About Ayla Quellhorst Photography

Our boudoir studio opened in 2018 to serve women and has grown to be one of the biggest luxury boudoir studios in the United States. We focus on allowing women to express themselves and their sexuality in any way they see fit. Without judgment and in a safe environment. Our shoots give women the tools they need to find their confidence and take that out into the world and their everyday life. Now based in Austin, TX and serving Tacoma, WA every month.
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Woman with long wavy hair and a black leather jacket in a moody studio portrait

Founding
Our Studio

Meet Ayla! Our Founder, Owner, and Lead Photographer. She puts her heart and soul into this business and into every client that comes through our door. To her, it’s not just “work.” It’s the opportunity to give the gift of self-love. When she’s not at work, she’s pouring her love and energy into her daughter, family, and the people she holds closest. With nearly 20 years behind the camera, Ayla is a proud member of Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
Round gray badge with the year 2018 in white text over a faint monogram

June 2018 -
The Beginning

We were shooting in a 600 sq ft shared studio in Lakewood. It was just big enough for one bed and a tiny couch. We kept our client’s wardrobe in two duffle bags, and our makeup artists had to do the client’s hair and makeup on the sofa! Because it was a shared space, we were only allowed to do four sessions a month. But even with all these hurdles, we produced images and an experience like no other. Some of our clients from this time still come to us year after year.

Woman in black lace lingerie lying on a tan sofa with her fingers to her lips
Man in a black shirt with red rope wrapped around his wrist, smiling slightly at the camera

July 2018 -
Meet Rob

Rob joined us! He became our shibari artist, photographer, and resident jokester! He brings light, laughter, and creativity to our studio every day.
 
“From the start, I never planned on being full-time here at the studio. But after seeing the positive impact the sessions have on women, I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life “-Rob

Round gray badge with the year 2019 in white text over a faint monogram

February of 2019 - Our Own Space

We finally acquired our own space! We now had 1500 sq ft to better serve our clients. When you walked in, you were met with our office space that was coupled with a viewing area. Then you walked through sliding barn doors which led to a giant room. We had it sectioned off in the front for hair and makeup. There was a closet to the left that held wardrobe pieces for us to have on hand. Exploring farther into the room, we had a complete bedroom set. The room ended with a massive window in which we loved photographing our clients in front of. Upgrading to this space allowed us to serve more clients, with a space tailored to boudoir, that aligned more with our creative vision.

Woman in black lingerie and stockings kneeling over a bench on a wood floor, back to camera
Round gray badge with the year 2020 in white text over a faint monogram
Tattooed woman in black lace lying on a wood floor beneath sheer curtains, wearing high heels

March 2020 -
Covid

We had to close the studio entirely for three months because of the global pandemic. But that didn’t stop us, we worked behind the scenes and founded the program “Boudoir for a Change”. We raised over 2000 dollars. The proceeds went to The Thurston County Food Bank, and to service-based small businesses that weren’t able to work during this time.

June 2020 -
The Pivot!

We thankfully had the opportunity to serve our clients again. It just looked a little different! We rented a charming ranch house in Thurston county to shoot in until we could get back to our studio in Tacoma. We’re so blessed to have the ability to pivot when needed and make the best out of the situation at hand. We used our prior knowledge from destination shoots and were able to fine-tune it to still provide impactful experiences and images for our clients here at home during this trying time.

 

Smiling woman with curly red hair lying on a faux fur blanket in a black long-sleeve top
Woman in red lingerie seated on a gray tufted chair against brick wall with red light flare

July 2020 -
Our Big Return

We finally were able to return to the studio after being closed for months due to Covid!

 

November 2020 -
A Bigger Studio

Our studio was bursting at the seams! After serving so many beautiful ladies in our old space, it was time to expand the business to better serve more women! In exactly the way we wanted to. So we moved down the street to the Harmon building! With 3000 sq ft, our space had room for so much more! This upgrade allowed us to have plenty of office space for our growing staff. More importantly, it was a huge expansion for our shooting space, which comfortably held two complete bedroom sets. With upgrades like artificial LED windows, and a faux brick wall. Trading our two duffle bags for a walk-in closet, we had ample space for all 400 pieces of our client wardrobe. Including sizes from xs-4x. With room for hair and makeup!
Tattooed woman in black lace with red rope harness lying on a fur blanket looking up
Round gray badge with the year 2021 in white text over a faint monogram
Smiling woman with wavy hair sticking out her pierced tongue against a dark studio backdrop

June 2021 - Meet Jessica

Jessica joins the team full time. Jessica has been doing our Warriors’ hair and makeup since 2018, and as a licensed cosmetologist she still does hair and makeup for every client, in Austin and Tacoma. She brings so much to the table every day, personally and professionally. Being around her is a blessing.

“The people I meet every day when I come into work make such a big impact on me. The smiles, and the tears, just from some makeup and hair are something that I’ll always remember. Not only that, I’ve built a bond with everyone here at the studio, and I consider them family. A family I’m excited to see every day when coming into work.” – Jessica

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January 2022 -

Kat

The amazing and talented Kat joined us as our Product Advisor. She is the perfect person to help clients figure out how they should have their images printed and how to display them in the way that fits each individual client. Plus her dirty dad jokes keep the laughs flowing around here!

“After doing my photoshoot, I knew I wanted to work with the staff! The team here is like a little family and I absolutely love coming into work every day. Being able to show clients their true self and building them up to the best they can be is a highlight. Working 20+ years in the theatre has helped being able to work in any situation and interact with everyone in helping them pick out their images and loving themselves.” – Kat

Woman with dark wavy hair in a black top resting her finger on her cheek, smiling
Round gray badge with the year 2026 in white text over a faint monogram
Woman with curly hair lying across a green pool table reaching toward billiard balls in moody light

Summer 2026 - Austin Texas

This chapter started with family. After years of building something we love in the Pacific Northwest, life pointed us toward Austin — closer to the people who matter most to us. And the more we sat with the decision, the more it made sense for our clients, too.

Austin puts us in the heart of the country. For the women who fly in from across the U.S. to work with us, that means shorter flights, easier logistics, and a whole lot less travel day exhaustion before their session. For the women of Texas and the surrounding states, it means we’re finally in your backyard.

Everything you’ve come to know and love about our experience came with us — the same team energy, the same attention to detail, the same commitment to helping you find your inner warrior. Just with a whole lot more women able to reach us. And Tacoma, we’re not going anywhere. We’re back every month, with the same team and the same experience.

Looking At The Future

Austin and Tacoma will always be home base, and we’ll keep showing up for our Warriors in both cities every month. But we’ve got a little wanderlust in us. Next, we’re dreaming of somewhere warm, like Tulum or Aruba, and more international trips where Warriors can join us to explore new places while we create art together. If you’ve ever wanted your session somewhere unforgettable, stay tuned… and pack your bags.

Stop stressing, let's chat!

Schedule My Consultation
Ayla Quellhorst Photography logo
253-600-3161

Austin, TX | Tacoma, WA

office@aylaquellhorst.com

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Ready to discover your inner warrior? Contact us about your photoshoot!

Boudoir portrait of a smiling woman in a dark velvet bodysuit leaning against a wood wall