Some people become doctors, teachers, or politicians, some throw themselves into the world of finance or sales, and some run full steam into the sciences. These practical jobs have their place on this Earth and I’m grateful to every single person who chooses any of the aforementioned career paths (and all the ones I didn’t name). I’ll be the first to admit that boudoir photography isn’t exactly “practical,” and that it might even be misunderstood by some. But there’s one thing I know from personal experience doing this work: it changes lives.

It’s no secret that women, specifically, face a brutal and judgmental world. One filled with marketing images of airbrushed “perfection,” and marketing ploys to become “better” through diet, supplements, gym memberships, and more. Baring all in front of the camera — literally — may seem like a way to highlight every self-perceived flaw that women are taught to believe about themselves, but I’m here to tell you that a boudoir session has the complete opposite effect for my clients.

Boudoir sessions empower women. They give them space to unleash their curves, to forget about all the marketing noise, to celebrate their bodies in a way they’ve never done before. I may not have a “practical” job that saves literal lives or educates our children, but just like I value those careers I think — no, I know — there’s value in what I do as a boudoir photographer, too. The proof? Every women who steps in front of my camera and walks away feeling more sure of herself and more beautiful than ever before.

Boudoir photography has been an artform since literally the invention of cameras. Still, there’s a bit of confusion surrounding the topic, so I wanted to take a second to dispel some myths and tell you exactly what boudoir photography is. In short: it’s a series of tasteful, artful sensual images — usually of a woman, but sometimes of a couple or even a man.

Different forms of boudoir photography exist both in terms of style/approach and level of nudity. As is the case with any photography, it’s important to seek a photographer whose style matches with your personal aesthetic. For example, some specialize is high contrast black and whites, others prefer a moody editing style, and some take a bright light and color-dense approach.

Most boudoir photographers leave it to the client to decide how much skin is exposed during the session. Some clients are OK baring all, and the images are shot in a way that’s creative, classy, and genuinely artful. Other clients prefer to do a lingerie session which can be just as provocative and sensual. Others yet prefer to go a flirty, less exposed route — maybe they wear an oversized sweater, a sport’s jersey, or her partner’s shirt. Boudoir photography runs the gamut

and creating a customized experience with your photographer is part of the fun!

As a boudoir photographer, I often get asked — sometimes not so kindly but mostly out of curiosity — “Hey! Why the heck do you charge so much for taking pictures?” It’s a fair question, really, and we all have similar thoughts any time we’re about to spend a decent chunk of change on anything. I figured I’d take the time to explain why I charge what I do and what goes into the total cost.

1. The images taken are sensitive. You want to entrust someone who is not only completely professional and makes you feel 100% comfortable in this intimate setting, but who you know will handle your images with utmost care during the editing and storing process.

2. It took time to learn this art. The cost of my sessions isn’t just for the time we’re spending together; you’re paying for all the years of experience that got me to where I am today. You’re getting images that reflect years’ worth of experience.

3. In some cases, the cost includes a small team of people who help make you look and feel beautiful the day of the shoot. This isn’t cheap, but it’s a service I like to provide!

4. In some cases, we’re shooting in a location that costs money to rent. This is included in part of the cost.

5. Photography equipment is not cheap, my friend. I’ll spare you all the numbers, but my arsenal cost hovers in the five-figure range.

6. There’s a lot of behind the scenes work you may not realize is happening. I spend time scouting locations, researching the latest photography techniques, looking through images from your shoot to select the best one, and editing each one. The time I spend doing these things far surpasses our time at the actual shoot, but it ensures an excellent finished product.

Trust me — I totally understand that baring all (quite literally) in front of a stranger is not exactly the easiest thing to do. You’re putting yourself out there, and you have every single reason to feel a little bit nervous or unsure about what to expect. I promise you, though, that I’m going to make sure that you don’t just look amazing in your boudoir images, but that you feel amazing before, during, and after the session.

To help ensure things go smoothly at your upcoming boudoir session, I thought it’d be helpful to share some of the biggest mistakes that clients make so that you can avoid them:

Getting Drunk: A little bubbly is a nice touch, but it can sometimes be easy to go too far when you’re caught up in nerves. Remind yourself what your alcohol limits are — something only you know! — and stick to them.

Not Eating the Day Of: I’ve seen this happen a few times. It’s an honest mistake, but it’s also one that sets you up for a lackluster shoot. You need sustenance to keep your mental and physical energies up, so don’t starve yourself the day of (or in the days leading up to) the shoot. Eat colorful, whole foods in moderation.

Obsessing Over Others’ Boudoir Images: It’s OK to find a little inspiration on the web, but don’t let yourself fall down a dark hole of self-comparison. I think it’s best to come into a shoot without a ton of others’ images swimming around in your head. You’ll feel better, trust me!

Engaging Negative / Apologetic Self-Talk: This happens almost without fail during every session, and it’s always a bit of a bummer to hear a client talk badly about themselves. It could be something as simple as “I’m sorry I didn’t get something that fits perfectly!” or “Can you make me look skinnier?” or “I hate my thighs!” I know that we live in a world that makes us focus on our self-perceived flaws, but I challenge you to only think and utter affirmative words before, during, and after your session.

It is honestly a very personal choice. Start by choosing your favorite color! You want to make sure whatever you buy fits you comfortably, not too tight and not too baggy. If you have areas that you most certainly want to cover, such as your stomach, try high-waists, corsets, or a gown! If you're going to simply break the ice, bring a button down. This is one way to warm up in front of the camera. Want a boost in your chest? Find a supportive bra and panties to match. The options are endless. Have fun shopping!

A common question I’m asked about my boudoir photography is whether a client’s images are going to end up on my website or on social media. That makes sense because I have images of other clients on these outlets, but the only images you’re seeing are from women who decided they were 100% OK with those images being shared. None of my clients are obligated to have their images posted and, in fact, a large number of my clients opt to keep their session pictures private.

When you have a boudoir session with me, one of the first things we’ll discuss is your privacy. Some women prefer to have zero images shared anywhere. Some are OK with me posting to a private and secure group online for other clients to see, and some don’t mind having their images shown on my Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or Website.

If you’d like to share any images from your boudoir session, I’ll run the image(s) by you first and let you know when they’re being posted. You also reserve the right to have the images removed at any time. If you prefer to keep everything private, that’s 100% OK and an option that many of my clients choose. To help ensure peace of mind, do note that I have taken extra protective measures in my home and on my computer to ensure your images are steel-trap safe.

You have probably racked your brain with several photographers for your big day. But have you thought about doing a boudoir shoot as a special treat for your spouse? This is a special time in your life. You want to capture and remember these beautiful moments forever. Let the walls down and bring your significant other closer to you. Besides, you will have a blast doing it. This doesn't have to be a gift for anything, either.

One current trend is a bridal party boudoir session! It is all about female empowerment and lifting each other up in this crazy thing we call life!

In my experience as a boudoir photographer, I’ve run into three different kinds of partners: the type that is over-the-moon gung-ho about having sensual images of their wife, the type who is extremely resistant to the idea, and the type that isn’t quite so sure what to make of it all. If you fall into the latter two camps, I ask you to read through the below reasons why having boudoir pictures of your wife is actually pretty amazing.

1. Your wife is sexy as hell. You know it, she knows it, and documenting it on camera for you and her is a gift that’ll keep on giving.

2. It can foster your emotional and physical intimacy together. Seeing your wife in her most sensual state — and knowing she went out of her way to choose the perfect lingerie and pose for you in front of the camera — will be a boon to your relationship through and through.

3. The images are a secret for you two to share, which can make for a fun “we know something you don’t know!” moment in your relationship. Nobody will see or have access to the images but you two.

4. They’ll come in very handy when you or her are spending time apart from each other for travel, work, etc. ‘Nuff said.

5. It’s a celebration of your love.

Some of my most frequent clients are military wives. At first it took me a second to figure out why this was a trend, but then it all hit me. If you’re a military wife, then consider these six reasons why a boudoir session is a great idea:

1. It reminds your partner how beautiful and sexy you are every time they look at the images.

2. It can help foster emotional intimacy in your relationship even though you are miles apart from each other. Remember, it’s not just the images, but the fact that you took the time to do something like this for your partner.

3. It keeps your physical connection alive, which is one of the most difficult parts of having a partner leave home for a long period of time. I’ve had some clients write sexy notes with (or even on the back of) their images!

4. It gives your partner something tangible to hold onto when they are away for long stretches of time. They may not always have easy access to the internet or electronic devices, but they do get to have physical belongings with them.

5. It’s an opportunity for you to do something for yourself, as well. Sometimes that bit of self-care can make all the difference!

6. It’s romantic and traditional. Today’s boudoir images may be a little different from the wallet images held onto by military men of the past, but it’s a traditional all the same.

Beauty comes in all ages and sizes. We welcome thick, thin, young, and old. We encourage you to have this opportunity to experience self-love.