Jess Jones Boudoir- Not Just Photo Work

In the past, many cultures believed a photograph could “steal” a subject’s soul. Yet it is this magic that lends photography its unique power. To feel so seen, so literally and emotionally exposed, is a knowing that many would face with trepidation. It is that raw humanity, however, which creates art.

A true artist, Jess Jones’ ability to elicit and capture this moment of pure emotion through her photography truly sets her apart. Her work is tasteful and innovative – it seems to come as naturally to her as breathing.

As with most young photographers, Jones “started out doing everything; weddings, family stuff, mostly just taking jobs because I needed the money.” She soon came to realize she was spreading herself too thin between so many different jobs and genres, and it was preventing her from reaching her potential. “I realized that I wasn’t really serving people properly,” she says. She decided to focus on boudoir first and foremost, and it is this service that has become the cornerstone of her current work.

“I like to bring an editorial vibe to a boudoir session. I’m super excited to be able to bring all of my creative ideas into a shoot, and maybe do it a little bit differently than it’s been done before,” Jones says

The artist’s duty is, at its core, to express emotion and make those parts both seen and unseen visible. Jones’ ability to access this mindset in her clients is what makes her art so powerful. “I’m more in tune with this genre. I’m in tune with what women’s pain points are,” she says.

“I took a lot of posing classes online, but I would say the most impactful was The Art of Emotion,” she recalls. This class taught “mirroring” emotions, which is a psychological term describing how one can use physical mimicry of another’s body language in order to foster closeness. It is a cyclical, physical practice of empathy, where you can become so in tune with someone to the point that you can actually influence each other’s emotions.

“My purpose is to coax those physical feelings and emotions out of my subject. It can be uncomfortable, and some of my clients feel strange when they are in the process, but when they see the photos they’re usually really amazed. We all possess those emotions inside of us – extreme joy and pleasure and confidence. That one is really tough. It feels really foreign to a lot of people. But the majority of it is body positioning and a tilt of the head. A lot of it is the tone of voice that I use around them or the things that I say. It can just be a split second that I see the emotion come across their face and they nail it, and when I see that I get super excited. It’s the shot I was looking for, and I think it’s rewarding on both sides.”

In Jones’ studio, boudoir photography gives women access to parts of themselves that may be difficult to claim.The relationship between photographer, subject, and the camera itself becomes almost like a therapy session.

“People tell me stories all the time about stuff that they’ve gone through, and sometimes it’s a lot. I just hope that I can make people feel a bit better, a bit more comfortable in their body and in their everyday life,” she said. “I guess I’m starting to understand more about people’s struggles, and what their body language means. I do feel like I offer people a bit of therapeutic release. I don’t think I’m qualified to give people advice, I just try to listen and help as much as I can. Even just the process of it helps people. Women who were abused will say ‘I didn’t know that I needed it as much as I did.’”

A satisfied client wrote,

“We often lose ourselves in life. Whether it be focusing on kids, our careers, being wives, or just getting caught up in basic everyday living. I am so thankful I came across Jess’ page and signed up to do this. Originally I was thinking about my husband and how much he would like it, but deep down I knew I was doing this for myself. It took me out of my routine, and out of my comfort zone, but it gave me that boost of confidence we all need every now and then. Jess, I will cherish this forever. You are an artist that can showcase true beauty. Not only do I feel like you captured my true self on the outside, but I feel like you captured my soul and personality. I can’t thank you enough! These pictures are worth more to me than words!”

Jess creates true art, and is constantly evolving and searching for new creative avenues, including lighting, props (things like climbing ropes and crochet dresses), and ways to make her clients feel beautiful and seen. If you are looking to book with her or check out her work, visit jessjonesboudoir.com. You can also join her Facebook Group to hear about all the latest.

By Sarah Algoe