We recently connected with Karen Dicks and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Most women can relate to feeling inadequate, at least at some point in their lives, thanks to all the constant images of seemingly perfect-looking people bombarding us daily. Whether it’s on TV or social media, it’s difficult to maintain a positive outlook about our bodies and our self-worth, when these outlets typically only show us unrealistic standards of beauty and unrealistic highlight reels of perfect lives. I grew up in a body and sex-positive home, and while I also struggle with these feelings from time-to-time, it breaks my heart to see women who have so much to offer, but whose self-esteem has been beaten down as a result of these unrealistic societal expectations. The worst part is, we are usually our own worst critics, stemming from years of indoctrination, resulting in a negative inner voice.
My mission with my boudoir and empowerment photography is to show each woman I photograph her beauty through someone else’s eyes, which can be an empowering and affirming experience. Boudoir photography is about celebrating each woman’s individual inner and outer beauty. Showing her how others see her helps circumvent the negative self-talk.
Boudoir is for every body and everybody.
I have photographed women who have had to undergo mastectomies due to breast cancer, and were ready to reclaim their bodies, or women about to undergo mastectomies wanting to memorialize their bodies. I have photographed women coming out of severe depression or undergoing big life-changes, ready to celebrate overcoming hardships. I have photographed numerous women who have told me they hate having their photos taken, because they always hate how they look in them.
I have had countless women cry once they see their photographs, in complete disbelief that is them. And I cry right alongside them, because they’ve given me the best gift of all: Allowing me to be that new set of eyes for them and fulfilling my purpose of helping them breaking through years of devaluation to see themselves in a whole new light.
We create art together and the albums and wall art they take home with them serve as constant reminders of how strong, resilient and gorgeous each woman is.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The purpose of my services is to provide my clients with physical reminders, such as albums and wall art, to cement the empowering effect of their boudoir experience. Having a physical product they can look at on a daily basis reinforces to the women I photograph they are a work of art, and is an ever-present reminder of their strength and beauty. As an empath myself, the work I do is extremely personal, and we often dive deeply into each woman’s struggles and triumphs.
This goes so much further beyond just taking pretty photos–my goal is for each person to walk away with a newfound appreciation for their body, their achievements, and their strengths. You deserve to be celebrated!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to show women that they themselves are art. Creating an album or wall art featuring these women and having them see themselves in-print is a magical experience, and there’s nothing quite like hearing ‘oh my gosh, that’s me?!?!’ from a woman in disbelief, who’s not used to seeing herself in that light.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
As most people know, creating a lasting business is much harder than it sounds, particularly creative or artistic businesses. Sue Bryce and Alex Loveland are two leading educators and their teachings, workshops and guides are invaluable resources for photographers in any stage of their careers. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to create a sustainable photography business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kdportrait.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdpportraits/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karendphotography