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Conversations with the Inspiring Sue Bruce

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Bruce.

Sue, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For as long as I can remember, I have had a camera. Now, my cameras are digital, but when I started they were all film… and always Canon brand. Every vacation, I would spend more time packing my camera bag than my clothes, and it was widely accepted that we’d be making extra stops so I could capture every tiny detail of our travels. In 1996 I emigrated from England to America (California), and eventually switched coasts in 2004 to Massachusetts, settling just north of Boston… and this is where, for the first time, I started taking actual clients.

I have always been fascinated with photographing people, even more so than landscapes or objects (although I did spend many years doing product photography from home) because it’s so challenging to do well. To me, the ability to capture an individual, a couple, several small active children or pose a large family ‘well’ is a skill that truly comes with time and practice.

4 years ago, I opened my first commercial Studio in Lexington, MA. It was several years in the planning because it was important to me to find the ‘right’ space. Opening my own Studio was a huge turning point for me professionally – I have never looked back. I do still work with families (especially in the Fall), however, my primary focus and expertise have become business portraiture and personal branding under my Studio name: Sue Bruce Photography. After establishing the Studio, I also pursued my dream to start working in the boudoir and intimate photography genre – a skill that is by far the most difficult to master! And Courtier Boudoir was born.

My clients (whether business or boudoir) enjoy the finest level of hair styling and makeup artistry (all in the Studio), wardrobe and styling assistance, professional retouching and digital proofing. I enjoy furthering my skills in both portraiture AND boudoir photography and travel widely to learn from the best in the industry. I have won over 17 awards for my work in both genres of photography,

Has it been a smooth road?
It is incredibly difficult to support yourself and a family as a Photographer. It’s not enough to ‘want’ to be the best… you have to work to actually BE the best. Competition is everywhere. As an example, I belong to a local on-line women’s professional group, and I’m reminded of this every time someone posts a need for a photographer – there are upwards of 150 replies almost every time! That said, perseverance is key. Keep moving forward. Set your business up correctly and legally, create and grow a strong brand on-line – social media is key. Take time to set up your website, processes, understand the service and product you offer, know your audience and above all, know your value.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Courtier Boudoir and Sue Bruce Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
I’d like to answer this differently for both of my brands:

As a business portraiture/personal branding photographer, I am known for my ability to connect almost instantly with every client. Without exception, my clients are nervous, feel self-conscious, are worried about how to smile (whether to smile at all, very often!), some don’t actually want to be there! Whilst they think they are unique in these fears and feelings, I know they are not. I talk to them, laugh, we chat about life, share stories, jokes… I pose very specifically for body type, posture, height, clothing choices, profession, preferences … they are often surprised to have forgotten that I even have a camera in my hand. THIS is how I create polished, contemporary portraiture with exceptional eye contact and relaxed expressions every session.

I work well with Executives. I’m married to a CEO. I have worked with Leaders from some of the largest companies, locally, nationally and internationally. This may be seen trivial to some, but many high-powered industry leaders can seem intimidating, hurried, harried and inpatient. I understand. It doesn’t phase me. I’m still going to do my job well, take time to get it right. I am direct, instructive, professional and confident, taking as much time as I need.

Today (literally today June 4) I received a thank you note from a client – I quote “I cannot stress enough how absolutely thrilled I am with my new head shots! You and your team are amazing – and this is from someone who is very uncomfortable in front of the camera. I cannot thank you enough…” This perfectly illustrates the experience my team and I create. This is what we do well – an exceptional experience, with exceptional results.

As a boudoir/intimate photographer, I give you back to yourself ‘differently’ … as art. Our boudoir experiences start with a complimentary in-person consultation, so I can listen, understand, ask questions … and tell you why Courtier Boudoir is one of the finest providers of boudoir and intimate photography in New England.

Sessions are styled uniquely for each client. I continually bring in new exquisite furniture and accessories, add items to our Studio wardrobe to borrow. Sessions are catered with delicious bite-sized hors d’oeuvres and chilled refreshments; our hair & makeup teams are onsite ready to pamper you from the moment you arrive.

I specialize in classic light and airy boudoir, bridal boudoir, dark & moody black & white vibes, bodyscapes (a style that uses body oil to create images focused on dramatic body-contouring highlights for a stunning final effect), and fine art nudes. We even have our own organic custom body oil scents!

My team and I work with women, men, couples. We are an inclusive Studio and welcome everyone … whether you are male, female, identify as male or female, LGBT … feel welcome!

I continue to hone my skills and learn this beautiful and sensual craft every day through a professional organization called the “Association of International Boudoir Photographers”, AIBP for short. This incredible group is home to some of the best boudoir photographers in the world, and as a member, I am afforded the opportunity to learn from them and now have many connections and mentors in the industry, worldwide. At the end of 2017, one of my images was selected as one of the Best of the entire year.

Which Women do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Such a difficult question to answer!

Personally, I am fortunate to be surrounded by women, whose support of this business that I’ve grown, has carried me all these years, sometimes through periods of time where I felt less than inspired, perhaps where I’ve needed a confidence boost… and most importantly when I’ve needed a reality check! Not once has anyone questioned the directions I have chosen to go in … I have felt entirely supported by the women of my family, extended family, and friends. So, thanks Mum, my Sister, my late Grandmother, my Daughter, my Sister-in-Law, as well as a couple of very good friends Kristine and Lynn … and all of my extended family and friends further afield, who have been cheerleaders for me from the start. These are the people who inspire me … literally, because they are themselves inspiring.

Professionally, there are just too many female photographers I would love to mention … suffice to say, Jen S, Beth, Jen R, Lindsay, Cate, Crystal, JT, Jamie, Petra, Judy, Natalie, Kara, Jessica, Heather, Suzanne, Erin … and I’m adding a couple of boys too – Craig, Shawn … and everyone at AIBP who inspires me everyday to be better, different, confident, kickass ! These people continually support me with their honesty, love and encouragement. Thank you!

Pricing:

  • Business portraiture session WITH hair & makeup, Includes 2 digital images: $500
  • Boudoir sessions includes hair & makeup, indulgent nibbles & refreshments (no products or files) $300
  • Boudoir packages (1) and Collections (3) range $1000 – $3950 – most clients spend $2500-$3000
  • ALL 3 Collections come with a complimentary session with hair & makeup, nibbles etc. must be used OR gifted within 2 years
  • Family sessions, up to 6 people (no products or files) $250

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Sue Bruce Photography LLC, Courtier Boudoir

Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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