When women reach out to me about booking a boudoir shoot, one of the first questions they ask is, “You’re the photographer, right?” The relief in their voice is often immediate when I confirm that, yes, I am. As a female boudoir photographer, I totally understand where this question is coming from. But here’s the thing: while the obvious reasons might be about comfort—like not wanting to pose in lingerie in front of a man, or concerns about how their partner might feel—it actually goes much deeper than that.
Let’s talk about why so many women prefer to work with a female boudoir photographer, because the reasons are often far more personal and layered than you might expect.
It’s Not Just About Feeling Comfortable
Sure, feeling comfortable is important, and for a lot of women, being photographed by another woman feels like a safer choice. It’s hard enough to get out of your head about being vulnerable in front of a camera without the added pressure of being in front of someone you don’t fully relate to. I get it. I wouldn’t want to strip down and bare my soul in front of a strange man, either. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes with being photographed by another woman. It’s like, “Hey, I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel self-conscious about stretch marks, cellulite, or those little things only we notice about our bodies.” That shared experience can be incredibly grounding.
But it’s not just about comfort. It’s about trust. It’s about feeling seen. It’s about knowing that the person behind the camera understands you on a deeper level—not just your body, but your emotions, your insecurities, and your reasons for doing this shoot in the first place. That’s something I take seriously as your photographer. My goal isn’t just to make you look amazing; it’s to make you feel amazing.
The Female Perspective Makes a Difference
Let’s be real: women just get women. We know what it’s like to want to feel sexy, strong, and beautiful while also battling those nagging voices in the back of our heads that tell us we’re not enough. As a female photographer, I approach boudoir photography with empathy, intuition, and an understanding of what women want to see in their images.
I’m not just thinking about how to make you look good for the sake of the shot. I’m thinking about how to highlight your strength, your softness, your confidence, and your beauty in a way that you can connect with. I know how to pose you to emphasize your favorite features, how to use lighting to create flattering angles, and how to guide you in a way that feels natural and empowering.
Most importantly, I know how to create an environment where you can let your guard down. Boudoir isn’t just about sexy poses and lingerie—it’s about telling your story and capturing your essence. And as a woman, I bring that same feminine energy and perspective to every shoot.
It’s About Celebrating, Not Objectifying
One of the biggest reasons women prefer working with a female boudoir photographer is because they know the focus will be on them. It’s not about objectifying your body or creating images for the male gaze. It’s about celebrating you as a whole person—your beauty, your individuality, your journey.
I’ve had so many women tell me that they felt nervous about being judged or overly sexualized before booking their shoot. That’s the last thing I want for any of my clients. My job is to empower you, not to make you feel like a prop in your own photos. The goal is to create something that’s as much about your inner beauty as it is about your outer beauty. Whether you’re doing this shoot as a gift for yourself, to celebrate a milestone, or even as a gift for your partner, the focus is always on what you want to get out of the experience.
The Partner’s Perspective
Let’s touch on the other obvious reason—partners. I’ve had plenty of clients tell me that their husbands or boyfriends were hesitant about them doing a boudoir shoot, especially if a male photographer was involved. It’s not that their partners didn’t trust them; it’s more about the idea of sharing such an intimate moment with another man.
By choosing a female photographer, it helps ease that concern. Many of my clients have told me how much more comfortable their partners felt knowing that I would be the one capturing their images. And honestly? It’s not uncommon for partners to end up loving the results even more than they expected because they can see how empowered and confident you feel after the shoot. That confidence? It’s magnetic.
It’s About Connection and Empowerment
At the end of the day, the reason women prefer a female boudoir photographer isn’t just about the obvious stuff. It’s about the connection. It’s about feeling understood. It’s about being in a space where you feel completely safe to be yourself. As women, we spend so much of our lives being told how we should look, feel, and act. Boudoir is a chance to flip the script and define beauty on your own terms.
When you work with a female photographer, there’s a shared sense of camaraderie. You know that the person behind the camera isn’t just there to take pretty pictures—they’re there to cheer you on, to lift you up, and to remind you of just how incredible you are. That’s what I aim to do in every single shoot.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about booking a boudoir session and wondering if choosing a female photographer makes a difference, I hope this helps. It’s not just about feeling comfortable in lingerie. It’s about trust, connection, and empowerment. It’s about knowing that someone is there to celebrate you in all your beautiful complexity. And honestly? That’s something every woman deserves.
xo, Critsey