First off, thank you, Valerie, for answering our questions and becoming a part of the Inspiyr Community!
Valerie, would you please introduce yourself and VS Photography to our audience?
Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the wonderful Inspiyr Community, I am honored to support your mission to encourage others to live their best lives. I’m Valerie Sarron, Founder of VS Photography, a beauty and boudoir photography studio located in Boston, MA. Beauty and boudoir photography is a more intimate take on traditional portraiture.
Whether commemorating a wedding, an anniversary, or a special milestone in your life, an intimate portrait shoot is a perfect way to celebrate yourself and create a memory that will last forever. A boudoir photography session is a unique, empowering experience that every woman should try at least once.
What was the inspiration for starting VS Photography? With some photographers, photography can start out as a hobby and then transform towards a career. Was this creative industry always your first career choice?
Prior to launching my venture, I gained experience working in other creative fields as an editor before taking on photography full time. It felt like a natural progression as my work required imagery. My first foray into boudoir photography specifically grew from my experience with my first client. I gifted a close friend a boudoir session for her wedding and the word soon spread to her colleagues who wanted to try the experience. I saw there was a great potential market out there for this niche.
The other influencing factor was how special (for both myself and my first client) that first session was. I found the art of boudoir photography incredibly empowering and uplifting. All this led me to take the leap and open up a private studio space where I could share these kinds of positive experiences with more women!
Clearly, there are misconceptions about boudoir photography, what would you consider to be the biggest misconception you have come across?
One misconception I see portrayed in the media (not via clients) is that boudoir is simply taking pictures in your underwear—but it’s so much more than that! It’s a chance to take a moment for yourself and completely celebrate the life stage you’re in while embracing your unique beauty and feeling confident in your own skin. Most of my boudoir sessions are incredibly emotional—in the best way possible!
Another misconception is that you have to be in the best shape of your life before booking a boudoir session. Yes, it’s important to personally feel good for a session, but I encourage all clients to embrace the idea of self-love and appreciate the life stage they’re in. You don’t need to wait until you become the “perfect” version of yourself, because you’re already perfect the way you are!
Throughout the years as one has to hone their craft, what lessons have you learned from being a photographer?
Of course, I believe your technical skills get better over time with practice. But I think where I’ve progressed most since the beginning is learning how to be my client’s support system and their biggest cheerleader. The women who come through my door arrive from all walks of life, each with their own reason for wanting to enjoy a boudoir shoot. I’ve learned how to listen to each individual story, and treat their session as a unique experience while reminding them of how incredible they are.
What drew you towards boudoir photography? Also on a personal note, (I find that boudoir photography can be essentially empowering for people), what message would you have for anyone looking to book a session, that is on an empowering note?
I genuinely love the connection I make with each one of my clients through boudoir photography, as it is an intimate experience that extends far beyond the lace. I have a deep respect and admiration for women who are brave enough to shed their own inhibitions around body image that we all tend to harbor behind closed doors and can step outside of their comfort zone to partake in an experience that is a reflection of self-love and acceptance.
For anyone thinking about booking a boudoir session, I would say it’s truly an uplifting experience and that there’s no time like the present.
All of the self-confidence and feelings of empowerment are already in your possession, but a boudoir session is a great way to bring them to the surface. I’m proud to share that all of my clients leave a session feeling great about themselves. Boudoir is about celebrating your body and beauty, as well as taking a well-deserved moment to love yourself!
Valerie, I hope we will have much more content from you in the near future. Inspiyr is aiming to gear more towards female empowerment and career driven women. Thank you so much for your patience and time.
Thank you so much! I’m honored to be part of a community promoting such values!