Today we’d like to introduce you to Arin Phillips.
Arin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in the portrait photography industry for over a decade now. But Boudoir Portraits became my specialty by accident – the happiest accident!
Nov 2020 was my 1st boudoir session with a client. I remember being so nervous, but when the session started it was such a welcoming space of empowerment that I completely FELL for the style!
I called my mom after the session and said, “I’m never going to photograph anything but boudoir sessions again.”
Five months later, I now have a studio to host client sessions!
The studio focuses on creating a space that welcomes every individual to see their beauty as I see it through my lenses. Boudoir is a multiple occasion portrait shoot that can simply offer a confidence boost as a gift to yourself or for an occasion like honeymoons, anniversary gifts, divorces or just as a reminder to love yourself as you are. I have had some wonderful breakup celebration boudoir shoots!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, anything that starts as a passion project is going to have struggles. I don’t see struggles as something that stops progress it’s more of an opportunity to learn more about my craft and clients. Struggles also give me an opportunity to grow in my business and give it space to expand.
The pivots that are required to remain open during Covid-19 are second nature at this point. One pivot that I will continue after Covid-19 is doing 3-4 sessions a week. This was put into place so that only one client comes into the studio on any given day. With a day between each session, I’m able to clean the studio props and furniture surfaces to prepare for the next client the following day. With fewer sessions, I realized that I can spend more time preparing for clients and creating a more tailored shoot. I enjoy this extra time because it allows me to better understand what that client needs from their boudoir session.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe there are three things that sets my studio apart from others. My most important one is that instead of requiring clients to use contracted MUA or hairstylists, I give clients the freedom to come as dressed up or down as they desire. I want photography to be accessible. I believe boudoir shoots can be healing, so I never want to create obstacles to booking shoots either. Of course, for clients that do want a makeup artist I have a list of recommendations. If you’re like me and don’t wear makeup please know that stunning portraits are possible with a little mascara.
Another thing that I feel sets my studio apart from others is that, I always do a Photo Reveal directly after each session, and that’s when the client picks which photos they want retouched. I love sharing unedited photos with clients, so they can see the beauty in well lit authenticity. It’s a beautiful moment when a client sees photos straight from the camera and says, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that’s me!”
The most notable difference between my studio and another boudoir studio is that I am a Print Photographer. As a photographer and artist, I feel that art was made to be printed. Printing completes the artwork. I value the time you spent in the studio to create amazing photos. These beautiful photos are made to be printed as a tangible reminder for confidence and that you’re valued, beautiful, and worthy of all the good. I also feel that prints are a wonderful way to share pictures, even if you aren’t hanging them on a wall. I truly believe that prints honor the experience, so they don’t begin and end as just a picture on your Instagram wall. Now I do understand that digitals are a valuable part of today’s culture. Which is why I always include the digital copy of each purchased print in a downloadable gallery for my clients to enjoy.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been extremely fortunate since my family is a major support system. They are always in my corner and cheering me on. My clients are unsung heroes – without them referring me and spreading the word, I would not be able to grow as quickly as I am. Friend referrals are the highest compliment in my book!
Pricing:
- Sessions start at $200
- Prints are A La Carte and not included in the session price.
- Print prices start at $12 and go up in price based on product type and size.
- Most of my clients spend $400-$500 on products
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@arinpphoto.com
- Website: www.arinpphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arinpphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/453554789125513
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/arin-phillips-photo-austin
