This is a journey of self-love and I guarantee it will be irresistibly empowering!
Katie Refling
I meet all kinds of awesome women, from all walks of life, who come into their photo shoots for a multitude of reasons. It's exciting and inspiring and exhilarating. There is such beauty in the vulnerability and openness of intimate lifestyle photography, and it's truly hard to fully grasp the life-affirming self-acceptance you'll experience until you do your own photoshoot.
In the Spring of 2008, following a love of documenting everything, I officially started Katie Refling Photography. I saw a stream of clients for all sorts of shoots; from head-shots to architectural to weddings... and then it all changed that year. I had my first request for an artistic nude maternity shoot and loved everything about it. It was such a rewarding experience for my client and myself – both creatively and emotionally, and I immediately knew I had found my craft. Since then, thousands of women have walked through the doors of my studio, and I am so thankful that the joy, inspiration and creative drive I felt in the early days is still there in full force.
A lot has changed in this industry since those days over 10 years ago, when boudoir photography was still somewhat taboo having yet to break into the mainstream. But the core value still remains: boudoir photography is about embracing womanhood and empowering us to step out of our comfort zones, turn down the volume on all of the voices in this world trying to grind us down, and rise up and accept the incredibly unique, powerful and beautiful women we are. For me personally, the biggest and most wonderful changes in my life since I started my business have been getting married to my awesome guy (he's a videographer/photographer too and runs Bloom Media), and having two amazing children who push me to constantly grow, recreate and expand as a woman and mother. One thing however as has remained the same over the last decade of shooting boudoir, maternity and portraits; I still get goosebumps when I get “that shot”. This is truly my passion and my sincere hope is that this translates into every photo I create.
There is a beautiful energy in the room during photo shoots – it’s an amazing thing to celebrate who you are, ‘flaws’ and all.
A couple years into my boudoir photography journey I was asked by the W Network to be the photographer on “How To Look Good Naked Canada”. It was absolutely thrilling to be part of a show that was so revolutionary with their body positive and self-accepting messaging. It was extra special getting a front row seat watching the major life changing mojo that was injected into these women's lives after their experiences. This cemented my love for my craft even more.
The positive impact these shoots have is intoxicating and contagious. Self-care at its finest and absolutely empowering, boudoir shoots are a celebration of womanhood in all its forms. Here's a throwback to those courageous woman who took a huge step on their journey of self-love and acceptance. If they could take this leap (on TV no less!), so can you! You'll be in good company with all the bad-ass women over the years (read what they've said here!) who've showed up and left beaming from their shoots. You owe it to yourself. ♡
Reality TV with a positive message...
Boudoir Photography
Nude Photo Shoot
Boudoir Photos
Guelph Nude Photo Shoot
What I Want You To Know...
When you walk through the doors to your photo shoot, you may be a little (or maybe even very) nervous knowing what you’re about to embark on. It’s one thing scrolling through gorgeous boudoir photos on Instagram or Pinterest and fantasizing about doing your own shoot, but it’s an entirely different story when you’re changing into your first ‘barely there’ outfit and thinking “well, here goes nothing!” It may help you breathe a little easier knowing that almost every single client says with a big smile “You made that way easier than I thought it would be!” It’s my job to make you look fabulous and I take great pride in doing so. Everything in our shoot will be aimed at making you look your ultimate best, as you are today – not after dieting for three months, injecting Botox or going to the gym seven days a week (unless of course these things are your jam, then rock on!) – but right now, as you are today sitting there reading this message. Each of us are different; our bodies, our preferences and of course what we want out of a photo shoot. When we work together everything is custom tailored for YOU. I always give my personal, undivided attention to every one of my clients which makes a tremendous difference in your comfort level and the quality of your photographs. You can feel confident knowing that I will always be the one answering your emails, taking your photographs and working with your images afterward in post production. You are never a cog in a tired formula. The lighting, wardrobe, props, setting, hair/make-up styling and accessories are designed to bring out your beauty, your vibe, your oomph! I’ll work with your curves and angles to highlight your strengths and favourite assets while downplaying anything you prefer not to have front and centre. When all is said and done you’ll walk away with drop dead gorgeous photographs where you look perfectly... YOU.
Thousands
of elated clients and counting!
“Taking pictures is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.” — Diane Arbus
Life moves so quickly...before we realize it so much has changed. This is never so true as it is in relation to our physical bodies. Document this time in your life.
"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." - Dorothea Lange
this is YOUR studio.
every woman. every figure. every reason.
Boudoir Photographer Serving Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Milton, Brampton, Mississauga, Hamilton, Toronto and Ontario.