Exploring Empowerment through Boudoir with Jiyeon Kim
Written by Heather Anderson
Jiyeon Kim is a boudoir photographer dedicated to empowering women through intimate, personalized photo sessions. Starting her photography career while studying business in South Korea, she transitioned to boudoir photography after years of working in weddings. In this interview, Jiyeon shares her approach to making clients feel comfortable, the emotional impact of her work, and the challenges she faces as she continues to grow her business while homeschooling her three children. Whether you're considering a boudoir session or are curious about her unique style, Jiyeon offers an inside look at what makes her work both personal and transformative.
When, why, and how did you first become a photographer?
I began taking photos in my freshman year of high school, but it was purely a hobby. I didn't realize I could make a living from photography until I was in college studying business. That's when I started taking it seriously. I knew I didn't want a "real job." I wanted to create something people could cherish for a lifetime, so I pursued photography.
“...my clients come from all walks of life. I have clients who are recently divorced, recently gave birth, recently promoted—or even recently fired! They come to my studio to celebrate themselves or because they’ve been feeling down and want to feel empowered by seeing themselves in a different light.”
And where did you study? Was your major in business?
Yes, I majored in business at a school in Seoul, South Korea, where I'm from.
Was that where you were doing weddings and portraits?
Yes, I started my photography business in college, and it just took off. I met my American husband, and we moved to Georgia — the state, not the country. His job took us there, and we continued with photography together. Then one day, I received an inquiry from California. I went there for the first time and fell in love with the place. So, I told my husband we had to move to California, and we did.
That's quite the journey! How did you meet your American husband while you were running your college business in Seoul?
I was actually working behind the counter at a Starbucks, and one day, this guy walked in and tried ordering in Korean. He was still learning the language, so his pronunciation wasn’t perfect, but I could tell he was making an effort, which was sweet. I helped him with his order, and we ended up chatting. Over time, he kept coming back, and eventually, what started as casual conversations over coffee led to us becoming friends—and then more. It was an unexpected and lovely twist in my life!
So, you moved to Georgia together—how did he get involved in your business?
Well, I've never been great with numbers, so he helped with taxes and finances. Then he saw how much fun I was having, and he wanted to join me. My work revolves around joyous occasions, and he wanted to be part of that happiness.
What was he doing before that?
He was in the military.
Quite a shift! So, you both make the leap to California for your photography business. At what point did you pivot to boudoir photography?
I started doing boudoir before the pandemic, but I thought it would be something I did alongside the wedding business. Then during the pandemic, weddings were being canceled, and we had more kids, which made weddings time-consuming. That’s when I spent more time focusing on boudoir. My husband also wanted to pursue his writing, so it was the perfect time for us to go in different directions.
What kinds of people come to work with you, and why?
People automatically assume you have to be engaged and that boudoir is just a wedding gift, but my clients come from all walks of life. I have clients who are recently divorced, recently gave birth, recently promoted—or even recently fired! They come to my studio to celebrate themselves or because they've been feeling down and want to feel empowered by seeing themselves in a different light.
I love that. Can you describe your style? How has it evolved?
It’s still developing. I started with a darker, documentary-style approach, but now, I try to pull out the unique beauty from each of my clients and make them feel comfortable. It’s hard to describe, but I aim to focus on their uniqueness.
How do you make people feel comfortable during a session?
Most of my clients aren’t models and have never done a photoshoot before, so they’re nervous but excited. My personality helps people feel at ease, and I have an amazing hair and makeup team. We start with more clothes—like an oversized sweater or T-shirt—and gradually transition to less. It helps them relax.
Do people often bring their own lingerie, or do you have pieces for them to choose from?
Most bring their own, but for those who aren’t into lingerie, I encourage them to bring whatever they’re comfortable in. It’s not about playing dress-up. Some come in comfy sweaters, and others are fine with doing nudes. I provide a full outfit guide, but the focus is always on comfort.
Do you have a favorite example of a client transformation?
Yes, I had a plus-size client who was insecure about her belly. After the shoot, she loved the full-body photos, even the ones showing her belly. It was so powerful to see her fall in love with herself during the photo review.
What has been the biggest surprise in running a boudoir business?
It’s not really a surprise, but I hoped to photograph women in all stages of life, not just brides. And now I’m doing that, which makes me happy.
What challenges are you currently facing?
The biggest challenge is hiring. I want to empower more people, but I can only do so much. I’m homeschooling three kids, so my time is limited. I need to find a photographer I can trust and a studio manager, but it's hard to find the right people.
What are you most excited about for your business right now?
I’m excited to find the right person to join the team so we can empower more clients.
Do you have a grand vision for where your company is going in the next five years?
Five years from now, I want my studio to be fully operational without me having to do everything. I want it to run smoothly even if I’m not involved in every detail.
What would you say to someone who’s curious but scared to try boudoir photography?
I would say that they are more ready to be photographed and celebrated than they think they are.
Curious about booking a boudoir session?
To learn more about Jiyeon’s work or to book a session, visit www.femboudoir.com to explore her services and portfolio.
Not ready to commit yet? Follow Jiyeon on Instagram for inspiration, client stories, and behind-the-scenes content.
Have specific questions? You can also email Jiyeon directly at [email protected], or connect with her on LinkedIn.
You can also find Jiyeon on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club, a membership for women founders.