Sometimes I find it hard to put into words why I chose to be a boudoir photographer. To me, it’s so much more than photos. It’s about self-acceptance, body positivity, and art. It is about getting glammed up and laughing your butt off. It’s about the transformation that takes place between the time you walk in my studio and walk back out that door. It is about feeling beautiful and THAT is something I believe every person deserves.
I didn’t start as a boudoir photographer
I started out as a wedding photographer. The candid shots and unique poses were my favourite. I loved catching a new side of the bride or the groom and really bringing their personality through in the photos.
“I can’t believe how beautiful I look,” brides said, often. And it wasn’t because I touched up their images just right. It wasn’t because they were dressed differently for their special day. It was because their true essence was shining through.
Seeing their reactions to the photos changed me. I couldn’t just take pictures of weddings anymore – I needed to make every photo create that reaction. I knew I needed to change the focus of my business. I opened a permanent studio and began shooting boudoir.
I became a boudoir photographer because I needed to help my clients feel good about themselves
It is now my job to be a mirror for my clients. Not the twisted mirror the world holds up, pointing out your flaws and making you feel shame – a mirror that sees deeper. Beyond the scars and lumps and bruises and imperfections. The one that shows your sparkle.
I didn’t quite grasp the gravity of what I was accomplishing for women until January 2018 when I finally made the transition into boudoir photography full time. Since then, we’ve built a community of empowered women working to empower other women through their examples of self-love. Which, honestly, is one of the most amazing byproducts of this entire adventure. Not only am I able to help the women who come in my studio, but I know that many of them will share their experience with others and the self-love will just keep spreading.
I understand what my boudoir clients feel
Before really getting into boudoir I was so focused on my own insecurities I wasn’t able to see just how much of an impact a photo could make. I have to thank those brides who shared their experiences with me, because they helped set me on this path.
Not only did they open my eyes to what I needed to see for my business, they also helped me as a person. I know exactly what it feels like to feel un-sexy, to question your beauty, to feel pressure to look or be one way or another. Through helping my clients realize their own true beautiful, powerful, sexy essence, I have been able to reclaim a lot of that for myself, as well.
I love watching clients transform during their boudoir shoots
The transformation that takes place in our studio is the best part of the whole experience for me. When a woman arrives at the studio she’s usually nervous. It’s normal. Shaky hands and voices, sweaty hands – these are things I see all the time. But from the moment she sits in our makeup chair the transformation begins.
Sure, the way she looks might change since we’re glamming up her hair and face a little to bring out her natural beauty even more. But what I’m talking about is a transformation of confidence and self love.
The anxiety starts to fall away. The negative thoughts she’s learned to think about herself begin to slip.
The first part of any boudoir shoot is all about getting warmed up. These usually aren’t the gold-level shots since she’s still kind of nervous, but it shifts quickly when she sees her first few images. I’ll flip the camera around and let her see herself the way I see her.
“Oh my God! Is that ME? No way!”
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As we go into the next series and then the next, the laughter and smiles start to come out. Then she starts to feel sexy. The sexy eyes come out. And you can tell that it’s starting to click.
By the time we finish the session and go into the reveal, we’re friends. We’ve just shared an experience that she will always remember. We’ve laughed and shared stories about our lives. And I’ve had the honour of witnessing a major transformation in her sense of self.
👉 Check out what some of our past clients have said about their boudoir shoots!
I hope to provide an empowering experience for women through boudoir for many years to come
I’ve built Gabriela Cruz Photography to last. We are entering our 5th year in business and I couldn’t be more proud of the experience we’re having. I say “we” because I’m also very proud to have amassed an incredible team (in the studio and outside of the studio) that elevates a GCP Boudoir experience above the rest.
For me boudoir photography is a celebration of your body and who you truly are. I love being able to help show women how to celebrate their bodies, their battles and their victories.
Let me show you your sparkle. Let me help remind you how to love and be proud of yourself.
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