We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trisha Michael. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trisha below.

Hi Trisha, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, inclusivity, and kindness. I hope to be remembered for creating a space where women of all sizes, races, abilities, and backgrounds felt seen, celebrated, and truly valued. My work as a boudoir photographer is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about helping women embrace their own unique beauty and feel confident and comfortable in their skin.

I want to be known for fostering an environment of trust and safety, where every woman who steps in front of my lens feels comfortable, respected, and empowered. I hope that through my work, I’ve helped to challenge harmful beauty standards and encourage women to love and honor their bodies, just as they are.

More than anything, I want women to walk away from my sessions feeling not only beautiful, but also strong, confident, and proud of who they are. If I can help shift someone’s perspective on their own body, if I can help them feel more connected to themselves, then I’ve done my job. My legacy will be a reflection of the women I’ve worked with, the stories we’ve shared, and the positive impact I hope to have had on their self-image.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a 33 year old boudoir photographer from the metro detroit area. I’m engaged to a wonderful man who is incredibly supportive of my business and keeps me motivated! I got started in photography right out of high school, and I’ve always had a creative drive that led me to explore many different types of photography over the years. But it wasn’t until I had a deep conversation with a friend about negative body image that I truly discovered my calling within boudoir photography. We were looking for a way to change how we viewed ourselves, and it was through photographing her first boudoir session that I experienced a profound shift in not only hers, but my own self-esteem as well.

That first boudoir session was healing in so many ways for both of us—honestly, it felt like she was rediscovering herself and that inspired me to want to help other women experience that same transformation. I realized I could use photography as a tool for empowerment, and that’s when I decided to dive headfirst into boudoir. Since then, it’s been my mission to create a safe and inclusive space where women can embrace their unique beauty and feel celebrated, regardless of their size, race, age, or abilities.

I’ve had the privilege of working from my home studio for the last eight years, but I also love offering conceptual photography on location. I’m always brainstorming new creative ideas and exploring different ways to bring women’s stories and personalities to life through my lens. There’s something so special about bringing new ideas into reality and seeing the joy and confidence it brings my clients.

One thing I truly take pride in is treating my clients as friends, not just as a transaction. I want everyone who walks through my door to feel completely safe, comfortable, and seen for who they are. That’s my number one priority. I think what really sets me apart is my commitment to building genuine connections. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about creating a space where women can open up, feel empowered, and experience growth. The fact that I’ve been able to build a community of kind, supportive women—past, present, and future clients—means the world to me. It’s not just about having me as a safe space, but also being part of the amazing community of women I’ve created. There’s so much strength and empowerment in that shared experience.

What I’m most proud of is the incredible women I’ve had the honor to work with, and seeing how they walk away from our sessions not only with stunning photos, but also with a renewed sense of self-love and confidence. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful to be able to be part of their stories.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients to know, it’s that I am here to provide more than just a beautiful photo. I’m here to help them embrace who they are and give you a space to feel safe and empowered. They’re not just a client to me—They’re a friend.

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

Absolutely! Looking back, I wish I had discovered some of the resources I have now much earlier in my creative journey. I’m fortunate to be a part of several incredible boudoir education groups online, including Boudoir Exposed and the BOUDIY community. These groups have been game-changers for me, both in terms of expanding my creative ideas and growing my business.

When I first started, I was really focused on learning the basics and honing my technical skills, but it wasn’t until I became involved in these communities that I truly began to think outside the box. The creative inspiration, business tips, and mentorship I’ve received have been invaluable. They’ve not only sparked my creativity but have also pushed me to experiment with new ideas and techniques that I might not have thought of otherwise.

I think these communities also provide a sense of solidarity and support that’s hard to find elsewhere. Boudoir photography is such a unique and intimate genre, and having a group of like-minded individuals to bounce ideas off of, share experiences, and grow with has been incredibly helpful. If I had found these groups earlier, I feel like my growth as a photographer—and as a business owner—would have accelerated even faster.

So, for anyone starting out in boudoir photography, I highly recommend connecting with these kinds of communities! They can make all the difference in sparking fresh ideas and helping you see your work in a new light.

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

Building my audience on social media has been such an organic and rewarding journey. It all started with a small, private Facebook group that I created, where I only invited a few women I knew personally. At the time, I was just starting out in boudoir photography, and I wanted a safe space where people could connect, feel supported, and get an inside look into what boudoir photography was all about. I started by posting a few of my shoots and sharing insights about the process, and little by little, more and more women joined as they saw the work I was doing and felt inspired.

As I continued to shoot and grow my portfolio, I began posting my work more publicly, showcasing not just the photos themselves, but the empowering experience I was creating for the women I worked with. The more I shared, the more people I started to reach, and my group grew—slowly at first, but steadily. Today, my Facebook group has grown to over 8,100 members, and it’s become an amazing community of women who support each other and empower one another, and I couldn’t be prouder of what it’s become.

One thing I’ve learned about social media is that consistency and engagement are key. I don’t just post photos; I try to share content that is meaningful and relevant to my followers. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes glimpses of shoots, personal stories about my own struggles or growth, or even personal photos, I make sure to show up and let people know who I am beyond the lens. I think being authentic and transparent about both the highs and lows of my journey has allowed me to build a genuine connection with my audience.

I also keep things fresh and interactive by running contests, sales, and giveaways, which helps keep people engaged and invested in what I do. People love feeling like they’re a part of something, so when I offer exclusive opportunities or rewards, it not only gets my audience excited but it also shows them that I value their support.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to be consistent, stay true to who you are, and engage with your audience as much as possible. Don’t just push sales—show up, offer value, and create a space where people feel heard and appreciated. Your community will grow naturally, especially if you focus on creating authentic connections with those who follow you.

It takes time, but when you build a loyal and engaged audience, it’s incredibly rewarding. So be patient, keep showing up, and have fun with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Bareboudies.com
• Instagram: @bareboudies_boudoir
• Facebook: Bare Boudies Boudoir

Image Credits

Haley Silva Photography