Statement

In my work as a boudoir photographer, I create an environment where someone can be completely and unapologetically themself, creating beautiful, natural images that represent and celebrate who they are. My clients span an entire spectrum of age, race, body type, gender identity, sexuality, and ability. Everyone has their own reason for doing a boudoir session. It can mark a turning point in their life that is either joyful or painful; it can be a reclaiming of a part of themself they may feel they've lost; it can be a declaration and affirmation of who they are. My two images in this year's exhibition reflect clients coming to me from very different paths:

"Transformation": This client came to me at age 64 after a near-fatal accident, from which most of her body needed to be reconstructed. One of her goals in doing her boudoir session was to come to love her new physicality. This image not only celebrates her figure but also hints at her fierce, no-bullshit personality.

"Domme": This client, who was 50 when I photographed her, had traveled to the Bay Area with dozens of other women for the culmination of a months-long dominatrix training. She wanted to celebrate this inflection point in her life where she had unlocked a powerful part of who she is.

Resume

I have lived in Emeryville since 1992, working as a graphic designer for Bay Area nonprofit arts organizations. In 2013, I left my job as the in-house art director for Berkeley Repertory Theatre to pursue full-time freelance work as both a photographer and art director. In 2015 I started creating boudoir images, which quickly became the most emotionally rewarding part of my practice. I also shoot headshots, food, live performance, and more. I have a studio near Lake Merritt that is designed for boudoir as well as other types of photography.

Websites: http://dragonflyboudoir.com and http://cheshiredave.com