Unexpected Skills Required To Be A Boudoir Photographer
When I embarked on a career as a boudoir photographer, I had some assumptions about the skills I would need to be successful. I knew that I needed to be a fabulous photographer by having technical skills, like expertise in use of a dSLR camera, lighting and digital editing tools. I also knew that artistic and creative talent was very important to create beautiful images. Communication is also important when working with clients to pose and frame.
I quickly learned that an additional special set of skills was going to be required above and beyond those I’d cultivated as a portrait photographer. Here are a few:
Amateur therapist. On multiple occasions I’ve had women who, between the time they’ve booked the session and when they came to the studio, have either broken up with their partner or have discovered they are being cheated on. With this new information, their reasons for being in the studio have totally changed. They are no longer coming to do the shoot as a gift for a partner, but to celebrate themselves and their own strength. In these situations, the boudoir photo shoot becomes an even more empowering and confidence building experience.
Life coach. Sometimes, women come into the boudoir studio at key junctures of their life and they don’t know what to do. Some are facing decisions about personal relationships, career, where to live or even medical decisions. In the short time we have together at the studio, we talk about our shared life experiences and how to work through tough decisions and personal pain.
Cheerleader. Positivity is a key part of what I offer in my studio. I prioritize that above everything else. It can be nerve-wracking to model for a boudoir photographer and I make the experience fun and easy with constant and consistent affirmation and encouragement.
Model. Why yes, I have done lots of my own boudoir shoots. You can check out one of them here. When I have a woman in the studio for a boudoir photo shoot, I demonstrate every pose. I’m not going to appear in the SI Swimsuit, but I do think I’ve gained some modeling experience over the years.
A boudoir shoot has tremendous benefits for body positivity and self image. I’ll add that becoming a boudoir photographer has been such a great growth experience for me. I love my job and the opportunities I have to work with so many great women and learn about myself.
