“PIVOT!” —Ross Geller
Yep… that was me. Fully in pivot mode.
This birthday boudoir session started with the best intentions: a trusted studio, a confident client, and a perfect plan. Everything was running smoothly—until it wasn’t.
The Unexpected Twist
I arrived at the studio 30 minutes before the session to grab the key from the owner, as usual. But instead of walking into a calm setup, I was met with stress and apologies. She’d been in a car accident and had lost the studio keys. Despite frantic calls and attempts to get us in, the studio was officially inaccessible.
Cue the scramble.
My client was still getting her hair and makeup done (thankfully!), so I had a tiny window to pull off a miracle. Rescheduling? Not ideal. This wasn’t just any shoot, it was a birthday celebration, and I was determined to make it special.
Enter the Davenport Hotel: A Dream in Disguise
I got in my car and drove, heart racing. That’s when inspiration hit: What if we shoot at the Davenport Hotel?
It’s one of Spokane’s most iconic luxury hotels, with gorgeous architecture and rich textures. The only problem? They usually require commercial photography fees and advance permission.
But desperate times call for bold moves.
I walked up to the front desk, explained the situation, and to my absolute shock, the receptionist gave us permission to shoot. Not only that, but security opened restricted areas for us to use. The entire staff showed up with kindness and flexibility, and I could have cried with relief.
Turning Nerves Into Magic
When my client arrived and heard the change of plans, she was nervous. Totally understandable, switching gears last minute, especially for a personal shoot like boudoir, isn’t easy.
But as we began exploring the hotel together, something clicked.
We wandered through ornate hallways, posed beneath crystal chandeliers, and captured soft, elegant moments against velvet curtains and golden staircases. It felt cinematic. Dreamy. Regal.
That birthday session turned into something way beyond what we’d envisioned.
The Bigger Message: Pivoting Isn’t a Setback, It’s an Opportunity
This shoot reminded me that creativity thrives in chaos. That even when plans fall apart, there’s room to make something even better. Sometimes the universe has something more magical in mind.
Yes, the original studio would’ve been great. But this unexpected twist? It gave us:
- A unique, luxurious setting
- New inspiration and creativity
- A story we’ll both never forget
This experience made me a better photographer, and an even more adaptable human.
Planning a Session?
If you’re considering a boudoir session, a birthday milestone shoot, or anything meaningful to you, know this:
I’ll be in your corner, no matter what curveballs come our way. We’ll create something unforgettable together.
And who knows? Maybe your favorite photos will come from the moment things didn’t go to plan.
