This new photography studio in Puyallup specializes in boudoir and maternity shoots

Building an emotional connection with clients is what sets Jody Akerman’s new photography studio apart from others, she said.

“I think I have a great knack for making someone feel comfortable,” Akerman said.

Akerman owns Bright Eyes Photography at 116 S. Meridian #A in downtown Puyallup. Her services include boudoir and maternity photo shoots. Clients spend about $1,299 or more per booking.

Akerman, 36, was born and raised in Puyallup. Her roots in the city stretch back about five generations. She said she has always had a camera at her hip since she was a little child.

“I just love photographing everyday moments and seeing beauty everywhere that I go,” Akerman said.

Photography wasn’t a career she pursued at first. She was a professional musician for some time while doing modeling and photography on the side. Eventually, she started a real estate business.

Shortly after her real estate business got established, Akerman said she found her calling. She took a couple of boudoir photos of a friend and realized she enjoyed making her friend feel empowered and beautiful.

“We don’t see how other people see us and how beautiful we are,” Akerman said. “If I can help show them how I’m seeing it and then see their faces light up, I just feel like there’s some magic there that I’m addicted to.”

Clients interested in booking a photo shoot with Bright Eyes Photography get a consultation and a questionnaire, inquiring about what the client is looking for. The package also includes hair, makeup and a wardrobe selection.

The studio has a bed, couch, bathtub as well as different backdrops that clients can choose from.

The number of copies as well as the type of format the client wants the photos in, such as wall art or vintage viewfinders, plays a factor in the total price.

“It’s a really fun and unique experience that a lot of people don’t realize they need until they have it,” Akerman said.

Akerman said her team tries to get to know the reason why clients want to do a photo shoot. Some say they’re going through a divorce and want to feel empowered. Others have just given birth and want to celebrate their new body.

Whatever the reason, Akerman caters to it and helps capture those moments.

“A lot of women just want it for themselves to remember a time when they wanted to feel special,” Akerman said.

The studio opened its doors in late August. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and sometimes Saturday.