how to choose a boudoir photographer| Oceanside, California boudoir photographer
Choosing any type of photographer can be SUPER overwhelming. The photography industry (in general) is super saturated and while there are MANY many pros out there, there are also a lot of hobbyists. When it comes to booking a boudoir session and choosing a photographer, it’s really important that you understand your own “why” and your personal intention. This can actually be quite helpful in what to look for in a photographer.
I also believe in the power of supporting one another. While I might not be the right photographer for you, there is someone out there. I’ve put together a very detailed list of questions to ask yourself and things to consider. This way, the next time you’re in search of a photographer, you will feel way less overwhelmed and way more in control of the search process!
Are they representing ALL body types and are they keeping inclusivity at the forefront of their business?
It’s SO important to work with and support photographers that are working hard to be inclusive & represent all types of marginalized bodies within their business. Sadly, not everyone is. If you look through their work and see an array of body types, skin tones, etc, this is a good sign. However, it’s not enough to just SHOW you’re inclusive. A truly inclusive photographer will give you the feeling they are inclusive, based off of how they speak about their client’s on social media, how they write about the experience they offer their clients, the words they use, and how they speak and share about themselves, too. A photographer who’s focus is to facilitate a safe and courageous space, first and foremost, is likely also doing the work to be inclusive.
Other things to note: Are they supporting truly inclusive brands to their clients? Inclusivity stretches FAR beyond just sharing photos of lots of different people. Inclusivity means working hard to create a safe space in your business from the inside out, through the businesses that we (as the business owners) support.
Do they have an online presence in the form of a website, google page, & / or Yelp page?
If a photographer at the very least does not have a website, this is a big red flag (for me). A website doesn’t make you a better photographer, but having an online presence shows a level of professionalism and responsibility. Bonus points if they have a Google page or Yelp page where you can read reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. Boudoir is a super super intimate experience and also extremely vulnerable. It’s so important that you are able to read reviews about the experience from the client’s perspective before making your decision.
Does their style of shooting and editing align with what you like?
This is so important. Hire someone that takes photos the way YOU like photos taken. If you personally enjoy light + airy images, hire someone who shoots light + airy. If you love dark and moody, hire someone who shoots dark and moody. What about posing? Some photographers go for more of a voyeuristic style with less eye contact. Some go for “super posed” with lots of eye contact to camera. Place a big emphasis on working with someone who’s style of shooting and way of creating excites you! When you love the way someone works and are invested in their personal shooting style, you will feel so much more at ease when working with them. You’ll feel full body chills level of excitement to be in front of THEIR camera, and that will show through your photos.
Do they have a studio? If not, is it clear where you will be shooting? What is the location like?
This is a big one for me. A HUGE one, if you will. I cannot express enough how important it is to know EXACTLY where you will be shooting when you book a boudoir session. This is for safety and comfortability reasons. It’s okay if the photographer doesn’t have their own studio yet. Not many do. BUT it is so important to consider where you will be shooting, if they do not. Is it a private space? Will you be the only client there at that time? Where is it located? Do you LIKE the way the location looks? Is it a space that feels exciting and inspiring to you? These are just a few of the things that are extremely important to ask and consider when looking for a boudoir photographer. If you don’t feel excited or inspired by the shoot location or are unsure if it is safe, it could heavily hinder the experience you have at your session.
Who ARE they? What do they value and why do they shoot boudoir?
When searching for a boudoir photographer, it is probably most important that you feel comfortable and like you know the photographer before you even meet them. A good way to understand if you feel this way, is by looking at their social media pages and their website. Do they share about their “why” when it comes to how they got into boudoir? Are they personal? Do they share photos of themselves? Do they, themselves, seem comfortable in front of the camera? A photographer with an emotional tie to boudoir will show up for you and understand you 1,000,000 times more than someone who just got into it for “funsies”. A photographer who is regularly photographed or taking self portraits and putting themselves in the space of the client, will understand you SO much more than someone who is not. You will 10/10 feel much more comfortable being photographed by someone that you feel an emotional connection to rather than just choosing a photographer at random. It’s not opinion, it’s facts.
Are they focused on offering you an incredible experience?
This might be silly, but it’s important to factor into your research, the question of “what type of experience am I investing in?”. This is because a lot of boudoir photographers charge similarly, but not all experiences are created equally. You can pay two different photographers the same amount of money, and each one will show up and offer you a completely different experience. How much is the photographer invested in ensuring you have THE BEST boudoir session ever? This can be answered in terms of, how much they’re helping you plan and prep prior to the session? What tools do they offer you to combat fear and anxiety? Are they available for questions at any point? Are they responsive? Do they take time to ensure that you feel like an individual and not just a client? A photographer who goes the extra mile, will always be 10 steps ahead of any questions you might have and providing you prep info without you even having to ask. Because you DESERVE that.
Is it a full body “fuck yeah!"?"
You’ll know you’ve found your perfect photographer when you feel it in your bones that this is the person put on this earth to lead you through this journey. You like their work so much so that you can visualize yourself in their studio, despite your fears and anxieties. You’ll, of course, feel waves of nervousness and fear but, even so, you’ll feel confident that the photographer you hired has got your back and knows what they’re doing. You get giddy at the thought of being in their studio and being photographed by them. It should really feel THAT exciting to you. If you feel any of those things when looking through someone’s site or instagram, you found your person.
I really hope this helped in any way, as you continue your search for the perfect boudoir photographer for you. If that happens to be me, then please click the link below to get started!