Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Danielle.
Hi Brianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Boudoir photography started as a tool for my own self-love journey. It has grown in to an experience that I feel SO grateful to be able to share with others, who want to celebrate themselves.
I first discovered boudoir when I was in a relationship that had really hindered my self-confidence. As a people pleaser, doing something for myself was a treat and doing a boudoir session for myself felt really empowering. Being able to put on a sexy outfit and be hyped up and celebrated by someone else (the photographer), was a really encouraging and validating experience. Being able to see myself through someone else’s literal lens, helped me to gain an outsider’s perspective, and helped me to appreciate things about myself that I had overlooked and neglected.
I wanted to share this experience with others to help them regain their own sense of self and to remind them of how magical they truly are.
I feel so fortunate to have found this creative outlet that allows me to connect with myself and build connections with so many others. Being able to practice this craft through self-portraits, collaborations, as well as being able to call this my job feels like a dream come true. I’m literally still in disbelief; it’s such an honor to be trusted with these intimate photos.
On days when I’m feeling defeated and hopeless, I like to reflect on the experiences that I’ve overcome. Each personal boudoir session has become the cover image for different chapters in my life. Reflecting on these experiences has helped me to remind myself how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown.
I hope to inspire others to explore boudoir photography, as an option on their own self-love journey. It’s really amazing when we stop comparing ourselves to others and realize that we each have the power to create new experiences and write new chapters for ourselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Lol, not exactly… I’ve had a love of photography since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until I went through an unexpected divorce, that I decided to pursue it as more than a hobby or “side hustle”.
My mental health was at an all-time low, and everything I thought my future held, looked incredibly different overnight. I knew I needed a break.
Breaks weren’t something I was good at, but I knew it was necessary to take care of myself. I turned to creativity and family for support, and both caught me with the biggest embrace.
I took time off of work. I moved in with my mom. I got outside. I took photos. I painted. I read books. I journaled. I went to therapy. I did yoga. I survived a pandemic. I found community. I made friends. I lost friends. I fell in love and got re-married.
Healing is not a linear experience. It has required a lot of time and patience from myself and my support system. But I’m so grateful for the new version of myself, that I’ve been able to meet in the process.
I knew years ago that I wanted to be a boudoir photographer, but I had to learn how to love myself again, before I could even begin to help others on their own journey.
My self-love journey isn’t complete by any means, but everything I’ve experienced has given me greater empathy and a new set of tools to support others, on their own healing adventures.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in outdoor boudoir photography, for everyone!
When I started to build my business I realized how few photographers were offering boudoir services that were inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community. Boudoir is for everyone and every body.
It’s so important to me that EVERYONE has the opportunity to feel sexy, not just women. Boudoir is such a healing and unique experience. This is an invitation to anyone who is looking to empower themselves, to BOOK THE SHOOT!
I also like to acknowledge that not everyone is in a place where they feel “ready” to book a boudoir session, and that is okay!
I encourage folks in every chapter of life to do a boudoir session, if that feels like the right way for them to honor themselves, at the time. Boudoir isn’t just for gifts/anniversaries/weddings/etc. Boudoir is first and foremost a time you dedicate to yourself to celebrate yourself. It can certainly double as an amazing gift, if you choose to share it with someone, but I think real empowerment comes from showing up for yourself.
I also offer indoor sessions, available at studios and from the comfort of your own home. I want everyone to choose a space that feels the most comfortable for them.
What matters most to you?
Besides the more obvious treasures like my husband, my dogs, and my mental health, what matters to me is being a mindful business owner and providing mindful services.
– Creating a safe and comfortable environment for each of my guests
– Providing my guests with images that are authentic, with minimal skin editing, and absolutely no body altering
– Protecting the outside environments that we are visiting, during our sessions
– Reducing the amount of waste I produce from my business and recycling/up-cycling when possible
– Supporting fellow small businesses and local artists
Being a small business owner has given me the opportunity to connect with incredible people, work independently, and practice my creativity. I couldn’t do it without my husband, friends, family, and all of the amazing clients who have supported me, in all of my endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@briannadanielle.com
- Website: https://www.briannadanielle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannadanielle.photo
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/briannadaniellephoto
