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

Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking the Leap: A Risk that Redefined My Art

In my early 30s, life was a whirlwind of change and discovery. I had spent years pursuing a career in nursing, driven by my deep love for humanity and a desire to care for others in a meaningful way. Yet, despite my passion for helping people, the demanding nature of nursing school began to clash with my anxiety, and I found myself at a crossroads. With two beautiful daughters heading off to school, I decided it was time for me to follow a new path as well.

This path led me to the Art Institute in San Diego, a place where I could finally merge my love for people with my burgeoning interest in photography. Unlike many who discover their passion for photography through childhood memories or early gifts, my journey was fueled by my fascination with people. I could listen to someone passionately talk about anything for hours without ever checking the clock. This deep-rooted love for human connection became the cornerstone of my work as a photographer.

As I honed my skills, I discovered a unique niche that resonated deeply with me: boudoir photography. I realized that through this intimate and empowering art form, I could make a significant impact on women’s lives. It wasn’t just about capturing beautiful images; it was about helping women see themselves in a new light, embracing their strength, beauty, and confidence. Each session became a transformative experience, not just for my clients, but for me as well.

However, one of the biggest risks I ever took as an artist happened during a particular boudoir session that I will never forget. A woman named Sarah reached out to me. She was in her late 40s, recently divorced, and struggling with self-esteem issues. Sarah confessed that she had never felt truly beautiful and was incredibly nervous about the idea of a boudoir shoot. I could hear the anxiety in her voice, and I knew this session would be different.

The day of the shoot, Sarah arrived visibly tense. I could sense her hesitation and fear. As we began, I decided to take a risk that felt both terrifying and essential: I put away my camera. Instead of diving straight into the photography, I spent the first hour just talking with Sarah. We shared stories, laughed, and I listened as she opened up about her life, her struggles, and her dreams. I wanted her to feel seen and heard before she ever stepped in front of the lens.

When we finally began the session, something had shifted. Sarah’s nerves were still there, but they were now accompanied by a growing sense of trust and comfort. As I captured her images, I focused not just on her physical beauty, but on the strength and resilience I saw in her eyes. We laughed through awkward poses and celebrated every glimpse of her true self that emerged.

When I delivered the final images to Sarah, her reaction was everything I had hoped for and more. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at the photos, seeing herself in a way she never had before. She thanked me for not just the pictures, but for the experience—the conversations, the laughter, and the care. It was a risk to step away from the camera and focus on the person first, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

This experience reaffirmed why I chose this path. It wasn’t just about the art of photography; it was about the art of connection, of caring for people in a deeply personal way. Taking that risk with Sarah transformed my approach to boudoir photography. I learned that sometimes, the most powerful images come not just from the lens, but from the heart.

As I continue my journey as a boudoir photographer, I carry this lesson with me. Every session is an opportunity to empower and uplift, to show women their inherent beauty and strength. It’s a privilege and a responsibility I cherish deeply. And it all began with a single, daring step—putting the person before the picture, and letting my love for humanity guide my art.

Kristen, 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?

My journey into photography began as a result of my deep love for people and a desire to find a fulfilling way to care for them outside the traditional nursing path I initially pursued. After discovering that nursing school exacerbated my anxiety, I chose to pivot and explore my passion for human connection through the lens of a camera. This decision led me to the Art Institute in San Diego, where I discovered the empowering art of boudoir photography. Unlike many photographers who are drawn to the craft through early childhood experiences or family influence, my inspiration comes from a genuine fascination with people and their stories. I specialize in boudoir photography, creating intimate, empowering sessions that help women embrace their beauty and confidence. My work is more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about providing a transformative experience that celebrates each client’s unique strength and spirit.

What sets my work apart is the personalized, heartfelt approach I bring to every session. I understand that boudoir photography can be a vulnerable experience, so I prioritize creating a safe, comfortable environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. This commitment to building trust and connection ensures that the final images reflect not just physical beauty, but also the inner resilience and confidence of each woman I photograph. I am most proud of the moments when clients see their photos for the first time and recognize their own strength and beauty. These reactions affirm the impact of my work and inspire me to continue empowering women through my art. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my brand is built on compassion, authenticity, and a deep respect for the transformative power of self-love and confidence. My mission is to use my photography to uplift and celebrate women, helping them to see themselves in a new, empowering light.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience as a photographer occurred early in my career, during a particularly challenging period when I had just transitioned to photography full-time. Financial pressures were mounting, and fear of the unknown was a constant companion. During this time, I received an inquiry from a bride-to-be who wanted a boudoir session as a wedding gift for her soon-to-be husband. She hoped it would help her feel confident and beautiful before her big day.

On the day of the shoot, everything seemed to go wrong. I got stuck in unexpected traffic (good ol’ Houston), causing significant delays and stress. By the time I arrived at the studio, I was frazzled and worried that my chaotic morning would affect the session. However, I took a deep breath, focused on my client, and reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place—to connect with and empower others.

The bride was visibly nervous when she arrived, and I knew I had to create a calming and supportive environment. As the session progressed, her confidence blossomed. Despite the rocky start, the shoot was a success, and the images captured her newfound strength and beauty. When she saw her photos, she was overwhelmed with emotion, realizing the gift was not just for her husband, but also for herself.

This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of boudoir photography and my ability to persevere through challenges. It reminded me that resilience is about staying true to your purpose and finding strength in vulnerability. This story continues to inspire me to push through difficulties and remain committed to empowering women through my art.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are several resources I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey that would have made a significant difference:

Mentorship Programs: Finding a mentor who was already successful in the photography industry could have provided invaluable guidance and insight. A mentor could have helped me navigate the challenges of starting a business, offered constructive feedback on my work, and provided advice on building a client base.

Business Courses for Creatives: Early on, I focused primarily on honing my artistic skills, but I quickly realized that running a successful photography business also requires strong business acumen. Online courses specifically tailored for creative entrepreneurs, covering topics like marketing, client management, and financial planning, would have been incredibly beneficial.

Community and Friends in the Industry: Early in my career, I made two great friends in the industry, and we are still best friends to this day. Finding a community and trusted friends in the photography world can provide invaluable support, inspiration, and collaboration opportunities. These relationships help navigate the highs and lows of the industry, share knowledge, and offer encouragement.

Social Media Marketing Tools: Understanding how to effectively use social media to market my work and connect with potential clients is something I wish I had learned sooner. Tools and platforms that help schedule posts, analyze engagement, and create compelling content can significantly enhance online presence and attract a larger audience.

Client Management Software: Implementing a robust client management system early on would have streamlined my workflow, helping me keep track of bookings, client communications, and project deadlines. This would have allowed me to focus more on the creative aspects of my work while ensuring excellent client service.

Workshops and Conferences: Attending industry-specific workshops and conferences provides not only education but also inspiration. These events are fantastic for staying updated on the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in photography, as well as for meeting like-minded professionals.

Knowing about these resources earlier could have accelerated my growth and made the path a bit smoother. For any aspiring photographers or creatives, I highly recommend seeking out these types of resources to help build a solid foundation for both your craft and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: kristengilesphotography.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/kristenkgiles
• Facebook: facebook.com/kristengilesboudoir