A Photographer That Doesn’t Make You Feel Like A Problem
And other qualities that show you’re welcome in the space…
Finding a photographer sucks sometimes. Between avoiding slimy guys and the Hayleighs and Baeleighs who have never photographed a person of color before, the search gets tired real fast. But maybe that search can end here?
Are you looking for a photographer that:
Is body positive with proof?
Specializes in photographing women?
Helps you overcome the awkward and pose with confidence?
Has a private studio where you can let loose?
Knows how to edit Black and Brown women?
Has more than just skinny white women in her portfolio
Will listen to your creative vision and run with it?
Then babe, close ChatGPT because you’ve found THE ONE 💍
Let’s dig into it, I want you to see it for yourself…
All Bodies Welcome
As a big lady myself (6’ and 275lbs baby), I know what it’s like to feel like your body is a mess. After just 2 kids, everything is very very different. And as a 6ft Black woman, I get a lot of stares from the people I tower over and it is very, very weird. All that to say if you feel out of place in your body, I GET IT. But in my shop, a beautiful photo comes from you being vulnerable and having the audacity to love that body. I don’t edit away stretch marks, skin folds, hip dips, etc. That’s evidence of life in you, proof that you are in fact living and trying your best to do life right. There’s no shame in showing that.
Celebrating Women at Every Stage
If you get to know me, you’ll find out I am very skeptical of male photographers. Having been a professional photographer myself for a while, I’ve met and seen a lot of men who have cameras solely for the purpose of objectifying women under the guise of “art.” We get it, an hourglass figure is sexy to you. And besides the creeps, I find that women over like 30 are often underserved in the market. Heaven forbid a 55 year old want to step out and be cute for a minute! My photography is for all women at all stages. Everyday we live, there’s a new story to tell and I want to celebrate yours.
Helping You Find Your Groove
My photo studio in Pontiac is private and intimate so that you can focus on enjoying the moment. You’re welcome to bring a friend or a partner, but they have to be cheering you on and making sure you don’t have a care in the world, ok? I will not tolerate a grumpy man in the corner on his phone, I’m sorry. I include snackies and drinks in my full service sessions because hanger doesn’t look good on any of us.
Owning Your Posing
Posing is one of the scariest things about doing a photoshoot for a lot of women, but I don’t leave you out there to flounder. Before you even get in the studio, I’m working with you to build your confidence around posing and giving you tools to execute well. My pre-session questionnaire addresses any physical limitations you may have so that we’re not twisting you up uncomfortably. This is not a cycle of ANTM, I promise! We’ll also talk about what this photoshoot is about for you - confidence, transition, celebration, remembrance, or just creative experiments - it doesn’t matter and all those ideas are welcome. In your photoshoot prep guide, you’ll have a moodboard and poses to practice in the mirror so you can begin to see yourself and what you’ll look like. Then, at the photoshoot, we’ll put it all together and just flow through the session until we find your rhythm. It will come together, I promise!
Embracing All Skin
Do you ever see a photo and realize the photographer has never seen a Black person until that moment theyp photographed? Bless their hearts, but that skin will be either Tang orange or blue razzmatazz. Or maybe you’re just simply not a white woman, and concerned that your photographer won’t be able to make your skin pop and glow, and that’s fair! I’ve photographed women all across the ethnic spectrum and taken the time to see each one individually. There are no cheat codes or presets that bring out your hues, it just takes time and attention to detail. I see those olive undertones, I notice the subtle tan lines, and I make note of the dark patches you said you didn’t love. The end product is not you airbrushed into oblivion, but a photo that highlights the things you love about yourself and celebrates the real you.
Your Ideas at the Forefront
Do you have what you think is a crazy idea for a photoshoot? LET’S DO IT. I love when you bring me insane or even really mundane ideas because I really just want you to bring out the version of you that’s in your head. We’ll talk about props and posing and backdrops, and I’ll scour the ends of the earth to find what you need. It’s really my joy to plan creative photoshoots, so bring me all your wild plans.
Let’s Create Together
I’m ready whenever you are, babe. Bovia & Co. Photography is a luxury portrait studio in Southeast Michigan. I’ve curated a photography experience that centers you and your vision. Here, you’re welcome to take up as much as you want and need. I offer portrait photography for women at every stage of life. Whether you want to celebrate a birthday, document a weight loss journey, or anything in between (I’ve done a divorce shoot before!), I’m here to embrace it alongside you. Take the first step today and book your consultation with me here.