Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Spatola.
Michael, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my photography business about 30 years ago. I started doing Actor Headshots and Model Portfolios. Then I got into weddings, family and children portraits, and finally boudoir. I was a jack of all trades, and did them all pretty well. But, I quickly found that being all things to all people was never going to allow me to focus on the one niche I was not only best at, but provided the most joy, and empowerment to my subjects, Boudoir Portraiture. After nearly 20 years of diversification, I decided I was going to do one thing, and do it the best I can. I changed the name of my business and now only do Boudoir.
Why do I do Boudoir? Well, Boudoir is not a trend or a fad, it’s a movement! A movement of empowerment and sexuality. Boudoir allows women to take sexuality back and own it, without anyone else imposing their views on them. Done on their own terms, boudoir allows women to accept their sexuality, and express it. Through our work, they are allowed to say “Yes, I like sex, just as much or more than anyone else, I’m not ashamed about it, and I’m comfortable with my body.” Your sexuality is yours, no matter if you’re tiny or tall, skinny or chubby, straight, gay, bi or trans (or prefer no label at all). There are no biases with us. We just want to help you capture that sexuality, that power you have, in a safe environment, and LOOK AMAZING!
I love seeing even the most shy women gain confidence through my lens. We truly want to show you the beauty you have inside and out, and how sexy you really are. My goal is to photograph you in such a way that you actually feel sexier and more beautiful than you have ever felt before. Capturing images of it is just the bonus… to help you remember the moments.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel that my biggest hurdles were between my ears. I truly felt that by being so diverse in what I offered (baby, wedding, family and boudoir) I would work more, and be more profitable. The fact, however, is that once I sat down and really looked into what I was doing, the things that brought me, and my clients, the most pleasure was boudoir.
Anyone can take a million snapshots of their kids and get a few great images. But getting truly beautiful, well-lit and posed Boudoir photos, that sculpt the body and flatter the subject, without being cheesy or “dirty” looking takes someone with a certain skill set. The photographer must also possess the personality to put a woman at ease, and make her feel truly comfortable doing this type of photography.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lifestyle Boudoir: Photography by Michael Spatola – what should we know?
Well, you already know, Boudoir Photography is my business AND my passion.
I think some of the things that make what we offer different is DO NOT EVER charge a session fee. We used to, but no more. My feeling is this- we want you to have the experience of a lifetime. We want to make you look and feel sexy, mysterious, bold, and empowered. We feel that if the client has a great experience, has fun, looks amazing, etc, they will get incredible images that they will absolutely kill to have. In short, the client only purchases images they fall in love with, after they’ve seen the images.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We know art of any kind can be subjective. When a client purchases a collection of images from their session, if they do not love them when they receive them, we will refund their money- no questions asked.
I no longer shoot in a studio. I had a storefront studio in Sherman Oaks for 20 years. But shooting in the same location, with the same furniture, props, lighting and so on, got really dull. The clients were happy, but creatively it was not as fulfilling for me. And, it didn’t really personalize the session for the client. Now, I shoot 100% on location. In the clients’ home if they like, or in a nice hotel or location that makes everyone’s photos more original and unique.
Also- we are a husband and wife team. Along with my wife Jojo we help get the clients ready and beautiful, put them at ease without it ever feeling unsavory. My wife is an award winning makeup artist from Guangzhou, China. She gets the ladies ready while I set up. This pampering time also is great on the clients’ mental state and helps even the shyest women relax and get comfortable for their session. Incidentally, I am also a multiple nominee for Best Makeup EMMY and Cable ACE awards with over 100 film and TV credits. So, you know the makeup will be amazing. This is part of the service, and is 100% free.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Without sounded egotistical, Boudoir photography is definitely not something just anyone can pick up a camera and do. It’s a very personal experience. The photographer must not only be an artist, and master of their craft with posing and lighting (the camera does NOT add 10 pounds- it’s the pose and lighting), but he or she must be able to help the client relax and feel good about this. Being that I am a male photographer, some people may think that’s a hindrance. But who better to do it but an admirer of the female form? After all these years in business, doing what I do, I can say that EVERY woman I photographed over the years felt relaxed and comfortable with me as a photographer, and in return got images that made them say “Wow! Look at me!”
Pricing:
- Never a session fee! You won’t invest a penny until you’re thrilled with your images!
- Written 100% money back guarantee that you’ll be thrilled with your photos!
- Only the finest Leather Bound Albums and Image Cover Coffee Table Books start at $950
- Canvas Wrap Wall Display Images start at $1525
- Complete 2018 Investment Guide can be downloaded from my website
Contact Info:
- Website: lifestyleboudoir.com
- Phone: 8187306450
- Email: lifestyleboudoir@gmail.com
- Instagram: lifestyle_boudoir
- Facebook: facebook.com/lifestyleboudoir
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
