Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Rose.
Hi Nina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, I never knew how much Boudoir Photography would change me as a person. You’d think that I’m doing it to help other women see themselves in a different light, but it has shifted the perspective on myself as well…in the best way.
I have been a photographer for over 13 years. I began my business in upstate NY photographing families, newborns, pets, seniors, etc. I moved to Tennessee and it wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I fully began my Boudoir Photography Career. Moving 800 miles away to a new city starting from scratch was tough for sure. In a larger city that is oversaturated with photographers, I knew this would take time but I needed something to stand out among the rest. I didn’t want to go back to my nursing job because photography is my passion and I also wanted to be more present for my kids, so I gave myself an ultimatum…if I’m not making what I did as a nurse in 1 year, I’ll go back to nursing and keep photography on the side like I did before. I was determined to be successful. I started advertising in local Facebook groups, vendored at events and markets advertising my family and newborn photography. It went well, but honestly people didn’t want to pay more than $400 for a session. I totally get that! Having a newborn especially being young parents, that a lot of money! I knew that my skills were worth the money so I didn’t want to back down or quit.
I’m a member of many online photography groups and one day, someone posted a Boudoir Photography session with their images and they were so beautiful. This instantly brought back a memory of an old coworker of mine. A fellow nurse, about my age at the time (lower 30’s), she had very low self esteem, always trying to hide herself. She was very shy and always made fun of herself for her weight. Broke my heart that she didn’t see how beautiful she was. Until one day, she told us that she had a Boudoir Session done! She even brought in her album for us to see. Let me tell you….this woman became a whole new person. She had a new pep in her step, she had more confidence, and she was seriously glowing. We all noticed. She stopped body shaming herself, she started curling her hair, wearing more fashionable clothes…who was this person?! A boudoir session had completely transformed her life. I thought to myself, I want to be the person that does this for other women. If I can even change ONE person’s life, I will feel complete.
So I took the leap. Converted my studio over to solely Boudoir. Decorated it like a spacious luxurious living room. I dove head first into studying boudoir and I wanted to know everything about it.
Who woulda thunk I’d be to where I am today…
My confidence in myself has grown. I feel the most comfortable in my body that I’ve ever been. My marriage has grown stronger than it already was, my fire inside is fierce and my passion for women seeing themselves as beautiful has keep me motivated and dedicated. The messages I receive after each session or my inbox full of women telling me how much they love my selfie tips, seriously brings tears to my eyes. To know that I’m helping women all over the world. Having people drive hours, and even book flights and hotels to come see me is unimaginable. To have that much of an impact on people’s lives, I have no words. I will continue to grow my business and empower women one at a time!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I mean, Rome wasn’t built in a day. I knew things would take time. I think my dedication to it is what made everything successful. I treated my business as a legit business. 6+ hours a day. 3 years ago, I created a women only private Facebook group. Started out by my neighbor inviting her friends. It’s now grown to over 4K women. I created a new website, started a new instagram account, created a Tiktok page, and started to run some model calls.
About 6-12 months in, Tiktok seemed to pick up. It was then that I had the realization that I know I can’t have everyone have a session with me, so why don’t I start helping those at home with boudoir poses, selfies tips and tricks, and how to change their mindsets to speak more positively about themselves. It seriously BLEW UP. I am now at almost Half a Million followers on Tiktok and have people traveling to me from all over the country to have a session with me.
I receive multiple messages daily on how I’ve helped them gain confidence, strengthen relationships, help them realize their self worth, etc. It’s more than I could have ever imagined. Helping women of all sizes, shapes, and ages see themselves as beautiful!
I have grown on Pinterest, Youtube, Instagram, as well as Etsy. My shop on Etsy specializes in products that make great Anniversary, Birthday, Valentine, or Christmas gifts with unique items to show off their beautiful selfies they’ve taken at home with my posing tutorials, as well as photography related products.
I have had Boudoir retreats with women who want to get away, celebrate themselves and have a great time with their own little boudoir session, bond with new friends, and talk about everything women go through. It was truly a magical time. I plan on doing another retreat this year as well as a mentoring retreat for other boudoir photographers.
The possibilities are endless! I’m excited to see what adventures are in store!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Boudoir Photography. I am mostly known for helping women around the world with selfie tips and tricks for taking their own photos to help them gain confidence in their bodies. To see themselves from a different perspective and to truly love themselves. Both inside and out. I have many videos on how to shift your mindset, gain confidence, and how to take spicy selfies for yourself and/or your partner.
I’m most proud of how my business has grown to where I am now making more than double what I did as a nurse. I’m able to be home with my kids more, and I’m helping change women’s perspectives on themselves– to see themselves as their partner does. Through softer eyes.
I think what sets me apart most from others is that I stay in my own lane. There’s no competition. Other fellow photographers are my friends. I pray for success with their businesses as well. I have been told repeatedly that my passion shows through my videos so it speaks for itself with how much I care.
I have since grown into photographing couples. Igniting that spark between a couple. Date night will never be the same! It’s so much fun to learn their stories of how they met, what they love about each other, and seeing them together. I love love!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Hmm…that’s a tough one. I feel by being on social media, it’s easy to know me so well. But I do keep my family life private. I have a wonderful supportive husband, two children, and two dogs. People might know this about me but I love adventure. I love amusement parks, I love life. I see the good in people, I see the beauty in this world, and everyone has a story. I’ve grown a lot in my 30’s. Between being an RN and now Boudoir photographer, everyone has a story. No one should judge anyone unless they’ve walked in their shoes.
Some random facts about me:
I worked as a Veterinary Technician for 7 years
I was an RN for 9 years
I love Sci-Fi type movies and Rom Coms
I’m a sucker for Reese’s PB cups
I’m a bit crunchy – LOL. I love essential oils/herbs
I’m obsessed with sunsets
I love to bake
I’m all self taught with photography 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boudoirphotographybyninarose.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninaroseboudoir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572984430019
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@boudoirbyninarose
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boudoir-by-ninarose-knoxville?osq=boudoir+photographer&override_cta=Get+pricing
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@boudoirbyninarose?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
