Artist Statement

Boudoir photography invites people to appreciate themselves, celebrate themselves, and love themselves. When it comes to sensuality, sexuality, and identity, our society constantly tells us to hide who we are, especially if it doesn’t conform to certain very limiting norms, coming from societal or religious dogma.

In my work as a boudoir photographer, I create an environment where someone can be completely and unapologetically themself, creating beautiful, natural images that represent and celebrate who they are. My clients span an entire spectrum of age, race, body type, gender identity, sexuality, and ability. Everyone has their own reason for doing a boudoir session. It can mark a turning point in their life that is either joyful or painful; it can be a reclaiming of a part of themself they may feel they've lost; it can be a declaration and affirmation of who they are. Whatever it is, I provide a space where each one of my clients can give themselves permission to express who they are.

I often play with light and shadow, though this specific look is a recent addition to my repertoire. I was inspired by an image one of these women sent me before her session. I loved the result and have done this technique a few times since then. I call what I do natural boudoir, because I want the real person to come through. Even when it's dramatic images like these, I want my clients to recognize themselves in their images. None of the images here is retouched beyond refinement of light and shadow.

This series represents three women who all had different reasons for coming to me this year. They're all different ethnicities and body types; they're in their thirties and forties; two of them are best friends who had come to me before and did their second session together. None had ever posed completely nude before, but they all felt safe and energized to be adventurous. Once they had created these images, they were so happy with what we had done that they enthusiastically agreed to let me submit these images for the exhibition. I am deeply grateful for each of these clients.

Resume

I have lived in Emeryville since 1992, working as a graphic designer for Bay Area nonprofit arts organizations. In 2013, I left my job as the in-house art director for Berkeley Repertory Theatre to pursue full-time freelance work as both a photographer and art director. In 2015 I started creating boudoir images, which quickly became the most emotionally rewarding part of my practice. I also shoot headshots, food, live performance, and more. I have a studio near Lake Merritt that is designed for boudoir as well as other types of photography.

Website: http://oaktownboudoir.com