Featured in Voyage Raleigh | The Story Behind ShaRelle Studios Boudoir Photography
I’m so excited and honored to share that I was recently featured by Voyage Raleigh Magazine in their “Conversations With” series.
As someone who has spent over 15 years behind the camera photographing women through boudoir, weddings, motherhood, and major life transitions, it honestly meant so much to be able to share more of the heart behind what I do.
More Than Just Boudoir Photography
When most people hear the words “boudoir photography,” they immediately think of sexy photos — and yes, boudoir absolutely can be sexy. But for me, boudoir has always been about something deeper.
It’s about confidence.
It’s about healing.
It’s about seeing yourself differently.
Over the years, I’ve photographed women from all over the Raleigh area, Fayetteville, Sanford, Southern Pines, Wilmington, and beyond. Many of them walk into the studio nervous and unsure of themselves. They tell me things like:
“I’m awkward in photos.”
“I need to lose weight first.”
“I’ve never done anything like this.”
“I’m scared.”
And almost every single one leaves saying:
“I can’t believe that’s me.”
That transformation never gets old.
15 Years of Photographing Women Through Every Chapter
One of the things I talked about in the article was how photography became more than just a creative outlet for me. It became my voice, my confidence, and eventually my business.
I didn’t start out specializing in boudoir. Like many photographers, I photographed a little bit of everything in the beginning — weddings, couples, families — but over time I realized what I loved most was helping people feel truly seen.
That’s what eventually led me into boudoir photography.
For over 15 years now, I’ve specialized in creating a fully guided, confidence-driven experience for women of all sizes, ages, and comfort levels. You do not have to know how to pose. You do not have to be a model. You do not have to “feel ready.”
You just have to show up.
The New ShaRelle Studios Experience
The last couple years have brought a lot of personal and professional growth, and one of the most exciting parts of that growth has been creating my new studio space here in Sanford, NC.
I wanted the studio to feel:
Comfortable
Private
Feminine
Relaxed
And welcoming from the second you walk in
Every session includes professional hair and makeup, full posing guidance, and an experience designed to help women feel taken care of from start to finish.
One of my favorite things clients say after their session is:
“It felt like hanging out with a friend.”
Honestly, that’s exactly what I want.
Why This Feature Meant So Much
Being featured in Voyage Raleigh was really special because it gave me the chance to reflect on how far this business — and honestly, I personally — have come.
The article talks about building and rebuilding through multiple moves, challenges, and life transitions, and how every experience ultimately shaped the business into what it is today.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the images.
It’s the women who leave my studio standing taller. Smiling differently. Seeing themselves with a little more kindness.
That will always be the most meaningful part of this work.
Read the Full Feature
You can read the full Voyage Raleigh interview here:
Conversations with ShaRelle Gutierrez – Voyage Raleigh
And to every woman who has trusted me with her story over the last 15 years — thank you 🤍
You are the reason I love this work so much.
