Our second featured photographer this week is Lesley Stefanski from Adley Studio. Lesley transitioned her business from Vancouver all the way over to the Netherlands. Combining gorgeous boudoir images with great business sense makes her our choice for this weeks feature.
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How did you first get into Boudoir Photography?
I started my business, Adley Studio, with the full intention of being a Children’s photographer until a friend of mine called and asked if I would take her boudoir photos. After doing a bit of research and making I knew I could capture what she wanted, so I said yes. I haven’t looked back since. That day was a career changer for me and I suddenly felt like I knew what I was supposed to do. I am passionate about encouraging women and showing them just how beautiful they are and Adley Studio lets me do just that.
I started my business, Adley Studio, with the full intention of being a Children’s photographer until a friend of mine called and asked if I would take her boudoir photos. After doing a bit of research and making I knew I could capture what she wanted, so I said yes. I haven’t looked back since. That day was a career changer for me and I suddenly felt like I knew what I was supposed to do. I am passionate about encouraging women and showing them just how beautiful they are and Adley Studio lets me do just that.
Why do you particularly like this specialism?
One of my missions when I meet with each of my clients is to show them how the world sees them, beautiful and strong. It’s not about just telling them, it’s showing them how gorgeous their boobs are, their eyes, hair, and waist. I love being able to give such experience that she feels changed afterwards and ignited to go after her dreams.
One of my missions when I meet with each of my clients is to show them how the world sees them, beautiful and strong. It’s not about just telling them, it’s showing them how gorgeous their boobs are, their eyes, hair, and waist. I love being able to give such experience that she feels changed afterwards and ignited to go after her dreams.
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Are you full-time? If so, could you share with us the story of what you were doing before and how you went full time?
I am full-time and fell into it after I was let go from a interior design firm I was working for during the economical downturn. It was a blessing in disguise and gave me the push to be a full-time photographer. I was then able to spend all my time concentrating on my business instead of working full-time. Now, I’m going to school full-time as well my photography business.
I am full-time and fell into it after I was let go from a interior design firm I was working for during the economical downturn. It was a blessing in disguise and gave me the push to be a full-time photographer. I was then able to spend all my time concentrating on my business instead of working full-time. Now, I’m going to school full-time as well my photography business.
How has the transition from Vancouver, BC to The Netherlands been?
Difficult, but so rewarding. I closed my business back in Vancouver and had to restart in an unknown market, meet new friends and vendors and let people know about me in a foreign country and language. But, in the 6 months of running my business here in Europe I’ve been rewarded in so many ways from traveling to France and London for shoots and I got to photograph some amazing places that I only would have dreamed of before!
Difficult, but so rewarding. I closed my business back in Vancouver and had to restart in an unknown market, meet new friends and vendors and let people know about me in a foreign country and language. But, in the 6 months of running my business here in Europe I’ve been rewarded in so many ways from traveling to France and London for shoots and I got to photograph some amazing places that I only would have dreamed of before!
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What are the main challenges in running a boudoir business?
Creating some fantastic images with my clients and not being allowed to showcase them due to the intimate nature of boudoir photography. I fully honor any privacy requests my clients have, but I have created some pretty amazing pieces of work (if I do say so) and not being able to share it and show her off can be a struggle. Also, being a one person show. But this is more of a business challenge than a Boudoir Business challenge. Having to balance and do everything from being a photographer, marketer, customer service, to receptionist, etc
Creating some fantastic images with my clients and not being allowed to showcase them due to the intimate nature of boudoir photography. I fully honor any privacy requests my clients have, but I have created some pretty amazing pieces of work (if I do say so) and not being able to share it and show her off can be a struggle. Also, being a one person show. But this is more of a business challenge than a Boudoir Business challenge. Having to balance and do everything from being a photographer, marketer, customer service, to receptionist, etc
How does Boudoir differ from North America to Europe?
I would say the only difference is that it isn’t a really well known genre of photography. There are a few awesome photographers who offer it, but we are few and far between so we have to group together and market together. It’s kind of fun to be on the brink of a market break through!
What would you say are the main keys to establishing a successful boudoir business?
Know who your client is and what your boudoir business is about. This helps to know where to market, who to approach, and how to appeal to your client. Is your client in her early 20′s or late 40′s, are you price sensitive with continuous shoots per week or are you high-end shooting perhaps once every 10 days? Knowing who your client is and whats going to appeal and attract her will help with your marketing to how to build your website.What is one of the most important things a photographer can do to create a fantastic boudoir business?
Can I say two things?! Business and pricing. They go hand in hand. Yes, you love photography and you love shooting boudoir but to actually run a boudoir business, you need to understand the business side of things and know what your price point needs to be to stay profitable and provide an amazing experience for your client. Once you have that, creating beautiful images and being an artist is so much easier!
Know who your client is and what your boudoir business is about. This helps to know where to market, who to approach, and how to appeal to your client. Is your client in her early 20′s or late 40′s, are you price sensitive with continuous shoots per week or are you high-end shooting perhaps once every 10 days? Knowing who your client is and whats going to appeal and attract her will help with your marketing to how to build your website.What is one of the most important things a photographer can do to create a fantastic boudoir business?
Can I say two things?! Business and pricing. They go hand in hand. Yes, you love photography and you love shooting boudoir but to actually run a boudoir business, you need to understand the business side of things and know what your price point needs to be to stay profitable and provide an amazing experience for your client. Once you have that, creating beautiful images and being an artist is so much easier!
What is next for your business?
I’m touring around to major European cities this year to do some boudoir marathons (only I call them parties as marathons make me think of people wearing spandex and sweating everywhere) and creating some luxury private experiences that focus not only on boudoir photos but also on igniting lost passions and creating our dream life! I’m so excited to see where it takes me, there are so many women who have yet been shown how beautiful they are and let their dreams be put aside…I cannot wait to see them come alive! I’m also thinking of hosting a workshop, here in Europe, but holding back as it seems to be the thing to do and don’t want to be just another person hosting a workshop. But I’m seriously considering it!
I’m touring around to major European cities this year to do some boudoir marathons (only I call them parties as marathons make me think of people wearing spandex and sweating everywhere) and creating some luxury private experiences that focus not only on boudoir photos but also on igniting lost passions and creating our dream life! I’m so excited to see where it takes me, there are so many women who have yet been shown how beautiful they are and let their dreams be put aside…I cannot wait to see them come alive! I’m also thinking of hosting a workshop, here in Europe, but holding back as it seems to be the thing to do and don’t want to be just another person hosting a workshop. But I’m seriously considering it!
View more of Lesley’s Boudoir portfolio
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Show Hide 12 comments
Danea - I LOVE your work Leslie! That second shot is amazing and the last shot… va va va voooom! ♥
Leila Wylie - Yay, Lesley! You rock. =) Love your work.
Leslie - Your work is gorgeous. I love that last shot!
Jessica - Your work is beautiful! Congrats Lesley!
Stacie Frazier - Lesley, you are one smart cookie! I loved your answers here! I didn’t realize until now that we had the getting laid off thing in common! It was a blessing in disguise for me too!
xoxo
Stacie
Kim Hill - Wow – these are stunning!!! Wonderful feature, Lesley.
Lesley Stefanski - Wow, thank you for all the comments and for featuring my work!! I am truly thankful for this opportunity!
Tammy - Such an awesome interview and some amazing work!
Anne - LOVE your work! Fantastic feature
Good luck for your journey!
Karine - You are one of the best from my point of view Lesley!
I’m sure it’s only beginning.
Carol Kerfoot - Your images are gorgeous! What a romantic story travelling to Europe and creating such incredible imagery. Love reading about your journey!
NINO - Stunned. GREAT stuff!