Boudoir By Jonathan Soltero
Hello there, my name is Jonathan Soltero and I am a boudoir photographer & videographer that works with women from all walks of life to create stunning pictures that capture their innate beauty & sexuality.
Timeline of My Boudoir Photography Journey
|
I. Before boudoir
Before boudoir photography, I was primarily doing freelance work as a graphic designer & photo editor. If I needed a specific piece of content for a project, I would use my phone or the action camera I had purchased for my bike rides. At that time, I didn’t think much about photography or anticipate specializing in it. I did however, want to expand my freelancing gigs into a full-service digital agency, so I started putting together a team. Together, we took on larger projects, including website creation. I also put some of the money I made into a few other business ideas, including a mobile game company, which I quickly lost all motivation for since I didn’t enjoy creating mobile games as much as I had anticipated; I was wasting time and money. My agency also saw a decline in projects due to increasing competition, so that eventually came to an end as well. I threw away a full-ride scholarship in STEM to instead pursue my entrepreneurial and creative endeavors. Everything I was building fell apart. I let many people down, including myself; I spiraled down to bitterness & hopelessness.
Thankfully, I had been working with some great therapists at the time, and one day out of nowhere just the word ‘photography’ popped into my head, followed by a renewed sense of hope. I quickly hopped on the computer to find myself an entry-level mirrorless camera. Given my experience designing printed apparel, I knew exactly what to do with the camera. I began reaching out to models to showcase my designs. I eventually began to land some photography gigs and earn some money, but more importantly, photography offered me a creative outlet and an avenue to meet and connect with new people, which significantly improved my mood.
|
II. Discovering boudoir
|
Fast-forward to late 2018, and an opportunity to shoot boudoir images came my way. Initially unfamiliar with boudoir, I did an online search to learn more. I quickly noticed a discrepancy between what boudoir photography was meant to be and how established photographers would actually treat it. You see, boudoir emerged from wartime pinups, after the war women had these pictures taken to surprise their husbands on special occasions, and now it has reached its true & final form: a guiding light for women, a gift not just for her partner but for herself. Unfortunately, more often than not, the average boudoir photographer prioritizes the technical aspects of photography rather than delving into the more profound meanings behind boudoir. Their interpretation of boudoir photography is no different from any other photoshoot; they merely take the pictures and move on. They are treating it as if it’s just another type of photoshoot; in fact, most of them are general photographers, so their forte isn’t even in boudoir. They book as many clients as possible, usually multiple clients per day, sacrificing quality and the true essence of boudoir. I figured out right away boudoir that it was meant to be so much more than pictures. It can be a very intimate & transformative experience and thus should be treated as such. I knew this was something I had to do. Given my prior experience in portrait photography, my open-mindedness, and sex-positive stance, I was confident with moving forward.
Not long after, I was presented with the remarkable opportunity to acquire the Instagram handle @boudoir from an acquaintance. They did not know I recently had my first boudoir session; they didn’t even know I was doing photography. This wasn’t a lucky coincidence; it was alignment. It was a confirmation that boudoir is my calling.
|
III. Living for boudoir
|
While many photography genres aim for perfection, boudoir celebrates authenticity. I see beauty in every woman, so when working with a woman with low self-esteem, I get to show her, not just tell her, how beautiful & amazing she is. It makes me so happy when I see a woman finally realize her worth, her strength, & her beauty.
My approach to boudoir involves a collaborative approach that aims to establish a foundation of trust, intimacy, and non-judgmental openness. With this base established, the session will flow freely and without bounds or worries. That is what a true boudoir session should be.
Many of our troubles stem from societal pressures, which lead us to become disconnected from our true selves and see only our body’s flaws, believing we are less than or never enough. What if you tried falling in love with yourself and with who you are? What if instead of fighting your body, you started learning & discovering all it’s good, its sensuality, and its pleasures? It sounds easy; however, after all these years of living with a negative image of yourself, it’s difficult to see otherwise. That’s where I come in, to guide you, to empower you, to allow you to be you, as I capture a side of yourself that you may not have known existed.
My boudoir sessions are real & sincere, blending professionalism with a casual & intimate atmosphere. I am not only your boudoir photographer, but someone you can confide in and connect with on an intimate level. I encourage you to speak your mind, ask any and every intimate or “taboo” question you may have, voice your concerns, & lay out your desires. I will do everything in my power to make sure your concerns are addressed and your wishes are fulfilled.
A Little More About Me
Beyond photography, I also dabble in music, fashion, and drawing, among other arts. I used to play the piano and the trumpet; I was in band for a year. Now I create hip-hop/R&B beats.
I am highly open-minded and have a wide range of interests, listen to all genres of music, and watch all sorts of movies & documentaries.
My favorite topics (in no specific order) include nutrition & fitness, psychology & personality, intimacy & sex, science, nature, and spirituality. I can dive deep into these topics, usually getting philosophical & theoretical.
Coming from a family of chefs and food-related business owners, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen growing up, so I know how to cook, and I enjoy it. I prefer to use organic whole foods and always opt for humane, wild-caught, or pasture-raised proteins.
Oh & you can’t have a bio without including this cliché: I like to travel. But for me, that even includes driving. While many people dread having to drive, I enjoy it because I don’t just drive; I vibe. I put on some music and go, usually enjoying the journey more than the destination.
Now that you know a little about me, I’d love to know about you and how I can give you the best boudoir experience!