Why I Shoot Boudoir
Most recent photo of me right before a shoot
WHO AM I?
My name is Molly Thuan Thi Staggs. I'm known as Molly TT Photography or MTT for short.
Like so many others, my journey into photography started in my childhood and has been a passion that never waned. I took the leap into professional photography around a decade ago and explored the classic gamut of family portraits, headshots, events, and more.
WHEN DID THIS BEGIN?
Approximately three years ago, I stumbled upon Kara Marie, a talented boudoir photographer who offered educational courses in this field. Her groundbreaking approach to boudoir photography captivated me. Traditionally, boudoir was associated with 80s glamour or pin-up photos, but Kara Marie and many other educators were redefining this genre, emphasizing empowerment for women.
With unwavering determination, I jumped headfirst into boudoir, marking it as my specialty. Why? Think of it this way: If you needed heart surgery, would you choose a surgeon who also operates on knees, backs, and everything else, or a specialist who exclusively deals with heart surgeries? It's about expertise and focus, and I'm committed to being the best in boudoir photography.
Now, I'm well aware that choosing a boudoir photographer doesn't equate to selecting a heart surgeon, but the point is clear – I aim to specialize in boudoir to provide the most exceptional experience and service for anyone considering a boudoir shoot. I may miss out on other opportunities, but for me, it's worth it.
First photo by Kara Marie that I fell in love with
Since discovering Kara Marie's work, I've traveled far and wide to learn from other boudoir experts and photographers. I've soaked up their knowledge, mixed it with my unique style, and have cultivated a brand I'm genuinely passionate about. It's a brand that continues to evolve as I learn and grow each day.
WHAT IS BOUDOIR TO ME?
Boudoir photography, in my eyes, is all about capturing intimate women's portraits. Intimacy, for many of my clients, means wearing less clothing, embracing vulnerable poses, and focusing on how a woman moves in a private space. It's often called "stripped-down photography," a concept that extends beyond merely shedding clothing. It's about removing the layers of obligation, the masks, and the societal rules women carry day in and day out.
MY APPROACH & INSPIRATION
I've always been drawn to the world of magazines, from Playboy to Sports Illustrated's Swim Suit Edition, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and more. I admired the glitz and glamour of these publications, the behind-the-scenes glimpses. But I knew that the industry had traditionally been exclusive, catering only to a particular image of "beauty."
My first boudoir self-portrait
This fueled my curiosity and passion, leading me to ask: Why can't everyday women have their hair and makeup professionally done and experience a magazine-worthy photoshoot? Models in magazines possess one critical element - permission. The permission to strip down, embrace their true selves, and be photographed. By granting themselves that permission, anyone can achieve magazine-worthy images.
THE EXPERIENCE
My primary goal is to create a safe and enjoyable space for women to express themselves freely. While the final photos are indeed amazing, it's the experience that truly matters to me. When you step into my studio, my aim is for you to feel as if you've had a day of relaxation. I want you to shed the weight of the world, and I hope that, as you gaze at your images, you'll see the incredible beauty that's uniquely yours.