Releasing My Inner Goddess with Boudoir Photographer Jen Rozenbaum
I had my very first boudoir shoot with the one and only, amazing, fabulous, gorgeous inside and out, Jen Rozenbaum, and I can’t stop smiling! I’ve been admiring her work from afar, so it was a dream come true to be in the studio with her (socially distanced, of course!). I’m a 49 year-old breast cancer thriver, proud Mama of two beautiful teenage girls so why do a boudoir shoot now? I say…WHY NOT? There is never a bad time to do this. And to do it for YOU!
It’s not just about the beautiful photos that you’ll enjoy for years to come. It’s the out-of-body experience that comes with tapping into your inner Goddess when you think that maybe she’s left you. Newsflash. We ALL have that inner Goddess inside of us, and this is a form of therapy. Photo therapy, that is.
Jen has a magical way of making her come out to play. She brings her right back to the surface where she belongs. There is one small price to pay though. Jen will also give you a serious workout. She had me leaning against the wall…in stilettos….legs crossed…shoulders back….chin up….all at the same time! I woke up the next morning and I swear I felt like I ran a marathon. But it was well worth it.
But don’t just take my word for it, try it yourself! If you live in the New York area (or plan to be there at some point soon), I strongly suggest booking an appointment with Jen. Just shoot her a note at JenRozenbaum@gmail.com. Be sure to mention Cancer Fashionista and get $50 off of your photo shoot!
Not only did I have blast shooting with Jen, but I LOVED chatting with her about photography, her guilty pleasures and everything in between!
But first her story:
“I was a stay at home mom in the process of trying to have another baby. After a miscarriage and a subsequent life threatening ectopic pregnancy, I found myself sad, frustrated and very alone. I didn’t want to just wallow in my sadness, so I figured I needed a distraction. That is when I picked up a camera for the first time. I remember it clearly. I placed a glass on my coffee table and took a photo. Then I moved a knob and took another photo and so on. Slowly but surely, I was teaching myself photography. In early 2009 I was invited by a photographer friend to assist her on a boudoir shoot. I happily agreed. What a life-changing day that was. To this day I am not sure I can explain why, but I knew in my bones that boudoir was my calling I immediately started a boudoir photography business out of my bedroom and started feverishly marketing and in my first 2 years of business, I photographed more than 400 women! Spoiler Alert: I also got pregnant with my second child! Through my journey as a boudoir photographer, I have learned so much about women and myself. I learned that we all struggle with problems such as fertility, marriage issues, self-esteem and self-worth, body image issues, etc… Boudoir gave me a platform to start speaking about these topics publicly. Out of that, the #ShamelesslyFeminine® movement was born.”
I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Jen, as well as work with her. I’m also so proud to call her my friend! Check out our interview below:
Q: What excites you most about boudoir photography?
A: So, I don’t consider myself a photographer. I consider myself a Photogratherapist. Although I am not a true therapist, what I do has a therapeutic aspect to it. That is the part that I love the most. To help women find their power, see their potential…and what they do with that is incredible. I’ve had clients dump boyfriends, get new jobs, start new careers, all because they were reminded of who they really are.
Q: When is the best time in a woman’s life to do a boudoir shoot? So many of us feel we need to have a perfect body, etc.
A: Any. Damn. Time. She. Wants. To. I mean that! I think women should have multiple shoots in their lifetime. A shoot to celebrate a birthday, a triumph, to deal with trauma, to celebrate their body, to commemorate who they are. There are a million good reasons to have a shoot and there is NEVER a need for the “perfect body”. The perfect body is the one you are in RIGHT NOW.
Q: If you could give your “recently diagnosed with breast cancer self” one piece of advice about body positivity, what would it be?
A: Your femininity doesn’t come from your body parts. It’s a mindset.
Q: I think it’s so cool that you’re a Nikon ambassador. Tell us what this is all about, and how it happened?
A: Being asked to become a Nikon Ambassador is one of the greatest moments in my life. There are less than 40 of them in the U.S., so it’s an incredible honor. Nikon approached me shortly after my cancer diagnosis and asked if I wanted to do some work with them. They saw what I was doing to spread the word about my cancer and the positive message I was trying to spread and they wanted to help. Nikon Ambassadors are more than just photographers. They are incredible story tellers and people using their cameras to change the world in many different genres. I am in awe of all of them and often pinch myself that I am a part of such a beautiful and talented group.
Q: What kind of work were you doing pre-Covid? What kind of work are you doing now?
A: Pre-Covid I was shooting a bunch and also traveling the country to teach other photographers how to do what I do. Since all my travel has been cancelled for a while, I took advantage of the time and I wrote a book during quarantine called “What the F*ck Just Happened? A Survivor’s Guide to Life After Breast Cancer.” Although I’m still shooting, I’m also working on developing a program based on the book.
Q: What is the best way to book a boudoir shoot with you, and how far in advance do you need to book a session?
A: Message me! JenRozenbaum@gmail.com. I am currently booking for 2021
Q: Any new projects on the horizon?
A: Definitely stay tuned for my life after cancer program – and my book will be in print hopefully by the New Year.
Q: What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
A: Lately – luxury pajamas win this for me.
Q: If you could hop on a plane and go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Anywhere but here! Hmmm…. if I had to pick one place, I would say Paris.
Q: If you could go to dinner with ANY celebrity, who would it be and why?
To tell you the truth, I’m not that into celebrities – which is weird, I know… but if I had to choose one it would be Reese Witherspoon. I believe she is a powerhouse and is doing amazing things for women and I admire that work.
Thank you Jen for making us all feel beautiful through your incredible photographs and empowering spirit! We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!
