Feature Photographer: Toria Germain Photography

Why did you decide to shoot boudoir photography?

When I first began my photography business, I was literally shooting every genre, but boudoir. I was also a new mom and wanted to have a sense of self. Photography gave me that, but boudoir photography showed me how to own it! I’ve always been a sensual person. It’s something I’ve always fought myself over because being openly sensual did not meet the values and standards of those I was around in my small hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama. I wanted to let women know it’s okay to be sensual. It’s okay to be free. It’s okay to have standards and boundaries. It’s okay to be and have all of the above and still be worthy of your desires. I decided to shoot boudoir because of how it made those I photographed feel. I believe all women deserve to feel valued, loved, appreciated, heard and boudoir does this on such an innate and intimate level.

Describe what a boudoir session is like with you for your clients.

My Ignite boudoir sessions are phenomenal! Clients book their sessions 4 weeks to 12 months in advance and we start the process with their styling consultation. This is where we go over the vibe and aesthetic they’d like to have during their session. As we get closer to their shoot they are to complete self care tasks to prepare for their session. The day of their session they receive complimentary hair and makeup, up to 5 outfit changes, guidance through posing, and more. Afterwards, they are able to see their pictures and purchase the ones they absolutely love. We go over what printed products may best meet their needs as well as customization of these products.

How do you empower Black women with your boudoir photography?

I empower Black women with my boudoir photo sessions by giving them time and space to be. They don’t have to explain themselves, their words, expressions, or culture to me. I get it. Black women need and deserve to feel seen and heard. And through my sessions, I give them time and space to be all that they are while celebrating them and their journey.

What do you want Black women to understand about doing their own boudoir session?

I want Black women to understand that they are worthy. Period. I want them to understand that it’s okay to allow yourself the luxury of someone else taking care of all the details for you. You deserve rest, relaxation, and the luxury of being taken care during your own boudoir session. Stop showing up for everyone else thinking it makes you a good person and start showing up for yourself. You’ve given everything to everyone. It’s time for you to give the luxury of you to yourself.

What is your favorite part of shooting boudoir?

My favorite part of shooting boudoir is the transformation. I absolutely love watching my clients come in timid and then transforming into a fierce and unstoppable goddess during her session! We all have things that we want to hide, but watching them own their bodies in ways they didn’t think was possible is my all time favorite part of shooting boudoir.