Trauma-informed approach
What is trauma-informed photography?
I believe that boudoir photography can be truly healing. However, being photographed (especially in little to no clothing) is a vulnerable experience regardless of your background. Because trauma manifests differently for everyone, it’s not always easy to spot. Part of my job is to make sure I’m as prepared as possible to support you on your self-love journey.
The intent of working from a trauma-informed perspective is not to heal or “fix” you, but to minimize the possibility of re-traumatization. To ensure I am providing you with a safe environment, I follow Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach.
The six principles that guide a trauma-informed approach are:
Safety
Trustworthiness and transparency
Peer support
Collaboration and mutuality
Empowerment, voice and choice
Cultural, historical and gender issues
Safety
Throughout your entire experience, I want to make sure that you feel physically and emotionally safe. I ensure your safety by:
Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment, always.
Communicating with you regularly leading up to, during and after your session. Beyond any communications I initiative, you are always welcome to reach out with questions any time.
Practicing consent throughout your session. This means that I will ask your permission EVERY TIME before I adjust straps, move hair, or make any other physical contact.
Trustworthiness and transparency
I try to be as transparent as possible so that I can build and maintain trust with you throughout your experience. I build trust by:
Regularly showing my face on social media and during client consultations.
Regularly sharing images and videos of my studio.
Clearly explaining your session experience and how the process works from start to finish.
Communicating every one of my next moves throughout your session.
Peer support
I use the principle of peer support to establish safety for my clients. The term “Peers” refers to others with lived experiences. I promote peer support by:
Regularly sharing my own boudoir self-portrait art.
Openly sharing my own struggles and self-love journey.
Being photographed by other boudoir photographers.
Regularly sharing honest client reviews.
Using encouraging and affirming language throughout your session.
Collaboration and mutuality
I strive to ensure we are on a level playing field by removing any perceived power dynamics. Healing happens in relationships and in the sharing of power and decision-making. I encourage collaboration by:
Using your pre-session questionnaire to ensure I’m meeting your needs.
Creating open dialogue around boundaries.
Planning the details of your session together.
Empowerment, voice and choice
I support my clients in shared decision-making and choice. This means that you call the shots about what you are and aren’t comfortable with throughout your session. I make sure you are empowered and given the power of choice by:
Giving you freedom to change your mind about anything during your session. This includes what you provide on your pre-session questionnaire.
Creating a safe space for you to voice any discomfort – physical or psychological – with posing, outfits, or anything else during your session.
Not sharing any images without explicit, written consent.
Cultural, historical and gender issues
People have learned and unconscious stereotypes and biases, but I do my best to acknowledge and move past them. I do this by:
Actively educating myself on cultural, historical and gender issues, especially as they relate to the communities I serve.
Consistently acknowledging my shortcomings and privileges relating to my lived experience and using it as motivation for my education.
Regularly consuming content from a diverse group of creators.
