Picking a boudoir photographer can be an intimidating endeavor. The success of your boudoir session hinges on finding someone who fits well with your vision for your session. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of questions to help you pick the right boudoir photographer.

What is their style?

Have a look at the photographer’s portfolio. You don’t have to be well-versed in photography terms to understand their style. Here are some questions to think about when looking at a boudoir photographer’s portfolio:

• How is their lighting – dark and moody light and airy, or a mix?
• How risqué are their images? Does that align with what you are wanting?
• What is their retouching style? Do their subjects have doll-like skin and look alien? Or is it more natural?
• Are their clients everyday people? Is there an entire portfolio of gorgeous models? A boudoir photographer needs to be experienced in photographing a variety of body shapes, ages, sizes, etc.
• Do their poses look flattering to their client’s body types, and do they vary for different body types? Not all poses look great for everyone. If a photographer has one set of poses that they use for every client, they will struggle with different body types. Poses must cater to the client’s style, personality, and figure.

Are they specialists?

Your boudoir photographer should have experience shooting intimate work. It’s a photography skill that is far and away from family portraits. You will get superior expertise with a specialist compared to a general photographer. A boudoir specialist will have the process down to a science and understand the nuances of the genre. Photographers who offer boudoir as an add-on to their packages will likely not be experienced or comfortable posing and creating a productive boudoir session.

What’s their privacy policy?

Boudoir sessions are very intimate experiences where privacy is often paramount. It is essential to find a photographer who values your privacy. Here are some things to check for in their privacy policy:

• Do they use your full name anywhere on their website or social media? Abbreviated names or first name usage helps protect you online. Make sure you are comfortable with their naming conventions.
• Do their product providers have policies about your privacy? Your privacy should be maintained through every process step, even once the images leave the photographer’s hands.
• Does the photographer give you a choice in the images that are online? Do they require you to allow them usage of images, or let you select which ones you’d like to allow? It is essential to understand where your pictures will end up and know which images will be used, if any.
• Do they do online proofing? In-person reveal/ordering sessions are more secure than online galleries. Choosing images you’re willing to allow online is best when it is before they’re on the internet.

This section is not meant to scare you away from your images being on the internet – it’s meant to inform you of key considerations you should be making about your privacy. With that said, consider allowing the photographer to use at least a few images from your session. Those images are what potential clients like yourself use to decide if the photographer is a good fit. Anonymous images are a great way to preserve privacy, while still letting the photographer share their work.

Do they have client testimonials?

What do people who have worked with the photographer think about their experience? What past clients say gives you the best chance to predict your experience. It also lets you see if they’ve behaved professionally with other clients. If a photographer has no testimonials, it might be a red flag that they don’t offer a service worth raving about. Finding a boudoir photographer with a track record of excellence and professionalism is a must-do in my book.

What will they (and won’t they) shoot?

First, let’s define some common nudity terms that you are likely to encounter:

• Nude: no clothing is being worn and bare skin may be exposed on camera.

• Implied nude: no clothing is on, but posed carefully or utilizing fabric or props hides private areas.

Nudity is a spectrum with partial spots between fully nude and implied nude. This is something to look for in a potential boudoir photographer’s portfolio. How do they handle nudity? Not all nudes are on the edgy or extreme side. They can be beautiful and artistic. Be sure to ask any boudoir photographer about their policy on nudity to ensure that it is the specific amount of nudity you’re looking for. Some may only shoot erotic art, while others may not shoot nudity at all. A boudoir photographer’s FAQ is an excellent resource for this information.

Do they photograph couples?

Boudoir doesn’t have to be a solo affair; it can be a fantastic experience for couples! Having your partner present adds another layer of intimacy to your session. You can both push your comfort zones together in a loving way. The images will be a great memory for couples to cherish forever.

What are you getting?

Understanding the financial aspect of the boudoir experience is a practical concern. However, like most services, there are better choices than using the cheapest photographer.

Those offering such low prices often do so at the cost of quality or experience. Consider what traits you’re looking for in a boudoir photographer: talent, professionalism, dependability, and good communication.

The cheapest photographer on offer is likely going to leave you wanting more. How do you receive the images? What are your choices? Prioritize physical products. Boudoir sessions are meant to be re-lived, and it’s hard to sit down in bed with your images and a glass of wine in 30 years if you have to remember which computer they are on. A lovely boudoir album or wall art will preserve your images in print that you can enjoy throughout time without a screen.

Conclusion

No matter the reason you’re considering getting boudoir photos, whether it is a gift for a loved one or a personal journey, it is important to remember that it is primarily about empowering yourself. It is for YOU to feel comfortable in your own skin. To celebrate how amazing you are (That’s not to say that the images don’t make great gifts; they do!).

Ultimately, the best boudoir photographers simply “get you.” They understand your fears and appreciate your vision and your story. They want to bring it all together into beautiful artwork that you will cherish forever.

Find the boudoir photographer you enjoy being around, whose style appeals to you, and who is known for their professionalism.

If you ask these questions when picking your boudoir photographer, you’re already well on your way to a fantastic experience!