We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Hupp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission statement:

No two women are the same and each woman should be celebrated for who she is today. Nicole Hupp Boudoir believes our inner beauty, heart, and soul shine through to our outer beauty when we are celebrated for the amazing person we are today. Our tomorrow selves do not exist; therefore, she cannot be better than the intelligent, kind, and amazing person she is today.

I encourage you to let go of the false self images the world caused us to believe and start the journey toward the acceptance of oneself as she is today.

I encourage you to celebrate who you are today. Celebrate every “flaw”, gray hair, stretch mark, or winkle that has been earned. Do not let the world dictate to you how you should see yourself. You only have one change at today, so live it to the fullest.

As I think on my mission and why it means so much to me, I think of my own life experiences. As a woman who has never met the American standard of beauty, even at a young age I was shamed for this. Mostly by men but women as well. I was told often if i would lose weight, I would be beautiful. These statements over time began to break down my self image and ultimately my self worth.

I know I am not the only one to feel these feelings. Every women I have met, at one time or another, has had a comment made to her that went deep into her soul. A comment that made her questions who she is and often it had to do with her physical appearance.

Over the years, I have began to grow into my own confidence and skin. As I grew, I knew I needed to share this love to other beautiful and amazing women. Especially those who do not see themselves how stunning they are. Boudoir became that outlet for me. A way I can use my talents to show women their beauty and begin to grow their confidence. They celebrate their beauty and rediscover their goddess within.

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

My name is Nicole Hupp. I am a photographer who specializes in Boudoir and women’s portraits. I started photographer in my late teens but began to specialize in boudoir in late 2019 after being a wedding photographer for years. I enjoyed working with my amazing brides and wanted to help women celebrate their beautiful selves in a way they have never seen.

My studio offers a variety of session – from traditional boudoir photography to a fun/sexy photo session around the downtown streets of Cincinnati. All my full sessions include a virtual style consultation and professional hair and makeup. Majority of the beautiful ladies I get a chance to photograph choose to add on an album, prints, or wall art in additional to digital files. One of a favorites of my ladies, and something they can take home same day, are a collections of mini polaroid photos taken throughout their session.

I specialize in working with women who are on the plus size. Being a plus size women, I understand what to highlight and what to minimize. Often plus size women are not given the special treatment they need to feel 10000% comfortable in their skin and to honestly just feel sexy. While times are changing, the American culture still has a stigma on plus size women.

While I will do some basic editing, I want work hard to capture stunning photos in camera by purposefully posing women to highlight their favorite features. One thing my clients understand when they walk through the doors of my studio is I will not photoshop them to alter their appearance (such as making someone look 20 lbs lighter). However, I will remove blemishes or temporary “flaws” My goal is to make a women love herself in her own skin, not to edit her to be the women she thinks she should look like.

The one thing I am most proud of is my ability to make any women, no matter her age, size, shape, or comfort level, The moment a woman looks at her images and clearly states “OMG that is me” is my absolute favorite time! That is how I know I’ve done the right thing!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Most non-creatives do not understand how nervous we are sending/showing our photos to someone. The moment I hit send on a client gallery, I will literally watch my phone like a hawk until I see the client has viewed the photos (and hopefully downloaded them).

Each session a creative gives a piece of their soul and until we hear something from our client, we assume they do not like the product/result.

By simply sending a message, making a post on social media (and tagging the artist), or writing a review you give us a sense of validation and reinvigorate our passion.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One mission I have in my creative journey is to show every day women, especially those of us who are plus size, they can be sexy. The world tells us we’re not sexy and it’s my passion to show women of any size can feel and look sexy. She can be alluring and a show stopper. I want to break down the stigma one women at a time in hopes to grow her confidence so she can conquer her world!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicolehupp.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/nicolehuppboudoir
• Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleHuppBoudoir/

Image Credits
All photographs were captured by me!