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7 questions with Sam from Boudoir with Personality

Alison Price

Updated: Oct 10, 2024

7 questions with Sam from Boudoir with Personality

I love connecting with other local businesses in and around Eastbourne, East Sussex, and showcasing their amazing talents, products and services! I am delighted to share this interview with Sam Davies, Body Confidence and Boudoir Photographer.


Firstly, tell us about your business and where we can find you...

I'm Sam Davies, based in Polegate, Body Confidence and Boudoir Photographer at Boudoir with Personality. I help women to fall in love with themselves again through empowering and fun photography experiences.


1. What’s the definition of body confidence and how is that achieved through photography?

I think the definition of body confidence is different for everybody. For me, it means that I don't let how I feel about my body stop me from doing things I love like swimming in the sea, wearing shorts or doing stripteases in burlesque shows.


2. What is involved in a typical photoshoot and what should someone do to prepare for a session?

Before clients book, we have a chat on the phone. Boudoir and having your photos taken can be such an intimidating thing to do, so it's important to me that clients feel comfortable with me before they book. Before their session, whether portrait or boudoir, clients are sent emails with hints and tips about how to relax, choose outfits and what to expect. I also send a questionnaire that gives clients the opportunity to tell me what they want from their experience, which parts of their body they want to emphasise and which they want to minimise. This helps me plan bespoke sessions for each client.


3. How do you handle clients who might be nervous, how do you make them feel comfortable?

I am available to talk to clients if they are worried, and some clients like to visit the studio and have a cuppa the week before their session so they can have a look around and meet me in person.


4. Do you retouch the finished images?

I do light retouching as I want clients to recognise themselves in the images as I believe that there is no greater feeling than being confident in your own body. Some clients want heavier retouching and I am happy to provide this as an add-on service when requested.

Boudoir Photography Eastbourne, East Sussex

5. Smartphone cameras are everywhere! Can you share some posing tips to help those who might be a bit camera shy?

The most important thing is light! Take a selfie as you are facing a window and the light will get into any little laughter lines and give you a youthful glow. Remember that whatever is closest to the camera will look bigger so experiment with having the camera at different levels, and don't face the camera straight on. For women, it's very unflattering and makes us look boxy, so a slight turn of the waist or shoulders helps sculpt a curvy and feminine shape.


6. Do you provide post-session support or other ways to continue the body positivity?

I am so passionate about women feeling body confident that I have written the 'Women's Body Confidence, Gratitude and Positivity Journal: 90 days to transform your relationship with your body'. This journal helps women unlearn the negative body image they have and teaches them how to reframe their thoughts, leaving them happier and more confident.  It's available on Amazon.


I am currently running a 40 over 40 portrait experience where I am photographing 40 women age 40, 50 , 60, 70 and older and having an exhibition event to showcase the portraits and tell the women's stories. I love how amazing older women are, and it's important for women 40+ to stand up and be seen! 


7. What the typical reaction when someone sees their photos for the first time?

Clients see some images during the session, unedited on the back of my camera. A lot of photographers don't do this, but I want my clients to see themselves differently during the session. I have had lots of different reactions; tears, laughter, giggles, quite a few "That's not me!" And that's what I love about my career, I get to see the change in women as they realise just how beautiful they are, and their confidence soars.


40 over 40 Portrait Photgraphy Eastbourne, East Sussex


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