About the Photographer
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, where I grew up jumping in glacial rivers and running around the mountains. With my love for running in the mountains came an intense competitive drive that spiraled into an eating disorder that plagued me for most of my teens and early twenties. The eating disorder affected the way I experienced the world through my body, how I experienced pleasure, and how I experienced my sexuality. Through graduate-school work, I became interested in the intersection between body image, embodiment, and the experience of pleasure. While academia was fascinating, ultimately my dual loves of black and white, film photography, and creative art led me down a different path toward helping people embrace their sexuality. I stumbled upon boudoir photography and in it found the perfect intersection of two passions.
Why Boudoir?
Salmonberry Boudoir was born out of the fundamental belief that all people deserve to see their bodies as art. It is empowering to see oneself as a sexual being and see beauty in one’s (perceived) flaws. Boudoir allows you, regardless of your gender identity, to embrace your personal power through the collaborative experience of creating art with your body. Boudoir allows you to explore and express your sexuality in a safe and consensual manner. Also, it promotes body positivity and encourages you to embrace your unique physical attributes and imperfections free from judgment and societal expectations. In a world often filled with unrealistic beauty standards and body-shaming, boudoir photography offers a counter-narrative that celebrates diverse body types, sizes, ages, and identities. It challenges the notion of a single, ideal body and promotes body acceptance. Ultimately, boudoir is an experience that provides a safe and supportive environment where you can step outside your comfort zone, break societal beauty norms, and experience a sense of liberation and empowerment.
FAQ and Topics
Editing Philosophy
I do not dramatically edit my photos. Most of my images are only edited for lighting and color correction. I have not and do not remove wrinkles, rolls, cellulite, etc. To me, all of those pieces are what makes you beautiful and makes you you. They are part of what tells your story and I want to tell your story. I will remove acne, bruises, and self harm scars upon request. If you are looking for someone who will more radically alter your image, I am not the photographer for you. And that is totally okay! I am happy to refer you to other photographers who retouch their images if that is what you are looking for :) My top priority is for you to have the experience that you are looking for, sometimes I just may not be able to give it.
Do I have to share my photos?
No. What you decide to do with your photos is entirely up to you. Should you decide to allow me to use your photos on my social media or website, I will have you fill out a media release form that specifies either a full media release or a media release for only non-identifiable photos. My top priority is your comfort and you have complete control over your images.
What if i don’t know how to pose for boudoir?
That’s okay! Most of my clients don’t, and that’s why I’m here. Part of your pre-shoot check-in will include a conversation about the type of image you are looking for, whether there are any poses that you cannot do, and whether there are any poses or parts of your body that make you uncomfortable or create gender dysmorphia. I will keep all of these things in mind when designing your session. And lastly, I always ask how much you want to be posed. I love posing as it gives you the chance to see yourself in a different light, but I also recognize that it is a very curated process so I also offer unposed intimate portraiture sessions. These are specifically designed to allow you to celebrate your body in its entirety. If you’re interested about my process with those, send me an email or give me a call! I am always happy to chat about art, bodies, and feminism.
Do I need to be a woman to book a boudoir session?
Absolutely not. Boudoir is for people of all identities, bodies, abilities, and orientations.
Is there an age limit for boudoir?
There is no upper age limit—boudoir is for every body at every age. But, you must be older than 21.
What should I wear for a boudoir shoot?
Everything or nothing at all! Clothing options range from dresses to lingerie, from sports bras to boxers, and from jeans to nothing whatsoever. What you choose to wear comes down to what makes you comfortable, how you identify, and what empowers you. But personally? I love the simplicity and beauty of nothing at all. I love the freedom it allows, I love that there are no distraction from the masterpiece that is your body.