A Boudoir Shoot in the Home?: 4 Reasons Why clients love it

Most boudoir photographers perform their work in studios. Some brave venturing out into scenic landscapes. Very few offer shoots *in the client’s home*. When I started my business model with this idea it was born out of necessity. I had just launched my business and most photographers cannot outright rent a studio in their first few years of work. ($$$$)

I had quick success and was surprised with how many people loved the idea. Clients (especially those who are in tune with their space and have invested in its procurement) are typically overjoyed to be photographed in such a vulnerable setting in a space they’ve made their own. They’re many reasons for this:

Studio Costs – Most studios worthy of a boudoir shoot are on the expensive side (upwards of $200+ for a single hour.) This cost falls back to the client in the industry, so everyone is happier to have more money (to spend on extra photos – or even some wall prints!)
Raegan at Pundt Park
Safety/Perceived Comfortability – Most clients looking to book a boudoir session are ready to have their moment in front of the camera. They’ve done the research, know what they want, and know what it will entail. There’s something about being in the comfort of your own room, versus a cold bare studio floor that relaxes subjects and brings out the intimate nature of the facial expressions better. (I can attest to this!) It is much easier to have a great session when your client starts with a more relaxed state in a familiar environment.
Anonymous Client (model Release obtained for use with this image)
Natural Lighting – Natural lighting is essential for that cinematic look often found in boudoir. (The term cinematic referring to a singular light source in this instance, not color grading.) In order for this style of boudoir to be effective, the client must have windows in their home. (I always bring my off camera flash set up if possible just to ensure I am always prepared!) Having a singular light source creates shadows and depth. This is one of the hallmarks of my overall style and the main reason I receive bookings. People love to see the dramatic battle between light and shadow in my images.
Anonymous Client (model Release acquired to share this image)
Posing Differentiation – Every home is different. This allows for me, as the photographer, to work my creativity and use each space as its own induvial realm. (This is a different mindset from a studio, where often the lighting is set in one spot and the photographer moves through poses they know and use 10x over. There is nothing bad about that, but I love a challenge and learning how to use new spaces. I look for how the space can compliment them. Adding to this, the different styles in each room’s layout make for a wonderfully diverse gallery!)
Anonymous Client (model Release acquired to share this image)