Check Out Eva Hagel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eva Hagel.

Hi Eva, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got started in the photography industry after a terrible experience at Target Photography Studios with my youngest daughter. The experience was rushed, not very thoughtful, and the photographs were less than desirable. I have been an artist most of my life, more so focusing on oil painting, so I figured why not learn photography too? I honestly got started so I could take better pictures of my kids, little did I know that would lead to an amazing journey and becoming a small business owner.

Around 2012, I accidentally was added to a boudoir group on Facebook and was fascinated by what I saw. But also quickly realized that humans with a body like mine were really not showcased. Being a plus-size human being, it’s hard to find representation in many places, but I wanted to build a brand where everyone was welcome.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Success doesn’t happen overnight, I constantly tell that to new photographers that I mentor. When I first started out I knew nothing about photography, business, branding…nothing. I am completely self-taught and that is one rough road to go down. There are many times I felt alone, not supported, and I really wanted to give up. My family and I moved back to the Twin Cities in 2015 from Rochester, and while I thought my business would tank, it took off. I shot out of people’s houses, held marathons in hotels, shot outdoors, and worked non-stop saving up money for a studio of my own. My first experience with a studio was a shared space, and while the owners seemed to be happy to have me join them, it wouldn’t last. I was very busy and booked out much of my schedule, and they did not like that. This shared studio experience lasted a couple of months before I decided I would be better off in my own space. Now, trying to find a space for boudoir photography is not easy, and it would take a month before my studio would land in my hand by sheer luck!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an intimate photography artist, a more common term for what I do is Boudoir. My brand specializes in welcoming all bodies into this genre of photography. As a plus-size human myself I wanted to build a brand that was body positive, fat positive and above all a brand where anyone can express who they are. I have had so many clients come to me after a terrible experience somewhere else, and hurts my soul to know they have been treated less than. The Body Love Revolution studio is a safe space for all. I have built it from the ground up with that motto in mind. From the furniture that accommodates all bodies, a studio wardrobe with sizes XXS-6XL, a wardrobe that includes pieces for all genders and those who are gender fluid, a safe space to express erotic and kinky fantasies without judgment. I think what sets my studio apart from others is that the experience I offer is all-inclusive. Clients arrive and are treated to professional hair and makeup, their wardrobe is planned out with me, the photographic part of the session is one of a kind with me and my assistant guiding you through every pose, our studio is also ever changing with a variety of sets! I am most proud of the fact that my portfolio speaks the diversity which is lacking in so many portfolios these days. Representation matters!

How do you define success?
Success for me is watching my client’s eyes light up when they see their images. Watching my clients walk out my door like they could conquer the world. Empowering someone who may have never felt like they deserved to feel as such in the past. For many success = money, that has never been the case for me. What I do is about humans, human connection, and what I can do to change the way we think about ourselves and our bodies. I want my clients to love themselves, just as they are!

Pricing:

• Session pricing starts at $499
• Payment plans are the all-star for my brand! I want everyone to have this experience!

Contact Info:

• Email: eva@boudoirbyeve.com
• Website: www.boudoirbyeve.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/boudoirbyeve
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebodyloverevolutionbyeve 

      
Image Credits
Boudoir by Eve