We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Giles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kristen, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self-esteem developed gradually as I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and witnessed firsthand the positive impact of my work. Early on, it was intimidating to guide clients through vulnerable shoots and trust my own creative instincts. But over time, seeing clients light up when they reviewed their images, hearing their heartfelt gratitude, and noticing their newly found self-assurance helped me understand that what I do truly matters. Every positive response, every tear of joy, and every moment of connection reinforced that I was on the right path and capable of helping others see themselves in a more empowered light.
Additionally, cultivating a supportive network played a crucial role. Surrounding myself with like-minded creatives, true friends who believed in my vision, and mentors who generously shared their wisdom reminded me I wasn’t navigating this journey alone. Their encouragement pushed me to embrace authenticity, trust my instincts, and grow into the confident photographer and entrepreneur I am today. Through their support, as well as my own willingness to learn and improve, I transformed my self-doubt into a guiding strength, allowing me to step into each new challenge with self-assurance and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a boudoir photographer whose work is centered on helping women embrace and celebrate their own unique beauty, strength, and confidence. Unlike traditional photography sessions, boudoir shoots offer a deeply personal and transformative experience. They’re not just about looking beautiful on camera—they’re about feeling beautiful within. I’m most excited by the moments when my clients begin to see themselves in a whole new light. When they witness how radiant and powerful they look through my lens, it’s like watching someone step fully into their own truth. Those reactions are what fuel my passion for this work and remind me why I chose this path.
Beyond that core mission, I’m always exploring new ways to better serve my clients. One recent development is the introduction of customized creative sets and styling options. We’re partnering with talented hair and makeup artists who share the same commitment to empowerment, offering more holistic, luxurious sessions. My goal is to continuously refine the experience—providing guided posing, fostering genuine comfort, and encouraging clients to embrace their authentic selves. Going forward, I’m looking into hosting small, intimate workshops where clients and fellow photographers alike can come together to learn, share, and celebrate the artistry of boudoir. These future gatherings and expanded offerings are all about deepening the sense of community and support that are at the heart of what I do.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three defining influences in my journey were developing genuine empathy, embracing adaptability, and establishing a strong business foundation. By truly listening to clients and understanding their emotional needs, I learned how to create work that resonated on a personal level rather than simply producing images. Continuously pushing myself to learn new techniques and adapt to changing industry trends helped keep my craft evolving instead of stagnating. Most importantly, giving due attention to the business side—pricing, marketing, branding—allowed me to build a sustainable practice that respects both my art and my livelihood. For those just beginning, I’d suggest committing to honest communication, staying curious enough to learn from every experience, and never losing sight of the fact that your artistic passion deserves the same professionalism, structure, and care as any other meaningful endeavor.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the last 12 months, I’ve experienced a significant expansion in both my creative and personal capacities. Balancing the demands of my photography business with returning to school for X-ray has pushed me to become more organized, disciplined, and confident than ever before. Studying X-ray imaging technology has enhanced my understanding of composition, lighting, and detail, translating into more refined, intentional photography sessions. At the same time, the challenge of managing these dual commitments has taught me to embrace new workflows, trust my instincts, and appreciate my own resilience. This experience hasn’t just sharpened my technical skills—it’s deepened my capacity to navigate uncertainty and prioritize growth, enabling me to bring a heightened sense of clarity and professionalism to my work and my clients’ experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristengilesphotography.com
- Instagram: @kristenkgiles
- Facebook: @kristengilesboudoir
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