Jessica Jones Creates Empowering Experiences Through Boudoir Photography

Local photographer Jessica Jones appreciates the human form, and her boudoir photography celebrates the intricacies that make a person innately human, and beautiful.
A Columbus local, Jess spent some time away from our city before returning to open her photography studio. With over twelve years experience, she decided to switch gears from weddings and family shoots to focus on boudoir photography. She opened her studio in Columbus three years ago and has spent the time since perfecting her process to create a complete experience for her clients.
Boudoir photography is all about empowerment and unapologetic worship of the human body. While shedding layers in order to feel more confident may seem contradictory, clients indeed find that the more of themselves they bare, the more of themselves they come to love. But the point is not sexuality; it is empowerment through encouraging women to embrace themselves exactly as they are, tune in to a femininity they may have been suppressing, and have fun trying something new.
Jess has an eye for the aesthetic components that make a photo a beautiful work of art. Her studio hosts a collection of wardrobe and furniture pieces that range from sexy to fun, allowing her to create a unique shoot for each of her clients. In addition, she has taken posing classes to give her a deeper understanding of how to set up each photo and prompts clients to pose in a way that enhances their features. “I can pose any body type,” Jess explains proudly. “Some people are worried they won’t know what to do, like with their hands, and I reassure them that I will tell them exactly what to do in their session. You just have to trust me.”
Just a few minutes into talking with Jess, she already feels like a girlfriend one would be comfortable getting dressed up (or undressed) and taking photos with. Her studio invites one to play around with new ideas, and her enthusiasm for using her art to build the confidence of local women is inspiring.
Jess doesn’t just snap a few photos; a session with her is an entire experience.
When a client books a session with Jess Jones, the process begins with a questionnaire to give Jess a better understanding of the client’s personal interests and wishes for the photoshoot. From wardrobe suggestions to discussing favorite body features, Jess interacts with her clients prior to their booking in order to curate the experience to best suit them.
When a client arrives for their appointment with Jess, her first stop is at hair and makeup, a collaboration Jess has with Carrie Reap of @makeupbycarrrie. “I have people who have never had their hair and makeup done, who have never treated themselves,” Jess says. “I love seeing people’s transformations.”
After hair and makeup, Jess’ clients are ready for their one hour photo shoot in the studio. Jess provides props and accessories, and enjoys the challenge of creating a photo session that is just as unique as each of them.
Jess especially loves the fact that her clients are not limited to a certain demographic. “I love the variety of people I get in my studio,” she explains. Women of all sizes and ages visit Jess’ studio, and she appreciates that boudoir photography is all about self-acceptance and self love. “It’s an experience about feeling good about yourself,” Jess said.
Still, some clients are hesitant in front of the camera, or aren’t sure how their photos will turn out. Jess encourages them along the way, watching their confidence grow when she turns the camera around and shows them what she’s seeing. She says that often when clients see the photos she’s already taken, they get a boost of confidence and the shoot takes off from there. “It’s really fun to give them pieces of confidence throughout the shoot,” she says. ”They’re always really surprised at the photos I get.”
One special feature which Jess’ clients enjoy is same day viewing of their photos. After their photo session, clients take a short break while Jess edits and prepares their photos from the day. When the photos are ready, clients can view them with Jess and place their order. Not having to wait to see the photos from the day makes for a fluid and complete experience.
Walking away with heads held high, Jess’ clients find that a boudoir photography session with her empowers them by showing them just how powerful the beauty of their feminine humanity is. “It’s all about confidence,” Jess says. And her art provides women the opportunity to discover confidence without changing a thing about themselves, by standing right in the middle of the spotlight just as they are.

By Natalie Downey