We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Coleman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Boudoir photography actually wasn’t the original plan because I was a wedding photographer who had cancer 3 times and 8 ugly surgeries that left me with ugly scars, and a wounded self-esteem. I had a friend who was my Associate Photographer, she had come over for lunch after one of my surgeries. We ate lunch and she excuse yourself to go to the restroom and came back and asked me why did I have sheets all over the mirrors? That was the first time I had dealt with my self-esteem. She had mentioned to me that we should have a boudoir session and that I will start to love my body in a different way. I told her no, and we left it alone. A few weeks later I had went to my post op appointment and the doctor finally cleared me to drive. So I called her and asked her if she wanted to have lunch somewhere. She told me to come to the studio and we would have lunch. So I went the following day and found no lunch in sight – my friend was a liar. she had actually bought me some lingerie. How did on the bed and had a hair and makeup artist there and she told me that I have nothing to lose that if I don’t like these photos, then I can throw them away but if I loved them, I could buy them. I was nervous. My voice was shaky, but I got in the Hair And Makeup chair and started the process. I did the session and I never felt so beautiful so confident so empowered and so loved by another person I said to myself I can do this I’m a photographer I can do this. So I sat out to spread the love.

Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started shooting boudoir photography because I saw the beauty and everyone that came in our door. I believed I could show any person what I see through my camera. Women tell me they feel they can’t look beautiful because they feel too tall way too much or have too many stretch marks. I love showing them the photos from their shoot and showing them that they can in fact feel beautiful. Seeing the reactions to their pictures changed me. From that moment on I knew I had found my passion.

It is now my job to be a mirror for my clients. Not the mirror that the world shows you that shames you, but the one who sees pass all the lumps, bruises and imperfections. The one that shows you your sparkle.

The transformation that takes place in our studio, is the best part of the whole experience for us. When a woman arrives in my studio, most of the time she’s nervous, sometimes even visibly nervous. Shaky hands and voices, sweaty hands and faces are things I see all the time. Once they sit in the chair to get their hair and make up done, the transformation begins. The client slowly starts to shed those signs of feelings of nervousness and anxiousness.

Then the session would start. The first series is to get you all warmed up. When I show the client the back of the camera after their first series, I usually hear. Oh my god that’s me? No way that’s me! As we go into the next series, and then the next, the laughter and smile starts to come out. Then she starts to feel sexy. Then sexy eyes come out. And you can tell that it’s starting to click with them.

By the time we finish the session and go into the reveal, we’re friends. We’ve just shared an experience that they will always remember. We’ve laughed a ton and shared stories about our lives.

Once I show them their pictures on the screen, their jaws drop. They see themselves like they never have before. This is one of the most amazing things about boudoir photography. I get a chance to show them how I see them, how their spouses see them and be their mirror. When they walk out that door they’re smiling so big and they can’t wait to tell their friends all about what they just did.

The clients session fee commissions our creative team to produce stunning images for you, and what they decide to purchase at their reveal is entirely up to them! Because of this they are able to purchase exactly what it is they love. I’ve curated heirloom-quality products from some of the best labs around the world to ensure their commissioned art stands the test of time. The amount spent by each client varies greatly. Investing in their images begins at $1500. Some ladies spend just that, while most spend more, and some spend several thousand. The range is great, and they’ll only purchase exactly what they love. Whether that be one of our custom heirloom luxury hand bound albums, or a stunning metal printed wall art.

Because of this, Diamonds and Pearls Boudoir does offers a post-session payment plans as well as the option to pay in full with their own debit or credit card. We do except PayPal Credit and affirm.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

One of my favorite parts about shooting boudoir has been my VIP Facebook group. Really, most people think it’s just another Facebook group. Until they’ve hung out in there for a minute, they realize there is so much more.

I have ladies mention to me all the time that they’re so happy they’re in there. Not just to see gorgeous boudoir images, but to feel empowered and uplifted throughout the week. I always joke and say the VIP group is more of a girl gang and we all need to get jackets. Because anyone can sit with us and I promise we’ll cheer you on in anything you ever do.

My advice to anyone trying to build your audience is just to be authentic. Be real. Be honest and show your face in the group. I go live probably once or twice a week so people know who I am. Start there.

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

I was a wedding photographer who had cancer three times and eight ugly surgeries. My body was wounded and my self esteem was low. I had just started boudoir sessions when I found out I had cancer for the last time. I truly was angry at first but after sharing in my private VIP group of ladies, I became humbled. The scars keep me humble and let me connect to people on a whole different level. I am proud of my body and how it fought and won.

Boudoir photography is a celebration of your body and who you are truly. I take pride in being able to show women how to celebrate their bodies, their bottles and their victories they’ve been through. Let me show you your sparkle. Let me help you remind you how to love and be proud of yourself. I had to do the same for myself!!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.diamondsandpearlsboudoir.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/diamondsandpearlsboudoir
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/diamondsandpearlsboudoir

Image Credits
Hair and Makeup: Alana G Beauty Photographer: Crystal Coleman