The goal of a boudoir session is always to make the client feel safe, sexy, and beautiful in her own skin. Too often, proper precautions are not taken. The situation may even become triggering for women who have lived through trauma. For us, nothing feels worse than something that should be a beautiful and empowering adventure creating more fear or pain.
Boudoir sessions can be a vulnerable experience since it requires putting complete trust in your photographer. Many of the women we work with have gone through life events that make this type of trust difficult. Further, while a session can be a fantastic tool for healing, it can also be challenging to take the leap of faith. With that in mind, we created a set of protocols to ensure that our clients feel totally safe to let themselves shine in their session. When you work with us, you can expect:
A Private Changing Area
For many, transitioning between looks is the time when they feel most vulnerable. A private changing area will always be provided to give you the space you may need to change and take a deep breath between shots, away from the rest of the shoot.
Total Veto Power
Our clients will always have the final say about an outfit or pose, and can say no at any time throughout the session. When something feels uncomfortable, we stop, fix the problem, and ensure you are feeling safe and comfortable again before we continue.
No Pressure to Expose Skin
Our clients are invited to wear as little, or as much, as they desire during their session. If you feel most beautiful and empowered in an oversized sweater, perfect! Rather wear lingerie? Awesome. Totally nude? Go you! You dictate how much skin you show in your session.
Alcohol-Free Studio
Boudoir sessions should embody who you truly are and show all the beautiful power you hold. In the interest of this, we do not serve alcohol in the studio. We also ask our clients not to drink the day prior to their session.
Bring a Chaperone
Our clients are invited to bring a chaperone with them to their session if they choose. Often, female photographers will refuse clients’ requests to bring a chaperone, but insist that male photographers allow client chaperones. Regardless of your photographer’s gender, our studio will always welcome your hype woman or significant other. We know the importance of having someone there to build you up and help you exude all your incredible power!
Conclusion
These are what you can expect from any session with our studio, but it’s key to note that these are signs of quality and safety to look for whenever you book a boudoir session. If a studio holds these standards, go forth and feel empowered, knowing that you’re in great hands!
To read about the power boudoir photography can have in healing sexual trauma, click here. (Please note this linked blog may be triggering to some)
