Three Crucial Questions To Ask Before Selecting Your Boudoir Photographer
Hey Friend!
We are finally back to updating our blog and today, I want to share three major questions you should ask when you’re looking to hire a boudoir photographer. So, let’s get right into it!
Choosing a boudoir photographer is a deeply personal decision, one that goes beyond just admiring the images they’ve taken of other clients. It’s important to find a photographer who understands and respects your journey, someone who can create a safe space for you to explore, celebrate your sensuality and confidence, and make you feel free to let your hair down and truly be yourself. At Latasha Nicole Boudoir Photography Studio, we believe that every woman should feel beautiful empowered and cherished during her boudoir session. To ensure you have the best experience possible, it's crucial to ask the right questions before booking. Here are three major questions you need to ask:
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
The importance of working with a licensed and insured photographer cannot be overstated. Licensing demonstrates that the photographer operates legally and adheres to industry standards and regulations. It is a mark of professionalism and commitment to excellence. Insurance, on the other hand, offers protection for both the photographer and the client. It covers any potential accidents or mishaps that could occur during the shoot, ensuring that you are in safe and professional hands. At Latasha Nicole Boudoir Photography Studio, we pride ourselves on being fully licensed and insured, giving you the peace of mind to fully enjoy your session and focus on embracing your beauty.
2. How Do You Direct Posing and Emotion?
I really can’t stress this enough. Underneath the sexy wardrobe and glam, boudoir photography is all bout capturing the essence of who you truly are and how you truly feel. A skilled boudoir photographer will be well trained at directing poses and eliciting genuine emotions from their clients. When vetting photographers, ask how they will guide you through the session. Do they offer clear and supportive instructions? Can they make you feel comfortable and relaxed? It’s even better if you can ask this question on a video call. A trained boudoir photographer will not only tell you how they direct their sessions, they will show you! We understand that posing can feel intimidating, so we do everything in our power to make it easier for you, including showing you exactly what we are looking to capture. Understanding their approach to posing and emotion will help you gauge whether they can deliver emotionally rich images that you are likely looking for if you’re interested in this experience.
3. How Do You Handle Trauma?
Boudoir photography can be a deeply transformative experience, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma. It's essential to choose a photographer who is sensitive to this aspect and has experience handling such situations with care and empathy. Ask how the photographer supports clients who may have a history of trauma. Do they provide a safe and respectful environment? Are they patient and understanding? A compassionate photographer will take the time to ensure you feel comfortable, respected, and empowered throughout the session, even if it means taking a break to comfort you when feeling emotional.
MEET JULIE…
I remember working with a client fairly early in my career. Let’s call her Julie. Julie booked a session with me looking to reclaim her confidence after a difficult divorce from a verbally abusive man. Although she had been free from the marriage for some time, the horrible seeds of doubt that her ex-husband planted in her still had roots.
She shared “Every time I looked at myself, I would hear his voice in my head just ripping apart my body. Toward the end of our marriage, he weaponized every insecurity I’d ever felt. I was trying to teach my 16-year old daughter to love herself and love her body, while hiding the fact that I was struggling to love my own. It was heartbreaking. I would never want any woman to feel this way, let alone my own daughter. So I just started to think, well, why am I so accepting of me feeling this way? Why am I allowing this? Why am I giving him the power to make me feel this way? And, it was like a light bulb went off that day. Like the lights came on and I could see it, so clearly, how much this man was just mentally destroying me. He was not only taking my confidence, he was stealing my ability to comfort my daughter when she needed me the most. That’s when I knew I had to make a change. I immediately put things in motion and I never looked back.”
After hearing Julie’s story, I did whatever it took to get her into the studio. She had done so much work on herself and she had come so far. I wanted to give her the ultimate experience to celebrate her journey to becoming the woman she was transforming into.
On the day of her session, Julie was a mix of nerves and excitement. We had warm, friendly conversation to help her get comfortable and acclimate to the space. She was lively and vibrant during hair and makeup, enjoying the music and a nice chilled glass of Moscato and telling us about a new guy she was dating. She was having a blast! But, all of that changed quickly the minute I pointed my camera at her to begin her session.
Julie’s discomfort was palpable. It was almost like the vibrant and confident woman that I saw during hair and makeup had been replaced with a small child full of fear, uncertainty, shame and doubt. Her eyes filled with tears immediately. After a few moments, Julie shared that having a camera pointed at her had the unexpected effect of reminded her of when her ex-husband would stare at her before launching another hurtful verbal assault. In spite of the trauma he caused, Julie felt like he was the only person that ever really looked at her. Now, with the camera once again putting her in the spotlight, it triggered how painful it was for her to actually feel seen.
We paused the session, allowing her to process her emotions. I put the camera down and we sat and talked like old friends. We talked about what she was feeling and why. I offered her the opportunity to reschedule but she was determined to take her power back that day and we did just that!
Once she was ready, Julie absolutely nailed her session! We captured a wide range of emotions—from vulnerability and sadness to joy and confidence. Each photograph capturing raw emotions that told the story of her healing journey. During the image reveal, Julie’s tears formed again. She no longer saw herself as a woman trapped in an unhealthy marriage. She saw herself as a powerful, beautiful woman who had risen above her trauma. A woman who now felt like she could take on the world and any challenge that came her way. That is the transformative power of boudoir photography. That’s what makes this work so impactful and amazing.
Booking a boudoir photographer involves more than just admiring a photographer’s portfolio. By asking these critical questions, you can ensure that you choose a professional who is not only skilled but also committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering experience. Remember, this is your moment to shine, and you deserve to feel confident and cherished every step of the way.
Ready to book your boudoir session?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today or join our VIP Facebook Group to become a part of the Latasha Nicole Boudoir Empowerment Tribe.
