Jon Jimenez - Photographer Interview

About Jon Jimenez:

Jon Jimenez (of Jon Jozef Photography) is a photographer based in Calgary, Canada specializing in boudoir, lifestyle and fashion photography. Having experience in many art forms including music and dance; photography quickly turned from a simple hobby into a passion for Jon.

He believes in running a client-centered business and building rapport, in order to bring out the best in his clients and thereby beautiful photographs. Only being in photography for 1.5 years and already consistently published, Jon is looking forward to learning more about photography and expanding his career.

We have asked Jon several questions about Boudoir Photography and here are his answers:

1) What does boudoir photography mean to you?

Boudoir photography is a celebration of the human body and spirit. There’s nothing more vulnerable than being in your own skin and showcasing it to the world. It takes courage to not only allow yourself to be photographed but to also allow the world to behold what I call your perfect “imperfections”. Everyone has a different shape, size and uniqueness to behold and boudoir showcases all of that. Allowing others to experience freedom and confidence through art is what drew me to boudoir photography.

2) Why did you choose to pursue a career as a boudoir / fine art photographer? What got you started in boudoir?

Boudoir came naturally to me, as it’s an intimate experience between you and the client. You have direct control over most of the scene, how your client poses, lighting, props, etc (that you wouldn’t for example in wedding photography). Having control over the aspects of the shoot made me appreciate boudoir photography. Most of my work is now boudoir and portraiture.

3) What kind of creative process is there behind boudoir photography?

In life every situation has mood and context. Establishing a mood and/or a story drastically changes the atmosphere of the shoot.

A sensual shoot, needs soft flowing curves, delicate hands, flowing drapes/sheets and soft lighting. An erotic shoot (maybe some bondage theme, etc) will require harsher dramatic lighting, props like chokers/harnesses/masks, and sharp angled poses.

Having an appropriate theme and location before shooting is a must and should be discussed with the client prior to shooting.

4) How do you communicate with a client or model you’ve just met to make them comfortable for boudoir / nude photography?

Every client starts at a different comfort level and you need to establish rapport with the clients as soon as they contact you. As a photographer you need to establish what their comfort level is and what their past experiences may be, so you can meet and exceed their expectations mutually.

Communication is key to making anyone comfortable, and ensuring them that the poses (although awkward feeling) look great in camera and then showing them what you took during the shoot puts clients at ease.

If you need to make a change compliment sandwiches are the key! Compliment – Change – Compliment, will easily create the change you want with the client.

In addition, inquiry into conditions that may limit certain posing is key (i.e. Knee/hip replacements, injuries that limit motion, etc).

5) How do you educate yourself to take better photos?

YouTube, Workshops, anything goes!

6) How would you describe your photography style?

Moody and Sensual vibes.

7) What type of cameras do you shoot with, boudoir and/vs other?

I shoot with a Sony a6500 with Sigma lenses for all my shooting. Planning on a Sony a7iv purchase soon!

8) What kind of other gear do you use for boudoir and/vs other?

I use Godox for off camera flash with various light modifiers depending on the shoot. Usually I’ll use an 80-120cm octobox with an AD200 flash for soft light. Various props (fairy lights, glasses, mask, etc) change the mood accordingly.

9) Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

Although I thoroughly love all of my works, my very first publication ever was with Boudoir Inspiration in the Oct 2019 issue with the model Emily Peck. It was before I learned high-end retouching and I was completely self-taught with my post-processing up until that point. Essentially it was my first foray into the world of magazine retouching and it turned out to be publishable. I’ll forever remember that set as the one that set me towards publishing more.

10) What is the most difficult part of being a boudoir photographer for you?

When all the photos turn out well – how do you choose!?!

11) What is the most rewarding part of being a boudoir photographer for you?

When the client receives their photos printed in a nice flat lay album or in a magazine publication; you see their eyes light up and some even cry. They’ve never seen themselves in such a vulnerable yet powerful manner.

Boudoir is special in that you come in scared/vulnerable, and leave confident and brave.

12) Just for fun, if you could shoot in any location, what would it be?

Bali or Philippines – those islands are absolute paradise.

13) Do you have any other profession or anything you are passionate about?

I’m actually a Registered Nurse and right now (April 2020) photo shoots have stopped due to the Covid crisis and I’m focusing on caring for my patients and their families. In a way boudoir photography is like nursing – establish rapport, plan for their needs, provide them with the best possible outcome.