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

Julia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I didn’t sit down and write a business plan that included boudoir. The idea didn’t come from strategy, it came from trust.

In December 2020, a few of my past and future brides threw me into a group text and asked me something unexpected: “Would you take some nudes of us?” They were planning a girls’ weekend at an Airbnb in Detroit and didn’t know who else to ask. They trusted me. And I was honest, I said, “I don’t know if I’ll be good at it… but I’ll try.” Truly taking a chance was all I needed to have everything change. That weekend, I watched five women hype each other up, try on lingerie together, pour drinks, laugh, and celebrate each other in ways I had never really seen growing up. I’d never been part of that kind of girl gang energy before. Being welcomed into it as their photographer (and in many ways, as one of them) was emotional, affirming, and unforgettable.I left that day completely lit up. I knew: I wanted more of this. More of that confidence, that softness, that sisterhood.
It took me a second to realize that I was also the client that day. I’ve struggled with my body my whole life. I know that feeling, looking back at old photos thinking, “I wish I looked like that,” even though at the time, I hated how I looked… Boudoir cracked something open for me. It gave me a chance to see myself differently, just like I was giving that chance to others.
From that first session, everything clicked. The momentum came quickly. I teamed up with a makeup artist, who was also a past bride of mine, and hosted a boudoir mini marathon at another former bride’s house, who generously let us take over her space for the day. So many of the people who supported me early on were past clients, and that alignment still blows my mind. Every step has felt like the right person showing up at exactly the right time.
Eventually, I went from renting studios by the hour to finding my own little spot in downtown Clarkston, Michigan. It’s cozy, private, full of intention and stories now. And honestly? It never felt risky. It felt right. Boudoir is this thing I was always meant to do… I just had to say yes to it first.

Julia, 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?

Hey, I’m Julia! A boudoir photographer based right in downtown Clarkston, Michigan. I like to joke that I’m your photographer’s favorite boudoir photographer. My work is moody, intentional, and full of feeling. I photograph women in their most powerful, soft, playful, and confident moments. Just helping them see themselves through a new lens, literally and emotionally.
What sets me apart? Honestly, it’s the experience. My studio’s cozy, private, and built to help you drop all the pressure and just be. I’m not here to sell you confidence. I’m here to reflect it back to you. And that’s what keeps people coming back.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about the photos.
It’s about creating a space women didn’t even realize they needed, a space where you get to take up space.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It’s the moment someone sees their photos and says, “Wait… that’s me?” Watching a human realize they’ve always been this powerful, this soft, this stunning, it never gets old. I get to witness transformations that aren’t really about changing anything, but about uncovering what’s always been there. That’s the magic. That’s the art.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional investment in this work. It’s not just about picking up a camera, pressing a button, and sending photos to clients. It’s about diving into people’s stories, connecting with their energy, and capturing moments that often require vulnerability and trust.

For me, every boudoir session is an opportunity to empower someone, but it’s also a journey I’m personally on. I an learning to love and accept my own body while helping others do the same. It’s a balancing act of self growth and professional responsibility. And sometimes, that takes a toll.

It’s not always glamorous. It’s messy, but it’s real. That is also makes it the most rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliacuddy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliacuddyphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliacuddyphoto
• Other: Private Boudoir Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliacuddyboudoir/

Image Credits

Julia Cuddy & Kristen Gravlin