Today we’d like to introduce you to Annika Roser.
Hi Annika, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started with boudoir photography while still in college (before boudoir was popular!). I was majoring in fashion photography at the time but quickly realized that wasn’t for me. When I found out about boudoir, I made all my friends and family model for me and fell in love. I was blown away by what it did for women’s confidence and immediately knew I had found my calling. I dropped out of college shortly after and packed my bags to move to Boston, more or less on a total whim. I did not know anyone in the city but thought it would be a great place to open my boudoir studio. Obviously, the first few years were tough, but I slowly grew my studio to one of the most sought after studios in New England, booking out about a year in advance. After several horrible Boston winters, I wanted a change in weather and scenery. I packed my bags again in January of 2020 and moved my business to St Pete. It was a scary move for sure, especially since my business was so strong in Boston. But despite all odds, my studio is doing well here! My style is very different from most other boudoir photographers in the area, which was a big concern for me before moving, but everyone has been so welcoming and wonderful! It’s been really great building up my clientele here while still working in Boston.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road! I don’t think anyone who owns their own business will have a smooth road. Being a creative person, I had to learn the hard way just how valuable business and marketing are. Those things do not come naturally to me, so I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning. I was also not confident standing up for myself, especially since I was only 20 when I opened my studio. A lot of people did not take me seriously due to my age, so that presented its own set of challenges.
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 specialize in boudoir photography for women, men, and couples. What sets my work apart from others is the mood in my images. I focus greatly on raw emotion and connection. I don’t really do bright or frilly bridal boudoir, but more edgy, dark, and sultry looks.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out in boudoir would be to PRACTICE a ton before getting paying clients. You are going to be working with clients in their most vulnerable state and need to make them feel comfortable, confident, and love their naked body. That is not an easy task, and when photographers don’t know what they are doing with poses, they can easily ruin the experience for the client. My other biggest tip is to work with mentors! Finding someone whose style speaks to you is key. I have invested a ton into mentors and education as that is honestly the best way to learn all aspects of running a boudoir studio. I have been offering mentoring for a couple of years as well now and teach other photographers how to run their own six figure studios!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@macheriestudios.com
- Website: macheriestudios.com
- Instagram: @macheriestudios
Image Credits
Image of me was taken by @jessicaoverholtphotography Styling (hair and makeup) on image 5, 7, and 12 was by @corinethemakeupmom
