We recently connected with Maritza De La Guardia and have shared our conversation below.

Maritza, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I wanted to photograph boudoir sessions even before I owned a camera. When I got married in 2007, I discovered boudoir photography but didn’t really connect with the visual styles that were popular at the time. I wanted to create more modest, timeless, and elevated images. I knew that I had a unique point of view and could offer a romantic, feminine perspective. With an MA in Psychology, I can speak to women on a more profound level and translate that visually. I am an extremely perceptive person, and my ability to pick up on cues informs every single session. I finally started photographing boudoir in 2018, but then had to stop because of Covid. I then relaunched my boudoir business in 2023 under the name Amelie Boudoir and haven’t looked back. My goal is for women to look as good as they feel at their shoot. To create a warm, inviting, and relaxing experience for my clients brings me so much joy. Every client (mainly brides) who walks through my door mentions how much fun (and calming) the experience was. They walk away with timeless images where they look and FEEL beautiful. It’s the biggest gift for me to be able to create that for them. It’s rewarding for both me and the client.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Having an MA in Psychology, I think, helps set my work (and my approach) apart. I place a strong emphasis on organic posing, setting the mood, and really listening to my client even before we start the shoot. My eye also leads the way I shoot. I’m a strong storyteller and stylist, so that helps when shaping images and customizing every shoot. My focus is on soft, romantic, milky photographs that show women in their best light. My boudoir style is rooted in sophisticated yet effortless French-girl vibes. I focus on every single touch point (music, bedding, lingerie, accessories, scenting, etc) to create a fun, memorable experience. Also, I offer a unique Boudoir Magazine that’s super niche and absolutely stunning with customizable packages.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My boudoir business was taking off in 2019, and I had built up a lot of connections in the Chicago bridal market. In March of 2020, I had a bunch of boudoir-related appointments set up that I had to cancel because of Covid. Literally the same week, we went on shutdown. I was able to rely on my copywriting talents and focused my day-to-day copywriting for popular brands, mainly in beauty. I’m a Gemini, so versatility, creativity, and resourcefulness are my strong suits, thankfully. I knew I would return to boudoir one day when the timing was right. I woke up in March of 2023 and said Today is the day. I googled AmelieBoudoir.com and saw that it was available, and I snagged it immediately. Later on, I found out the name Amelie means industrious. How perfect was that?! Again, I am a Gemini, so we are impulsive but strategic. The timing and the name were heaven-sent.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think the top story illustrates my resilience perfectly. I grew up with a single mother who taught me to dream and go after my goals. A goose-bump deriving fact: my father is my guardian angel. We moved in 2018, and I said to him in a prayer that if we found a home with a studio, I was going to photograph boudoir (before even owning a camera). Turned out our new home had a wonderful studio, so it was all in the cards. I truly believe he sent this home our way. Boudoir photography was always meant to be for me. It was just about timing. I’d also say that in terms of resiliance, I don’t listen to naysayers and understand fully what I am capable of doing. I don’t let anyone put me in a box, and neither should you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amelieboudoir.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelieboudoirchicago/

Image Credits

credit: Amelie Boudoir Photography