Who is our boudoir photography for?
What is boudoir photography?
Wikipedia defines boudoir photography as " a photographic style featuring intimate, sensual, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom or private dressing room environment, primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subjects and their romantic partners."
As a photographer, I used to get contacted for this type of photography when couples were marrying or before my clients planned to get pregnant. At that time, it seemed many people were taking these images more as a gift to their partners than for themselves.
Over time, as I photographed more and more people looking for boudoir photos, I started to think more deeply. What is the true “why” of boudoir photography? Many of us get haircuts, new outfits, new jewelry, and other things to reward ourselves and feel good about our achievements. Why can’t boudoir photography serve that same purpose - be an empowering gift to yourself to boost your self confidence?
Traditional style and why it didn’t work for me.
Before I decided to pursue my passion for a different kind of boudoir image, I always thought boudoir had to be about showing skin, sexy lingerie, and traditional poses. And don't get me wrong - these make for beautiful images and some of the photos I created during that time are still my favorite photos. However, it just didn’t feel like my style or something I wanted to do for a long time. I also found some clients were intimidated by traditional boudoir styling, or thought somehow it wasn’t for them. Many people fear being photographed with very little clothing, even if they want to try the genre. I’ve always wanted my photography to be for everyone, and I want my subjects to feel amazing and empowered during and after a shoot.
Over time, this lead me to develop a different kind of boudoir style.
Where did my inspiration come from?
I visited the Otsuka International Museum in Japan in early 2020. During that visit, I saw incredible Renaissance paintings recreated on ceramic brush stroke by brush stroke. As soon as I saw them, I knew I wanted to create images like that. I love the feel of each painting, and how each subject looks so peaceful but very confident. Every photo has grace, and most importantly, they already proved they will stand the test of time. For the first time, I felt I found the type of image I would be proud to create and could offer to my boudoir clients confidently.
Boudoir sessions are not (just) about sexy images
My photography has always been about my subject gaining courage and finally stepping into something they've always wanted to try. It is also about celebrating each of my clients for who they are and their unique journey. I try to do this in every genre I offer but it is particularly important for my boudoir sessions.
I truly felt the importance of this experience when I met my client “Sarah” (I’ve changed her name to preserve her anonymity). Sarah had always been afraid to be photographed. She really liked my style of photos and came to me to find the courage to overcome her fear. Because she was uncomfortable showing skin, we wanted to create a different kind of boudoir experience while keeping the same general style. She was covered the whole time but after getting used to the flow of the session, she started to feel comfortable and decided to show her shoulders and legs. She was still more clothed than most people at a gym, but her courage made her proud and she portrayed the confident feel I saw in those old paintings. Before she came in, Sarah said she was hopeful she might get one photo she liked out of the session. In the end, she loved them all. She told me that this session was so much more helpful than therapy. This made me understand that boudoir is not just about sexy images. It is more about the process and people feeling confident, empowered, and good about themselves, and I am honored to support that journey.
The more I do individualized fine art boudoir, the more clients come see me to create images just for themselves. Many of them feel confident and want to celebrate themselves, many others don’t feel confident and want to prove to themselves they are more beautiful than they think (and by the way, this is always true - we are our own worst critics). Many have recently experienced serious life events like birth, illness, or grief, and want a life and personhood-affirming experience they will always be able to look back on. Most people who come to me for boudoir photos now do it because they want a timeless, classic image that portrays them as who they are now, in the current moment. An image unique to them, their life, and experiences. It’s hard to put into words, but a good photoshoot can help you see yourself in a different way.
Who should try fine art boudoir style?
My fine art boudoir style is for anyone who wants to try the genre and maybe wants to try something they haven’t done before. It is also for literally anyone of any gender, age, body type, ethnicity, and more. It’s for all humans. You can be fully clothed the whole time if you want. You can be very unclothed if you prefer. It’s not about what you wear; it’s about setting the right mood for your comfort level and photographing each subject in a way that works for you as an individual. We honor and support everyone's journey, whether you feel comfortable being nude or want to try the genre while fully clothed. Every time you are photographed, you feel more comfortable, and the feeling of overcoming your fear is something that we want to provide through our boudoir sessions.
We are active in Eugene/Springfield and Portland, Oregon. If you are someone who has wanted to try boudoir and you want it to fit your personality and comfort level, contact us for a free consultation. I would love to learn about your preferences and customize your session to fit you so you can cross this one off your bucket list. :)
