Meet the Northamptonshire confidence-focused photographer celebrating five years of creating a safe space for women
Meet this confidence-focused photographer who is celebrating five years of creating a safe space for women across Northamptonshire and beyond.
Abbie Firth is the founder and owner of AF Boudoir, which she launched in August 2021 with the aim of supporting women in reconnecting with their confidence and seeing themselves in a completely different light from her studio in Weedon Depot.
Over the past half a decade, Abbie has photographed well over 100 women from all walks of life who come to her for all sorts of reasons – like celebrating milestones, creating a gift for a partner, rebuilding confidence after a difficult period in their lives, or they simply want to do something special for themselves.
Whatever the reason for booking, what often surprises women the most is the impact that the experience has on their confidence and self-image – and Abbie is proud that the business she built from the ground up has helped so many women see themselves in a positive light.
“After going through Covid when everyone’s paths got stopped abruptly, I had time to think about what I wanted to do and went back to college to do a photography course and get my diploma,” Abbie told the Chronicle & Echo.
“I spent all my free time photographing things and practicing, and this allowed me to experiment with something I already enjoyed.”
Abbie describes AF Boudoir as a body confidence experience and more than just a photoshoot as the result is that women see themselves differently. As boudoir photography is a growing industry and not many Northamptonshire-based businesses specialise it, Abbie saw a gap in the market in her hometown.
Women travel from afar to utilise Abbie’s services, and she is committed to tailoring the experience to what each individual needs during and following the consultation.
“I’ve always been the type of woman who loves uplifting my friends,” said Abbie. “I want them to think the best of themselves and be kind to themselves, and going into boudoir photography felt right for those reasons. I realised it felt so aligned because I love to empower and uplift everyone around me.”
The founder says it is “surreal” to have reached the five-year milestone, and she believes it is her passion that has contributed to an impressive half a decade in Northamptonshire.
Abbie said: “Running a business is hard, harder than I ever anticipated, but the women I meet and the connections we make in the studio are so powerful and that’s what pushes me. I get a real sense of reward from what I do, it’s my dream job.
“Women don’t expect themselves to look so good and like the images. Most come terrified and very nervous, and the end result is that they can’t believe they look like that from an outside perspective.
“I have one client who comes back every year for an annual confidence boost and there’s another who came in to have a bridal shoot. She had her first session three years ago and that night she went on her first date with her now fiance. It’s amazing to have been a part of their journey.”
Abbie believes what sets her apart is the level of care and effort she puts into the experience from start to finish, to ensure clients have the best, most fun and comfortable time with the end result of beautiful images.