When people ask what kind of photographer I am, I say music photographer—and I mean that. Live music is where my passion lives. It’s where I started, and it’s where I’ve grown the most. But to tell the full truth, I have to admit that for a brief moment, I almost took a detour.

That detour was boudoir photography.

My journey into photography began with the music scene. I was fascinated by the challenge of capturing split-second moments on stage—the intensity, the movement, the unpredictable lighting, the sweat, and the connection between artist and audience. There’s something raw and powerful about it, something that feels alive in a way few other things do. Every show felt like a story unfolding in real time. I wasn’t just documenting a performance—I was freezing emotion, translating energy into still images. Music photography gave me a creative purpose and a clear direction.

But like most creatives, I stayed curious.

Somewhere along the way, I began thinking more deeply about portraiture and eventually found myself exploring the world of boudoir. At first, it was just something I was quietly drawn to. I wasn’t sure what would come of it, but the idea stuck with me.

Boudoir, when done right, is far more than “sexy photos.” It’s about vulnerability, power, and self-acceptance. It’s about showing up as you are—and learning to see yourself with new eyes. For many people, it’s an emotional milestone. I saw a unique opportunity to create portraits that helped people feel proud of who they are in this moment, especially in the world of fitness boudoir where the progress and discipline behind the body are part of the story.

I started researching. I practiced lighting with intention. I studied posing, the psychology of body confidence, and how to foster trust and safety during a shoot. I even started sketching out how I might build a branch of my photography business around boudoir work. It was exciting. It was meaningful. And yet… music kept pulling me back.

A new show would come up. A band I loved would come through town. I’d find myself back in a photo pit, camera in hand, adrenaline high, completely locked in. Every time I tried to shift focus, live music reminded me of where I feel most at home. The truth is, as much as I respect and appreciate boudoir as a powerful form of portraiture, music photography is where I feel most alive. So I followed that feeling. And I haven’t looked back.

But I also haven’t forgotten what boudoir taught me.

Josie Azocar and Arii Delgado, Instagrams: @josieazocar and @ariannadelgado

Even though I didn’t pursue boudoir full-time, the skills and lessons I picked up along the way became part of how I shoot, especially when I work one-on-one with artists or shoot backstage portraits. Boudoir taught me how to slow down and listen—to notice the energy someone brings into a shoot and to guide them in a way that makes them feel safe, respected, and seen. That same approach helps me connect with artists and clients of all kinds, especially when emotions are high before or after a performance.

In boudoir, every pose, every hand placement, every small shift in expression counts. That attention to subtlety has made me a more observant photographer, especially in moments when the story is happening between the big stage gestures. Boudoir also taught me to shape light with intention—to highlight strength, softness, emotion, and mood. I use those same lighting principles now when I’m editing or adjusting for tricky stage conditions. And maybe most importantly, I learned that confidence is a collaboration. A lot of people think confidence comes before the photo—but I’ve found it often comes during the shoot. Whether someone’s in lingerie or holding a guitar, how I show up as a photographer influences how they see themselves. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.

In the end, I didn’t walk away from boudoir because it didn’t matter. I walked away because music just mattered more. It’s where I’m meant to be. It’s where I create with instinct and joy. Still, I’m grateful for the time I spent learning about boudoir photography. It helped me grow. It helped me see people differently. And it sharpened skills I use every time I step behind the camera.

Who knows? Maybe down the road, I’ll revisit boudoir in a more intentional way.

But for now, I’m chasing the music—and I’m not slowing down.

Between the Notes: Where Boudoir Met Me

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