We were lucky to catch up with Bailey Elease recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bailey, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

1. When I first began Bare Your Skin Photography, even before it got its name, my focus was always on authenticity and helping people feel seen and valued. From the beginning, I wanted to create an experience where clients could feel comfortable, confident, and true to themselves. A few years later, while the brand has evolved and found a more defined niche, that core message of embracing authenticity and empowerment remains at the heart of everything I do.

Bare Your Skin Photography was born from a desire to help clients see both their beauty and power through a lens that combines personal branding with genuine self-expression. The mission is to give entrepreneurs and individuals the guidance they need to define or redefine their brand’s look—whether that’s through powerful branding photography, logo design, or web design. My goal has always been to provide a “one-stop shop” where startups and small businesses can find all they need to build a strong, cohesive brand without the stress of managing multiple vendors or consultants.

Out of this vision came Project Nobound. Created as a program within Bare Your Skin Photography, Nobound reflects my mission of removing boundaries to confidence, creativity, and self-expression in branding. Through Nobound, clients receive not just photos but a full support system to help them develop a brand that feels as authentic as it does professional. From guiding clients in their branding journey to helping them visually communicate their values, Project Nobound represents a commitment to seeing each client’s unique potential and providing the resources they need to bring that potential to life.

I started Bare Your Skin Photography because I know what it’s like to struggle to find that cohesive vision for a brand. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to overcome obstacles and learn multiple skills to create a brand I could be proud of—and I want to offer others the support I didn’t have. Through Bare Your Skin Photography and Project Nobound, clients can feel confident knowing they’re receiving a personalized, holistic experience that addresses their unique branding needs under one roof.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients who trusted me to bring their visions to life through branding shoots that truly highlight who they are. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone see themselves in a new light and creating images that not only capture their business goals but also reflect their unique personalities and journeys.

One of my clients, for example, was just starting to build her personal brand and had never stepped into a professional shoot. She came in with a few ideas but was unsure about how to represent her personality and career background in a cohesive way. The vision was to blend her strong, “boss-lady” vibe with her military background, all while embracing a fashion-forward edge. Working together, I guided her through each step, from posing to wardrobe styling, with the help of her stylist, to create a set of images that truly embodied her story. Receiving her reaction when she viewed the final photos was a reminder of why I do what I do—helping clients see the powerful, authentic versions of themselves is incredibly fulfilling.

Another recent client is a talented travel agent, someone initially I’ve known for quite sometime and experienced their potential when she helped plan a memorable trip of my own. She’s now taking her business to the next level, and I’m honored to support her journey by developing her logo, building her website, and creating a visual brand that conveys her expertise and passion for travel. Together, we’re working on a brand that feels both professional and adventurous, allowing her future clients to trust and connect with her just as much as she trust and connects with me.

These experiences matter because they show that Bare Your Skin Photography is more than just images—it’s about empowering clients to see their brand potential and bringing it to life authentically. By offering this personalized, all-in-one approach through Project Nobound, I’m able to bridge the gap between creative vision and tangible results, setting my clients up with the tools they need to succeed confidently in their branding journey. This is the difference that matters: helping clients see themselves in their best light, no matter where they’re starting from.

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

My name is Bailey Elease, and I’m the owner and photographer behind Bare Your Skin Photography, based in New York City. My journey into photography began long before I realized it would become my life’s work. Growing up, my mother always had a camera in hand, never missing a moment. Whether it was a candid smile or a milestone event, she documented everything, and those memories shaped how I saw the world. When I entered college, originally aiming to study journalism, she gave me her old Yashica 2000 for my introductory photography course. That course changed everything. I fell in love with the art of capturing stories, emotions, and perspectives through a lens.

What started as a hobby quickly became a passion and eventually a side hustle. I loved how photography could evoke emotions, capture a moment’s essence, or even empower someone to see themselves in a new light. I studied photography formally in school, but much of my craft comes from self-teaching, exploration, and years of hands-on experience. Now, with nearly a decade in the industry, I specialize in portrait photography with a focus on personal branding.
At Bare Your Skin Photography, I offer a range of services, from headshots and maternity shoots to more specialized branding packages. What sets me apart is my approach to personal branding. I aim to go beyond traditional photography to create an authentic experience where clients feel seen, valued, and confident. Through my Nobound program, I combine photography with branding support, including logo design, website creation, and tailored consultations. It’s a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and individuals who want to define or refine their brand while staying true to themselves.
The name Bare Your Skin is both my company name and my life motto—it’s a call to embrace authenticity, both in life and in front of the lens. My mission is to help people feel comfortable, confident, and empowered, whether they’re stepping into the entrepreneurial world or celebrating personal milestones.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the joy I see in my clients when their vision comes to life. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph a mom and her young daughter for her kindergarten graduation. The mom wanted images that celebrated this milestone while showcasing her daughter’s vibrant personality. The photoshoot was full of laughter and love, and delivering the final images brought pure happiness to them. She said they perfectly captured who her daughter was at this special time.

Whether it’s branding images for a business owner or family portraits celebrating a life milestone, my goal is always the same: to deliver authenticity and connection. These moments remind me why I started Bare Your Skin Photography. No matter the service, I want my clients to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered by the experience.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I want my clients, followers, and supporters to know that Bare Your Skin Photography is about more than just beautiful visuals—it’s about connection, empowerment, and creating experiences that make people feel truly seen. I believe that anything is possible with a little vision, a lot of heart, and the courage to be yourself.
If you’re looking for a creative partner who values authenticity and strives to make every client feel like their best self, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

3. Losing my mother at the age of 22 was one of the most challenging moments of my life. I was fresh out of college, standing at a crossroads, trying to figure out my path and how to flourish in my career. My mother wasn’t just my biggest supporter; she was my cheerleader, my challenger, and the person who encouraged me to dream big. She was the one who saw the spark in me even when I doubted myself. When she passed, I felt like I had lost my footing—and my spark. The weight of that loss was heavy, and for a time, I questioned if I could keep going. One day, I picked up my camera again and when I looked through the lens, something shifted. I realized that the connection I thought I’d lost was still there. Photography wasn’t just my passion; it was a bridge back to her. It was a way to honor her belief in me and the dreams we had envisioned together. In that moment, I found my resilience. I started creating with a renewed purpose, driven by the love and lessons my mother had given me. Every photo I take, every project I complete, feels like a tribute to her belief in my talents. It’s also a testament to my own ability to stand back up after being knocked down. Life will throw you curveballs—some that hit harder than you could ever imagine but through the pain, there’s always an opportunity to rise, to grow, and to rediscover the strength within you. My journey has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about finding the courage to keep going, even when it feels impossible. My mother’s memory continues to inspire me, and her unwavering belief in my abilities is what drives me to create and connect with others. Through every challenge, I’ve learned to keep my head high and trust in the process, knowing that even in the toughest times, there’s beauty waiting to be found.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

4. The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the process. While the final outcome is always exciting, it’s the journey of getting there that truly brings me joy. Every project is a chance to connect with someone new, understand their story, and create something that feels uniquely theirs. It’s in those moments—where ideas start flowing and take on a life of their own—that I feel most alive.
I’ve always loved the process of building vision boards for shoots, piecing together colors, themes, and concepts that help tell a story. Back when I worked with film, the process of developing and printing an image was pure magic—seeing an idea come to life in the darkroom was so satisfying. Even now, I find joy in editing, where I can fine-tune the details and bring everything together to create something beautiful. These steps are what make the final result so meaningful because they’re filled with intention, care, and creativity.
The process isn’t just about me; it’s about the collaboration. Whether I’m guiding someone through their first photoshoot or helping an entrepreneur shape their brand, it’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable and valued. I love seeing someone’s face light up when they realize, “This is me”—“I’m doing it”. That’s where the reward is—not just in the finished product but in everything that leads to it.
Being a creative is about growth, connection, and a shared journey toward something amazing. Every shoot, every project, and every story adds something special to the process, and that’s what keeps me inspired day after day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bareyourskinphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bareyourskinphotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-guerrier-23997911a/