Not many people know that Kelly and I own Gloss Boudoir Photography Studio, and this is by design! We wanted Gloss to be able to stand out on its own as an inclusive space that offers boudoir photography at a price point that was accessible to more people. Here is the story of how it all started, along with photos of a client who has been a supporter of both studios for many years.
Back in 2010, I left Edmonton to pursue being a full time boudoir photographer in Vancouver.
At that point I had been doing boudoir photography for about 2 years, as well as weddings and portraits. While I wasn't the first boudoir photographer in Vancouver, to my knowledge, by the end of 2011 I was the only one shooting boudoir exclusively.
Specializing in boudoir photography was a no-brainer for me.
I absolutely loved providing such a special experience to women. What's not to love about the grownup version of playing Barbies?
Over the next couple of years Kelly and I became so busy that we just couldn't fit everyone into our schedule. In fact, by 2013 we had photographed almost 140 boudoir sessions. ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY.
To say I was tired was an understatement.
But I still wanted to have a bigger impact.
Our mission since day one has been to provide an empowering experience to as many women as possible.
However, Kelly and I knew we simply couldn't handle any more volume by ourselves.
One weekend I had traveled back to Edmonton to visit family and on the drive back to Vancouver, an idea started brewing. What if I opened another boudoir studio with a more accessible price point, where we can provide this empowering experience to even more women?
That day, something really special was born.
Kelly and I partnered together and we opened the doors to Gloss Boudoir Studio in November 2013.
We knew we couldn't do this alone, so we set out to build a team of incredible photographers and makeup artists to carry forth our vision.
Now, almost 10 years later, Gloss is thriving.
We are serving hundreds of women each year and having an impact in each one of their lives.
Our team is dedicated to our mission. Having them on board allows us to continue to provide exceptional service to each one of our clients.
You'll find Kelly and I in the office at Gloss Monday-Wednesday, working on the back end of the business. It should be noted:
Kelly and I have trained our staff in the art of boudoir photography and boudoir makeup. We are confident in the experience provided at Gloss Boudoir,
because our team is just as passionate as we are.
You may be asking,
"What is the difference between Jennifer Williams Boudoir and Gloss Boudoir?"
Kelly and I refer to Gloss as the 'little sister' studio to Jennifer Williams Boudoir.
At Jennifer Williams Boudoir, I do the photography and Kelly does makeup and hairstyling.
We book only one client per day and provide a one-on-one experience that is completely focused on making you feel your absolute best. Your time in hair and makeup with Kelly is relaxing and really helps calm your nerves. Kelly takes the time to make sure your skin looks flawless and your best features are highlighted.
I also love to take my time during the shoot and I make sure that no detail goes unnoticed. You’ll have a mix of soft and romantic photos as well as dramatic and super sexy. I like to describe my work as more sophisticated and elegant boudoir photography.
The images you will get from a session with me will have you feeling like you belong in a magazine.
Gloss Boudoir operates ‘marathon-style’ which means we have several clients shooting in one day.
For example, while we have one client shooting in the studio, another is in the makeup room getting ready for her shoot. Sessions are private, but they are booked back to back. The style of photos at Gloss is also different - they are more light, bright and playful.
Miss E has been a loyal client of ours at Gloss Boudoir, returning every year for her birthday. This year, it was our turn. Miss E came to work with me and Kelly in my studio. Finally! We couldn't have been more excited to do this session with her, and I am absolutely thrilled with the resulting images.
Here's what she had to say about her experience at Jennifer Williams Boudoir Photography Studio:
"I had such a blast with Jen and Kelly today!!
Anyone thinking about doing a boudoir shoot, just do it you won’t regret it!!
Thanks Jen and Kelly for such an amazing day!! Love you both ❤" - Miss E
See some behind the scenes from her session HERE.
If you loved Miss E's outfits, here's some details on where you can find them:
Black fringe slip - Thistle & Spire
Red set - Honey Birdette
Pink & Black Floral set - Playful Promises
Green set - Honey Birdette
