We had the good fortune of connecting with Roxanne Burke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roxanne, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art has always been part of me. As a child, I didn’t even realize it was something not everyone enjoyed. It was just how I processed the world. I filled margins of every scrap of paper, disappeared into photography books, and absorbed the works of other artists.

But for almost twenty years, that part of me went silent. I was in a marriage and an environment that didn’t allow space for who I really was. I could only express myself through acceptable channels like cooking, sewing, or other trad wife pursuits but anything emotional, dark, weird, or sensual was off limits. As each year passed by the more invisible I became. I was isolated, malnourished, and deeply depressed.

Leaving that marriage wasn’t just about escape, it was a resurrection. On the day I signed my divorce papers, I came home, pulled an old painting off the wall, some long neglected art supplies and started to create again. It was like turning the lights back on inside myself.

I didn’t just want to heal, I wanted to build a life centered around creativity. A life where I could show up fully and invite others to do the same. I wanted to live a life that honored the parts of me that had been silenced and I wanted to help other people do the same.

Photography had been my first love, even before painting and what I studied in college. Picking it back up felt like coming home. I threw myself into learning everything branding, lighting, posing, editing while working for a CPA by day. When the pandemic hit and I lost that job, I chose to make it happen.

Today, my work isn’t just about beautiful, artistic images. It’s about reflection, reclamation, and emotional connection. Through intimate portraits and boudoir sessions, I create space for people to be seen fully, sensual, soft, powerful, emotional, even a little wild. I don’t just photograph how you look, I capture who you are and an essence of your own story.

This isn’t just my career. It’s an act of rebellion against purity culture, my restoration, and also my offering.

If you’re ready to reclaim the parts of you that deserve to be witnessed, I’m ready to hold that space.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My primary focus is on boudoir and intimate portraits, but my approach is less glam heavy or hyper-sexualized, and more about reflection, healing, and empowerment. It’s about creating space for people to come home to themselves, especially in seasons where they’ve felt disconnected or unseen.

My clients are often deep thinkers, people who’ve often overcome challenges and are ready to embrace the next part of their journey. Sometimes it’s a mother honoring her breastfeeding journey, someone wanting to reconnect with their body, or a couple rediscovering each other. What they all have in common is a desire to be witnessed without judgment. That’s the opportunity I offer.

What I love most is watching people see themselves, sometimes for the first time in years. I remember every client I’ve had and the backstories they have shared with me. Each is different, but each one has come back saying how transformative the experience is.

The images we create together are personal, powerful, and lasting. They’re reminders of who you are beneath the noise and a reminder of where you are at in that moment of time. Although some images are so intimate that you may want to keep them to yourself and those you are closest to, we also create images so artfully done you can proudly hang them on your walls.

One moment I’m especially proud of was being published in TIME (Pride 2023: Against All Odds) for covering the first PRIDE event after Tennessee’s drag ban was overturned. Being part of that story meant so much to me, not just because of the recognition, but because it aligned with my core values: uplifting expression, honoring identity, and making space for people to be fully themselves. All while supporting other artists.

What I want people to know about my brand is this: Roxanne Burke Photography isn’t about creating the most polished version of you, it’s about capturing the truest one.

If you’re ready to be seen, not just styled, I’d be honored to be a part of that journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Of course I’m going to say go to the Frist, but there are so many other galleries around Nashville that you can visit. The Elephant Gallery and the Red Arrow Gallery always have unique artwork. On the first Saturday of the month go down to Houston Station and gallery hop.

Nashville has a rich comedy scene. Any show with James Holiday or Cortney Warner will be worth seeing.

Explore East Nashville and eat at Five Points Pizza.

Take a day and head south to Ethridge early in the morning to visit the Amish. Hike Still House Hollow Falls. Eat lunch at Schaffer’s the best BBQ in Tennessee (I’ve yet to be convinced otherwise), then visit Columbia’s square for that Hallmark experience and shopping. Stop and get a beer or cider at Taps Off Main, where you might find me playing a game of chess. End the day by heading to Briar works where you can usually get a Loose Wheels burger and chat it up with the locals. Depending on the day you can hear live music from talented artists like Larkin and Leigh.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have influenced and helped me along the way, that I can’t name them all. Ross Jaynes, Jenna Henderson, Joe Caliva, Terry Smith, my sister and so many friends who were beyond supportive.

I had left behind my entire community, culture and way of life. I needed love, support, guidance, encouragement and endless patience to figure out not only how to run a business, to develop my craft, but also in learning how the real world operates including simple things like how to order a cup of coffee.

I couldn’t have got this far without the people who have came into my life over the last 6 years.

Website: https://www.roxanneburke.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxanneburkephotography?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoxanneBurkephotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.