This past summer, I attend a boudoir conference/workshop called “Camp Do More.” It was held in a small town outside of Toronto, Canada. Attending the conference was an amazing experience, allowing me to hone my craft while connecting with other like minded people in a welcoming environment and in a beautiful secluded location perfect for boudoir photography (is it time to go back yet?).
While there, in addition to learning, I also photographed several fellow photographers, including my friend Pratik.
While Pratik has extensive experience behind the camera, it was his first time in front of the camera for an intimate lifestyle portrait session.
He rocked it, and I’m so excited to share photos from his session!
I asked Pratik to share some of his thoughts about his experience in front of the camera………
"I was able to teach at Camp Do More for two years in row. It's what got me formally introduced into the boudoir community. One thing I never understood was the intent of it all. I'll be honest and tell you that right now. However, I wanted to learn and understand. I wanted to know more. An outsider never truly understands but it's our responsibility to be open minded to find out.
“What I soon learned is that boudoir itself allows people to celebrate themselves and accept who they are. It isn't for anyone else as much as it is for themselves. You can love yourself and you truly realize how powerful of an experience it is being in front of the camera. Like many guys out there, I have a lot of insecurities and I often look at myself in a way that isn't positive. It's because we see ourselves through our own eyes and not the eyes of others. What would it be like if we got to see what we looked like through the vision of someone else?”
“Working with Ore I understood fully. I truly saw myself in a light which I hadn't before. I was so nervous being photographed, but she was able to make it like a trip to the grocery store! Super easy and painless, without the lines! I felt like I was talking to a friend and she captured me in a way that made me feel comfortable.”
“We often see women as subjects but I wanted to do this because it's important for men to be photographed more often. We don't see guys like myself as often in front of the camera but it's an amazing experience to be documented like this for ourselves. Guys often feel like they can't be represented in the genre and it's also important that we appreciate ourselves and get a chance to see how others see us. It can change the outlook of who we are and give a chance to embrace ourselves amid any insecurities we may have. "
