From Boudoir to “I Do”: My Journey Into Fine-Art Wedding Photography
- Brienna Stiefel
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
When people first meet me, they’re often surprised to hear that I’m a self-taught photographer. What began as a creative outlet slowly turned into a calling—one that has taken me from intimate boudoir sessions to capturing the depth and emotion of wedding days.
Where It All Began
My journey started with Exposed Boudoir Photography, my studio based in Glens Falls, New York. I built it from the ground up with a mission to help women see themselves the way I do—strong, beautiful, and full of story. Over time, Exposed has become known for my dark, moody, fine-art aesthetic and the emotional experience behind every session.

That same visual language—the dramatic lighting, the intentional stillness, the storytelling through tone—naturally evolved into something more. My boudoir clients began asking if I would photograph their weddings. They wanted that same feeling of rawness and intimacy carried into one of the most important days of their lives.
And so, another chapter began.
A Background Rooted in Beauty and Emotion
As I was building my Boudoir Studio, I spent years working in spas and as a wedding makeup artist. Those years immersed me in the heart of the wedding world—behind the scenes, watching hundreds of brides take their first deep breath before walking down the aisle.
It taught me timing, calm under pressure, and how to read emotion as it happens. I learned that beauty isn’t in perfection—it’s in the quiet, moments that tell a story. That perspective became the foundation for how I now photograph: not just what the day looks like, but how it feels.
My Approach Today
As a fine-art wedding photographer, I create imagery that feels cinematic and soulful. My work is dark and moody, but never heavy—rooted in light, emotion, and the beauty of real connection. Every image is meant to feel like a piece of art—something you can hang on your wall and still feel the heartbeat behind it years later.
I guide my couples gently but naturally, creating space for real moments to unfold. My background in boudoir means I know how to help people feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves on camera. My background in makeup artistry means I understand flattering light, angles, and how to capture the best of every face and moment.
Why It Matters for You
Your photographer isn’t just someone who takes pictures—they’re the person who witnesses your most intimate moments. Having stood on all sides of the wedding experience—as a beauty professional, an artist, and a storyteller—I bring a calm, experienced presence to every wedding day.
My goal is to make you feel seen, grounded, and beautifully captured, no matter how chaotic the day may feel.
Let’s Create Something Timeless
If you’re drawn to dark, romantic, and fine-art imagery, I’d love to connect. Together, we can craft wedding photos that feel like more than just documentation—they’ll feel like living artwork, layered with emotion, story, and soul.
📍 Based in Glens Falls, New York — serving the Adirondacks, Saratoga, and beyond.


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