Whether you’re judging yourself or a style of photography, we’d like the chance to set the record straight. Here are 5 (misguided) boudoir judgments.
First thing’s first.
Boudoir isn’t about getting someone else’s approval.
It’s about how you feel about yourself, once you see how beautiful you truly are.
In fact, a boudoir session can actually help you let go of other people’s judgments, of that need for approval from others.
But that’s easier said than done, right?
So we thought we’d help out by dispelling a few of the (misguided) judgments people have about this highly misunderstood, yet surprisingly empowering, women’s photography session.
So let’s dive into the truth – and the judgments – about boudoir.
5 (Misguided) Judgments About Boudoir Photography
1. Boudoir is vain.
Maybe this thought has crossed your mind. To sign up for a boudoir shoot, a woman must be super into the way she looks. She might even be vain. Or attention-seeking. Or worse. You can use your imagination here, but essentially this judgment says that women who want to do something for themselves, women who recognize their sensual side, are bad and wrong.
It’s understandable that some people think this way. Typically, sexy photo shoots are reserved for models and celebrities, so we grow up thinking that a “regular” woman doesn’t deserve the same spotlight. Wanting it, in fact, makes her vain.
But here’s the thing. Not only is this kind of thinking unkind, it’s also totally off base. Women who shoot boudoir aren’t doing it from a place of “look at me, look at me.” They’re actually making an intentional choice to remind themselves of their unique beauty … to reinforce that fickle sense of confidence that comes and goes. They’re proving to themselves that they’re worth being seen too – not just those size 0 models. And in fact, some women choose a boudoir shoot because they don’t feel beautiful or sexy at all.
Boudoir doesn’t come from a place of vanity. It comes from a desire to build up the confidence that the world is constantly trying to chip away.
2. Boudoir is for ___ women.
This one is different for everyone, so you can fill in the blank: young, confident, beautiful, skinny, sexy, etc. This judgment is about our opinion of ourselves, and it ultimately comes from the same misguided belief: I’m not good enough. Other women may deserve this honor, this moment in the spotlight, but I don’t.
Well here’s the real truth: Boudoir is for every woman – because every woman deserves to see how beautiful she truly is. At every size. At every age. At every stage in her life.
In fact, the whole point of boudoir photography is to capture the very unique, one-of-a-kind beauty that only you have. Everyone has bits about themselves that they like … and bits they don’t like. Boudoir is about the empowerment you feel when you decide to embrace it all.
3. Boudoir is only for married women.
When most women consider a boudoir session, they think they know what they’ll get out of it – a stunning set of portraits. But if you don’t have anyone to share those portraits with, then what’s the point, right?
Wrong. Because boudoir isn’t about anyone else. Boudoir is about you. Plain and simple. It doesn’t matter if you show them to the whole world or keep them as secret as a diary. They’re proof to yourself that you are stunning, strong, sexy and unstoppable.
Besides, you’ll get way more out of it than just a set of (super hot) portraits. You’ll also get an experience that’s designed to bring out the very best of you – and never let you forget her. When you go into it for the right reasons, a quality boudoir experience can help any woman feel comfortable in her own skin, and even help her find some self-acceptance.
You don’t need to be married to deserve that.
4. I can’t spend that kind of money on myself.
First of all, let’s start off by saying – we totally get it. It’s tough to justify spending money on yourself, especially if other people depend on you. But there’s something extremely important you’re forgetting.
Each time we choose to spend money, or choose not to spend it, it’s a vote for what we deem valuable and not valuable. It’s proof of our priorities. For example, allocating money for a college fund means that your child’s academic future is worth more to you than eating out five days a week, which is sensible and admirable.
The problem is when we let this go too far. By choosing to never spend money on something just because it makes you happy, you’re saying to yourself – and everyone around you – that your happiness isn’t worth it. On the other hand, choosing to invest in something just for you means you are absolutely worthy of happiness, self-love … and even a little fun every once in a while. It means that, sometimes, that is the priority. Plus, taking a moment to celebrate and empower yourself is a great way to teach others to do it, too.
So, if giving yourself a day to feel pampered and empowered will make you happy, then we hope you believe you are worth it! After all, you don’t have to earn your own happiness. You simply deserve it.
5. It’s just a photo shoot.
Ok, so this one’s right. Boudoir can be just a photo shoot. If the photographer doesn’t make an effort to create a meaningful experience, it’s just a shoot. If you want it to be just a fun photo shoot, then that’s what it is.
But, if you do want more from your boudoir photography experience, then at SchlickArt, we make sure there’s so much more to this fun, empowering session than just a good set of pictures.
Once you begin to hear the clicks of the camera, you’ll feel it, too. It triggers a tidal wave of positivity within you that manifests in big waves and small ripples throughout your life – as much or as little as you’ll invite. It encourages you to do more things that make you happy. It shows you and others that you’re willing to take a chance on your own happiness. And most importantly, it gives you new ways to love yourself, which we could all use a little more of these days.
At SchlickArt, boudoir is an experience that can represent positive lessons and changes way bigger than the photos you hold in your hand – as long as you want it to.
Our Last Word
No matter what judgment you’re hearing or feeling – and regardless of whether or not it leads you to boudoir – make sure you stop to consider it every once in a while. Think about what that judgment might say about you. Your beauty. Your worth. Don’t waste the potential for a beautiful experience on an out-of-date story … especially if it’s costing your beautiful boudoir daydreams.
Boudoir Photography in Santa Clarita
SchlickArt’s boudoir style is as light, bright and beautiful as the smile on your face when you see your final images. We use natural light photography and stylized posing instruction, as well as an incredible selection of backdrops, lush furniture and gorgeous sets. Our images are retouched to perfection – making you look like you on your very best day. If you’re looking for boudoir in the Santa Clarita or Los Angeles areas, our 25 Days of SchlickArt Boudoir Sessions are the perfect way to capture how beautiful, sexy and confident you already are. This is Santa Clarita boudoir photography at its finest.
About Lindsay’s Photography for Women
With the mind of a businesswoman and the heart of an artist, Lindsay began to conceive of a different kind of Santa Clarita photography business. In her vision, stepping in front of the camera could be an empowering experience that gave her clients more than just a photograph — it would give people a new way of seeing themselves. With an eye for seeing the beauty in life and in others, Lindsay could use the camera to spread beauty.
About SchlickArt Photography and Video
SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.