Boudoir Photographer Interview Gill Taylor

Well Gill is the first UK boudoir photographer in my series of interviews, sit back, read and enjoy. 

Gill, tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a near-40 (did I honestly just admit to that)

 photographer based in the Midlands, UK.  I live with my husband

 of 14 years, my 2 cats and my puppy.  Photography has been my passion since high school, but I only started my own business and started shooting professionally in 2005 … I’ve never been happier in my work life than I am now, this is the b

est profession in the world !  I love bringing out the best in people, delving into who they are and showing them off at their absolute best.

My absolute favourite feedback from any client … “is that really me!” … truly satisfying and heart-warming !

Oh, some personal information … I’m a neat-freak, I love animals, I ride motorbikes and have tattoos (both of these things made my parents soooo proud LOL), I’m a very loyal  friend  and I’m a bit of a geek !  Not in any particular order.

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

I, like many other women, have a load of hang-ups about my looks, so when I was offered a boudoir shoot of me while I was in the States last year, I actually hid.  After some wine, however, I gave in and had a wonderful time !  The photos were amazing and I felt so good about myself that I wanted to offer other women the same opportunity.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

I actually did a bridal boudoir shoot in 2007 at the request of one of my brides but didn’t really start properly until 2008 when I got back from the States, having had my own amazing experience.

How would you describe your style?

Gritty, sassy, fun, sexy, intimate (hence Intimately You !)

What did you photograph before you got bitten by the boudoir bug?

Weddings and portraits, which I still do.

More about you, where did you grow up?

I was born in Belfast and lived in the suburbs there until I moved to Scotland in 1997 to be with my husband.  We now live in the midlands and I miss being close to the sea, every single day.  I grew up literally a 5 minute walk to the nearest beach, the sea has such a calming influence and the ability to just go clear the cobwebs and walk barefoot in the sand is something I wish I still had.

 

Do you prefer to work in studio or location when it comes to Boudoir?

I try to use natural light where absolutely possible for boudoir, so studio lighting isn’t really for me … I decorated a bedroom in my home to look like a high-end hotel room and that is where I do the majority of my shooting.  However, I really want toget someone brave enough to do an environmental shoot out and about somewhere really grungy

Boudoir photography is still in its infancy in the UK, do you agree?

This is interesting … some studios have been offering this sort of photography for years, but the awareness is starting to spread, women are getting braver about photography and actively searching out this sort of shoot.

What’s the oddest photographic request you’ve ever had?

Ah, I’ll never forget it … I got a call from a male prostitute asking for photos of him in his various posing pouches and little outfits *eek*

                   

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

Lying on stomach, high heels caught up on g-string … man, that shot is just sexy through and through

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Jerry Ghionis … I love how he ‘sees’ women, his posing and lighting techniques are amazing.

Mario Testino … his portrait work blows me away, particularly the use of grain and movement in his work.  Awe-inspiring

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

Getting to know my clients, understanding their hang-ups and overcoming them together, seeing their faces as they check the back of the camera on occasion, getting their feedback and of course feedback from their “man”.

 

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

The above photographers’ work.  I’m also a people-watcher, I love seeing how people move and hold themselves.  When I’m watching something on TV or in a movie, I’m looking to see how they lit a certain scene and how they place people in order to get the best out of them.  High end fashion magazines (Harpers, Cosmo, etc) are also a favourite source of inspiration.

 

Who is the most important person in your life?

My husband, best friend, accountant and biggest supporter, John.

Sometimes the initial reaction from people on the street is that I am a glamour photographer, do you get a similar reaction and how do you deal with them? 

I truly thought this was going to be a problem when I embarked on boudoir photography, but I’ve not encountered this.  Yet.  To be honest, there is a fine line between what we do and glamour, I think boudoir is just a little more tasteful and a little less obvious.

 

If you could shoot with any other photographer in the world who would it be ?

Mario Testino

 Do you provide any wardrobe for your clients? If so what’s your favourite item?

Mostly, I tell them what to bring.  However, I did have to loan one client a pair of stilettos for the g-string shot and another had to borrow a rather sexy Calvin Klein see-through bra/knickers set – very hot !  Oh, and Ione of my husband’s crisp, white shirts always gets an airing.

 

PC or Mac?

PC

When you’re not working as a photographer what do you enjoy doing?

Playing with my dog, drinking wine, watching a really good movie snuggling on the sofa with the family (2 cats, a dog and a hubby), surfing my favourite forums and driving.

Any ‘can’t live without’ piece of equipment?

50mm 1.2 canon lens … my favourite boudoir lens.

 

Finally any advice you would give to budding boudoir photographers wanting to start out?

Have a shoot done of yourself, first and foremost, it truly helps you appreciate you’re your clients are feeling in front of your camera.  Practice on your friends.  Have confidence, clients won’t trust you if you aren’t.

 

More of Gills work can be found on hre website and blog:

http://www.gilltaylor.co.uk/   

Gill thank you very much for taking the time out. Thanks for asking me to take part !