The image you have in mind when you think about boudoir might be outdated. Stephanie Bordas is the artist behind Brooklyn Boudoir. She tells me that when boudoir photography was first introduced, it used to be marketed as something you could give as a present, or a way to tease your partner. I believe this point of view exists today. “But I’m trying to expand the meaning of boudoir to empower women to take beautiful photos of themselves just for. There is no need to have a recipient for these photos or to give them a “reason”. You Are the Reason.”

My interviews with artists who specialize in boudoir photos brought up this idea repeatedly: creating sensual images rather than for the client, but not about him or her. This is true for any type of portrait, but it’s even more important when you work in boudoir photography. These photographers said that the equipment is never the focus of their work. All it comes down to is your ability to make others feel beautiful, comfortable, and free to express themselves.