This interview was featured in the February 2024 issue of Sinical.
Sinical Magazine: When did you first become interested in photography?
Melissa Lawler: Back in my college days when I used to model, I was always interested in the different techniques photographers used and their equipment. Eventually I went into advertising in marketing for an alternative jewelry company and had the opportunity to plan and execute photoshoots for the company. It was around this time that I purchased my first semi-professional camera and started getting hands on with photography, that has been roughly 8 years ago now.
Sinical Magazine: How did you get started with boudoir photography?
Melissa Lawler: Honestly I always loved modeling boudoir myself and when I started my journey into photography I already knew I wanted to jump into that genre eventually. I did my first boudoir photoshoot 3 years ago and absolutely loved it, I’ve been doing it ever since.
Sinical Magazine: Who are some of your influences photography-wise?
Melissa Lawler: Okay so I’ve got quite a few but my top 4 are Marco Ibanez, Elevation Boudoir (They are an awesome couple team), Andy Gotts and Sally Mann. Boudoir and portrait photography are both loves of mine, I’m still learning dramatic portraits.
Sinical Magazine: What type of camera and lighting equipment do you use?
Melissa Lawler: My Nikon z7 and the sun is my equipment, i’m a natural light photographer! I might bring in a continuous light or neons for fun, but honestly I love what natural light does, so I’ve spent my time learning how best to position someone for the best shadows and highlights.
Sinical Magazine: What do you think is the most important aspect of a photo?
Melissa Lawler: Can I give two? I think shadows and highlights are massive, I use them like crazy and will do whatever I have to in order to get the perfect highlights on a collarbone or shadows to hide just enough to tantalize.
Sinical Magazine: What is a funny or interesting moment/story that happened during a photo shoot?
Melissa Lawler: As I stated previously I use natural light, but I do have continuous lighting equipment if I need to use it. Well my equipment was out for the count (Long Story), and I had already ordered new ones. Texas being what it is, the weather completely changed on me (It was not supposed to rain that day but it did). My equipment was supposed to arrive in the morning but was delayed, the lighting was awful and in frustration we humorously commented there was more light outside in the rain. Well a joke turned into a reality when we ended up switching gears and doing a photoshoot in the rain (Which was awesome). As she was leaving what should arrive but my lighting equipment. She has since been back in the studio for a new non-rain session, she even got to say hi to the equipment that failed to save the day.
Sinical Magazine: What are some of the photography services that you offer?
Melissa Lawler: I offer individual and couples boudoir photography experiences.
Sinical Magazine: Can you talk about your studio?
Melissa Lawler: Yeah, so I opened my studio in Tomball TX this past October! It’s named Celestial Studio, and it’s actually available for other photographers to rent as well. It has been a long time in the making but it’s a great space for creating amazing images. It’s equipped with a dark and moody boudoir room, a makeup room/dressing room and even a mini kitchen stocked with snacks and drinks for a full experience. If you’d like to check it out visit www.celestialstudiotx.com
Sinical Magazine: How can people contact you regarding booking a photo shoot?
Melissa Lawler: Please fill out the contact page on our website at www.boudoirbylawler.com/contact-boudoirbylawler |