Welcome to Round One

I recently ran a study and interviewed random women to get some insight on how others perceive boudoir. I asked 12 questions, some with multiple parts, giving me an opportunity to address some of the most common thoughts and misconceptions around boudoir photography.

In this round I will be sharing the first couple general questions, let's see how your opinions line up with the majority of the answers provided!

Question 1: When You Hear the words Boudoir Photography what is the first word that comes to mind?

For this first question there was a wide range of answers, and the majority of them I can get behind. Here are the three words that popped up more than once...

Each of these words work hand in hand, heck if you look up the definition of empowerment, it says, "the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights". Confident is right in the definition. When it comes to sexy, we've all heard sayings that focus on the fact that confidence is sexy.

These wern't the only words that were thrown out by those polled, I also received answers like Sensuality and Sultry. Both of which are fantastic ways to describe boudoir photography. In my opinion boudoir photography is about empowering my clients through photography and the goal is to increase their confidence while making them feel sexy and powerful. Allowing yourself to showcase your sensuality and sultry side allows you to see yourself in a different light, ultimately boosting your confidence, which leads to empowerment. See how they are all kind of connected?!

I could see why some people's answers consisted of "lingerie", "skinny people in lingerie", and "undressed" that is a lot of what you see when you search boudoir photography. But I would like to ague that those things aren't a necessity for a shoot, but I will touch more on that in the next question.

Question 2: Does Boudoir Photography have to include lingerie?

Boudoir isn't about what or how much you are wearing. It is about the feeling, as well as the side of you that you want to tap into. Some really common outfit choices aren't lingerie at all. I've had clients request just about everything when it comes to wardrobe choices. Many will choose to include pieces of clothing like sports jerseys, button down shirts, jeans, sweaters and even big beautiful gowns. But the scales can also tip the other direction and I've had some that have requested to be wearing their birthday suit only. What you wear is your personal choice, and it is why I have a full client closet as well as provide wardrobe planning for all of my clients.

So even if lingerie isn't your thing, it doesn't mean boudoir couldn't be for you!

*I need to add, on the instagram question after I wrote this I had one guy say "yes" lingerie is required, but I am not counting that as a real answer.

Question 3: Do you have to be a certain weight to do a boudoir shoot?

First of all the number on the scale should never be a deciding factor for boudoir. I was expecting a wide range of answers to this question, but there were only three.

The first being "no", which ding ding ding we have a winner! That is the right answer there isn't a weight limit on boudoir. And a boudoir shoot can actually help you love yourself at a weight that you don't necessarily love, and loving ourselves is really the first step in a happy and healthy relationship with ourselves. Okay, okay, I'm coming off my soap box. Let's look at the other two popular answers...

1. "I have always felt that way, which is why I haven't done a shoot yet". This answer is one I hear the most from clients and prospective clients over the phone. An idea a lot of us have is we should have done (insert anything here) back when we were skinner, younger, etc. Raise your hand if you've ever looked at a picture and said or thought "I can't believe I thought I was fat then" I bet there is a good chance you're raising your hand right now. I don't think I know any lady that hasn't said something along those lines at some point in their life. So by that logic you should totally do the shoot now, because in 10 years you will look back and be like, wow I can't believe I didn't like how young I looked there (wink wink).

2. "I used to think so, but not anymore". This answer is one of my favorites! Whomever said this I just have one thing to say...YAS, GIRL!!! I won't get back on my soap box, but yeah, Boudoir doesn't have a weight limit, it isn't bungie jumping!

Question 4: (a) Is there an age when you are too old to do a boudoir shoot?

(b) If you answered yes, what is too old for a boudoir shoot?

Boudoir is a wonderful way to love and reflect back on different aspects of your life. I've had clients from a wide range of ages book shoots for an infinite number of reasons. Some booked shoots because they wanted to do it for them, some booked shoots for a unique gift for their significant other, some booked shoots to celebrate a milestones in their lives, and some booked a shoot as a healing mechanism to overcome a challenging time in their lives. There is no one reason to do a shoot, and because of that there is no age when you are too old to celebrate you.

Of the few people that felt there was an age limit, most didn't provide an actual number which they felt was too old, those that did choose numbers 73 and older. I am going to list some of the most common reasons people book a shoot, then ask yourself, if someone was 73 and experiencing those things would they be too old to do a shoot if they wanted to?

Celebrating Themselves
Getting Married
Celebrating an Anniversary
Having a Baby (okay this one is a most likely not happening at 73)
Empowering Themselves After a Divorce
Celebrating Themselves Before They Re-Enter the Dating Scene
Celebrating Their Body Before Chemo & Body Changes
Celebrating Their Body After a Mastectomy

There is no age where you are too old to use photography as a way to celebrate or heel from what you are going through. HOWEVER there is an age when you're too young. Ladies and Gents, Boudoir is for consenting adults only, which means you have to be old enough to vote to do a boudoir shoot.

Question 5: Is boudoir an option for everyone, even with people with physical limitations?

HELL YES IT IS!

Physical limitations aren't a deciding factor to boudoir, it may alter someone's experience but it isn't a reason to not give it a go!

Did this strike a cord? Are you ready to learn more about your perfect shoot? You can set up your free phone consultation through Square Appointments by clicking the next button...

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