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

Paolo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At its core, my mission is to help women rediscover and reclaim their beauty, sensuality, and sense of self—especially when the world has made them “disappear” because of age.

For me, boudoir photography isn’t about vanity, and it’s certainly not about fitting into anyone else’s idea of sexy. It’s about creating a space where a woman can be fully seen—on her own terms. Where she can breathe, let go of expectations, and reconnect with the version of herself that’s powerful, playful, vulnerable, bold… all of it.

I bring this vision to life through a photographic style inspired by the timeless glamour of 1930s and 1940s Hollywood. There’s something exquisitely romantic and unapologetically dramatic about that era—an elegance that exalts the feminine form in a way that feels both powerful and intimate. That’s the atmosphere I recreate in my studio: cinematic, graceful, and transformative.

The world has always demanded too much from women—to be caretakers, professionals, partners, perfectionists. Today, we add the “scrutiny” of social media. I offer an experience where they can just be. Be art. Be emotion. Be unapologetically themselves.

My sessions aren’t about pretending to be a model. They’re about revealing something real. Whether it’s a quiet confidence or a fire that’s been waiting to come out, I design every step of the process to help that truth surface. I want each woman who steps into my studio to leave not just with portraits, but with a shift—a memory of what it feels like to embrace herself fully and fiercely.

Because self-love isn’t vanity. It’s sanity. And I believe every woman deserves to feel beautiful in her own skin, not someday, but now.

Paolo, 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?

My journey into photography began long before it became my profession. I fell in love with the craft back in the days of film—when every frame mattered, and creating an image required both intention and patience. Portraiture always drew me in the most. There was something sacred about capturing the human face, the emotion behind the eyes, the stillness between breaths, the secrets, the doubts, and the victories of the mind.

But for many years, photography remained a passion while I worked in software, writing code for over two decades. Eventually, though, I reached a turning point. I knew I wanted to devote myself fully to portraiture—but turning that into a business wasn’t straightforward. Like many starting out, I followed the industry’s prevailing trends: soft, flat lighting, airy tones, generic poses. And for a while, I tried to make that work.

But I wasn’t satisfied. The images looked like everyone else’s. They were technically correct—but they didn’t say anything. About three years ago, I made a decision that changed everything: I chose to veer 180 degrees from the industry standard. I decided that if I was going to build a business, it had to be around a voice that was unmistakably mine. Otherwise, why bother?

That led me back to something I’d always admired—the timeless, sculptural beauty of Hollywood’s golden age. I spent 18 months immersing myself in the visual language of the 1930s and 1940s, studying and practicing the lighting, the elegance, the storytelling. That process also brought me full circle, back to shooting on film. It was a risk, no doubt. Hardly anyone works this way anymore. But it was also the best decision I ever made.

What surprised me was how universal the appeal of this style is. It resonates across generations. It’s cinematic, dramatic, romantic—and deeply flattering. But more than that, it allows me to honor my clients in a way that feels elevated and authentic.

And as I refined the craft, something unexpected happened: I started to understand the deeper reasons why people come for portraits. Especially women. These weren’t just photos—they were reclamations. Invitations to be seen again, after life, age, expectations, and caretaking had slowly pushed them into the background. Once I saw that—really saw it—I knew my mission had to evolve.

Now, every session I create is designed not just to capture beauty, but to restore it in the eyes of the woman being photographed. I use my skills—my technical background, my lighting expertise, my film craft—not just to make art, but to make a difference. My clients often come in with nerves, doubts, or hesitation… but they leave elated, with proof that the most powerful version of themselves was there all this time.

So, this has become more than just about photography for me. It’s about helping women reclaim space, dignity, sensuality, and confidence. It’s about reminding them that self-love isn’t selfish—it’s survival. It’s an “air mask” moment. One of those times, when you get all the oxygen you need before you help others.

That’s the work I do. And I consider it a privilege.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Early in my photography career, I believed that the most important factor in attracting clients was the quality of the photography itself. I thought: if I just produce technically excellent, beautiful images, people will come. And while technical quality is absolutely essential, I quickly discovered it’s not the deciding factor for most people.

What I had to unlearn was the idea that photography is primarily a visual decision. It’s not. It’s a deeply emotional one.

Many people—especially women—struggle with the belief that they’re not worthy of being in a portrait. I’ve met women who are objectively stunning, and men in peak physical condition, who still hesitate. The inner dialogue is often the same: “I’m not photogenic. I will look “funny.” I don’t look like the people in those pictures.”

And even when insecurities aren’t the obstacle, there’s often a deeper cultural messaging at play. Some people have grown up being told that displaying a portrait of yourself is vain or self-indulgent. That it’s somehow inappropriate to take up that kind of space. That kind of thinking runs deep—and it keeps people from celebrating themselves and from leaving behind tangible pieces of their story.

So my mission shifted. While the craft of photography remains central to everything I do, my focus is now on connection—on understanding what matters to my clients, what fears they’re carrying, and how I can help make those fears dissolve.

Today, my marketing is centered around empathy, reassurance, and storytelling. I want people to know that this experience isn’t about vanity—it’s about legacy. It’s about reclaiming identity, honoring self-worth, and saying: “I deserve to be seen.”

That realization changed everything for me. Because once I understood that I wasn’t just creating images—I was helping people heal how they see themselves—I knew I had found the real purpose behind the lens.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has grown because I pour myself into every single session—from the very first contact to the final delivery of the artwork. Nothing about what I do is cookie-cutter. Every portrait is a collaboration, and I treat it with the care and attention it deserves.

Before I ever pick up a camera, I make it a point to talk with each client one-on-one—whether it’s in person, over Zoom, or on the phone. There isn’t a single sitting I do without that personal conversation. I need to understand how they want to be seen, what they’re carrying, what they’re hoping to reclaim or reveal. That conversation is the foundation of everything.

Once they’re in the studio, my goal is to give them more than just a photo session—I want it to be an experience. I bring all my technical skill to the lighting and direction, of course, but I also stay connected throughout the process. I offer constant encouragement, lots of laughter, and always make sure they feel safe, respected, and completely seen. Every person’s level of comfort is honored, always.

And after the session, I keep that same level of commitment. I deliver the finished artwork when promised—often earlier—and present it in a way that reinforces how special and meaningful the moment truly is. If they’re open to it, I also celebrate them on social media in a way that reflects their story and personality, always with full consent.

At the end of the day, I think people can sense when you care. I don’t just make portraits—I make people feel valued. And when someone feels deeply cared for, they remember. They talk about it. They come back. And that’s how reputations are built—one truly meaningful experience at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paoloportraits.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paoloportraitschs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paolocicconeportraits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolociccone/

Image Credits

Copyright by Paolo Ciccone.