Workshop Testimonial | February attendee: Joey Nicole

I’ve been waiting to send you a proper thank you for the workshop I attended at your San Diego Studio this past February. I wanted to be able to share a success story with you, and let you know exactly how your workshop forever changed my future in photography.

I have wanted to get into Boudoir since the beginning of my photography career, but never quite knew how. Typically shooting weddings and portraits, I was used to “shooting on the go” and not doing so much posing. Before signing up for your workshop, I had done a few shoots at client’s homes and in hotels, but knew nothing of studios and studio lighting.

At your workshop, I was so nervous to shoot the models on our own… lighting seemed unfamiliar and posing was still so new, but really, it was one of the best parts of the workshop. It gave me the confidence that I would be able to figure this out, even when nervous, and accomplish great shots. Playing hands-on with the lighting was really great as well. How nice of you to let us all come in and get our inexperienced hands on your fancy equipment! 🙂

And while all the technical stuff was really great to learn, my favorite part of the workshop was the last little bit, during my private one-on-one with Marissa. I am in my 4th year of business, and I have never had anybody critique my work before. Completely self taught, I’ve always just gone with what I liked, but it was so nice to have somebody analyze my shots with me. The best part of that conversation was that Marissa forced me to think about my future business plan… what did I want my life to be like 5 years from now? What kind of shooting schedule would I want, etc.? Again, something I hadn’t pushed myself to think about.

After the workshop, I came home and talked with my husband about our future. I wrote a business plan to open up a boudoir studio, and with just having a website and my shots from your workshop, I was able to get 11 clients to sign up for a grand opening Boudoir special. I ordered a black set, a white set, a pink damask set from Drop It Modern, all the necessary lighting, a few pieces of antique furniture, and off I went! I anticipate I will have all my start up costs paid off after my 2nd month in business.

I just completed my first week in the Studio with 4 of my clients, and they all have loved their photos, signed model releases, and ordered books and prints. It’s off to a really great start, and I’m already loving how great it feels to make these women feel good about themselves.

I partnered up with a lingerie shop owner, who takes care of my clients so well, helping them find lingerie that flaunts (or hides!) particular assets. I also partnered with a fantastic make up artist who comes to my studio for our clients, and she is making them look and feel gorgeous. I feel that these two people are key in helping my clients feel good about themselves before I start shooting. It really is a team effort.

Our plan is to make Boudoir my full-time business, and still shoot occasional weddings as well. For the first time in my photography career, I actually feel like I have control of my business… that I can go out, market like crazy, and get clients in for Boudoir. With weddings, I always felt like I was sitting around, waiting for inquiries to come in from referrals and ads. I am so excited about our new studio and all of its potential, and all the gorgeous photos that will come out of it.

Anyhow, thank you again, none of this would have been possible without your help 🙂

Much love,