I call myself a boudoir photographer but I don’t really even like that word. By definition a boudoir is a bedroom or private dressing room. While that does translate to calling it Boudoir photography, I feel its so much more than that. I prefer to say I shoot intimate portraiture. Why don’t I just say that? I do! If we think about it though the word ‘boudoir’ is much more recognizable when we are searching for photographers.
When I speak to my clients, I want them to know that this experience goes beyond just “sexy” posing in lingerie. It’s so much more. I want my client to connect to themselves on an emotional level. It’s a brave thing to put yourself out there (especially in front of someones camera) and that should be celebrated.
Everyone has a different definition of what they think “sexy” is. I could have a client walk in and want to be completely nude the whole time or have one that wants to be mostly covered. There is no wrong answer here. The proper boudoir/intimate portrait experience can happen no matter what you aren’t or are wearing. There should be a bit of YOUR story in your images.
It’s incredibly important to me to always listen to my client and give them images they can walk away and be proud to have for many years to come. If you booked with me then you know thats why we have a phone chat long before your session date, I want to know you and what would make you excited with your images.
I would like to throw the idea out the window that boudoir photography has to be one way or look a certain way. This is another reason I will mix it up and focus on portraiture as well during a session.
The images in this post are a storytelling boudoir/intimate portrait session I did for a close friend.
Cheers!
Shannon
