To be honest, for a long time I didn’t like boudoir sessions, and I still don’t like many of them. However, over time there was a shift in the genre, and a new vision emerged around how I could reinterpret these sessions, and I fell in love with it.
But first, let’s talk about what boudoir photography traditionally is.
What is boudoir Photography?
The traditional view of boudoir photography defines it as a type of photography that captures intimate, sensual, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects. These kinds of photos are often taken as a gift for a partner, as a way to celebrate and embrace one’s own sexuality, or as a form of self-expression.
Boudoir photography has grown in popularity over the years, as more and more people seek ways to embrace and celebrate their own bodies and sensuality. It can be a powerful and empowering experience for those who take part, and the resulting photographs are often both beautiful and intimate.
However, I’ve struggled with the male perspective from which this genre has often been designed. In my view, many of the images are too explicit in a vulgar way. They remind me of the posters I used to see whenever I visited a mechanic’s shop in Argentina, women depicted in the most unartistic, objectifying manner, hanging from the walls. I’m not against sensuality itself, but rather the way it’s often portrayed through a limiting lens.
Contemporary boudoir photographers often use natural light, though not exclusively, and another key characteristic is the use of minimal props. Clients might wear sweaters, pyjamas, shirts, T-shirts, vests, and so on. The style of the session may take a more photojournalistic approach, focusing on capturing authentic moments and emotions, or recreating them in a stylish way that reflects who you truly are, rather than producing highly stylised images that objectify you through the male gaze and aesthetic.
I strongly believe that boudoir photography should celebrate the individuality of my clients, capturing their character and the way they want to be represented in the images.
Contemporary boudoir photography can also be more inclusive and diverse, allowing for a wider range of body types and identities to be represented -regardless of gender or gender identity, age, size, or ability. Furthermore, it can be more accessible and affordable for clients in terms of wardrobe, as it tends to involve fewer props and accessories, and embraces a more relaxed, natural approach, as I mentioned earlier.
My approach to boudoir is more about self-connection than seduction. It’s for the person in the photo, not just the person receiving it. In fact, I truly believe that boudoir is a session to honour your own self-worth. If someone else happens to appreciate the images too, that’s wonderful, but the main recipient should be you. Whether someone comes to a session following a major life change, as an act of self-love, or simply for fun, my aim is to reflect their essence in a way that feels honest, beautiful, and deeply empowering.