There are some fears that may be stopping you from booking a boudoir session. It can be scary to step outside of your comfort zone. Let’s take a few of these anxieties one by one and address them.
I don’t look like those women!
Boudoir is for every body. We all have doubts about our appearance. There is no one particular kind of body that is built for boudoir. You don’t have to look like anyone but yourself. It can be nerve-racking to be so vulnerable. But there is no greater accomplishment than doing something that scares you. Remember - this is a photo session that is supposed to make you look and feel your best. Let it.
I don’t want to be half naked in front of anyone, never mind someone who is going to document it!
Boudoir photographers are professionals. They are experts who are there to create a safe, comfortable environment, and if a photographer fails to do that, run! Fear can stem from the unknown, so do your research. Read testimonials, check out websites, and talk to your friends. Choosing the right photographer will do a lot to assuage this particular fear. Many people are hesitant about doing something so intimate, but the best boudoir photographers work to make you feel secure.
I don’t know what I’m doing!
It’s okay. I’m someone who does not like having my picture taken. It’s awkward, I’m awkward, and seriously – am I the only person who never has a clue to do what to do with my hands?! It’s like they are not even attached to me. I don’t know where to look. Posing? What’s that?! Rely on your photographers’ expertise. They know how to flatter your body. They are trained to accentuate everything incredible about you. You don’t have to know what you are doing. That’s what you hire the experts for.
What if the pictures get into the wrong hands?
Boudoir photographers take your privacy and security VERY seriously. They keep your images protected to whatever degree you wish. There are confidentiality agreements and photo releases and NOTHING will be shared without your express consent. And when you get the confidence boost that comes with seeing how stunning your pictures are, you may be the one sharing your images with the world. But if the only person you ever want to see your pictures is you, your photographer will take steps to ensure that is exactly what happens.
I feel silly trying to act “sexy”.
I feel you. But everybody can be sexy. And sexy is different for everyone. It is time to expand your self-love journey. There is courage in the attempt. And YOU get to define what sexy means. Laughter is sexy. Comfortable is sexy. Nerdy is sexy. You do you, boo.
What will everyone think?
This one comes down to a fear of judgment. First of all, no one has to know about your session unless you tell them. But also, who cares? Maybe they’ll think you are awesome for facing your insecurities. Maybe they’ll think something critical. That’s about them. Not you. Don’t let fear of what someone else will think make your decisions for you. You deserve to live a big life and blow your own damn mind. Show them that you are the boss of your life and your choices.
I’m not a lingerie girl
Cool. Don’t wear lingerie. Wear what makes you feel sexy. Or wear nothing at all. Or encourage yourself to try out different kinds of lingerie. Boudoir does not have to equal lingerie. Your session is yours. Try out a bunch of stuff, and troll Pinterest for ideas. There are all kinds of options.
It’s so expensive!
Skilled boudoir photography certainly can be an investment. It is a luxury experience. But you are worth it. Additionally, a lot of photographers will work with you on payment plans and help you to find ways to finance your boudoir session. You are worthy and deserving of spending money on yourself.
As Maya Angelou said, “The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself.” Test your limits. Face your fears. Take risks. Try new things. Open yourself to possibility. If we stay complacent, we never grow. I believe that you are stronger than your fears.
