about
TIGZ RICE
MEET THE WOMAN
BEHIND THE CAMERA
the woman
BEHIND THE CAMERA
I’m Tigz Rice, an empowerment photographer based in Hertfordshire UK. With an extensive background in burlesque and boudoir photography, I draw from my own lifetime of experience in defying beauty standards, along with more over 15 years of professional creative practise, to help incredible people like you reconnect with their bodies, take up more space, curate their legacies and feel empowered, confident & seen.
In 2016 I shot “The Most Diverse Lingerie Campaign in History” for Curvy Kate’s sister brand Scantilly (thank you Cosmopolitan for that quote!)
In 2019 I became an award-winning author, with my book STRIP/TEASE, winning a bronze medal in the 2020 IPPY Independent Publishing Awards.
In 2020, I stripped off for the BBC’s Naked Podcast to talk about body confidence, the importance of existing in photographs and how to love and celebrate our bodies just the way they are.
In 2021 was listed in the Top 40 Digital Women To Watch.
In 2022, I was shortlisted for both Women’s Champion and Digital Creator of the Year in the Dgitial Women Awards.
In 2023, I was listed as one of f:Entrepreneur’s top 100 female entrepreneurs.
read my
ORIGIN STORY
As an elder millennial, I spent my formative years hyper-aware of how my body compared to others. 90s media glorifyied ‘heroin chic’ on the runway, glossy magazines highlighted “flaws” on female bodies in zoomed-in circles of shame, and Spice Girls were weighed on TV.
Diet culture and body shaming were so prevalent that it seeped into schools, where I was bullied extensively for being ‘different’. The Pencil Test? Failed it. Thigh Gap Test? Failed that too. The A4 Paper Waist Test? Don’t get me started… In fact, the first time I ever felt like my body was ever ‘in fashion’ was the Kim Kardashian era – which faded out of popularity almost as quickly as it arrived.
However, instead of trying to force my body to meet constantly evolving, often genetically unattainable body standards, I chose to rage quit on the concept completely and start documenting my own, beautifully unique body in the form of art.
And so, through self-portraits, illustrations, posing for other artists, and performing burlesque; rather than curating my legacy to only show the moments I felt my body would be deemed socially acceptable, I made a decision to be authentically seen.
It’s not comfortable work, especially at times when my ever-evolving body has been it’s furthest from whatever the current ‘corps du jour’ is, but I believe in challenging any belief system that’s sole purpose is to make us feel inferior in our bodies.
It was 2009 when I realised my potential for helping others with their own empowerment journeys, finding myself entering the dazzling world of burlesque; a community where bodies of all shapes, sizes, genders and ethnicities are celebrated. You can read more about my burlesque photography journey in my book STRIP/TEASE.
As word of my ability to elevate other’s self-worth and confidence in front of my camera spread into wider circles, I found myself exploring boudoir photography, travelling the world with my signature style of empowering portrait photography; as well as shooting editorial campaigns for fashion brands that champion diversity, equality and inclusion.
the reason
WHY I DO THIS
Because ALL bodies deserve to be represented.
And this is why I call myself an empowerment photographer rather than specifically a boudoir photographer. Because clothes on or off – for the world to see or for your eyes only – it is my privilege to help all of us feel empowered, confident and unapologetically present, documenting our body confidence journeys with my camera, and curating our legacies with beautiful visual stories that will last beyond our lifetimes.
I love nothing more than helping others step into their power, and I want you to experience that too, gorgeous.
You deserve to feel powerful. You deserve to be seen. The only validation you need to feel worthy of taking up space on this planet is your own.
YOU DESERVE TO EXIST IN PHOTOS
these are a few of
MY FAVOURITE THINGS
My two main passions in life (apart from hoping the universal cat distribution system picks me next) are collecting vintage cameras and travelling the world. In 2019 I fell in love with Japan and I’m currently planning my third trip. I also speak Japanese at an intermediate level and I’m always looking for people to practise with!
TRAVELLING THE WORLD
COLLECTING VINTAGE CAMERAS
PHOTOGRAPHING GEISHA
as seen in / on
ways you can
WORK WITH ME
EXPLORE MY SERVICES
a rising tide
LIFTS ALL BOATS
One of my mentors once said ‘don’t pay it back pay it forward’, which is why I’m so passionate about sharing my knowledge with my community. From styled shoot days, photography masterclasses and power hours to ongoing mentoring programmes, if you’re looking to elevate your skills in photography, modelling, content creation and/or business strategy, I’d love to support you.
sharing my
PROUDEST MOMENT
Did you know I published an award-winning coffee table book? Perfectly timed to coincide with my 10th business birthday, STRIP/TEASE showcases a decade of my work within the international burlesque scene. It also includes a wonderful foreword by none other than international burlesque sensation Dirty Martini
public speaking
APPEARANCES
On Saturday 8th March at 2pm, I’ll be gracing The Photography Show’s Stage to deliver my Talk 'A Body Like Mine' as part of their International Women's Day celebrations.
Want to hear my talk? Professional photographers can register free of charge (subject to specific criteria) via their website. Not a professional photographer but still want to come? You can get 20% off standard adult entry tickets with code SPK25 (expires 14 March) See you there, gorgeous!
