How My Muses Shape My Photography and Inspire My Boudoir Work
Today, I came into the office fully intending to write about my journey photographing over hundreds of people a year as a headshot photographer and how that experience fuels my passion. But as I searched for an image to pair with the post, I stumbled upon a set of photos of Meredith, one of my former muses, and found myself drawn back into the inspiration and creative freedom I’ve experienced through working with her.
The thing about my work at this time was that it was less planned than it is now. These days I put together Pinterest boards, make sketches, and Google Slides documents to plan a shoot.
Back then, though, things were more fluid, more instinctive. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, but that was part of the magic. Meredith and others like her taught me how to navigate the unknown. To try things even if something wasn't technically right. With every session, I discovered something new. How to position my lights, how to frame a pose so it felt effortless, how to communicate direction in a way that made someone feel seen rather than scrutinized. How to make the whole experience enjoyable for both of us.
My muses were my greatest teachers. They gave me the space to experiment, to try bold ideas, and sometimes, to fail spectacularly. Through them, I learned that the best images often come from moments of vulnerability, both theirs and mine.
Today, I bring a deeper intentionality to my sessions. I plan, I prepare, and I research, but I’ve never lost that sense of discovery I learned from Meredith and all the muses who’ve stepped in front of my camera. Every client I work with, whether they’re a professional model, a first-timer, or someone who’s spent years avoiding the lens, is part of that lineage.
It’s their trust that allows me to create. Their willingness to step into the light, to show up as they are, fuels the creative freedom that drives my work. My muses taught me that photography isn’t just about capturing someone’s image, it’s about reflecting their spirit.
So here’s to Meredith and to all my muses, past, present, and future. Thank you for teaching me how to see and thank you for letting yourselves be seen.
