Boudoir photography is an incredibly personal experience—one that’s equal parts empowering, transformative, and intimate. But before stepping in front of the camera, one of the most important steps is finding the right boudoir photographer. Not all photographers are created equal, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in how confident, safe, and celebrated you feel throughout your session.

In this post, we’re sharing 6 tips to consider when shopping around for a boudoir photographer so you can find the perfect fit for your personality, comfort level, and style.

1. Look for a Portfolio That Speaks to You

Start with the most obvious (but most important): the portfolio.

Do their images reflect a style you’re drawn to—light and airy, dark and moody, bold and colorful, or soft and romantic?
Do the photos feel authentic and professional?
Do they showcase a diversity of bodies, genders, and couples?

A strong boudoir portfolio will not only highlight the photographer’s technical skill but also their ability to capture emotion, confidence, and connection. You can check out a sampling of our portfolio on our GALLERY page or a more extensive look at our work by contacting us to schedule a consultation. Keep in mind that many of our shoots are sensitive in nature, so we don’t always have permission to share.

2. Pay Attention to Comfort & Communication

Boudoir is vulnerable by nature. Your photographer should be someone who prioritizes your comfort, respects your boundaries, and communicates clearly from the very first inquiry.

Ask yourself:

Do they take time to answer your questions thoughtfully?
Do they explain the process in detail and outline what to expect?
Do you feel seen and heard in your interactions with them?

This is us. Check out more about ***Who We are***

Trust is essential—and that starts long before the session. Connection is at the heart of what we do, so it is a high priority for us to get to know you beforehand and learn your goal and/or vision for your session. Hence why we invest a substantial amount of time getting to know our clients before their sessions and also share a bit about ourselves to enhance the level of comfort and communication.

Learn more

3. Consider Experience with All Comfort Levels

Boudoir looks different for everyone. Some clients love a bold, lingerie-clad look. Others prefer cozy sweaters and soft, subtle posing. The right photographer will respect all levels of comfort and help guide you in a way that matches your vision.

Make sure your photographer is experienced in:

Working with both individuals and couples
Coaching first-time clients who may feel nervous
Offering wardrobe guidance that fits your style and comfort level

erotic couples photography videography — Here at Sunshine Boudoir, we have experience with all comfort levels; from the most demure sessions to erotic couples boudoir sessions. We don’t blush easily, and are unique in being able to provide our clients with both a male and female perspective. We also have 15+ years of extensive experience with both individual women and couples.

4. Read Reviews and Client Testimonials

Testimonials are a goldmine of information. Past clients can offer honest insight into what it was like to work with a particular photographer—both during the shoot and after.

Look for reviews that mention:

The photographer’s professionalism and warmth
How clients felt during the session
The final images and whether they matched expectations
How the editing, album design, and delivery process went

Click here for more ***Google reviews***.

Throughout our 15+ years of boudoir experience many of our clients have ended up as friends and repeat clients as a result of the overwhelmingly positive experiences that we have provided. Check out more of our reviews on our Google business profile.

5. Ask What’s Included in the Experience

Not all boudoir packages are created equal. Some photographers offer full-service experiences with hair and makeup, wardrobe styling, and private reveal sessions, while others may take a more minimalist approach.

Key questions to ask:

Is professional hair & makeup included?
Do they help with wardrobe choices?
How many images will I receive, and in what format?
Are albums, prints, or digital files part of the package?
What is their policy on privacy and image sharing?

We pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to what’s included in our boudoir experiences and offer clients both the option to keep it minimal (a la carte) or to get the full-service experience. It’s all about you being in the driver’s seat and having the option to choose. You can check out our process from start to finish by checking out our How Does It Work page.

6. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, your instincts matter. This is a deeply personal experience, and you should feel a connection with the person behind the camera. If a photographer’s energy makes you feel safe, supported, and excited about your session, you’re probably in good hands.

*Did You Know….that we do videography too!*

We are all about personal connection and for these reasons, we think it’s vitally important to meet with us via a video chat, or in person, if possible, to get a true feel for us and who we are as people and as professionals.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a boudoir photographer is more than just picking someone who takes pretty pictures—it’s about finding someone who will guide you, empower you, and honor your story. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t settle for anything less than a full-body “yes.”

If you’re looking for a boudoir photography experience that’s rooted in trust, artistry, and celebration of all bodies and identities, we’d love to chat. We specialize in capturing individuals and couples of all comfort levels and backgrounds. Let’s create something beautiful together.