Photographer Bonne Donovan, based in Kelowna, British Columbia, started her photo business, Bonne Belle Portraits, in 2014 and has been shooting boudoir since 2016. Recently, she won an AIPB magazine cover competition with a goddess theme that entrants had to adhere to. Here, Donovan explains how that winning image and cover came about.

Jacqueline Tobin: What does the term “goddess” mean to you? 

Bonne Donovan: The goddess, in my mind, is a Greek mythological interpretation of a wise woman who has obtained virtue and strength, and whose grace and beauty are of heavenly quality. 

JT: What was your concept and approach for your final image? 

BD: The concept was to have my client standing majestically, wrapped loosely in a white sheet of chiffon, in front of the windows covered in white sheer curtains. I lit her with beautiful, soft natural light that wrapped her in ethereal brightness, like mist.

JT: How did you decide on the final look to give that gorgeous goddess feel?

BD: I wanted to keep it very simple and elegant, so she would really stand out against the glowing backdrop. I put her hair up with a loose twist, held by a clip, and it looked beautiful. I shot from above, standing on the bed, shooting through the crystals of the chandelier to create prism effect and bokeh.

JT: What did winning the AIBP cover mean to you? 

BD: I was very pleasantly surprised to turn on the computer that morning and see that my image had been chosen for the cover. I was in love with that image and so glad to have it recognized by my peers. 

The win meant a great deal to me because I’ve struggled so much with personal obstacles for many years. I fought against some challenging forces to get to the point where I am today. I’m extremely thankful and humbled by this recognition.

JT: Define your approach overall to boudoir.

BD: I take the average, ordinary woman and show her how beautiful she is from a voyeuristic viewpoint. I do a wide range of styles—from glamour shots to telling stories with different scenes and sets. Boudoir is a story about a woman in her private quarters, unknowing of how ravishingly beautiful she is. 

JT: What gear do you typically shoot with and what did you use for this look?

BD: This look was created with my “go-to” camera: the Canon 5D Mark III, using the Sigma 35mm Art lens. I use mostly natural window light.

bonnebelleportraits.ca 
@bonne_belle_boudoir

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