The Biggest Mistakes People Make Before Their Boudoir Session

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.

Why Choose a Male Boudoir Photographer?

Boudoir is an amazing experience. I believe in it to its core. While it is most common to have a woman photographer, I want to share a few reasons you should consider hiring a male boudoir photographer for your experience. Why I have a hetero-male eye…I strive for an elegant beauty and sexiness in my images. I want the women I photograph to love looking at their photographs.

In this article, we’re going to explore the advantages of shooting with a professional male boudoir photographer, something you may or may not have considered, and being a male boudoir photographer myself, I think I have a unique insight on this topic. 

1. Men and women typically see women differently. Through a different set of experiences, a different mentality, and a different intent/goals. What men find sexy and what women find sexy are typically different things. A woman might say, "That old tank top? That isn't sexy." But a man might say "I love that tank top on you, when you are casual and walking around the house is when you are sexiest.” A business suit can be sexy with the right expression and attitude.

2. I've been told that since my clients are getting these portraits as a gift for their husband, they want a man's opinion and perspective. 
Me: “Which pictures do you want in your gift album?” 
Her: “You pick them out since you are a guy, you will know what he likes more than I will!”
In the same vein if I needed to get a gift for my girlfriend I would probably ask a woman for advice too.

3. A common consensus is that it can be easier for a woman to show her sexy side in front of the camera with a male photographer because its a dynamic they are somewhat familiar with. 

4. Playboy, FHM, Maxim, and Sports Illustrated Swim Suit are mostly shot by male photographers. Boudoir as an industry is dominated by women photographers because of the perception that the client and her spouse will feel more comfortable if they are shot by a woman. Know that both male and female photographers are focusing on posing, lighting, emotion and experience. We are really not looking at 'you' but at creating the best images. I promise you will have a comfortable, fun and professional experience. 

5. Find the photographer who makes you feel accepted, sexy, and with a style you can't resist. They will leave you on cloud 9 reminding you that you are beautiful, powerful, sexy and special. The photographer should be the best at their craft and make you feel relaxed and comfortable above all.

Although the genre of boudoir photography is dominated by female photographers, there is a small minority of us who are male — and like anything, there are advantages to shooting with both. 

By the way, just to keep things simple, I’m writing this from a heterosexual perspective because taking into account all the combinations that can arise from all the various sexual orientations is beyond the scope of this article. 

Check Out What Boudoir photographer Jennifer Tallerico has to say about it: