When I met Brie Pereboom, owner of Opal Hour Photo, to chat about her boudoir portrait business, I almost couldn’t find her in the coffee shop we had agreed to meet at, but as soon as she walked up to me, I knew exactly who she was—the opal earrings, necklace and rings were a dead giveaway.
Boudoir photography might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Utah, a state infamous for its conservative culture and prevailing religious influence. But Pereboom explains that, surprisingly, the demand for these intimate and empowering photo sessions is higher than one might expect. She believes this demand actually stems from the same cultural environment that might make you think otherwise. “I think it’s almost more needed here because of the purity side of things,” she says, referring to the culture of Mormonism that often encourages modesty and strict moral standards. For many of her clients, a boudoir shoot offers a way to break away from that narrative and reclaim confidence in their own skin.
“Black and White Boudoir,” Digital, 2024.
“I want to create a space where anyone can feel comfortable and celebrated.”
That’s because Pereboom’s work isn’t just about capturing beautiful photos—it’s about creating an experience. When asked about one of her most memorable shoots, she talks about a session with a close friend who was recovering from a climbing accident. “She had surgery and still had pins in her hand, but we scheduled the shoot during her recovery. Her response afterward was so meaningful — it came at such a necessary time in her life,” Pereboom recalls. The shoot, which took place during what Pereboom now calls “Opal Hour,” featured a breathtaking sky with cotton candy pinks and purples that perfectly framed the Salt Lake landscape. This magical moment was part of the inspiration for the name of her business.
“At Home Boudoir,” Digital, 2021.
What makes Pereboom’s approach stand out is how she ensures her sessions are for anyone, regardless of their gender identity or relationship status. “I want to create a space where anyone can feel comfortable and celebrated,” she explains. “Boudoir is about embracing yourself, whoever you are, and I want everyone to have the opportunity to explore that side of themselves.” Pereboom makes it a point to work with clients of all genders and members of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe and affirming environment where everyone can feel empowered and seen.
For those who may feel nervous about booking a boudoir session, Pereboom offers simple but powerful advice: trust yourself. “If you’re even thinking about it, there’s probably a part of you that really wants to do it,” she says. While many people might feel they need to reach an arbitrary goal, like losing weight or achieving some life milestone, before booking a session, Pereboom encourages them to celebrate the moment they’re in right now. “You can always strive for those goals and do another shoot later. But it’s really amazing to bookmark what’s going on in your life right now.”
“I just want them to relax and lean into the experience.”
“Desert Boudoir,” Digital, 2024.
Pereboom makes sure her clients don’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to preparing for their shoot. She’s the ultimate hype girl and guide — posing her clients, helping with wardrobe choices and making sure they’re comfortable every step of the way. “I tell them they don’t need to prepare or practice anything beforehand. I’ll take care of everything—down to adjusting the drapes or fixing a strand of hair,” she says. “I just want them to relax and lean into the experience.”
Looking ahead, Pereboom’s aspirations go beyond just running a successful boudoir business. She wants to share her knowledge with other photographers, particularly those interested in boudoir, through an educational platform. She feels there’s a gap in the creative industry when it comes to offering resources on how to actually start and run a business. “There’s so much guesswork when you’re starting out,” she explains. “I want to build a resource that covers everything from finances to branding so that creatives can be better prepared when they step out into the real world.”
Through Opal Hour Photography, Pereboom isn’t just taking beautiful photos—she’s building a community where people feel confident, empowered and truly seen. Check her out at opalhourphoto.com or on Instagram at @opalhourphoto.
