We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Cloud. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have! I’ve been immersed in the world of boudoir photography for nearly a decade now. It’s been an incredible journey—definitely not without its challenges. Mastering the art of photography is one thing, but navigating the business side? That’s a whole different ballgame. Thankfully, my background in the restaurant industry gave me a solid foundation to kickstart things, though I quickly realized that running a photography business requires a completely different mindset.

To level up, I invested in a business mentorship program specifically designed for photographers, and it was a game changer! Now, here I am—nearly 10 years in, and still just as passionate about empowering women through boudoir photography as the day I started.

Christina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a wife, mom, and proud Gaga (grandma), and my love for photography began at 13 when I got my very first Kodak camera. The magic of capturing a moment, developing it, and reliving it over and over was irresistible. What started as a way to document family memories—especially as a mom—became a true passion. I have two incredible adult children and three beautiful grandchildren. As a military family, we moved from California to Nebraska in 2012, and though life led us here, we chose to stay and call Nebraska home.

My own boudoir session, long before boudoir became widely known, was life-changing. Experiencing firsthand the empowerment that comes with seeing yourself through a different lens ignited something in me, it change me emotionally and mentally in an instant, it was beautiful. I knew I had to specialize in boudoir photography to offer that same transformation to other women. I immersed myself in learning, following top boudoir educators, investing in courses, attending workshops and conferences. Because as boudoir photographers, we have the profound ability to shift how women see themselves—especially when they face the mirror.

Beyond mastering the technical side of photography—posing, angles, lighting— I’ve committed myself to understanding self-care, self-love, and body positivity. This journey of loving my own body as it is today has made me better equipped to guide my clients on their own path to self-acceptance. It’s more than just my passion for me—it’s my calling.

What I’m most proud of is that I never gave up on this dream, even if it was delayed. Looking back, I know that before my 40s, I couldn’t have provided the transformative experience I offer now, as I was still on my own journey of overcoming body dysmorphia and insecurities. Watching my clients transform in front of my lens is the ultimate reminder that this work matters. It’s my mission to change as many women’s lives as possible, one empowering session at a time.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, we’re often conditioned to seek approval from others—whether it’s from family, teachers, or society. For me, that was especially true. I constantly heard people telling me what I could or couldn’t do, and those voices lingered, even as I began my photography journey. It was tough to tune them out, and for a long time, they made me question my own worth and capability.

But with time, I realized something powerful: true validation doesn’t come from others—it has to come from within. I had to remind myself that I am worthy of my dreams and more than capable of achieving them, regardless of what anyone else says. This journey to self-belief wasn’t easy, but it’s been absolutely beautiful.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I decided to leave my corporate job, I had some savings set aside to cover bills, and with my husband’s unwavering support, the transition was a little smoother. Every penny I earned went straight back into growing the business. Some props were gifted to me, others I bought second-hand, repurposed from things I already had, or even made myself to save money. I was fortunate enough never to need a loan because I priced my services wisely from the start.

In the beginning, I shot in free outdoor locations and rented a co-op studio for about a year. But I wanted a space that was truly my own, so I got creative. I transformed part of our home into a residential studio, which I used for several years. Today, I’m proud to say I’ve had my own brick-and-mortar studio for over three years—and it feels amazing to see how far the journey has taken me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cloudcoverphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudcoverphotography/