Is it a detriment to be a male boudoir photographer?
A famous boudoir photographer I both follow and admire, Christa Meola. Check her out, her work is amazing!
www.christameola.com
When most people think of boudoir photographers they don’t typically think of someone like me. For those of you who missed the punchline, I am a man. Admittedly, I’m a bit biased since I’ve always been a man and have rather enjoyed my experience as one. However, my gender was a cause of concern when I decided to venture into boudoir photography. Simply put, all of the boudoir photographers that I follow and admire, are women. And as I stated at the start of this, I am not.
I imagine for all male boudoir photographers there is that initial thought that, “Will anybody even want me to photograph them?!” The reality is that boudoir photography is an intimate genre requiring an equally intimate connection between photographer and subject. I think this is why female photographers do so well in this field. Women know what women want! And to put it bluntly, having a similar mental and physical makeup tends to bridge the gap between artist and Muse relatively quickly. So, what do you do when you have a…well, you get my point!
PC: https://www.asalesguy.com/recruiting-blog/building-culture-respect/
Now for the reality of the situation. I am a photographer first and foremost. I’ve put in thousands of hours (literally) learning my craft and discovering what I bring to the table. Once I got over my initial fear I stopped and concluded, this is photography. Yes, in most cases the subject is very scantily clad or even nude. So, what! Whether it’s a rambunctious kid, an awkward teenager, or a house wife in lingerie; all the same rules apply. Be respectful. Be kind. Be patient, and just do what you do!
I am a photographer. I see trees, landscapes, and women in lingerie all the same. No matter the subject, I aim to pull the beauty out. I want others to see the subject like I do. Unique. Intriguing. Full of wonder. Once I got passed the first shoot and realized that my head didn’t actually explode from all of the pressure and anticipation, I was fine. And most importantly, she was fine. I took control of the shoot. I explained what I was going for. I made silly jokes and inquired about her life. Literally, all of the same things I had done for years with every other portrait session.
In conclusion, the sex of the photographer makes little difference in the final image. No one looks at an image and says, “Yup, a man shot that!” Either the image is good, or it is not. Failing to create a beautiful image is no more indicative of the photographer’s gender than succeeding. The next time doubt creeps in and attempts to dictate you pursuing a passion, stop it! It sounds simple because it really is THAT simple. Now go out there an conquer the world my friends!
Muse: www.instagram.com/modelvalerieg