In just about any wedding publication you are bound to run across the article titled "How to Pick Your Wedding Photographer". They contain important information and can help you avoid choosing someone with little experience or professionalism. Boudoir photography is gaining a lot of popularity and you should look for the same thing when picking a photographer to take your personal photos. Here is my list of the 5 most important things a boudoir photographer should have/do/be:
1. Someone you can trust: While many male photographers do fabulous work, I still think it's important to have a female photographer. She will understand that you, like all women, will have insecurities and will help you not only look your best but FEEL your best too. Regardless of what gender your photographer is make sure you are comfortable with them. Trust is very important in boudoir photography.
2. Posing Experience: Make sure your boudoir photographer has done this sort of work before. It is so much different than any other type of portraiture out there. Special skills, training, and education are necessary. Posing is critical to how you look, the camera only adds pounds if you are posed incorrectly. A good photographer will know how to bring out your best features and make you look your sexiest.
3. Lighting Experience: Studio lights are a must!!! I can't stress this enough. Window light can only do so much. Your photographer may be able to work with natural light but they will be limited. Different looks, poses, body types, and moods all call for different lighting. Make sure your boudoir photographer is well educated about lighting. Anyone can run out and drop a few grand on studio lights, but that doesn't mean they can use them effectively. Glamour lighting is the key to gorgeous images.
4. Photo Editing Experience: Editing images is an art! There are powerful editing tools out there that can do amazing things. Make sure your photographer knows how to use this technology. You don't want raw unedited images. Boudoir photography is all about looking your best and subtle editing will aid in that. On the flip side you don't want someone that edits with a heavy hand. You don't want to look plastic and fake. Obvious photo editing is the absolute worst kind!!!
5. Portfolio: You should ask to see your photographers work. Make sure the quality is high and the style fits what you are hoping for. You should be welcomed to view samples from several different sessions. You want to make sure the quality is consistant and that they aren't showing you a few lucky shots. On the same subject - Make sure your photographer will keep your images private if you wish. Your photographer MUST obtain written permission to show your images to other people.
Boudoir photography is becoming more popular in Utah and more photographers are starting to offer it. I hope this list helps you choose who to go with. The most important thing is that you are happy with your experience and the images.
