Torrid Boudoir - Austin, Texas | Client Feature :: JT

07 Jul Client Feature :: JT | Austin Boudoir Photography

Posted at 09:57h in In Her Words, Photo Sessions by Elizabeth Zimmerman 0 Comments

I had the complete honor of photographing the incredible Jennifer Tallerico of JT Noir Studios, located in Florida.

JT is an amazing photographer that specializes in underwater boudoir. She’s just so wonderful, y’all.

I have to admit, when she contacted me asking for my rates and availability while at camp in Canada, I freaked! I couldn’t believe someone as successful and talented as her would ask ME to photograph her. Out of the 175+ other amazing boudoir photographers that would be at camp as well… The “imposter syndrome” set in.

When you photograph a fellow photographer – especially a BOUDOIR photographer – it adds an extra level of…hmmm…I guess I’d call it pressure. Maybe pressure to perform. It’s a ultimately a good pressure, though.

It pushes you in a good, challenging way. It forces you to work as hard as possible to give this client the full boudoir experience. The full life-changing experience of boudoir. It’s really a magical thing.

I appreciate you, JT. I appreciate you for believing in me and trusting me and my abilities. I am so proud of you for pushing yourself and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I love you so, so much!!

In Her Words by Jennifer “JT” Tallerico of JT Noir Studios

Every year I make sure I know exactly where my clients emotions are by either working a selfie or having another amazing photographer shoot my session. This year I was honored to have the amazing Elizabeth Zimmerman of Torrid Boudoir shoot a session during our time at Camp Do More.

I have always shot just how I feel. Some clients love high heels, or amazing Agent P attire. Some love full nudes. For me, I love sporty looks, or pretty much ANYTHING having to do with the water.

I called Elizabeth and told her about this blue dress I have had for ages but never found a spot I love enough to shoot in it, until we both said “the lake”.

The Lake at Camp Timberlane was one of the most amazing locations not only for shooting, but also for the therapy photographer’s gained that week during the event.

Like all great boudoir photographers, Elizabeth understood my hang-ups. But mine are not about my body. They are about my Tourette’s Syndrome. Sometimes I need a moment to let is pass. During this trip we laughed, we cried and we bonded over the very thing that brought us to this event.

If you are a photographer, I encourage you to place yourself in your clients shoes and get in front of the camera. At least once a year.

Feeling how my clients feel makes me a better artist. Every year it gets more encouraging and every year I find a new part of my body I am falling in love with. See that big butt? YEP – I love it. See those stretch marks? Yep – they are from bringing two humans into the world. See that tan line? Yeah, well I can’t help that – I live in the water and until the cops stop yelling at me to put clothes on I will have to deal with tan lines.

The point is:

STOP hiding behind the camera and START documenting every year that you exist.

Whether it’s with me as your photographer or another amazing artist – make it a point to be bold and get in front of the lens. This isn’t about vanity. This isn’t about doing it for someone else. This isn’t about needing attention. This is about becoming a better artist and better to your own body image.

And to Elizabeth – you were my rock during this trip. I adore your very existence in this world.