Intimate, Not Intimidating

Meet Holly O’Donnell (left), a local photog who does it all from family photos to branding to her personal favorite, boudoir. “Empowering women has always been big for me,” says Holly, whose style is more laidback and lifestyle-focused rather than full glam. “I encourage wearing lounging things, I want them to feel beautiful the way that they are at home.” She puts her natural, calming presence honed as a yoga instructor to work and prioritizes making clients feel comfortable. Prompting rather than posing makes all the difference, she says. Her go-to tip? Keep moving. 

Holly loves getting creative with her clients and believes anything can become a prop. Even in your birthday suit, playing with your hair or jewelry can to add movement and personality to a shot. “I like to show people their photos in camera, at the shoot,” says Holly, “I promise it always looks completely different than you feel. And people will say ‘Oh my gosh thats me?'” 

Holly has worked with clients who are postpartum, going through infertility or just need a confidence boost. She wants to give everyone a piece of themselves through a new lens. “In every season of your life you’re going to have some self criticism, we are our own worst critics,” says Holly. She also shoots men and couples, and before each shoot she’ll send out a questionnaire to personalize your experience and set your spice scale. Take a peek at her portfolio.