Why I Visit the Art Museum After Boudoir Shoots
Our Baltimore boudoir studio is in the historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood, surrounded by art, culture, and grand architecture. Just a short walk away, you'll find the George Peabody Library, the Washington Monument, and the Walters Art Museum.
The Walters Art Museum
After a recent boudoir shoot, I took advantage of the crisp fall weather and strolled over to The Walters. Why not? It’s only an eight-minute walk, and admission is free!
Photographer Greg Schuler in front ot the Walters Art Museum
As a boudoir photographer, I often look to fine art for inspiration. Unlike modern fashion photography, classical artists depicted the human form naturally—soft bellies, gentle curves, and all. Their work wasn’t shaped by beauty trends or marketing; it was about capturing something timeless.
The Walters houses an incredible collection built by William and Henry Walters. Thanks to generous grants, the museum remains free to the public, making it a perfect spot to explore art and history.
The Nude in Art
Spend any time in an art museum, and you’ll inevitably encounter nudes. If that makes you uncomfortable—well, you’ve been warned! (And don’t scroll down!)
See also: History of the Nude in Art
Various sculptures from The Ancient World (Level 2 at The Walters): Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art.
Venus of Urbino—Or Is It?
One painting that stopped me in my tracks looked exactly like Reclining Venus by Titian, famously known as the Venus of Urbino. But this wasn’t the original—it was a copy by 19th-century French artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. The resemblance was uncanny.
Reclining Venus by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (after Titian)
A Familiar Name in Baltimore Art
Another piece caught my attention—both for the sculpted pose and the artist’s name. Nereid Reclining on a Wave by Hans Schuler (1874-1951) had a gracefulness that stood out.
Nereid Reclining on a Wave, sculpture by Hans Schuler
Though we share a last name, I have no known connection to Schuler, who designed many public monuments in Baltimore. His son later founded the Schuler School of Fine Arts, and to this day, I get asked if I have ties to the school. The answer: not that I know of!
Recreating Classic Art
While my main focus is boudoir photography for everyday women, I also work on creative projects with models, often reinterpreting classic artwork. Here are some of my recreations:
TOP: Reclining Nude, a painting by Henri Fantin-Latour. BOTTOM: Photo recreation by Greg Schuler, Model: Ann Teak.
LEFT: Sculpture by Chinese-born artist Zhong Zhiyan. RIGHT: Photo recreation by Greg Schuler, Model: Rebecca Lawrence.
Be the Subject of Your Own Masterpiece
Boudoir photography isn’t about trends or unattainable ideals—it’s about capturing beauty in a way that feels authentic. If you’re ready to create your own timeless portrait, get in touch to start your journey.