get it, I really do, but Marvin don't play that.
Embracing stoicism helps me stay calm and focused, regardless of a client's energy. It allows me to approach each session with empathy, creating a comfortable atmosphere, while reminding me to practice gratitude and focus on what I can control. My professionalism, attention to detail, and the energy I bring to each shoot. This mindset has made me more patient, both with my work and with myself.
I've learned that photography, at its core, is about connection, presence, and accepting impermanence. Each photo captures a fleeting moment, each session is a reminder of beauty in transience. I’ve become not only a more focused and disciplined photographer but also a more compassionate one. Whether I’m behind the camera or at my desk retouching images, I’m constantly working on becoming the best version of myself for the people I photograph. And that, to me, is the true art of boudoir photography.
