A person will pay for what they place value on. Boudoir photography is not your typical JCPenney or Walmart photo session. And it shouldn’t be compared to it either. While most people may associate Boudoir with softcore porn, it’s not. Rather it’s an intimate and private method of expression. You are in various stages of undress depending on your comfort level with nudity.  As such, it is a special and intimate style of photography that requires intricate attention to detail to give the subject a very special experience. As well as something that is timeless and classic they can be proud of for years to come. 

Why is Boudoir expensive? A question that has been brought up multiple times. And the number one question on Google.  As a Boudoir Photographer, my peers and I are asked this question a lot. The price is the number one thing that has many potential clients freeze with sticker shock and run the opposite direction in search of a photographer who is cheaper. When people complain that Boudoir Photography is too expensive, I ask what experience they are comparing it to that makes it seem so? Rather than being in the Walmart studio or dealing with an amateur’s side hustle, boudoir is the only type of photography that connects the client with themselves on a deeply personal level. It’s celebrating yourself in a manner that was either ignored and neglected for years due to other commitments and responsibilities. Boudoir is focused on self-care, empowerment, recovery, and celebrating the best version of yourself. Unlike weddings, senior photos, and maternity, Boudoir is not linked to a specific time or event. It’s not a public celebration for everyone to see. You can do it at any time of the year. It’s done for yourself or a gift to an intimate partner. You are investing in yourself in a way that will pay for itself.  

Quality Over Quantity aka you get What You Pay For

I am going to give it to you raw and honest. You get what you pay for. For those of you, like me, who have body art or have a palate for fine dining — you pay for quality.  If you want a cheap service then you will receive cheap quality. I can’t recall how many times I have spoken to women who had a boudoir session with another photographer and hated it. The most common statements were they felt rushed, the photographer gave no guidance or didn’t pose them to highlight their best features. They hired them because they were cheap but in the end, they were dissatisfied with the photos. Unfortunately, many wanted a deal versus approaching it as an investment to their overall mental wellness and self-care. Again, you get what you pay for.

How much is an extra boost of confidence and self-esteem worth to you? It’s no different than purchasing a quality mattress for a peaceful night’s rest. A very good Boudoir Photographer is trained in understanding the complex vulnerabilities and intersections of human emotions. They are your biggest supporter in making you feel empowered and secure in the skin you are in. No matter your size, age, or demographic you deserve to feel amazing. Honestly, people will pay for what they find value in. For example, a $1200 iPhone is way out of a lot of people’s price range, yet many people will find a way to pay for that phone the most common is a payment plan. Boudoir photography is the same way. A lot of studios offer a payment plan or recommendations so you can have that luxury experience.  

Boudoir Requires a Great Deal of Planning and Logistics 

   The planning and preparation done behind the scenes take a great deal of investment and capital. A good and competent Boudoir Photographer will have a professional Hair and Makeup Team included. Some photographers will provide lingerie for the client to have while others don’t. Studio and location rentals are not cheap. Custom albums, wall art, shipping costs, editing software, and equipment make up a good chunk of the expenses. Little novel items such as gift baskets, treats, decorations begin to add up. Do you want that milk bath with real flowers?  It costs money. Do you want to take pictures with smoke and candles? It’s coming out of the photographer’s pockets too. Travel, licensing fees add up as well. Want to recreate a look you saw from Pinterest? The photographer is continually researching and purchasing supplies to make your photoshoot the best experience ever. Marketing, running ads, and other overhead costs are all the expenses photography businesses have to pay. This doesn’t include making a living to feed their family, pay the bills, and provide a decent quality of life for themself and their employees. 

While some people retort with “I just want the digitals to print somewhere else.” Do you really want to take your photos to your neighborhood Walgreens or Walmart for some random stranger looking at you in various stages of undress? Also, some print companies will not print your photos due to the varying degrees of nudity. Remember when I mentioned earlier people view Boudoir as Porn? Well unless you know a boudoir-friendly print shop you might get rejected. 

For a JC Penney or Walmart session, while you show up with your matching outfits for your family portraits they are not making your session customized and unique. It’s the same backdrop, no assistance in posing, no adjustments to the lighting; like McDonald’s, it’s point, shoot, go, next customer.  The amount of training a photographer does to get the lighting, posing, and lines right for your specific body type is another expense. A true artist will invest in ensuring your session is an amazing experience. 

You get what you pay for in life.  While some things are available on a Ritz Cracker budget, moments of self-care and love should be a Ritz Carlton experience.  A world-class boudoir photography experience is definitely the latter.  When you are ready for the best concierge to bring this experience to life for you, give me a ring, and let’s set up a consultation and talk to see if we are a good fit for each other…

Until next time,

 Do you, Be you, Love you