What Should I Look For in a Boudoir Photographer?
How to Pick a Quality Boudoir Photographer
When it comes to boudoir photography, the photographer you choose will make all the difference in the final outcome of your pictures. Boudoir photography is an extremely intimate and personal experience, and it's important to find a photographer who you click with, who can make you feel comfortable and confident from the moment of your initial contact, and who you can be vulnerable with in front of the camera. Here are some tips to help you pick a quality boudoir photographer.
Check out their portfolio: A reputable boudoir photographer should have a secure website with an extensive portfolio that showcases their style and the types of photos they take. Look at their portfolio to get a sense of their aesthetic and to see if it aligns with what you like. Do they showcase moody or brighter images? Both? What you see is what you get so look over everything to make sure they are able to provide for you. Pay attention to the lighting, poses, and composition of their photos, and make sure they align with your own vision for your boudoir photography session. There are many photographers who do not have a grasp on these foundational skills and that can be devastating to realize when it’s too late. It’s also necessary to make sure that your photographer is able to capture exactly what you’re looking for. If you want spicier images, make sure that your photographer is comfortable with offering them. Looking for fine art nude portraits or bodyscapes? Make sure you are able to view the portfolio work ahead of time to make sure they are tasteful and artistic in nature and meets your standards.
Read their reviews! Check out online reviews of boudoir photographers in your area. Look beyond those who have sponsored ads. This is such an important and intimate session…you have to carefully look for a few photographers that stand out to you. Look for photographers who have positive reviews and make sure to read what people are saying about their experience. Were the clients able to go into detail about how the photographer helped them feel confident with their posing? Did they express that their photographer and the session helped to change their perception of their body or their outlook on life? This can give you a good sense of what to expect and whether a particular photographer might be a good fit for you.
Connect with the photographer before your session: Before you book a boudoir session, it's important to have a pre-consultation call or zoom meeting with your photographer. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know them, ask questions, and discuss your vision for the session. It’s also important to see if you and the photographer click. Is your photographer excited to be a part of your boudoir journey? Can you tell they are going to be an amazing hype person at your session? Do you feel a good connection with them? Do you feel you can put your trust in them with such a raw and vulnerable type of photoshoot? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then they sound like a good fit. If not, keep looking and you will find the right one!
It’s really important to learn about the photographer's experience. Just like you wouldn’t expect a pastry chef to make you the best sushi rolls in the world, you wouldn’t expect a wedding photographer or a newborn photographer to create the most amazing boudoir images for you. Are there some photographers that “do it all”? Yes, there are and that’s okay. But it's SO important to find a photographer who has experience specifically in boudoir photography. This is a specialized type of photography and it requires a certain level of skill and expertise. In boudoir, angles are everything! They can make or break an image. Composition and lighting are also equally important and can be used to create different vibes and make your photos stand out. If a photographer doesn’t have these foundational skills, find one that does! The tiniest of details matter! With my own clients, I am very nitpicky about all the little details…yes, I will fix every strap to make sure they aren’t twisted. I will gently move those annoying stray hairs from your face or neckline so they don’t take away from your images. I will position your hands properly so your images don’t look funky. All of these things done well can create beautiful images!
Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer if they have received education to specifically enhance their boudoir photography. Great photographers are constantly learning so they can provide better imagery, service, and experiences for their clients. Check to see if your photographer has been published for their art or if they have had gallery shows displaying their artwork. The more experienced your photographer is, the easier it is to trust them to provide you with everything you’re looking for and deserve!
Finding the right boudoir photographer requires a bit of research and effort. But, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the best photographer for you, who can create beautiful images that you will treasure and help inspire you to become more confident and empowered in yourself.
Do you want to have an amazing boudoir experience with a professional, well-educated boudoir photographer? At Jennifer Maesen Photography, my goal is to provide you with an awesome experience that will forever change you (in the best of ways)! I want to help you love how you look and see yourself how I and the rest of the world see you. Together, we can create beautiful artwork you will cherish. I would LOVE the opportunity to work with you and be a part of your boudoir journey!
xoxo, Jenn
Visit www.maesenphotography.com to view my work and inquire about your boudoir session!