Conversations with Lindsay Carlisle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Carlisle.

Hi Lindsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey as a photographer in Oakland, California, in 2014. Back then, I was photographing glamour and beauty portraits inspired by the work of Sue Bryce. In 2014 I was partnering with local businesses, which is where I found my first clients. No studio back then- strictly outdoor sessions. I also dabbled a bit in family portraits, but I kept feeling the call to work individually with women, and I followed it. 

During that first year in business, a glamour portrait client requested that we mix in some boudoir images to her glam gallery. I had never shot boudoir-style imagery at that point, and in full disclosure, I told my client I had no experience in it but was willing to try. 

That one session changed my life and the whole trajectory of my career. 

Not only did I learn that shooting a boudoir is a blast, but more importantly, I learned how powerful boudoir photography is for women’s self-esteem and confidence. 

With a background in psychology and counseling and the innate desire to help uplift others through my work, it felt like boudoir photography was the missing piece I had been looking for. From that day on, I focused solely on boudoir and never looked back. 

Since that day, I’ve photographed hundreds of women (and men!), helping them find greater self-love and confidence through our work together. I’ve watched my clients shed tears of joy during their photo viewing, and I’m so proud to say that I’ve helped play a pivotal role in the self-love journey for many of my clients. 

In 2019, I transitioned from working in the Bay Area to offering boudoir sessions in Los Angeles and Tulum, Mexico. It’s exciting to work in these two locations- I love switching it up and my clients love the different options for their session with me. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The beginning of any business requires unwavering focus, discipline, and passion. It’s not easy- and in my particular case- I sacrificed more than I’d like to admit to find momentum and success. But I got there- with many early mornings and late nights at my computer, fueled by a LOT of coffee and ambition. 

My biggest struggles have come from trying to branch out into new markets (from SF Bay Area to Los Angeles and Tulum)- which has essentially felt like starting over from scratch…just with more knowledge and experience. Over the last ten years, marketing strategies have shifted dramatically, so continuously learning new ways to reach my ideal clients and creating content that resonates, I feel is a journey that never ends. 

Regularly challenging the notion that one must already feel confident in order to book a boudoir session is another struggle that many boudoir photographers face. This is a very common misconception that we all have to work to educate clients on- the confidence and self-esteem boost is not a requirement but rather a product of the boudoir photo experience. Many people who want to have photos taken think they have to wait until they feel better about themselves, not realizing that a boudoir session is therapeutic in and of itself and will be something that is a catalyst to deeper self-love. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a boudoir photographer in Los Angeles and Tulum, Mexico, offering a 5-star client experience to all genders who want to claim deeper self-worth. I specialize in boudoir, though I also shoot beauty portraits on the side, and my clients are welcome to combine the two styles into one session.

I’m known for being a traveling photographer- or at least one who offers sessions in multiple locations. Clients often comment on my use of light in their photos- so I believe I’m also known for that. I always aim to be shooting at golden hour, whether in studio or outdoors. Because let’s face it, good light is everything in photography.

What I believe sets me apart from other photographers, is my background in counseling and psychology. You might not know it at first glance, but boudoir photography is a form of therapy. And while I was never a therapist, I did work as a professional counselor for years and I very much believe that the boudoir experience can be incredibly healing. As a photographer with a formal education in counseling and psychology, I’m able to bring these skills into my work with each client, offering a safe space where they can share as little or as much as they want to with me. I’m there not only to take stunning photos of them but also to compassionately support and uplift them through our work together. I’m proud of this approach I take and it feels aligned to be able to provide a photo shoot experience that goes beyond taking “pretty pics.” Do all of my clients want or need the emotional support on session day? No. But I’m happy to be able to offer it when appropriate.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d just like to say that anyone can thrive during the boudoir photo experience with us- it doesn’t matter how old you are, how much you weigh, if you’re comfortable in your body, or if you believe you’re awkward in front of the camera (all of my clients initially think this pre-session). All it takes to have an empowering photo shoot is the willingness to show up for yourself and to claim your self-worth. Your desire to exist in photos and to deepen your self-love has to be greater than your fear. That’s it. Showing up is the hardest part, but once you do, you’ll be lovingly guided through the whole process with ease- and wondering why you didn’t have your photos taken years ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lindsaycarlisleboudoir.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaycarlisleboudoir/
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/LindsayCarlisleBoudoir
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWgUkzHnuHNUzQd8izyODYA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lindsaycarlisleboudoir