Hey there, lovely.
If you’ve landed here, you might be toying with the idea of booking a boudoir shoot (yay!) or just curious about how it all works. Either way, you’re in the right place. I’m Critsey, the woman behind Couture Boudoir®, and I’ve been photographing women from all walks of life for over a decade.
One topic that comes up a lot—whether it’s in my DMs, emails, or whispered during consultations—is: “I am looking for a female boudoir photographer…”
There’s something deeply reassuring about knowing the person behind the camera not only understands your vision—but also your vulnerability.
It’s About Feeling Comfortable
Listen, I totally get it. Stepping in front of a camera in lingerie—or even nude—is not something most women do every day. It’s vulnerable, intimate, and deeply personal. Having another woman behind the camera, someone who knows what it feels like to be in your shoes, can make a huge difference.
When my clients walk into my studio, they’re often nervous at first. Some even joke that they thought about canceling. But once we start chatting and they realize they’re in a safe, judgment-free space, you can actually see the tension melt away. That comfort is key to getting the kind of authentic, powerful images that boudoir is all about.
We Speak the Same Language
As women, we just get each other. We know the insecurities, the body image struggles, the pressure to look a certain way. We’ve been there too. I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and focus on the things you don’t like first. But as a boudoir photographer, my job—my passion—is to show you what’s beautiful about you.
And I mean all of you. Not just the angles you think are “good” or the parts you’ve learned to hide. With a female photographer, you’re working with someone who understands how to capture your strength, softness, sass, elegance, and raw beauty—all at once.
There’s No Male Gaze Here
Let’s be real. Boudoir photography is intimate, sensual, and sometimes downright sexy. But it’s not about performing for someone else—it’s about YOU.
With a male photographer (and I say this with love and respect for the talented guys out there), there can sometimes be an underlying dynamic of “posing for someone else’s pleasure.” Even if they’re total pros, some clients just can’t fully relax.
When women choose me, it’s often because they want to feel seen without being sexualized. They want their shoot to be a celebration, not a performance. And I’m 100% here for that.
We Know the Little Things That Matter
There are little details only another woman would think of. Like how a certain bra might cut in at just the wrong place. Or how posing can hide or highlight certain areas. Or that sometimes, a little hair toss and a laugh is sexier than a smoldering stare.
It’s also about emotional intuition. I can often tell when a client needs a little pep talk, a breather, or a Beyoncé song break (yes, dance breaks happen). It’s not just about clicking the shutter—it’s about connection.
Safety and Trust Are Everything
There’s a reason so many women tell me they never thought they’d do a boudoir shoot—until they found a female photographer. It’s not just about comfort. It’s about safety.
We live in a world where women have to be cautious, especially in situations involving vulnerability. Choosing a female boudoir photographer often feels like a safer option, both physically and emotionally. You can let your guard down without worrying about how you’ll be perceived or judged.
And trust me, you deserve to feel completely safe during something this empowering.
You Don’t Need to “Look Like a Model”
I photograph women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Seriously—from brides in their 20s to grandmothers in their 60s, from size 2 to size 22 and beyond. Boudoir is for everyone.
And here’s the secret: confidence photographs way better than “perfection.” And confidence comes when you feel seen, supported, and celebrated. That’s exactly what I strive to give each woman who steps in front of my lens.
You don’t have to lose ten pounds or buy a whole new wardrobe. You don’t have to be a certain age or look like someone else. You just have to show up—and let me take care of the rest.
Empowerment Over Objectification
To me, boudoir is about empowerment. It’s about reclaiming your body, your sensuality, and your self-worth on your terms.
A lot of women choose a female photographer because they want that empowerment to come from a place of solidarity—not objectification. It’s not about doing it “for someone else” (though if your partner ends up loving the photos, that’s a bonus). It’s about doing it for you.
I can’t tell you how many clients have told me their shoot changed how they see themselves. Not because I did anything magic, but because I reflected back the beauty that was already there.
Final Thoughts From a Woman Who’s Been There
At the end of the day, the most important thing is choosing a boudoir photographer you trust—someone whose work speaks to your heart and whose vibe puts you at ease. For many women, that’s another woman. Someone who sees them, hears them, and celebrates them with no agenda and no pressure.
Whether you choose me or another talented female photographer, I hope you give yourself the gift of this experience. Because you are worthy, just as you are.
xo,
Critsey