There are a lot of myths floating around about boudoir photography. Some of them are holdovers from what boudoir used to be, some are due to ignorance, and some are due to an elitist mindset. I wanted to take some time to help dispel some of these myths to help clear the air so to speak.
Only Young Women with Perfect Bodies can Shoot Boudoir
I am a firm believer that boudoir photography is for every woman. I’ve seen women of every size, shape, color, and age get boudoir shoots and come out with amazing images they are proud to call their own.
Boudoir is Only for Your Partner
Yes, one of the major reasons women take boudoir photos is for their partners. However, that isn’t the only reason. Some women want the images only for themselves as a confidence booster or for a variety of other reasons.
Boudoir is Just Softcore Pornography
This myth persists because of ignorance. While boudoir can be sexy, there is nothing sexual going on. If there is anything sexual going on, then it would be erotic photography. Which is a different genre in and of itself.
You Have to Wear Lingerie
A lot of women choose to wear lingerie, but you have a lot of options, however, when it comes to outfits for a boudoir shoot. Some of my personal favorites are a men's dress shirt and a white bed sheet.
You can Only Shoot Boudoir Indoors
While at one point in time this would have been true, it isn’t anymore. Boudoir has evolved from its original origins into something I find to be awesome. To me the whole point behind boudoir is everyday women getting to see themselves in a new light. I see no reason why you can’t do that outdoors.
Men Can do Boudoir Too
Sorry guys but no. However all is not lost for you. The male equivalent to boudoir is called dudeoir and it has its own set of elements that set it apart from boudoir as a genre of photography which I cover in this post here.
Boudoir Photographers are Perverts or Scammers
I see this one online often and I’m sick of it. This myth persists for a few reasons. The first being elitist photographers who see boudoir as beneath them and don’t understand why anyone would “lower themselves” to photographing an everyday woman rather than a model. The second reason is due to a small group in the wider photography community called guys with cameras (GWCs) who only pick up a camera to take nude photos of women, whether they be models or an everyday woman just wanting to get a gift for her partner.
Of all of the boudoir photographers I have gotten to know, I can say with 100% certainty that they all have good intentions, treat their clients with respect, and run their business in an ethical manner.
Final Thoughts
These are my top 7 myths surrounding boudoir photography. There are others as well but these are the ones that get on my nerves the most. Do any of these myths concern you? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
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