Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Cole.
Elizabeth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my photography business in 2015 doing families, events, and weddings. I liked it but my world changed when I had someone request to do a boudoir session with me. I wasn’t sure if it was something I’d be into at first but once I started diving into the world of boudoir I was hooked. After that first session I never looked back. The feeling I get when my clients walk in nervous and timid and leave with their heads held high is like no other. I’m so humbled to play a role in the journey these women are on to become empowered and fall in love with themselves.
I grew up idolizing The Spice Girls so “girl power”, a.k.a feminism, has always played a role in my life. This doesn’t mean I didn’t go through the normal growing pains of hating myself, thinking I wasn’t good enough, and constantly being jealous of what other girls had or were. I struggled as a teenager and young woman to know my worth and love myself, though I’ve always tried to be a cheerleader for those around me. It’s been a challenge to say the least!
Starting my studio has opened my eyes to how connected we all are. We all have the same insecurities. We all struggle with doubt. It’s difficult to reach out and do something that is just for yourself but it’s really wonderful to see so many women take the step to celebrate who they are. I focus heavily on empowerment, body positivity, and self-love during the entire process.
I’ve worked extremely hard to ensure my business is successful and I can support my family but I honestly feel like I’m cheating sometimes. I have the coolest job and I find so much joy in what I do.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had struggles along the way but they were more personal blocks than anything. It was incredibly scary to take the leap and quit my waitressing job to focus completely on boudoir photography. I kept doubting myself and wondering if I’d made the right decision but deep down I knew that I had. And even if I failed, I knew I’d be glad I’d taken the risk.
I had difficulties learning how to run the business side of my studio. I’m a creative by nature so the photography side has come easily. I love posing, lighting, and editing. The bookkeeping, marketing, etc. has not come as easily but I’m finally in a good place and feel much more balanced.
I can appreciate every challenge I’ve had because, as cliché as it sounds, I’ve learned from each mistake and setback.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I run a boudoir photography studio in Roswell. A lot of people initially have the wrong idea about what boudoir is and that’s totally understandable. Boudoir has come a long way from the days of the soft focus glamour shots of the 80s or the pinup girls, though we all still love pinup girls! Contemporary boudoir is all about what makes a woman feel fierce. What makes them feel powerful. It’s no longer about what the men in our lives want. I don’t take photos based on that. Women have sexualities, too and it’s time we embrace that and stop shying away from ourselves.
I focus on the woman from start to finish. I help her prepare for the session by consulting with her on wardrobe, things to do before she comes in, and what to expect the entire time. I tend to overload with information but I’ve been told that it’s been very helpful, as this experience can be quite nerve wracking for some! My clients get a full professional makeover and lingerie at the studio to wear so not much needs to be done on their part. I try to make the process as easy as possible so they can treat this as a girl’s day out and feel completely pampered.
During the photoshoot, I am super bossy (in the nicest way possible) and direct them into each pose. A lot of women come to me and confess that they’d like to do a session but are nervous that they’d be too awkward in front of the camera. I don’t work with professional models. I work with real women. None of them think they’re going to kill it. They’re all nervous wrecks until they realize they’re in their underwear laughing and actually having a really good time.
I do some other fun, specialty sessions that involve honey, glitter, milk, cake, you name it. I really enjoy getting creative and doing some outside of the box things.
I also do a ton of bridal boudoir and boudoir sessions as gifts for things like anniversaries and birthday gifts. I love being able to incorporate parts of someone’s relationship into their session. Their partners reap the benefits of their new found confidence. It’s a win-win, really.
Couples sessions are really popular this past year and I’m really digging them. It’s really nice to watch a couple tell their story through photos. Talk about memory making. Your love life is so intimate and personal and it’s really nice to capture it for them. They laugh, cuddle, and kiss. It’s been really wonderful to get to know so many couples on such a personal level. It’s like being a fly on the wall,
I’m so proud of my business and my team. I work with 3 amazing makeup artists, Maggie, Carly, and Didi, and they are such a huge part of the experience. I think that’s why my clients love coming to me. They get to make a couple new friends, have an amazing day of self-love, and go home with the most gorgeous photos of themselves.
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
Oooh, luck. I don’t know that I’m a huge believer in good or bad luck. I think we’re all dealt different cards in life and the way you perceive things is what determines everything. I’ve had opportunities given to me that could be considered “luck” but, in all honesty, other people have been handed these opportunities and passed them up because they were too scared of the risks involved. I’m totally guilty of this, too. 5 years ago I never would have dreamed to have the goals I have today because I didn’t think I deserved to have true success. I used to think I was very unlucky. I thought I’d always be living paycheck to paycheck, working just to get by, and only having a creative outlet on the side. Now that I’ve accepted that I’m worthy of success and happiness, I let those opportunities into my life instead of fighting them to stay in a place of comfort.
Pricing:
- Session fees for a full boudoir experience are $400
Contact Info:
- Address: 11205 Alpharetta Highway
- Website: www.elizabethroses.com
- Email: info.elizabethroses@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/erpboidoirstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/erpboudiebabes
Image Credit:
Elizabeth Roses Photography and Julie Hunter
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