The Unpopular Opinion… Some Photographers Just Shouldn’t Be Shooting Boudoir.
Now if you’re a photographer and you came here to riot- calm down and let me explain in a context that both you and the general public can understand and learn from as well. Let’s clear the air- this is not an attack on other photographers- merely a plea.. Begging our industry to do our best to uplift ourselves, but more-so uplift our clients! Now…..Boudoir…. We should start by stating the obvious: that boudoir is a very sensitive, raw, and intimate category of photography. Any client making the choice to even book a consult is taking a bold first step into the best kind of self-discovery and that deserves to be applauded! Should any client decide to move forward into the physical shoot, they deserve nothing less than a qualified professional who can not only make them feel comfortably at peace during the shoot, but also simultaneously FEIRCE!! I am not discouraging any photographer attempting to get into the boudoir shooting space, however I am asking that any photographer considering to look deep within themselves and evaluate their photo skills, and more importantly, their people skills before offering low price sessions just to obtain bookings.
Consider this…
The vast majority of clients booking boudoir shoots (but especially women) are seeking a boudoir shoot to find some lost confidence, sense of self, or reignite a fire that may be at a fizzle for what ever reason… Some clients even have hidden insecurities that they have personally opened up to me about during our session: both physical and mental that they have booked a photo session to try and overcome or better cope with. This bravery deserves to rewarded nothing less than exceptional work. The kind of work that comes from a professional specializing in the space, not one with a social media page and an offering sessions at unlivable rates. Simply owning a camera DOES NOT mean you’re qualified to shoot it- and offering sessions for dirt cheap prices DOES NOT mean you have a “boudoir business”. How can we preach empowerment, confidence, and channeling our “inner-boss” if we ourselves don’t have the same characteristics to offer our services at a price worthy of our time??
Shooting the Body is an Art…
While art is always subjective, when it comes to a subject such as boudoir there is certain technical photo aspects that need to be exercised in order to make sure the client is seen in the best “light”… To elaborate on that - there’s very specific posing, pose flow, and light shaping that go into ensuring our clients LOVE the shooting experience, and LOVE the work they receive. No person should walk out of the shoot and/or see their photos and leave feeling worse, or more insecure than when they came to you.
Note To Any Potential Client…
There are many things to consider before booking a photographer: price point should truly be the last thing on your list if your intention is to find a new confidence about yourself. I have posted a more in depth post about questions to ask and things to consider before booking your tog here: but among the most important is setting up a consult to make sure you feel comfortable with the tog of your choosing but also- SEE REAL WORK FROM REAL CLIENTS! You will want to see printed albums and digital galleries to ensure you’re not being sold anything less than spectacular.
Note to Any Photographers Still with Me…
Just because you own a camera and started a social media page dosent mean you’re qualified to use it. Much like shooting a wedding- don’t give yourself the pressure of missing a moment if you’re not ready to take them on. Same with boudoir- if you’re not ready to service it correctly, your small fiscal gain
No person should leave feeling worse or more insecure after seeing their work
Cheap sessions aren’t good, and good sessions aren’t cheap. Attempting to undercut professionals operating at profitable rates for the sake of making a quick buck off an already vulnerable client is NOT the move here. Industry professionals are smart- we can see that you’re not operating from position where any part of your “business” could be making a profit from a legal tax paying position
Invest in yourself… We all start somewhere, but when considering where to start in the boudoir space make sure you find yourself a great mentor and invest in education to make sure our clients are getting incredible work!