JOURNAL
I AM JESSICA RAE
Art is made to be seen!
Art is made to be seen! Whether printed in an heirloom album or in an archival quality matted print. It is my belief that your photographs deserve to be printed and appreciated.
Technology becomes outdated so quickly these days, it’s hard to keep up! But a photographic print never goes out of style!
It is important to me to not only provide quality heirloom products for my clients but to also keep it local. I am so proud to support local Canadian companies…
Art is made to be seen! Whether printed in an heirloom album or in an archival quality matted print. It is my belief that your photographs deserve to be printed and appreciated.
Technology becomes outdated so quickly these days, it's hard to keep up! But a photographic print never goes out of style!
It is important to me to not only provide quality heirloom products for my clients but to also keep it local. I am so proud to support local Canadian companies. Our albums, matted prints and portfolio boxes are HAND MADE in Toronto Canada, and our stunning Metal Estate Art is created right here in British Columbia!
Matted Prints and Portfolio Box
Matted Prints from a boudoir session
Matted Archival Prints in a Hand Crafted Portfolio Keepsake Box made in Canada
Something that clients often don't realize is that most retail companies have policies in place against printing intimate photography. Even more specially if they imply what they consider sexual content, which is at their discretion, and nudity. I would like to pose another question. Even if they will print your photographs, do you feel comfortable trusting this company to keep your images safe and confidential? Are you confident they will produce quality images that will last your lifetime and beyond?
I have hand selected Canadian companies that I trust to not only produce quality products but also pride themselves on professionalism and discretion.
From start to finish, from the time you walk in the door and sit in the makeup chair until the time you walk away with your finished printed art, it is important to me that every aspect speak of trust, quality and luxury. Having tangible, timeless pieces of art that you can be proud of for years to come is paramount next to the incredible and empowering experience of an intimate portrait session.
Heirloom Album
Album from a boudoir session
product available from a boudoir session
Art is made to be seen
Creativity Thrives in Adversity
Recently I had to pause my business to take care of my health. Recovering from a major surgery put a lot of limitations on me physically. I won’t lie, the experience was challenging for me in ways I never anticipated. As a creative, when we are unable to create, it can severely impact our mental health. One thing that I have learned is that Creativity Thrives in Adversity and where there is a will there is a way.
Creativity thrives in Adversity.
Recently I had to pause my business to take care of my health. Recovering from a major surgery put a lot of limitations on me physically. I won’t lie, the experience was challenging for me in ways I never anticipated.
As a creative, when we are unable to create, it can severely impact our mental health. One thing that I have learned is that Creativity Thrives in Adversity and where there is a will there is a way.
We all have perceived limitations because our brains are programmed to working a certain way. We tend to be creatures of habit. So when we are faced with adversity, that prevents us from carrying about tasks in our routine ways our brains can send up red flags and shut down. At least, I know mine does. Once we realize the only limitations we have are those that we set upon ourselves, things get a lot easier.
I love to pick up and my camera and get creative at least once a week. It’s feels like more of a need than a want. Surgery had me laid up in bed for weeks, and I started to doubt myself, my abilities. My brain began to venture to some dark corners it had never explored before and I was desperately looking for a spark of light to help guide me out. I NEEDED to get back into the studio one way or another!
Where to start?
I started by assessing my limitations. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do I focused on what I could do. At this point in my journey I was able to sit for short periods of time. So I found a big comfy chair and had it set it in the corner of the studio bedroom. Next was to consider what tools I needed and what I had on hand. I had my canon 5D mark iv, it has wifi abilities. I also had my cell phone that has an app to control my camera remotely. A tripod to hold the camera, and 3 lenses a 35mm, 50mm, and a 135mm. These will help provide more variety.
I chose the back bedroom set in my studio for a couple of reasons. One it has my favourite light. Secondly I felt that by being in a smaller, simple space it helped me and my muse to connect and stay focused.
Creativity thrives in adversity and my creative need outweighed my limitations. I was allowed to think differently on how to utilize my strengths to overcome my current limitations.
To accommodating my physical limitations I remained stationary during these sessions. By doing this I learned a lot about myself as an artist and photographer. It has made me stop and take time with my thought process. It has definitely helped me to grow, and I have a new enthusiasm for my work. I have shown myself that creativity thrives in adversity rather than drown in it. While I likely won’t stop being an acrobat during my sessions, I will slow down and be more present in the moment.
Boudoir session - Fraser Valley
I think when most people think about booking a boudoir session they plan on making it a gift for the special someone, or to celebrate a milestone of some sort. I often tell people to Celebrate Yourself. When S came in this is exactly what she was doing. Our time together was a lot of fun and there was a lot of shared laughs. We captured some beautiful images she will be able to look back on for years to come as a constant reminder of how sensual she is.
When asked what her biggest fear, going into the boudoir session, was her reply made me smile. “That I wouldn’t get any “sexy” photos. And boy, did we not only overcome my fears, but I got photos and an experience I will cherish for a lifetime!!!”
Celebrate Yourself
I think when most people think about booking a boudoir session they plan on making it a gift for the special someone, or to celebrate a milestone of some sort. I often tell people to Celebrate Yourself. When S came in this is exactly what she was doing. Our time together was a lot of fun and there was a lot of shared laughs. We captured some beautiful images she will be able to look back on for years to come as a constant reminder of how sensual she is.
When asked what her biggest fear, going into the boudoir session, was her reply made me smile. “That I wouldn’t get any “sexy” photos. And boy, did we not only overcome my fears, but I got photos and an experience I will cherish for a lifetime!!!”
When a person comes into my studio my goal is always to create the best environment possible so that they not only take away images they will cherish for a lifetime, but memories of our time together that they will hold onto as well. So when someone leaves a review I take it all in so that I can make the next person’s experience that much better. This is what S. had to say about her time with me. “Jessica makes the experience so fun. She is passionate and has a natural eye and ability to capture the moment, even if you think you’re not living it. Jessica also makes you feel at ease, provides amazing guidance and gets you to believe in your beauty and abilities.”
When a client embraces the concept of Celebrate Yourself it almost always leads to them also loving themselves a little more in the end. This is and always has been my goal as a Boudoir photographer. To love yourself you must Celebrate Yourself any chance you get. How you do that is up to you, but might I suggest you start with your own boudoir session
SCROLL to the BOTTOM to see the beautiful
printed product
she received from her session.
Boudoir session - Fraser Valley
I think when most people think about booking a boudoir session they plan on making it a gift for the special someone, or to celebrate a milestone of some sort. I often tell people to Celebrate Yourself. When S came in this is exactly what she was doing. Our time together was a lot of fun and there was a lot of shared laughs. We captured some sexy images she will be able to look back on for years to come as a constant reminder of how sexy she is. When asked what her biggest fear, going into the boudoir session, was her reply made me smile. "That I wouldn't get any "sexy" photos. And boy, did we not only overcome my fears, but I got photos and an experience I will cherish for a lifetime!!!" When a person comes into my studio my goal is always to create the best environment possible so that they not only take away images they will cherish for a lifetime, but memories of our time together that they will hold onto as well. So when someone leaves a review I take it all in so that I can make the next person's experience that much better. This is what S. had to say about her time with me. "Jessica makes the experience so fun. She is passionate and has a natural eye and ability to capture the moment, even if you think you're not living it. Jessica also makes you feel at ease, provides amazing guidance and gets you to believe in your beauty and abilities." When a client embraces the concept of Celebrate Yourself it almost always leads to them also loving themselves a little more in the end. This is and always has been my goal as a Boudoir photographer. To love yourself you must Celebrate Yourself any chance you get. How you do that is up to you, but might I suggest you start with your own boudoir session
S ordered herself a custom 10x8 Hand Crafted Album
to SHOWCASE her stunning photographs
Couple's Boudoir - Abbotsford
When you hear the words couple’s boudoir the picture that pops into most people’s minds is probably an erotic one. Two people intertwined in a passionate embrace sharing each other in every sense of the word. While that is a great way of documenting what you and your partner have together I’d like to show you another perspective. With Jessica’s Intimate couple’s boudoir experience it’s more about the connection, the intimate moments of love, laughing and vulnerability.
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
Couple's Boudoir
When you hear the words couple's boudoir the picture that pops into most people's minds is probably an erotic one. Two people intertwined in a passionate embrace sharing each other in every sense of the word. While that is a great way of documenting what you and your partner have together I'd like to show you another perspective. With Jessica's Intimate couple's boudoir experience it's more about the connection, the intimate moments of love, laughing and vulnerability. It's about getting lost in your partners eyes and connecting with them on a level that you don't always get to share. When you get these still... perfect moments everything around you just seems to fade away. The images captured in those instances are the ones you will take with you. Her unique perspective and artfully edited black and white images will be something that is always treasured. I've had the pleasure of taking part in one of these Intimate couple's boudoir sessions. At first I was probably like most people, shy, awkward, nervous, but with Jessica that soon went away. She gained and kept my trust and while I felt a little silly at first, it didn't take long for the camera to seem to disappear. It is a time, with the love of my life, that I will always hold on to. The first time I saw the images I knew I hadn't been wrong to trust her. It actually made me catch my breath and I couldn't speak at first. I remember thinking, as I looked through our moments, that these images showed how I felt about her better than I ever could express. It's more than documenting what two people share during the act. It's about showing those intimate moments that lead up. The shared laugher and joy of two people who love each other. The anticipation as your partner sits next to you and reaches out. It's the excitement the moments before their lips touch your neck, or feeling your worries melt away as you embrace. In my case Jessica captured the raw moments in such an authentic manner that I could actually see myself being vulnerable in a way I never imagined. I couldn't wait to share it with the world. I would do it again in a heartbeat and highly recommend that everyone should experience an intimate couple's boudoir session at least once in their life. I left looking at myself and my partner with different eyes. Check out my session here If you are a photographer wanting to learn this style of intimate couple's boudoir photography I will be teaching at the second annual Camp Do More next June. Click here for more details. Limited availability. It will be at Camp Timberlane in Haliburton Ontario. (3 hours west of Toronto.) Check out the official camp website.
Boudoir is for Every Woman
Boudoir is for every human.
From the time you walk into the studio until the moment you leave this experience is all about you. Your time will begin with professional hair and make up while we sit and get to know each other. You'll be pampered by the professional hair and make up artist while you sip on a Mimosa and relax.
When it’s all said and done you will agree boudoir is for everyone.
Boudoir is for Every Woman
Everyone comes with their own reasons why they want to do a Intimate lifestyle boudoir session. T wasn't much different from a lot of the reasons I hear. It was initially just a gift for her husband, but as the session progressed she realized it was really more for her. My time with T was a lot of fun. We laughed and talked as the session went on and I watched what little nerves she had at the beginning melt away. In her own words she is a Zero F's kind of person. I'm a firm believer that boudoir is for every woman and T was no exception.
I asked her a few questions after her boudoir session, about her time in my studio, and will share a couple of her responses with you.
Q: Did anything change about the way you see your own beauty / sexuality / sensuality / body confidence as a result of this session?
A: You know what, yes. I think we are all our own worst critics. To see examples in studio of past sessions I realized it's a lot easier to appreciate the beauty in other people flaws and all. I need to look at myself with the same appreciation.
Q: How did the session make you feel?
A: Like a pretty pretty princess just kidding, hot AF. (This made me laugh)
Boudoir isn't just taking pretty pictures. It's about the entire experience, connecting with each person, and creating an environment where they can open up and see themselves for the amazing person they are. Every individual has a different motivation for booking a boudoir session. Whether it's a gift for a partner, a celebration of a milestone, or even just because they want to do something for themselves. If it's this or something else the goal is to make it the most empowering experience possible.
Just remember Boudoir is for every human. From the time you walk into the studio until the moment you leave this experience is all about you. Your time will begin with professional hair and make up while we sit and get to know each other. You'll be pampered by the professional hair and make up artist while you sip on a Mimosa and relax. During the actual shoot you will move around the studio as you are guided through different sets and poses and you will be coached to make it look just right. It's expected that most people will feel unsure in the beginning, as this is normal for almost everyone, but rest assured it gets easier as you go. A couple weeks later you will return to view all of your images and make your product selections. You will again get to sit and relax with a drink and some treats as you relive your experience through viewing the images. When you leave you will agree boudoir is for everyone. Hair and Make Up provided by Ashley Paints faces
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Boudoir session - Vancouver
I'll be honest, I felt a little awkward at first, I'm sure most people do, but definitely felt relaxed and empowered by the end of the session. My favourite part was seeing the end product! Being a makeup artist, it's different being on the other side side of the lens but so rewarding. The proof is in the pudding. My images are STUNNING and Jessica is the absolute best at capturing feminine sexuality that speaks beauty and class. I just LOVE you, Jessica Rae and I loved my boudoir session!"
Stepping in front of the Lens
Some of you may remember Marecel, she used to be one of my makeup artists! That is, before she got on with the film industry full time. She is one of the most genuinely, sweet people I have had the pleasure to call my friend.
You can imagine how excited I was when she booked herself an intimate lifestyle boudoir session with me and made the move of stepping in front of the lens!
"I've always wanted to do a shoot and since there's a lull in the film industry right now, it was the perfect time! I ADORE Jessica Rae's work and I knew she would capture "my best me"!Though I grew up very conservatively, in my adult life, I am not shy when it comes to my body... but that doesn't me I am always confident or satisfied with how I look. My photographs turned out so amazing and I definitely see a more confident me in them! I'm happy I decided to come out from behind the scenes and took a chance stepping in front of the lens with my own boudoir session.I had no fear or hesitation in booking with Jessica Rae, I have seen her in action before. I'll be honest, I felt a little awkward at first, I'm sure most people do, but definitely felt relaxed and empowered by the end of the session. My favourite part was seeing the end product! Being a makeup artist , it's different being on the other side side of the lens but so rewarding. The proof is in the pudding. My images are STUNNING and Jessica is the absolute best at capturing feminine sexuality that speaks beauty and class. I just LOVE you, Jessica Rae and I loved my boudoir session!" - Marecel
She ordered the Portfolio box of Matted Prints
to showcase and treasure her beautiful images!
What are you waiting for
Book your session with Vancouver's
leading Boudoir Photographer,
Jessica Rae, today!
Photography Mentoring
“She knows her shit!
You can tell she absolutely adores what she does and she has a love for showing women how beautiful they are. Being a photographer myself, I should know how to pose - but being in front of the camera is completely different and nerve wracking to be honest. But Jessica was a rock star in helping me feel comfortable and relaxed and she made me feel so good in my skin. “
Photography Mentoring
I first met Michelle back in 2010 when I joined Helping Hearts, a non-profit photography program she co-founded. We lost touch over the years but she recently reached out to me on facebook and asked if I would be open to Photography Mentoring, as she had recently taken up interest in photographing boudoir. Quite the divergence from the newborn photographer I had known her for over the years!
When I found out she was staying in town for a few days I invited her to come by my studio for a quick in-person mentoring session. Well this quickly unfolded into an impromptu photo session! haha It is always such a pleasure and a honour to get to work with other photographers. Below is what Michelle had to say about her experience with me and her Photography Mentoring :
"Let me start off by saying Jessica is amazing. She knows her shit! You can tell she absolutely adores what she does and she has a love for showing women how beautiful they are. Being a photographer myself, I should know how to pose - but being in front of the camera is completely different and nerve wracking to be honest. But Jessica was a rock star in helping me feel comfortable and relaxed and she made me feel so good in my skin. I’ve had two children and like most women, I am uncomfortable in the skin I’ve been left with. But Jessica helped me to embrace my body and love it for what it is. To feel sexy and empowered in my skin. She took the time to talk to me throughout the session, reminding me what to do with my arms, how to pose my legs, where to look and what to do with my body. I walked away from our session with such confidence - I was on a total high! Thank you Jessica! My experience with you was so fantastic!!! " - Michelle
"She took the time to talk to me throughout the session, reminding me what to do with my arms, how to pose my legs, where to look and what to do with my body. "
"I’ve had two children and like most women, I am uncomfortable in the skin I’ve been left with. But Jessica helped me to embrace my body and love it for what it is."
Schöne Seele - Vancouver Boudoir Photographer
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Kate emailed me about doing a boudoir session for herself a few months ago. She is still relatively new to Canada, originally from Germany, and she was feeling a little down and needed a pick me up. A little self confidence boost. I am so glad that she choose an intimate lifestyle photo session with me in order to accomplish this!Here what Kate had to say:"I loved everything! From the make up to the shoot. I loved how friendly Jessica is. We spent a lot of time chatting, she really took the time to get to know me. Her studio is lovely and I really love my pictures."It was a such a pleasure to photograph you, Kate. Thank you for trusting me and for being so open. You are a courageous and beautiful soul ( Schöne Seele )xoxox Jessica RaeThank you to Ashley Paints Makeup Artistry
Smile Pretty or...?!! - Greater Vancouver Boudoir Photography - Daily Inspiration
I often get asked: "What should I do, should I smile? Am I suppose to keep a serious face?"An intimate portrait session is all about YOU. I want to capture your personality. I want you to feel comfortable being yourself, whatever that might be!Are you serious? Are you bubbly? Are you conservative? Do you like to push boundaries?It's all about you, so BRING IT!
Daily Inspiration - Williams Lake Intimate Portrait Photography
"As women, we're nurturers by nature. We want to make sure everyone is happy. That's a good thing, but we also have to put ourselves on that happiness list." - Victoria Osteen
Birthday Surprise - Abbotsford Boudoir Photographer
Ms. N came in to create an unforgettable birthday gift for her husband, but I think she would agree it was just as much a gift for herself.Ms. N had this to say about her session:I didn't know what to expect in the full scale of things. But I think it went perfect for what I was looking for. It made me feel beautiful.My favourite part of the experience was seeing the images, to see what I looked like in that element was pretty amazing.Jessica!! You are an amazing woman, your work is fantastic. I am so happy that I got to spend that time with you.Any words of advice for women who are thinking about booking a boudoir session?Breath and enjoy every moment.
Body Form - Vancouver Fine Art Photographer
High heels, lingerie, pearl necklaces, men's shirts. What are some of the stereo types when you think of boudoir photography?When women contact me to book their sessions, these are some of their top concerns - what to wear and what about those accessories!Why not forget them all. Forget your preconceived ideas of what boudoir is.Strip it down to its core - literally. Go nude!Simple - Minimalist - Sexy - Real - Raw, Authentic - Intimate - Bold - Shameless **this post contains nudity
Because TuTu's - Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Boudoir Photographer - Daily Inspiration
Because Tutu's...I love getting my hair and makeup artist in front of my lens. It helps them to understand and empathize with my clients what their experience is like. Ashley Paints Faces was so much fun to work with, I just LOVE her tutu!!!
Fine Art Nude Photography - Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Boudoir Photographer
“I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.” ― Margaret ThatcherThere is no need to be apprehensive with having nude images done during your session. Nudity doesn't have to mean vulgar or pornographic. Nudity is natural, beautiful and exquisite. Embrace your body <3
Curvaceous Plus Size Boudoir Photography - Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Photographer - Daily Inspiration
"There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologeticlly herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty." - Steve Marabolixoxox Artist Jessica Rae
Ridge Meadows Boudoir Photographer - BookWorm Beauty - Daily Inspiration
“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” — Joyce Carol Oates
Hair and Makeup: Amaris Beauty
Intimate Portrait - Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Fine Art Nude Photographer
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face.”– Helen Keller
Hair and Makeup by Amaris Beauty
Maple Ridge Boudoir Photographer
Hair & Makeup Artist - Vancouver and Maple Ridge Boudoir Photographer - Daily Inspiration
I'm pretty spoiled having such a beautiful and willing hair and make up artist that will step in front of my lens.
Victorian Boudoir : Gilded Magazine : Vancouver Published Editorial Boudoir Photographer
At the beginning of December I was playing around with new studio setups and fell in love with this one so much that I put together a team right away and the next day this session happened. Sometimes the best laid plans aren't plans at all but whims of fancy! I partner up with one my of my favourite designers Charlene Rowley of Faye Tality Couture, she had the most amazing pieces to pull off the look I was aiming for. Fellow Maple Ridge photographer, Tanzyn Ambrose graciously agreed to be my muse for this set and she got all glammed up by the talented Makeup in Session's, Sana Nurani. I am so blessed to call all of these amazing women friends, and that they go along with my mad ideas <3These images have been featured in Gilded Magazines issue 7 vol 2 edition.
You can purchase a digital or hard copy HERE
At Home with Riannaconda
I love stepping outside of the studio and into new spaces. It feeds my creative brain and presents fun challenges I don't get to explore in my own studio space. Riannaconda invited me into her home for an outside of the box, intimate portrait session and I simply love the results! She is a lovely woman both inside and out.**This post contains nudity**
Client privacy is held in the highest regard as I believe that the portraits we create are private by their very nature. Please be assured that images published by Artist Jessica Rae are done so only with written permission by the client.