Stephanie Bordas is a nude photographer, portrait photographer and boudoir photographer who specializes in capturing the modern woman in every stage of her life.
Stephanie’s passion for photography began as a personal exploration, going beyond traditional genres like wedding or infant photography.
Join us as we unravel Stephanie’s story, from her own sensual self-portraits to the birth of Brooklyn Boudoir, a revolutionary New York City studio that redefines what it means to feel confident, empowered, and truly beautiful.
Get ready to embark on an artistic journey that will challenge conventions, uplift spirits, and celebrate the unfiltered allure of fine art nudes.
Q1. What inspired you to specialize in boudoir photography and focus on capturing the confidence and sensuality of women?
A. Photography has always been a passion of mine, but I never knew how to make it a career without photographing weddings or infants. And so, for many years, photography was a hobby – I took classes, photographed friends and embarked on a daily self-portrait project over the course of 2 years.
My images always had a boudoir feel to them, even though I didn’t have the word “boudoir” in my vocabulary yet. It was one of the ways I was able to explore my own sensuality as I got older. Then one day a friend of mine told me about a boudoir shoot she did – I was intrigued and instantly signed up.
The experience was a lot of fun and I could easily see why a woman would seek out a boudoir experience of her own, but I felt the photographer didn’t see me for me. Instead, I felt she was trying to fit me into a certain idea of what “sexy” was.
And so the idea for Brooklyn Boudoir was born – a modern New York City boudoir studio where clients could receive a luxury, bespoke experience that felt true to them, without the need for playing dress up, using elaborate sets or heavy hair and make up.
I find when you strip away all the set ideas of what a “sexy” may be, boudoir becomes artistic and helps women feel fantastic about themselves, just the way they are.
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Q2. Can you share a memorable experience where a boudoir session positively impacted a client’s self-perception and confidence?
A. Every woman who comes into my studio tells me how powerful their shoot was for them in one way or another, but some are more open to the idea of this radical self-acceptance than others. One of my most memorable clients is a New York lawyer – smart with a sardonic edge.
She first came in for a shoot on a friend’s recommendation after getting divorced and losing nearly 100 pounds. She was skeptical about the whole experience.
I insist that my clients refrain from any negative self-talk while on set, but she was cracking sarcastic jokes left and right about everything we were doing. It was a clear defense mechanism but made the shoot tricky nonetheless.
All of my go-to poses felt silly to her, and so I had to really focus on who this woman was, what she needed, and how I could help her feel comfortable in her own skin in this particular scenario.
When she came back in for her reveal a few weeks later, she told me that the night of her shoot she was feeling good, went out on her own, met someone and started the first relationship she had since she first met her ex-husband 15+ years prior.
Even she had to admit that her shoot left her feeling renewed, sexy, and worthy of being seen. That relationship didn’t last, which was ok with her – it wasn’t about meeting someone.
She was grateful to be given the opportunity to see herself in a new light, feel like a new person, and show up to the world with a spring in her step for the first time in years.
I’ve now photographed her 4 different times over the past 5 years and we are already talking about our next shoot together.
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Q3. Your portfolio also consists of nude photography. What do you aim to convey through your fine art nude images?
A. The female form has always been celebrated in Art and my goal is just that – for my clients to see themselves as Art and feel confident enough to display their images as art in their homes.
Whether they want to be seen as strong or graceful, my fine art nudes use extreme posing similar to the contrapposto poses in Greek and Roman sculptures to show off the curves and muscles of the figure.
I love to use shadows to play up the body and add some mystery and keep the images abstract. Faces are rarely present in my fine art nudes – these images are more about form and shape than personality.
This also helps women feel more comfortable putting their photos up on the wall – imagine the rush of seeing yourself up on the wall as Art in an anonymous way so that no one else would know it’s you.
I myself can attest to this as I have my own fine art nude up in my home – the feeling is priceless.
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Q4. How do you establish trust and create a comfortable environment for your models during fine art nude sessions?
A. I never expect a woman to come into the studio and get naked right away! A lot of relationship building goes into making my clients feel comfortable, even before she gets on set. I make sure my clients know exactly what to expect before they come in. How long the shoot will last, the order that we will do things, etc.
We can talk or zoom before the day of the shoot if desired. On the day of the shoot, we start with hair and makeup to help them warm up and feel pampered.
I keep the lights dim, play music they like, have snacks and drinks available to keep their blood sugar up and ensure that the room is warm, clean and smells good.
Then, I ask my clients what they love the most about themselves so I can focus on that as I shoot and also so they can be reminded of everything they love about themselves. I give them the opportunity to ask questions and never rush someone who needs some extra time to warm up.
As the shoot begins, I am sure to start with easier poses, such as sitting or laying down on the stomach. Something that feels safe and less exposed.
If a client is getting into position or if I sense she is feeling self conscious, I look down at my camera to “check my settings” or turn away to give her a moment of privacy.
By the time I’m ready to shoot the standing up poses, most self-consciousness has disappeared. Some clients have even told me that they forget they are nude!
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Q.5 How do you ensure that the final photographs in your boudoir and fine art nude sessions reflect the unique personality and style of each client?
A. One of the most important things a photographer can do is listen to their clients. Pay attention to their cues both verbal and physical. Before our shoot I always ask my clients to send me some images they love.
So that even if they can’t articulate what they want, we can have a visual reference we can review together, and I’ll use adjectives to put into words what I envision for our shoot.
I always ask clients what their goals are for their session. How they want to be portrayed, what they love about themselves (physically and personality-wise), what they feel more self-conscious about, how they envision using their photos…
I also try to match the energy my client comes in with. Some women require a more quiet, thoughtful and serene set, while others want to pump the music up and dance. All of this puts a mood in place that lets us capture a client’s authentic self.
I also allow my clients to move even if it’s outside conventional posing. People always look the best when they are being themselves, and it’s those “in between” moments you want to capture.
When you take the time to get to know your client, your photos will automatically be more personal and reflect them better.
Q6. What are some of the challenges you face in capturing the essence of femininity in your boudoir photography?
A. The way someone feels always shows up in their photos. So to me, the biggest obstacle is always self-consciousness and second guessing. If a client is questioning everything we are doing, she’s not able to be herself. Or be able to get out of her own head and this 100% will show up in photos.
This is one of the reasons that it’s so important to develop trust between you and your client. This will be easier for some clients than others but it’s worth the effort.
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Q7. Why do you believe that boudoir photography is an empowering experience for women of all ages and sizes?
A. I think most women can think back to a time when they weren’t feeling confident in their looks and wish they had appreciated themselves more in that moment.
As I’m getting older, I want to be sure I am appreciating myself and the body I’m currently in – “imperfections” and all – and I want to help other women do the same.
At the most surface level, having gorgeous photos of yourself is a daily reminder of the strong, sexy woman within you. With the demands of life, work, relationships, kids, zoom meetings… it’s easy for us to forget that side of ourselves sometimes!
Having a boudoir experience is a great way to get out of your daily routine and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s like the rush of skydiving – you’re nervous at first, it’s a whirlwind of an experience and when it’s all over, you feel a rush like no other – like you can take over the world!
I mean, if you can feel confident being photographed in your lingerie, what can’t you feel confident doing?? My clients leave their shoots walking taller and feeling more vibrant and alive.
Digging a little deeper, many of my clients say their shoot is like therapy. It’s a powerful thing to be able to face your physical insecurities and still love the skin you’re in. A boudoir shoot can also give you the opportunity to experiment and express different sides of yourself.
A powerful CEO might want to be a little vulnerable… a single mom might want to explore her more sensual side. It’s important to recognize all these different facets of yourself, and a good boudoir photographer will allow you to do just that.
The crux of boudoir photography is feeling comfortable in your own skin. So at my studio, I welcome all body types and all ages. I encourage women to use a light touch with makeup. I don’t overly retouch photos. And, I want to honor the woman that you are.
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Q8. What role does the concept of “Girl Power” play in your approach to boudoir photography?
A. There was a time that boudoir photography was only about gifting sexy photos to your partner. While gifting is fun, I believe it’s just the icing on the cake.
The real gift of boudoir is to yourself. Many women have a hard time doing something for themselves, and I am trying to change that. You don’t need an occasion to have boudoir shoot. YOU are the occasion and it’s ok to do it just because you want to celebrate yourself. It’s ok to celebrate yourself “just because.”
There’s nothing more powerful than giving yourself permission to love yourself just as you are.
Q.9 Could you share some insights on your ongoing journey of self-improvement and learning as a photographer?
A. I love to learn and have always loved being a student. I read, I listen to podcasts, I take classes both online and in person. Additionally, I think one’s photography also benefits from the desire to learn.
Without it, your work can become stagnant, and YOU can feel stagnated. So even though I am running a business, I always try to make time to play and try out new things.
Self portraiture has been a big part of my journey. That’s how I learned photography in the first place and what inspired me to pursue portraiture and boudoir.
It’s a great way to experiment with new techniques without the pressure of a client. It’s also very powerful for a portrait photographer to experience being on the other side of the lens.
Currently, I’m working on perfecting medium format film photography and videography.
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Q10. What do you do in your leisure time?
A. I have 2 young kids, so most of my leisure time is spent with them. Pre-COVID we did a lot of traveling, which we are slowly getting back to doing again. In the meantimes we love going on “adventures” around New York.
Usually this just means visiting different neighborhoods and strolling around, but sometimes we’ll choose something bigger and more “classic NYC.”
I love being a tourist in my own town, and New York offers inspiration around every corner. I constantly study and read about photography!
Also, I can’t help it, I absolutely love what I do and feel so fortunate to have a career in something I am so passionate about.
Q11. What are your plans for the next 6 months?
A. This summer I will be co-hosting a series of special boudoir & lingerie events along with Sugar Cookies.
The first will be right here in New York City, featuring that iconic New York City skyline. And in the future, together with Sugar Cookies, we plan to travel the world, from chic cities to lush jungles.
I want to celebrate women, vibrancy, and offer the kind of first-class experience that the Sugar Cookies and Brooklyn Boudoir clientele love. It’s going to be a very exciting year!
I am also working on workshops and educational resources for photographers and creative professionals.
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Q12. Can you share any advice for aspiring photographers interested in specializing in boudoir or fine art nude photography, considering the artistic aspects of these genres?
A. When it comes to boudoir and fine art nudes it’s important to foster both your photographic and your interpersonal skills.
Both need to be strong for a successful photography business. Don’t underestimate the importance of making your clients feel comfortable, especially with a genre as intimate as fine art nudes.
And ultimately I think the most important thing is to be yourself. There’s something out there for everyone, so when it comes to your photography style, do what makes your heart sing.
When you shoot in a way that you love, your work will be that much stronger.
And when you love your clients, your relationship with them will be stronger and your photos will be better. Love for your own work and clients is not something you can fake. So be true to yourself, be sensitive to your clients and do what you love – your work will truly shine.
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Conclusion
Stephanie Bordas’ work in fine art nudes is a testament to the power and beauty of the human form. Through her art, she challenges us to question our perceptions of the body and to embrace our own unique forms.
Her passion for photography and dedication to her craft shines through in every piece.
Stephanie’s work proves the transformative power of art and the human spirit.
Check out more of Stephanie’s stunning masterpieces here.
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