As an empowerment photographer, being booked for a vintage makeover shoot by another boudoir photographer is a huge honour. Having spent unknown numbers of hours working on our own signature photography style, the truth for many portrait photographers is that we photograph others in the way we would love to be photographed ourselves. And so to be handpicked by one of our peers and trusted with their intimate photos? Well, there’s really nothing like that feeling.

One such recent experience was a photoshoot with the lovely Tamara, who flew over from The Netherlands to attend one of my Vintage Makeover Shoot Days at my favourite London Art Deco Bar, Fontaine’s. Below, you can hear all about her empowering photoshoot experience, along with a few of my favourite photos from the session.

Tamara Klusken

Occupation: Boudoir photographer

How would your best friend describe you? Interested, loyal, creative, passionate about my job, caring

Name three things that you always carry with you? Watch – I’m punctual, but I don’t like to look at my phone all the time. And it’s a “normal” watch since I love “oldschool” things. Wallet – that my (now) husband gave me 14 years ago. It was the first gift he gave me. Water bottle – I like to stay hydrated!

What’s the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? I’m addicted to documentaries. From nature to science to true crime. I love to learn. 

Do you remember how you originally found me? A client of mine shared your Instagram with me as inspiration for her boudoir photo session with me. That’s how I found you and a couple of months later I travelled to London for my own session.

What inspired you to book one of my Vintage Makeover Shoot Days? I treat myself with a photo session every year. Mainly because I know how much confidence it gives me, but also because I would like to keep remembering how it would feel for my clients to come into my studio and pose in front of the camera with barely anything on. Normally I’m not travelling to another country for it. But I truly love your style and expertise and I wanted to have images of myself like the women that I saw on your socials, so I decided to book a trip to London and book a session as a gift to myself.

Tell us about one of the outfits you wore for your makeover shoot – why do you love it? The corset with pearls. Because I love vintage clothing and this is a true gem. 

Describe your photoshoot experience? I felt beautiful, confident and very at ease. Thanks to Tigz guiding me through every pose and taking the time to do so.

Was there a specific moment or pose you particularly loved? Yes, I loved the one on the bar with on leg somewhat crossed over the other. I love the shape of my body in that image and felt very sexy.

What was it like seeing your images for the very first time? We made a special moment of it. Watching the images in a slideshow on our TV. My husband saw the image earlier than me, because he had to arrange it. When I saw the images one by one on the screen, I felt soooo happy. It was very hard to choose my favourites, since they were all beautiful. 

How are you displaying your new empowering photos? I ordered a big wall-art (120 x 80 cm) and it’s hanging on the wall above my desk, so I see it everyday and when I see it, it makes me smile.

How has this photoshoot experience changed the way you feel about yourself? I noticed that I look waaaaay different in these images, than a couple of years ago. You’re always developing as a person and I became way more confident during those years. That’s what I see when I look at my wall-art. A confident woman who knows her worth and accepts herself for who she is.

What would you say to anyone thinking about booking a vintage makeover shoot of their own with Tigz? I know it’s scary and out of your comfort zone, but personal growth never comes from staying where you’re at. Take the leap and you’ll see it’s not scary, but so much fun. You will be proud of yourself!

What is your top body confidence tip? Knowing that you’re worth isn’t determined [by] your weight. I struggled a lot with that in the past. Standing on the scale, seeing if I could lose a few pounds. Although I would have been underweight if I [lost those] few pounds… It was ridiculous. So I threw the scale away, looked in the mirror and focussed on the things that make me feel beautiful. At first it wasn’t that many things, but nowadays I can name a lot. I think I can say that most of the time I’m accepting myself fully as I am.

Do you have anything else you’d love to say to Tigz? It was a pleasure to be in front of your lens and I would always remember this incredible experience. The trip, the session, the images, the wall-art … everything!

Where can we find more of you online?

Website: www.deboudoirstudio.nl

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deboudoirstudio

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deboudoirstudio

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@deboudoirstudio

BOOK Your Own Vintage Makeover Shoot Day Experience

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