Claire Pearce of LAX area on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Claire Pearce. Check out our conversation below.

Claire, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about boudoir photography is that it’s just about taking sexy photos of women, or that it’s somehow raunchy. For me, boudoir is really about creating art and helping women see themselves in a new, more empowered way.

A boudoir session isn’t about performing for someone else — it’s about confidence, self-expression, and celebrating who you are in this moment of your life. When a woman sees her images and realizes how strong, beautiful, and worthy she truly is, that’s the real magic. The photos are just the final result of a much deeper transformation.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Claire Pearce, the photographer behind Unbuttoned Photography. While I specialize in boudoir photography, my work goes far beyond taking beautiful images — at its core, my brand is about helping women heal and reconnect with their confidence. I often tell clients to think of me as their self-confidence coach, just with a camera in hand.

My sessions are intentionally designed to be a safe, supportive experience where women can slow down, let their guard down, and see themselves through a kinder lens. I focus on creating art that feels empowering, elegant, and deeply personal, guiding each client through posing, expression, and mindset every step of the way.

What makes my brand special is the transformation that happens beyond the photos. Women often come in carrying self-doubt or past experiences that have shaped how they see themselves — and they leave feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to who they are. The images are powerful, but the healing and self-love that come with the experience are what truly set my work apart.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a sensitive, creative soul who felt deeply but didn’t yet know how powerful that could be. I grew up with a lot of self-doubt and insecurity, constantly measuring myself against expectations that didn’t truly fit me.

Over time, I learned that healing comes from unlearning — releasing the need to be smaller, quieter, or more “acceptable.” Reconnecting with who I was before those messages shaped me has been a journey back to confidence, intuition, and self-trust. That journey is what now fuels my work, helping other women remember who they were before the world told them who they had to be, too.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — absolutely. In 2019, I came very close to closing my boudoir business altogether. I loved the work itself, but I was deeply struggling with the marketing side of the business, and it left me feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and questioning whether I was cut out for it.

That turning point forced me to make a decision: either walk away, or fully commit. I chose to go all in and invested in myself by hiring a mentor who was already incredibly successful in the boudoir industry. That decision changed everything. Not only did I learn how to market my work more effectively, but I also gained clarity, confidence, and belief in what I was building.

Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t give up during that season. That moment of uncertainty became the foundation for the growth that followed — both in my business and in myself. I now have a very successful 6 figure business.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One of the most foundational truths in my life is the importance of articulating your own truth. I truly believe that honesty — especially with yourself — is the starting point for healing, growth, and genuine connection.

Over the years, I’ve met so many women who struggle with being honest, not because they want to deceive anyone, but because they’ve been taught to avoid conflict, soften their needs, or make themselves easier for others to handle. I’ve learned that being honest and straightforward in your communication is actually an act of self-respect.

This is especially important in relationships with loved ones. Clear, truthful communication builds trust, sets healthy boundaries, and prevents resentment from quietly taking root. While honesty isn’t always easy, I’ve found that it’s always kinder in the long run — to yourself and to the people you care about.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. While praise is always nice, it’s never been what fuels me. I believe in giving my best simply because it’s who I am and how I choose to show up — not because someone is watching or applauding.

Integrity matters deeply to me. I want to know that I gave something my full heart and effort, regardless of recognition. At the end of the day, the most important approval is my own, and staying aligned with my values has always mattered more to me than external validation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unbuttonedphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbuttonedphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unbuttonedphotography
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/unbuttoned-boudoir-photography-los-angeles?osq=Unbuttoned+Boudoir+Photography
• Other: Tiktok @unbuttonedboudoir

Image Credits
Claire Pearce