Wondering what to expect from a nude photographer? There’s no denying boudoir photography is a form of nude photography. It often calls for women to be either scarcely dressed or fully nude under an article of clothing or bedsheet. Given the intimate nature of a boudoir photography session, it absolutely goes without saying that there are rules in place for how a photographer must communicate and behave at all times for a session to go smoothly.
A major aspect of a successful boudoir session entails having good communication skills. In fact, this is an important first step toward building trust. Another major aspect of a successful boudoir session is the ability to respect personal boundaries between both photographer and model. To ensure these boundaries are successfully maintained throughout a session, here are all the qualities to look for in a professional nude photographer before booking a session.
Professional Nude Photographers Always Communicate Before A Session
As mentioned earlier, the first skill you’ll always want to look for in a professional nude photographer is good communication skills. A professional photographer is always going to be transparent about their expectations and intentions during a session. A professional photographer will also listen to the client’s needs and respect what they want to get out of a session. This transparency is very important for establishing trust between the photographer and a potential client, as well as eliminating discomfort and cause for anxiety.
If a client decides to book a session, a professional photographer will keep the lines of communication open in the days leading up to the scheduled session. During this time, ideas for the shoot will be communicated and this is also the time for the client to ask the photographer questions about their session to help ease any anxieties they might experience.
Professional Nude Photographers Make Women Feel Comfortable
In addition to good communication skills, a professional photographer will prioritize the client’s comfort at all times during their session. This includes the preparation time, the actual photo shoot, and the post-session editing. One important thing a professional photographer will always keep in mind is that every client is different and will have very different expectations of their own session.
Since it takes a lot of courage for clients to intimately expose their bodies to another person who isn’t their romantic partner, professional photographers will behave in a respectful manner at all times during the session. It’s also for this reason a photographer will keep the lines of communication open for the model to express what they’re comfortable doing and what they’re not. This helps keep the session enjoyable for both parties.
Professional Nude Photographers Never Touch The Models
This one may seem like common sense, but it can’t be overlooked: professional photographers never touch their models. Ever. Under no circumstance should a photographer ever feel the need to lay a hand on the model without their explicit consent. Going back to the point about having good communication skills, a professional photographer will be able to communicate instructions to the model clearly and concisely.
If an item needs to be moved a certain way, the photographer should be able to communicate it to the model. If the model needs to have a pose demonstrated for her, the photographer or an assistant will demonstrate the pose for her. At no point should the photographer ever find themselves needing to touch the model to get her in the correct position. This includes not touching the arms, hands, or hair. When it comes to touch, only three words should come to mind: consent, boundaries, and professionalism.
Professional Nude Photographers Never Use Mobile Phones
One item that should never be present during a nude photo session is a mobile phone. In fact, it shouldn’t even be lying around in the same room as the photographer and model during the photoshoot. In a digital age where mobile phones can capture high-resolution images and videos that can be instantly shared on social media and other communication platforms, it’s best to play it safe and avoid any incidents by not having them present. During the actual photoshoot, the photographer will use an actual camera.
Professional Nude Photographers Always Use a Private Studio
Last but not least, a professional photographer always has a designated studio for nude photography. This designated studio will always be a private space in a professional work environment and will never be found in the photographer’s own home. The designated studio will also be a comfortable space for the model’s peace of mind.
Rami is a professional boudoir photographer who lives for female empowerment and encourages women to embrace their own stories in all their authenticity. To learn more about how Black Lace Boudoir can give you the boudoir session of a lifetime, check out our portfolio and services pages for more details, or contact Rami at 540-369-4088 or by email.
