Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Collins.
Hi Gina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Photography as a hobby when I was 14 after getting my first DLSR camera for Christmas. Throughout High School and over the years following, I would use Photography as a creative outlet but never dreamt it could be a sufficient business. After a lot of encouragement from friends and family, as well as owning and leaving multiple small businesses that didn’t seem to fulfill my creative needs or passion, I decided to finally take the initiative and open up Raxon Leigh Photography as a full-time business in May of 2020. I have since determined that my passion lies within Boudoir Photography, which led to the release of Rogue Boudoir Tx, my Boudoir studio based in Magnolia, TX!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been a super smooth road as I did decide to open up in the middle of a pandemic (I obviously love a good challenge), but I have been very fortunate to have the support I do. I have learned a lot from other mentors and Photographers that have taken the time to show me the ropes of owning a photography business as well as answering any questions I may have in addition to that.
I think one of the other challenges I sometimes face is the stigma that sometimes surrounds Boudoir. Boudoir, to me, is way more than taking “sexy” photos for your partner. To me, boudoir is a way to come face to face with yourself. To see yourself in a new light through someone else’s eyes really shows your true essence as a human. There is something so beautiful and strong about allowing yourself the opportunity to be vulnerable and bare in front of someone who sees how beautiful you really are. I am all for gifting these images to your spouse or partner and allowing them to appreciate and cherish the beauty that was captured, but I love when women come to me wanting to do this for themselves even more!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to call myself a Boudoir Photographer and Empowerment Coach. I specialize in Boudoir Photography, however creating a safe space for women to thrive and grow into who they were designed to be is equally as important to me. I have a VIP Facebook group, Rogue Boudoir VIP by RLP, that is filled with amazing women who uplift and empower each other. We share vulnerable truths, talk about what we can do to improve our body image mindset, and also share some really awesome sessions and behind the scenes!
I would say I am known for a few things. One being how comfortable I make my clients feel when shooting with me. Some have even said it feels like they just got a long massage when leaving the studio. The second would be my knowledge and training in emotive photography. I believe that these images should tell a story and not just be pretty images of a client in lingerie. I love to showcase vulnerability, strength, and passion within my images. I also thrive within a fun, creative sessions. I love alternative, bold and unique styled sessions and my visions really pop when I am able to collaborate with someone on them!
I am most proud of the multiple publications I have been in, with three of my images being chosen for an Art of Emotions Art Gallery Exhibit in Norman, Ok. It was absolutely incredible to see my images displayed on the walls of an art gallery. It really brought to life the fact that Photography IS a true form of art and not just a business or hobby. I can’t describe in words how amazing I felt seeing my work appreciated as art.
I believe what sets me apart is that I take individual time with my clients to communicate, break down walls, and really tune in to their needs. This isn’t a wham-bam, thank you ma’am session. We chat about goals, dreams, desires. We laugh, cry, and create together. It isn’t just about what I want to create, but what my client wants to feel like as well. I am always up for a challenge and I love when my clients give me creative control, but I think what really sets me apart is my desire to make each session unique to the individual.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
I feel like the biggest risk I took was opening this up during the pandemic when I had no idea if it would thrive. Since then, I have moved out of a tiny desk in my bedroom to my very own studio. Sometimes taking risks to chase your dream can result in huge rewards. I take risks every day being an entrepreneur but I personally couldn’t see myself working for anyone and truly being happy. People take risks every day in financial investments, sometimes investing in yourself is just as important and can have an even bigger return than any monetary investment you could potentially make.
Pricing:
- $400
- $600
- $800
- $1200
Contact Info:
- Email: raxonleighphoto@gmail.com
- Website: raxonleighphoto.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rogueboudoirtx
- Facebook: Facebook.com/rogueboudoirtx
Image Credits
@rogueboudoirtx
