Here is my Review of the Palm Springs 2024 Boudoir Summit and Why I think every photographer should do a boudoir workshop like this.
As a photographer the journey of learning never truly ends. You always want to push yourself and learn new things which is why this Boudoir Workshop was key. Whether you are hobbyist wanting to go pro or a seasoned professional wanting to stay on top of trends, techniques and technology. It is crucial to continue your growth through boudoir workshops and online classes. I love workshops since I am hands on so let me tell you all about the trip I took to Palm Springs for the Boudoir Summit and all the wonderful things I learned.

Hands on Learning with Expert Guides
The most obvious benefit of boudoir workshops is the direct interaction you get from experts in the field. I was able to work with Chantelle Dione, Ashley Klemm, and Brina Lynne. All incredible women and badass Boudoir photographers. All of these workshops taught me things. Things about myself, my career and where I want to be in business. Online classes are very helpful but there is nothing quite like learning in person and trying what you have learned right then and there with other creatives. Workshops allow you to get real-time feedback on your work. You get to watch demonstrations and ask questions. Then you get to apply these concepts immediately and see your work. I think my favorite workshop was the Golden Hour with Brina Lynne because she made you feel so comfortable and empowered. The models were amazing and the setting was stunning.






Networking and Building Relationships
Photography is in many ways a collaborative art form. Even if you are a solo shooter like I am there are many aspects of the of the business that benefit from strong networks. This is where I am weak. I get very nervous around new people. The thought of going to someplace new and talk to new people you don’t know makes my stomach turn and I feel like crying. This boudoir workshop was especially tough because right before I went into happy hour, to meet new people, I get a call from my Mom saying my Dad is on hospice and they don’t know how long he has. I wanted to go home but new I needed to do this so I went inside. The women were very supportive and I knew right then and there I was in the right place.



Exposure to New Ideas and Techniques
Photography is constantly changing especially now with AI. New technologies, techniques, and artistic trends emerge regularly. Social media wants you to post multiple times a day, make stories, and reels and I don’t know about you but I have a hard time with this. Maybe its because I am 47 and my brain doesn’t work this way or maybe it is because I don’t enjoy doing posts. I tried new things and I realized what I liked and didn’t like at these boudoir workshops. I like photographing women but I don’t like videography. That class had the most amazing and patient teacher but I was too scared to do it. I was not in the right headspace to try something so new and different. I did learn about prisms and I realized sensual Boudoir photography is not what most of my clientele wants. Most of my clients are over 40 and want to feel sexy but in a very classy and more subtle way. Here I did my first girl with girl session. I personally don’t do couples sessions so nothing against photographing two girls it is just not something I am comfortable with. It doesn’t matter if its two guys, two girls or a guy and a girl. I feel couple sessions are very personal and not something I photograph as of now, but these models were amazing and I appreciate everything they taught me.

Focused Learning on Specific Skills
One key advantage of a boudoir workshop is the ability to focus on specific areas of interest or weakness. So, like I mentioned before, social media is my weakness so I tried the videography class but it just reminded me of how its just not for me. Some things in life you should just pay a professional for and social media may be one of those things I pass onto someone else. However I did take a class about photographing women over 50 and in this class I would have loved to photograph the model more but all the lessons I learned and the wonderful emails she sent were very helpful and reminded me just how much I love photographing mature women. Being older myself I love helping those around me see themselves in a brand new light.



Inspiration and Motivation
If you have ever hit a creative slump, you know how hard it can be to find new inspiration or motivation. Sadly this happens to me a lot. So even though I try really hard not to compare my work to others I do. I constantly think I don’t make enough money and should financially be helping the family more. I am constantly told I should do in person sales and charge more. But I just can’t do it and because of that I burn out more and feel less inspired at times which is why meeting Jazmyn and Roxie really lifted my spirits. I had so much fun getting to know them and photographing them. Not only because they made me laugh, but they made me forget my sadness. The Dog House Mansion where we shot was epic! I have never been in a cooler house and it made photographing these two beautiful women all that more fun.






Personalized Feedback and Growth
Unlike large online courses most workshops are small and intimate which gives you more time with the models, instructors and fellow photographers. Because of this you can get one-on-one feedback, critique and suggestions for improvement. Allowing you to address specific challenges you may be facing as a photographer. This is what I loved most about the Boudoir Summit. They gave you a lot of opportunities to get feedback and workshops to help you grow. Unfortunately I was not in the right mindset to take full advantage of this. This is why I can’t wait for the next one.



I Definitely Look Forward to the Next One
These boudoir workshops were full of fun and supportive women from all over the world. They reminded me not to compare myself to others. I do things differently and that’s ok. They taught me to be braver and try new things. To get out of my comfort zone and do things that scare me. So I did the best I could in that moment. I learned a lot by watching others and I got some really cool photos while meeting some really cool people. However I did not meet my full potential and I did not give myself the grace to try and fail. So I look forward to going to the next one in 2025.
Thank you to all the amazing people who made this event possible.
The 2024 Boudoir Summit
https://www.instagram.com/theboudoiralbum/
https://www.instagram.com/foxdenhospitality/
The Amazing Instructors
https://www.instagram.com/chantelledionephoto/
https://www.instagram.com/ashley_klemm_boudoirs/
https://www.instagram.com/barebybrina/
The Beautiful Models
https://www.instagram.com/jazmynraymay/
https://www.instagram.com/theroxierose/
https://www.instagram.com/itsmrscakes2u/
https://www.instagram.com/okt_xo/
Body Jewlery by Meghan McCaskill
https://www.instagram.com/tailoredbodyjewelry/
To learn more about me check out my about page or contact me with questions.
https://sparkboudoir.com/about
https://sparkboudoir.com/#contact
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