Meet Lauren Schwab | Boudoir and Empowerment Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Schwab and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had a hard time fitting in growing up. I felt like I wasn’t part of any “group,” and confidence was not a word in my vocabulary. A boudoir shoot I did 11 years ago changed my life and the way that I look at myself today. That photoshoot started to rewire my confidence and help me look in the mirror with kinder eyes. I finally started to feel worthy and beautiful, and that is why I am behind the lens today. I feel like it is a gift to be able to help other women reclaim their confidence through boudoir because of the impact that it personally had on me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My boudoir business is about far more than just beautiful photos, it’s about helping women and couples feel fierce, strong, and unstoppable. I work with people of all body types, ages, identities, and relationship dynamics, and I create a space where they can be fully themselves, celebrated, and empowered.

What sets me apart is the emotional transformation my clients experience. I don’t do cookie-cutter sessions. Every shoot is tailored to the individual, whether that’s raw and vulnerable, bold and edgy, intimate and romantic, outdoors in a barn or indoors with your favorite prop (my last client brought her lioness sword!), really whatever floats my client’s boat.

What people don’t always realize about boudoir is how deeply it shifts your confidence, and how that confidence then starts to seep into every area of your life. I’ve watched clients feel more confident at work, start to set better boundaries, feel more connected in their relationships, show up more boldly in dating and friendships, all because they finally see themselves in a new light. And when they have the physical images in their hands, there’s no denying that power. It’s literal proof and it’s a permanent reminder of what they’re capable of.

There have definitely been challenges along the way. Leaving my corporate job after 10 years to become an entrepreneur (which no one teaches you how to do!), imposter syndrome (oof, this one is real), learning how to balance my personal life with my business and knowing when to say no! But the lesson I’ve learned is this: I am so deeply passionate about boudoir on a personal level. It truly lights me up to celebrate women’s beauty through every stage of their life, and help showcase the badass that they already are. And because of that, the right clients find their way to me.

I want the world to know that boudoir is for everyone. It’s not about how you look, it’s about how you feel. My business is named High Heals Photography, and “heals” is spelled the way that it is because boudoir helped to heal me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, buckle up, because I’m a nerd for adventuring and I’m not one to sit on the couch.

I’m a mountain girl, so we’d spend as much time as possible outside. Skiing in the winter (followed by a hot tub under the stars), hiking, floating down the river, or cruising around in a side-by-side in Ouray in the summer (bonus points if we can also squeeze in a via ferrata!)

I love bringing my favorite card game Dutch Blitz to a local brewery or winery and sitting in the sun all afternoon. You also can’t keep me away from live music. Red Rocks is obviously a favorite living in Colorado, but I also have a soft spot for the smaller spots like Dillon Amphitheater and Mishawaka so I can jam out up close and personal.

And food! Don’t even get me started on food. When I first learned about “girl dinner” I couldn’t believe it hadn’t already heard of it because I’ve been eating like that for years. I love sharing, but mostly because I have food envy and usually just want what’s on other people’s plate (no really, ask any of my friends). Nachos with the most amount of cheese, Bluepan Detroit style pizza, cheesecake or a warm chocolate chip cookie. I love a place with a good vibe, usually something dark, moody and sexy since that’s my brand 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Deciding to leave my corporate job a year ago and go 100% into my business was such an intimidating step. The doubts, the fears, the unknowns (those unknowns are scary!) But the outpouring of love and support from my family, friends, literally the army of people in my life, has been outrageous. I never thought I would receive such genuine belief and uplifting encouragement from my people, but I did. And for that, I am a damn lucky girl.

Website: https://www.highhealsphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highhealsphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schwab-bb1b8613/

Image Credits
All of the images that I uploaded were images that I have taken myself.