Boudoir photography is about so much more than beautiful portraits. For many women, it's an opportunity to rediscover confidence, embrace their bodies, and see themselves through a completely different lens.

In this episode of Off the Memory Card, I sit down with boudoir photographer Brooke Tyler, owner of Leather and Lace Luxury Boudoir, to talk about her inspiring journey from full-time nurse to empowering women through photography. Brooke shares how her own boudoir experience after leaving an abusive relationship changed her life and inspired her to create a safe, uplifting space where women can celebrate who they are.

We also discuss what really happens during a boudoir session, why trust is such an important part of the experience, and how these sessions often become just as healing as they are photographic. Brooke also opens up about balancing a successful photography business while working full-time as a nurse and raising a family.

• Brooke's journey through nursing and becoming a luxury boudoir photographer.

• How her own boudoir experience inspired her career.

• Why boudoir photography is about confidence, healing, and self-worth...not just beautiful photos.

• What clients can expect before and during a boudoir session.

• Creating a safe, judgment-free environment where women feel comfortable being themselves.

• The emotional transformations Brooke witnesses during every session.

• Balancing photography, nursing, motherhood and entrepreneurship.

• Time management, self-care and building a business you're passionate about.

Whether you're a photographer interested in offering boudoir or someone who's always wondered what the experience is really like, this conversation offers an honest look at the life-changing impact boudoir photography can have.

Follow Brooke and see more of her incredible work at Leather and Lace Luxury Boudoir on Facebook:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090227284726

What happens when you spend nine hours teaching photographers?

You end up exhausted...but completely full.

In this episode of Off the Memory Card, I'm sharing a different kind of workshop recap. Yes, we spent the day diving deep into lighting techniques, but what stayed with me had very little to do with camera settings.

I talk about the boudoir photographer who finally had that breakthrough moment after struggling with consistency, the incredible photographer rebuilding her business after moving from Brazil; learning through a translation app every step of the way, and the unexpected joy of watching photographers connect, collaborate, and remind each other that none of us were meant to build this business alone.

Whether you're just starting your photography journey or you've been running your business for years, this episode is a reminder that the relationships we build often matter just as much as the skills we learn.

• Why this workshop left me exhausted; in the best possible way
• The moment one photographer finally understood lighting
• What a photographer from Brazil taught me about courage and perseverance
• How a room full of experienced photographers created something bigger than the workshop itself
• Why running a photography business can feel lonely, and how to change that
• The unexpected gift that teaching gives back to the teacher
• A simple challenge to help you build your photography community this week

Photography isn't meant to be a solo journey. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don't come from mastering your camera; they come from connecting with people who understand exactly what you're building.

If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another photographer who could use the reminder that they don't have to do this alone.

What can a studio renovation teach you about running a photography business?

As it turns out...quite a lot.

In this episode of Off The Memory Card, I'm recording from the middle of a renovation project. There’s sawdust everywhere, half-finished spaces, and plenty of moments where I've wondered if this was all a good idea. But standing in the middle of the chaos has reminded me of several lessons that apply to every photographer, whether you own a studio, shoot outdoors, or work from a corner of your living room.

In this episode, I share five business lessons I've learned while renovating my photography studio:

• Why your space is part of the product you're selling

• How to build for the work you want, not just the work you're currently booking

• The connection between organization and creativity

• Why growth often requires investing before you feel completely ready

• How to navigate the uncomfortable "messy middle" that comes with any major change

If you've ever felt stuck between where you are and where you want your business to be, this episode is for you.

✔ Creating a client experience that starts before the photos are taken

✔ Designing your business around your future goals

✔ The hidden cost of disorganization

✔ Making strategic investments in your growth

✔ Why the middle of any transformation feels chaotic

✔ Learning to trust the process when the payoff isn't visible yet

The messy middle isn't proof that you're failing. It's proof that you're in the process. Whether you're raising your prices, rebranding, learning a new skill, or building something bigger than what exists today, the discomfort is often part of the journey.

Keep going. The dust settles.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with another photographer who might need this reminder.

You can also find more photography education, business advice, and behind-the-scenes content at www.usethatcamera.com

Remember: Be kind, work hard, and stay humble.