9 Common Mistakes Boudoir Photographers Should Avoid

As a boudoir photographer, creating a comfy and empowering atmosphere for your clients is crucial. However, even the best boudoir photographers can make mistakes that may compromise the quality of not only their work but even worse — their client experience.

Let’s uncover the 9 common mistakes boudoir photographers should avoid!

Lack of Communication

Psst…communication is the secret sauce! Make sure you and your clients are vibing on the same wavelength before they even take a step in your studio. I’ve found that the biggest most photographers make is not clearly setting up expectations, boundaries, and preferences with their clients beforehand! Establishing open communication is going to foster trust and make your client feel comfy AF. Plus, radio silence just ain’t cute!

Forgetting to pose

Forgetting to guide your client’s through posing is a huge deal. As photographers, we play a crucial role in giving our client’s direction! It’s our job to know how to pose them; not theirs! By not giving direction, you may find your client not only feeling awkward but also in entirely unflattering poses. Invest time in practicing boudie poses before you begin! (Spoiler Alert! 🚨 Try out The Boudoir Bible: Posing Deck and have 52+ poses in your back pocket)

Over-edited Images

Excessive retouching can distort reality and result in an unnatural look, which truly takes away from the power we have as boudoir photographers. Strive for a balance between enhancing features and maintaining the genuine beauty of your client! Keep it real, and let your clients’ natural beauty shine.

Ignoring Lighting

Lighting is a critical element in boudoir photography, setting the mood and highlighting features of your client! Find the sweet spot that makes your clients glow in all the right places. It is too easy to neglect proper lighting and this can result in unflattering ways.

Being Unprepared

You wouldn’t bake a cake without ingredients, right? Treat your photoshoot the same way! Be prepared, check your gear, scout your location, and let the boudoir magic unfold. You never want to be the photographer that shows up without a charged battery or memory cards…

Comfort is Queen

Queens don’t rush, and neither should you! Ignoring your client’s comfort level is a recipe for disaster (and awkwardness). Take your time, build that rapport, and create an atmosphere where they feel like the royalty they are! Creating a comfy and safe environment is top priority in boudoir photography. Show up confident, and don’t rush.

Not Offering Albums

I will preach time & time again, that this is the biggest mistake I see boudoir photographers making. Your clients WANT an album. If you are not offering these in your packages, they are getting them from some place else. So, increase your profit margins AND serve your clients better, by offering albums. Learn more in The Boudoir Album Blueprint <<<

Treating Boudoir Like The Rest of Your Photography Brand

Boudoir is so much more than the rest of your photography brand; it deserves to be treated differently. Give it its own space on your website and it’s own page on social media. Boudoir demands a special kind of attention, and once you do so, you will start to see your business transform!

Not Investing Back Into Business

Just like that fabulous pair of stilettos, your boudoir skills need an upgrade every now and then. Stay sassy, stay sharp, and keep learning! The boudoir world is ever-evolving, and it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and equipment. Don’t ever be complacent; continuously invest in education and stay inspired!

Steer clear of those mistakes, babe, and watch your boudoir photography game EXPLODE!

We’ve unveiled the mistakes boudoir photographers make and now you can say hello to an experience that leaves your clients feeling like absolute goddesses! Boost the empowerment factor by nailing your communication, mastering those killer poses, acing the editing game, shining a light on perfect lighting, prepping like a pro, ensuring your clients are comfy as can be, offer albums, treat boudoir differently and never hitting pause on the learning curve. With these tricks up your sleeve, you’ll build your boudoir reputation that screams, “Confidence, we’re here for it!” 📸✨