There seem to be many myths pertaining to boudoir photography, and unfortunately, these myths prevent many women from participating in this amazing experience! Let’s go ahead and bust five of the biggest myths that clients have, so you can ease their fears if you find them being hesitant.

1. I Have to Be Naked

It doesn’t matter if someone is wearing lingerie, a potato sack, or something in between. The main purpose of boudoir photography is to empower the subject, not make them uncomfortable. There is only one person who dictates how far a client needs to go in a shoot to reveal their inner goddess, and that is the client themself. They don’t have to jump up and down on the bed in their birthday suit to feel empowered, but let them know if they choose to do so, they will not be judged for it.

2. I Am Not Perfect

Yes, they are! Who your client is in this very moment is exactly who they need to be to begin this journey. I’ve photographed every age, size, shape, color, whatever, and the results are always gorgeous. There are too many things in this life that we choose not to experience because we don’t match society’s beauty standards. Boudoir photography can help release the chains that bind us, and it can help your clients see that anything is possible!

3. I Will Be Judged for It

Your client’s shoot should be exactly what they want it to be, but there is naturally an element of sexuality to it. When it comes to something so incredibly personal, there are bound to be feelings of vulnerability and the fear of being judged. It is not for anyone but your client to decide what makes them feel like a goddess. The photographer is there as a facilitator, and to capture it in the art of photography. You need to make it clear to your clients that they are in control, and you will not judge. Besides, nobody will see these photographs unless they choose to share them. They can be your client’s little secret!

4. Everybody Will See My Photographs

Make sure your clients know that THEY decide what can be used for promotional purposes. Explain to them that after their shoot is over, the two of you will go through the photographs and they will choose their favorites. They will also choose if there are any photographs they are willing to let you use for your portfolio and for other promotional use, such as Facebook and on your website. Assure them that you require explicit permission before you post a boudoir photograph online. If they decide they do not want their photographs posted online, then this is completely fine, too. They are their pictures to do with as they see fit. We shoot a lot of our promo work with willing models for this reason!

5. I Don’t Have Someone (a Partner/Significant Other) to Do This For

Yes, they do! These photographs are for THEM above all else. Sure, lots of people have these sessions done so that they can give their partner a gift he/she will never forget, and of course that’s a wonderful idea. However, first and foremost, a boudoir photo session is a gift from your client to themself.

Now, that you know these five boudoir photography myths, you can use them to ease your clients’ fears, so they can experience an empowering boudoir photoshoot.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared on Angie Whitten’s blog.

[Read: The Boudoir Photography Empowerment Movement]