We are proud to announce the AIBP 2025 Awards of Excellence, an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our industry peers and colleagues. These awards honor individuals who exemplify passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both their businesses and the boudoir industry as a whole. Each of this year’s recipients has gone above and beyond, and their efforts truly deserve recognition.
AIBP 2025 Ambassador of Excellence
Awarded to an individual who genuinely invests in the industry as a whole, embraces the belief that we “grow together,” and supports colleagues with equal enthusiasm and integrity.
The 2025 Ambassador of Excellence award is presented to Lauren Schwab of High Heals Photography, Boulder, CO.
We met Lauren three years ago at her very first AIBP Retreat, attending before she had ever photographed a single boudoir session. From that moment forward, her growth as both an artist and a business owner has been nothing short of exponential.
What makes Lauren so deserving of this award is her wholehearted commitment to immersing herself in everything AIBP has to offer. She has truly embraced the experience, absorbing the education, engaging with the community, and applying what she learns with intention and purpose. Beyond her own growth, she has become a passionate advocate within the photography world, not only championing AIBP’s resources but, more importantly, celebrating the meaningful connections she has built both in person and virtually within our community.
When someone who has been a member for just three years consistently and enthusiastically advocates for AIBP, flooding conversations with genuine support whenever AIBP is mentioned, it speaks volumes. Lauren exemplifies exactly what we hope for in our members, making her an outstanding and well-deserving recipient of the Ambassador of Excellence Award.
The 2025 Rising Star Award goes to Rae Humenick of Boudoir by Rae Taryn, Syracuse, NY.
Rae’s work continues to captivate everyone who encounters it, a direct result of her commitment to growth in every session. She educates herself relentlessly, listens thoughtfully to others, and protects her creative fire with intention. These qualities embody everything the Rising Star Award stands for. Her rapid ascent is driven by a refusal to settle for “good enough.” Rae consistently elevates herself as an artist, immersing herself in opportunities to learn and evolve. She is a regular presence at the annual AIBP Retreat, fully engaging in all the experience has to offer, and she actively participates in educational webinars throughout the year to learn from some of the most respected artists in the industry.
Equally impactful is her openness and humility. Rae embraces critique, thoughtfully applying feedback and insights to her work, which has accelerated her artistic growth at an impressive pace. This dedication to learning, evolution, and excellence makes her an exceptional and deserving recipient of the AIBP Rising Star Award.
The 2025 Photographer of the Year, AIBP’s most prestigious honor, is proudly awarded to Kristina Daugherty of KJ Boudoir, Chesterfield, VA.
Two years ago, Kristina was honored with the 2023 AIBP Rising Star Award. In the short time since, her work has evolved into something truly scroll-stopping. Her imagery carries a beautifully restrained sensuality, the kind that lingers long after the first glance. Each photograph is infused with connection and empowerment, a balance many artists chase but one that comes effortlessly through her lens.
In boudoir photography, the image itself is only half the equation. How the subject feels in that moment and long after is just as vital. A glance at what Kristina’s clients say about their experience speaks volumes. She invests as deeply in her clients’ mindset and emotional safety as she does in crafting the final image.
These qualities, combined with her artistic growth and impact, make Kristina a natural and undeniable choice for the AIBP Photographer of the Year Award.
Interested in learning more about AIBP? Visit our AIBP membership page to explore everything the association has to offer.
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