Meet the Photographer — Behind the Lens with AshleyNicole

Ashley Gates (AshleyNicole) stands out for boudoir and portrait work that blends intimacy, empowerment, and refined craft. In this interview, we explore what boudoir means to her, why she chose this path, and how her creative process unfolds—from first contact to building comfort and trust with a new client or model. We also dive into how she keeps learning, how she defines her style, the cameras and gear she prefers for boudoir versus other genres, her favorite piece and why it matters, the most challenging and most rewarding parts of the job, the dream location she’d love to shoot, and the passions that fuel her beyond photography. Because, as Emma Stone says, “I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself” — and Ashley’s lens celebrates exactly that courage.

1. What does boudoir photography mean to you?

Boudoir isn’t just about sexy photos — it’s about rediscovering yourself. It’s about the woman who’s been buried under daily life finally seeing her reflection and thinking, “Damn, that’s me.”

To me, boudoir is empowerment, healing, and self-love all wrapped into one. It’s about showing people their worth through my lens — not changing who they are, but reminding them of who they’ve always been.

2. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a boudoir / fine art photographer? What got you started in boudoir?

I fell in love with photography because I fell in love with people — their stories, their insecurities, their glow when they finally see what I see. Boudoir came naturally because it’s real, raw, and emotional. I wanted to create a space where people could drop the walls, stop judging themselves, and feel powerful again. It started as a curiosity and quickly became my passion — now, it’s my purpose.

3. What kind of creative process is there behind boudoir photography?

It starts with connection. I talk with my clients, get to know their story, what they love, what they’ve been through, and what they want to feel when they see the photos. From there, I build the vibe — music, lighting, wardrobe, posing — everything is designed around their energy. Every session is unique because no two people carry the same fire inside them.

4. How do you communicate with a client or model you’ve just met to make them comfortable for boudoir / nude photography?

Trust is everything. I’m open, honest, and real from the very first message. We talk, we laugh, I walk them through every step so there’s no guessing or awkwardness. I remind them that this session is for them — not the world. By the time we start shooting, it feels like hanging out with a friend who just happens to have a camera.

5. How do you educate yourself to take better photos?

I never stop learning. Whether it’s online workshops, other photographers I admire, or experimenting with lighting and posing until 2AM — I’m always pushing myself to evolve. Growth is part of the art. Every shoot teaches me something new, and I love that about this craft.

6. How would you describe your photography style?

Moody, emotional, and unapologetically real. I love shadows, warmth, and texture — photos that feel like something. My style blends fine art and raw emotion, where every image tells a story. It’s sexy but soulful, bold but intimate — kind of like me.

7. What type of cameras do you shoot with, boudoir and/or other genres?

For boudoir, I love the clarity and depth I get from my Canon 5D Mark II & III — it captures skin tones beautifully and handles low light like a dream. For sports or branding work, I’ll switch things up depending on what I need for speed and sharpness, but Canon is my ride-or-die system.

8. What kind of other gear do you use for boudoir and/or other sessions?

Soft lighting is key for boudoir — I use natural light whenever possible because it’s honest and flattering, but I also play with soft boxes, LED panels, and shadows for a more dramatic effect. Other sessions might call for reflectors, diffusers, or even smoke machines if we’re getting creative. It’s all about creating a mood.

9. Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

Honestly, my favorite is always changing. But there’s something about the moments when a client looks at the back of my camera and tears up — that’s when I know I captured more than an image, I captured a feeling. Those are the photos that stay with me.

10. What is the most difficult part of being a boudoir photographer for you?

Seeing how hard people are on themselves. Watching someone walk in nervous or apologetic for how they look breaks my heart — but it also fuels me. The hardest part is breaking through those walls… but it’s also what makes the transformation so damn powerful.

11. What is the most rewarding part of being a boudoir photographer for you?

That exact moment when someone says, “I can’t believe that’s me.” Seeing their confidence come back, watching their energy shift, hearing the laughter and self-love return — that’s what it’s all about. I get to remind people how incredible they already are. That never gets old.

12. Just for fun, if you could shoot in any location, what would it be?

An abandoned castle at sunset — moody light, wind in the hair, lace and shadows everywhere. Something dramatic and cinematic, where the environment feels just as powerful as the subject.

13. Do you have any other professions or passions outside of photography?

Photography is my heart, but I’m also passionate about people. Whether it’s helping others see their worth, creating connections, or just being someone’s safe space — that’s who I am. Outside of that, I love nature, music, and moments that feed the soul.