Boudoir Photographer Interview Emma Jones -Miss Boudoir

Next in my series of interviews of fabulous boudoir photographers is Manchesters Emma Jones. Emmas work was an inspiration to me and kind of prompted my own journey into boudoir, because personally I think her work epitomizes 'Boudoir'.

Anyway as always from the person herself, a bit about Emma..

I graduated from Tameside College in 2003 and became self-employed photographing models, bands and actors on location while freelancing to another company shooting weddings.

After 2 years of stressful weddings, bands paying me by means of alcohol and countless model shoots, I yearned to undertake a more interesting type of photography, more rewarding and to find my true purpose. That came in the form of boudoir and vintage glamour.

In Jan 2007 I took a gamble and moved into a new premises. A complete wreck of a place. No electrics, walls, no anything but dirt and darkness. By March we’d (myself, family and friends) managed to transform it into a very personal and unique vintage studio.

2008 saw the renovation of a second room, doubling the size of the original studio.

2009’s current project is a separate, larger premises which is in the process and will hopefully be ready for Autumn and the arrival of Miss Boudoir x™

So lets start with the obvious, why Boudoir?

I’ve always been interested in the human form, lighting it and capturing the mood. But the main push was the number of requests from my model and portrait clients asking for more of a lingerie-glamour style.

I decided to get a bigger studio, undertake the lingerie/glamour but add my own personal interest into the equation which is anything vintage and opulent.

How long have you been photographing Boudoir?

Since March 2007.

How would you describe your style?

Vintage, bold verging on dark, slightly gritty and seductive. Maybe a bit of dreamy in there too.

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

Products, weddings, music photography, portraits, models/fashion, hair and beauty and actors headshots.

More about you, where did you grow up?

Mossley “in’t thills” would be the translation. Basical

ly a small town right on the edge of the Pennines with a very high population of over 65’s.

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

I have never undertaken boudoir on location, only in my studio. Regardless, I think I would always prefer my studio because I would have all my props and lingerie to hand.

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

No, I think its infancy was possibly the summer of 2008. A high number of wedding and portrait photographers now undertake boudoir as an accompaniment to their usual services… and why not?

It reminds me a bit of the venture style invasion; the contemporary white backgrounds became fashionable for funky, highly saturated portraits and exploded everywhere, boudoir seems to be similar.

What’s your favourite boudoir pose?

I don’t really have a favourite boudoir pose. I can only use cert

ain poses with clients if those poses match their personality. Sometimes clients improvise on the directions I give and together we’ll produce a shot that will give me goose bumps. That resulting pose or shot would be my favourite. So I’ll say my preferred pose differs from client to client.

Can you show us some of your recent work?

Do you have a favorite photographer living or dead?

Anton Corbijn and Henry Cartier Bresson. 50/50

What is the best thing for you about shooting Boudoir?

Seeing the personality transformation from when a client arrives to them leaving. When my clients have finished their shoot, they can’t quite believe what they have just done! They become the conquerors - bouncy, confident and ready to take on anything, which is usually a big meal after posing hard and eating healthily for 4 months!

Knowing I have found a way to make a difference to someone’s life or 2 people’s lives is beyond any dream I can have.

Does anyone or anything influence your photography?

OOOO, this is a hard one! I take my influences from everyday life, films, dreams, random crazy ideas I have and the people I photograph.

I think I am slightly old fashioned (if you’d like to call it that) and I believe that what is around us, including emotions is the main influence for many things. Without the desire to please, love, share, change, create and achieve, I know that my photography would be none existent.

My family and partner are definitely on the list. Their belief that I can “make it” and do some good keeps me building, expanding the business and trying new things.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My parents, sister and my partner Colin. I could never choose just one.

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 undertake some glamour photography but in a vintage style with a contemporary twist, therefore I have no problem with people saying I’m a glamour photographer if they want to.

What I am not is a page 3 photographer. When you say “glamour” to the general public, they think of The Sun newspaper. I explain that what I offer is similar to a Marks & Spencers lingerie advert cross with burlesque and pin-up with a splash of allure. Some people say “that’s cool, I bet you have fun doing that” and others look at me like I’m an undiscovered life form from Mars.

Regardless I have no problems with the type of work I do and enjoy it thoroughly.

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

I really have no idea! For my sessions, I’m more of a solo photographer who likes no distractions and maximum communication with the client.

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

Yes I am a complete hoarder/collector of lingerie!! I must have over 400 lingerie and costume items and Lord knows how many props. The unfortunate things is, I only have half of it on display because I cannot fit the rest in my current studios. However my new premises has a large room solely for wardrobe, which I already know is going to be my play area!

Favourite item, again this is a very hard question. I can’t possibly pick just one; it’d have to be a complete look (can I get away with that?) – a vintage style all in one pale pink net body with bows, fishnet stockings, my very high pink stilettos and one of the black V shaped hats with netting off my dresser.

PC or Mac?

I use both. My first ever computer was a PC (I was 11) but my first work computer was a Mac. I trained on Macs and have been using them for about 9 years now.

For me Macs are the day to day and my PC is there because I like to use that to check things on and for recreation. I also feel it’s important that I keep up to date with both operating systems.

Until the other week, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t go back to using a PC, even though they’re cheaper and are complete workhorses. Now I know… a Mac you have some form of working relationship with whereas a PC is just a machine.

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

Sleeping. I work everyday from the moment I get up to the moment I fall asleep. If I have a day off, I will most likely be going for a hair cut and trying to spend some time with my partner.

The very odd Tuesday I will do the local pub quiz but that is once in a blue moon!

I like cooking and creating so if I had the chance, I’d get some cherry scones baking away and then make a prop for my studio.

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

Be original. Never undersell yourself. Listen to your client. The most important for me is passion – treat your photography with passion, don’t just see it as a job. Love for what you do will shine through in your photos. Give 500% to each client and be prepared to go the extra mile if it’s going to make someone very happy!

If you would like to see more of Emmas work, visit the links below

www.missboudoir.com

www.missphotography.com

Emma, thank you very much for taking the time out.