What is Boudoir.
For those who may not already know, boudoir is French in origin. It is derived from the French word meaning to sulk. So a boudoir was considered a women's private room or bedroom that she could, well, sulk in.
Boudior photography began as the 1920s and has gone through many stages over the decades to what we know it to be today!
Now, let me just start off by saying everyones experiences are different and has had different journeys to get where they are/are going. So, here I will be talking about what I have experienced so far and with that, I'm sure there is some one who can relate with where I will be coming from.
There are many different challenges in doing photography for different people and situations, but today we are going to focus on my time with Boudoir style shoots. Boudoir shoots is when the model or subject is nude or giving the illusion of nude. Boudoir photos can be done artistically, modestly or even more sensual and suggestive. It's all a matter of the person and there comfort level with what they want to do and/or trying to portray. Usually more female based in clientele, it is a form of art to allow expression, to feel confident, power, sexy, etc. A boudoir shoot can boost a persons confidence for sure.
I have been doing photography on and off for a total of 7years, doing shoots for my own purposes and creative outlets. It wasn't until mid 2020, funny enough, that I decided to open my services up to the public. Within those couple years, I have gotten with trusted and reliable friends and others that I have worked with to bring to life visual ideas that I had and slowly built up cliental. I have done a multitude of photography styles, but one of the hardest styles of shoot I find myself being able to book is Boudoir.
Don't get me wrong, I have done boudoir shoots; collaborations and client booking, but they were with people who knew me already to some extent. I've even done Boudoir self portraits for more visual style and example for potential clients inspiration. When trying to book with complete strangers, I have had no luck and no for the lack of trying. Most people that look to do boudoir shoots are women. Doing Boudoir shoots in itself can be daunting and a challenge for some and to add a male shooting your photos on top of that is just something else! A fully grown, bearded man photographing women, possibly in the complete nude is a little side eye worthy.
I try to go through the process with potential clients letting them know that before the actual shoot, if they want, I recommend that we meet in person and go over everything and we get to know each other a bit as people. More-so so they can feel me out and really in a sense decide on their own how they feel about me. Let's be honest though, I'm a hoot!
But seriously, I do that, let them know they are more than welcomed, and encouraged to bring someone with them during the shoot so they have someone they are comfortable with and would help them relax a bit. There are some photographers out there that will pretty much refuse anyone coming or being involved in the shoot, which I personally think is weird...but do you.
In the contract, you have the option of keeping your photos completely private. I also discuss with the client that if I wanted to use any of the photos for visual examples, the client has control over which photo(s) I use, if I can advertise it/them on my website or social medias, and/or can be used only to other potential Boudoir clients.
So far, when it comes to men I get two version. Most straight men just have an issue with another man taking pictures of them half or completely naked. Most straight men immediately go to the idea of sexual when it comes to being nude or doing boudoir so they are uncomfortable trying to be or act seductive in front of another man. Most straight men don't even know how to move their own body in general if they have never or rarely modeled before.
Then there are the gay men. Yes more gay men would be comfortable doing boudoir style shoots. A lot of them are more intone with their bodies. The issue with them is there are too many who will try to make sexual passes at the photographer.
But I mind my business.
Despite all that there are plenty of great people who are professional and just needs a little time to get comfortable and maybe even a little coaching through the process if need be. As mentioned earlier in this passage, boudoir is typically female heavy, but there is in fact a large amount of men that do take part in doing boudior photo shoots these days. Whether it is solo or as a couple, creating works of art. A boudoir photoshoot is for sure something I would recommend everyone try at least once. Especially if you were already curios about it.
