Today we’d like to introduce you to Chasey Smith
Hi Chasey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I wish I had some grand, inspirational story about how I got into boudoir photography, but honestly, it started pretty simply. Back in high school, I was taking what I’d now consider bad photos compared to my work today. But even then, I noticed a pattern—so many women and people around me were unhappy with how they looked in photos or just with their bodies in general.
Then, a friend asked me to create a “cloud” setup for a Valentine’s Day shoot. I set it up in a basement with cotton walls everywhere, and when I saw how that session made her feel—how it gave her a new way to see herself—it lit something in me. And I haven’t stopped since.
Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of people, each with a unique body and their own struggles with self-image. And the truth is, we all have insecurities—it’s completely normal. But being able to give someone a new perspective on themselves, to help them see their own beauty in a way they hadn’t before, is what drives me.
And it’s not always about lingerie. Some clients come in their favorite pajamas, a go-to night-out outfit, or even the comfiest clothes they feel good in. That’s what inspires me every day—helping people celebrate themselves exactly as they are. Because everyone deserves to feel empowered in their body, no matter what that looks like for them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been smooth sailing, it’s probably been the most chaotic thing I’ve ever decided to pursue.
Boudoir has definitely became less of a faux paw over the last few years thankfully, but there are still huge pushbacks with people and social media censorship.
There are still huge issues with people not understanding it or being completely against it, thankfully I got lucky with a cool family and friend group who supports me in any way possible.
Nothing is ever easy, imposter syndrome definitely exists and it’s such a huge thing with creative people, everyone has their days and some are worse than others. Usually when I am feeling this way, I look at the progress I have made and remind myself that it’s okay not to like every single photo I take or that sometimes brains just aren’t nice to the body that’s holding them up.
I’ve been doing this for 6 years and I still have days where I want to quit. Businesses aren’t easy, and I think it takes a special person to run a small business and continue to show up for that business everyday.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is deeply rooted in helping people feel like absolute badasses while embracing body neutrality. Boudoir can be a nerve-wracking experience—98% of my clients have either never done a session before or have had a bad experience elsewhere. My goal is to change that.
I encourage clients to bring anything that feels uniquely them to their session—whether it’s a favorite outfit, a sentimental item, or something that represents their personality. This makes each session completely tailored to them, ensuring their photos feel personal and authentic.
More than anything, I want every person who walks out of my studio to feel empowered, like they can take on the world. I want them to realize that their body is cool, that it carried them into this space, gave them the courage to be vulnerable, and deserves to be celebrated exactly as it is. Bodies are amazing—even on days we don’t love them, they’re still showing up for us. That’s something worth honoring.
What sets me apart is my bold, colorful approach to boudoir photography. I love using vibrant tones, funky lighting, and creative setups that highlight each client in a way that feels dynamic and powerful. I also offer a fully stocked client closet ranging from XXS to 6X, filled with body jewelry, robes, bodysuits, lingerie sets, and more. This allows clients to mix and match pieces with their own wardrobe, and I help them find outfits that complement their features and make them feel incredible. Having this variety ensures that everyone, no matter their size or style, has options that make them feel their best.
At the end of the day, I want my clients to leave not just with beautiful photos, but with a new appreciation for themselves right here, right now.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned that while no two bodies are the same, so many people share the same body image struggles. One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is about posing they worry they won’t be able to move like the people they see in boudoir photos, or that their bodies “don’t look like that.”
A huge part of boudoir photography is adapting to each client and what their body is capable of. Not everyone is able-bodied. Not everyone can arch their back, reach behind them, or grab their shoes effortlessly. That shouldn’t be a reason to avoid an experience meant to celebrate them.
I’ve invested a lot into education to ensure I can pose my clients in ways that highlight their beauty while keeping them comfortable. My goal is always to create stunning images that make them feel amazing without forcing them into anything that feels unnatural or painful.
Doing this work has also shifted the way I see my own body. There have been so many moments where I photograph someone with my body type and think, Wow, they look incredible. And then I catch myself if I can see that in them, why don’t I see it in myself? That realization is powerful, and it’s a big part of why I focus on all body types.
You never know when someone will see a photo and think, That person looks like me. Maybe I could do this too. And that possibility of someone finally seeing themselves as worthy of being celebrated is what keeps me going.
Pricing:
- Starting at $200, collections and products ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raine-studios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainestudiosboudoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FnGj5Lx4P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
