Deborah Welsh has been capturing professional boudoir photos and creating masterpieces for 30+ years. She offers a luxury boudoir experience and her studio is based in Martinez.
Deborah is on an amazing mission where she is offering her services to 40 women over 40 who want to feel empowered and embrace their beauty in her luxury boudoir experience.
We got in touch with her to know more about her ideas and her journey in clicking professional boudoir photos for over 3 decades. Read ahead to know more about Deborah and her work.
Q.1 What inspired you to specialize in boudoir photography for women over the age of 40?
Ans. I have been photographing women for over 30 years. In my twenties, I took a history of photography class and was so enamored by photographers Imogene Cunningham and Ruth Bernard’s fine art nudes that this is when I decided that I was going to photograph the female in fine art form.
My vision has not changed much over the years and I shoot more boudoir but in the beginning I photographed mostly nudes. The 40 over 40 Self-Love Experience came about because women who are getting along in age sometimes feel invisible, small and not heard. With my mentor, Dina Mande and her secret sauce it has boosted my business tremendously. She’s awesome!
I want them to know they are beautiful inside and out and can express themselves however they want in my studio. It’s all about expression.
Q.2 The idea of creating a safe space for women of all sizes led you to open a boudoir photography studio in Martinez. How did this all come about?
Ans. I’ve had several studios over the years. When I moved to Martinez I didn’t have a studio and began looking for one and just happened to find a boudoir studio right here in Martinez. It’s perfect.
Q.3 How do you handle nervous or self-conscious clients during a session?
Ans. We talk a lot and during the makeup and hair styling I interview my client to see how it feels to be the age they are. And why they’re here and a highlight of their life.
Part of the whole experience is a small excerpt, a couple paragraphs that will be displayed under their 16×24 portraits that will be on display for the Gallery exhibit when I get my 40 women.
Q.4 Can you walk us through the process of a typical boudoir session with you? What can clients expect from start to finish?
Ans. 1. The Interview: It begins with a conversation about who they truly are and why do they want to be part of this experience.
2. The consultation: I consult them on what they decide to wear and have a questionnaire for them to fill out. I’m sending them emails along the way.
3. The Welcoming: (sometimes we have a meet and greet ahead of the shoot and most of the time there’s no meet and greet) Showing up at the studio they are welcomed by my makeup artist and get dolled up for about an hour. Sometimes champagne is offered if they want it.
4. The shoot: for an hour to 1.5 hrs.
5. The Reveal: showing their photos on my 55” screen in my home studio to music and them ordering albums and photos.
Q.5 Could you share any success stories or testimonials from women who have had a transformative experience through your nude boudoir photography?
Ans. Here’s one from a client: “I just got photos from my recent photo shoot with Deborah. As an artist I wanted images of myself to paint what I had been calling The Grim Reality Series. I find the reality not so grim.?! The photos are great, Deborah made the whole experience easy. I highly recommend Deborah, her work and manner are professional and I got exactly what I asked for.”
She did a nude shoot with no makeup or hairstyling. Completely raw.
Q.6 Have you encountered any challenges or misconceptions about boudoir photography for women over the age of 40, and how do you address them?
Ans. Mostly women who feel uncomfortable in their own skin because they don’t like how their body looks. I tell them not to worry that I use many different camera angles and they’ll look beautiful.
Q.7 Are there any specific themes or styles that you specialize in for boudoir photography, or do you tailor each session to the individual client’s preferences?
Ans. I have my poses that I always use. Laying, kneeling and standing. It also depends on their outfits.
Q.8 What do you hope women will take away from their experience with you and their boudoir photographs?
Ans. Well way back when, one woman said this experience was better than an E Ticket ride. LOL Some cry, some are still critical. I want them to know that this experience doesn’t just end when they walk out the door. I want them to have more confidence and feel empowered.
Q.9 Do you provide any guidance or assistance with wardrobe choices for boudoir sessions, especially for women who may not have experience in lingerie or pin-up styles?
Ans. Oh, yes, I do. I send them links to what I think they should wear. With PinUP there’s a consultation and I’ll know exactly what will be worn.
Q.10 How do you measure the success of any nude boudoir photoshoot?
Ans. My success is when they love their photos and can say wow, I didn’t know I looked that good. Or I’m really beautiful.
Q.11 What do you like to do other than photography?
Ans. I have a part time business in wine touring and love going to wineries wine tasting and learning about wines.
Q.12 What are your plans for the next 6 months?
Ans. I have about 13-14 women who I’ve photographed or on the calendar and my goal is to finish my 40 over 40 Self-Love Experience and have my gallery show.
Q.13 What advice would you give to women who are considering a boudoir session but may have reservations or hesitations about it?
Ans. Many women who come to me have something they’re celebrating or a milestone or need to get some self-love. I’m here to give them the realization that they are ALL THAT!
Deborah’s approach to encouraging self-love and empowerment through boudoir photos is something to admire and encourage. Her decade-long professional boudoir photography career is a testament to her passion for the art of capturing boudoir photos of women of all ages and sizes.
Her journey and perspective on the genre are something we all can appreciate and celebrate. Check out her website and work here.
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