Last Updated on 02/24/2015 by Chris Gampat
All images by Jennifer Rozenbaum. Used with permission. PS: we’re working on a few boudoir pieces in time for WPPI. But we’re keeping them to a minimum.
Jen Rozenbaum was recently featured on creativeLive and makes her living as a boudoir photographer. She states that she embraces her femininity while allowing women to embrace their own. “By daring her clients to shed their clothes, they begin to shed their inhibitions.” is what her bio states. She’s also presenting this year at WPPI.
Jen is a woman that is seemingly very to the point; and that ethic is reflected in the specific ways that she works with clients.
The WPPI Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference+Expo is the premier industry event for photographers and filmmakers specializing in the creative and business aspects of wedding and portrait photography and filmmaking. Each year, nearly 13,000 professional and aspiring photographers and filmmakers attend WPPI to learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to grow their business, experience new products and solutions from major manufacturers to improve their productivity, and enjoy the many attractions in Las Vegas. February 26-March 5, MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
By using the promo code “WPPI50” you can get $50 off the “Full Platform Pass” which is regularly $299 ($249 with promo code).
Phoblographer: Talk to us about how you first got into photography.
Jenn: I got into photography six years ago when my daughter was in preschool. I was a stay-at-home mom looking for a distraction from a tough time in my life. So I taught myself how to use a camera!
Phoblographer: What attracted you to shooting portraits?
Jenn: I first started with shooting small elopement ceremonies in NYC. I never really loved it though. I didn’t know it at the time but it missed the mark for me on what I get out of portraits, and that’s being part of the experience with the client.
Phoblographer: How’d you get started in shooting boudoir?
Jenn: A friend asked me to help her on a boudoir shoot she booked. I was hooked right away!
Phoblographer: Your photography business is boudoir photography. How do you go about marketing it specifically to gain new clients and how would you describe who your clients are?
Jenn: My clients are women who want to express themselves, discover themselves and have a safe place to be shamelessly feminine. My best marketing tip is to offer a great experience that will generate referrals
Phoblographer: What’s #shameleslyfeminine all about? It’s all over your site.
Jenn: It’s about being feminine in your own unique way. For years women have had boundaries put on them. I say – NOT ANY MORE. A woman can be weak or strong, work or stay home, girly or butchy – and everything in between. It’s about being your genuine you without any shame!
Phoblographer: Talk us through a typical client meeting. What happens? There are lots of women out there that want to feel sexier and better about themselves, and it’s fair to say that that has to be one of the main talking points, yes?
Jenn: I don’t typically meet my clients beforehand. Our conversation usually starts with an email that says, “What are your prices?” Or something equally as boring. Instead of replying with my prices I tell them I want to learn more about them and their reasons for doing a shoot and the experience really starts there.
Phoblographer: Where do you get your creative ideas and poses?
Jenn: Everywhere! Music, Tv, Movies, pop culture – any place I can gain inspiration from other women.
Phoblographer: What are some essential items that you think every boudoir shoot needs?
Jenn: A woman, a photographer, a camera and an open mind.
Phoblographer: Let’s discuss the psychology behind boudoir and the shoot itself. It’s something that’s beautiful, empowering, vulnerable and personal all at the same time. Do you ever feel like sometimes an idea doesn’t work? If so, how do you and your subject work to modify it on the spot?
Jenn: I work very carefully in listening to my clients and try to understand what they are looking for out of a shoot. If they are uncomfortable with something or the shoot isn’t manifesting in the look they were thinking of, you can usually read it on their face. So I just ask. Communication is key!
Phoblographer: Talk to us about the gear that you use and your post production habits.
Jenn: I use all Sigma Lenses. The 35, 50, 24-105 Art lenses as well as the standard 50, 85, 24-70 and 70-200. My body is the Nikon D3s. I also use Westcott and Profoto lights in the studio. I do very little post production. I cull and color correct in LR and Retouch in PS.