What do boudoir and motherhood photography have in common? For photographer Megan Allen, the answer is tenderness, intimacy, and power. In her Burlington, Vermont studio, Megan Marie Photographer, Megan has curated a space that feels warm, inviting, and safe, where women can open up to being vulnerable and playful. It’s an environment where they can explore intimacy and power.

Megan says, “There’s so many different parts to us. There’s a sensuality. There’s the mom. There’s the lover. I look at all these different parts of us as women, and I really want to nurture that with the studio and also with my own personal life. I help women walk that path of reclaiming their sexuality, sensuality and becoming more comfortable in their body.” 

For Megan, the key to her work is helping women feel unashamed of all the facets of their being. She knows she’s been successful when she sees them leaving her studio excited, energized, and feeling beautiful — as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

Megan Allen recently joined host Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about how she created her unique business that serves women with boudoir and motherhood photography. Listen to it here.

In the Q&A below, Megan shares a little more about her growth and inspiration in her business.

Megan Allen Q&A

Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients? 

I’ve noticed that many of the women who come into my world are either going through or have been through very similar experiences as myself. There’s an underlying understanding and connection made once my clients choose me as their photographer. It may sound funny, but it’s almost like a long-lost sisterhood that starts to form. We connect not only on the photography experience but also our life experiences. The entire experience can be very healing for women and the photos are just the icing on the cake.

Do you regret any decisions you have made in your business?

What first comes to mind is to always value yourself. Stop putting others on a pedestal and treat yourself with love and compassion. Choosing to start, let alone operate, a successful small business is no easy task; it’s not for the faint of heart, and you deserve much more credit than you often give yourself.

What fellow artists in the industry do you gain the most inspiration from?

Joyce Tenneson and Sue Bryce have always been a huge inspiration for me. I met Sue on a retreat years ago in Texas; I can vividly remember her presence as she spoke on stage. I’ll never forget it.

What is your average sale currently? 

$3,500