An interview with Liz Hansen, photographer at the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio (Winnetka, IL)

Hi everyone! I am the owner/photography of Chicago Boudoir! I love connecting with no only the women that come into the studio but the women in the Chicago community! It has been such a fun part of my job! Here is just a little bit about me.

Why did you become a photographer?

I studied art in college, but I put aside all artistic pursuits when I needed to get a "real job." Ten years later, I got a job answering the phones at a boudoir photography studio. When I accepted the job, I had never heard of boudoir photography. But I quickly learned about the power of photography when I watched clients have life-changing experiences in front of the camera. After working at that boudoir studio for three years, I decided to open my own studio. I have photographed nearly 2,000 women there since 2018 - and loved every minute of it!

What inspires you creatively?

Every time a woman comes to my studio and trusts me to create images of them, I am inspired by their courage and their life story. Every woman is unique and their presence in my studio pushes me to create images that celebrate their individuality.

In five years, your business will:
I hope that in 5 years I am still photographing women and helping them feel confident in their own skin. My business is boudoir, but my bigger mission is to help women feel empowered in all areas of their lives.

What was your proudest moment as a professional photographer?

The very first time someone handed me their credit card for photos that I took I thought, "Wow! Someone likes my photos enough to BUY THEM!? Amazing!" That moment propelled me to keep shooting and to build my photography business.