Miss L | Navigating the Principles of Inclusivity in Boudoir Photography

I asked ChatGPT to ask me some questions about boudoir photography and wouldn't you know it, they were quite thought provoking. So I am going to answer one here.

What considerations should photographers keep in mind to ensure that the representation of women in boudoir photography aligns with the principles of empowerment and inclusivity?

In the past two decades, we've witnessed a revolution – a revolution in empowerment and inclusivity. I believe that boudoir photography has fundamentally changed how we see ourselves and our bodies. No bullshit, that honestly my opinion. When boudoir photography first came on the scene, it looked a lot different than it does now. It was heavily focused on the viewer and not the subject. The style was very glamorous and for the male-gaze.

That's not the case today.

It's no longer about adhering to traditional beauty standards; it's about celebrating every body, every shape, every unique story.

Think back to the days when seeing Beyoncé, Shakira, or J-Lo on TV made your heart skip a beat. It wasn't because they fit into some predefined mold; it was because they owned their individuality, their curves, and their confidence. AND they were different than that "heroin-chic" that we got so used to seeing grace the covers of the magazines.

So what considerations do we have to keep in mind to ensure that the principles of empowerment and inclusivity are present? It comes down to 2 things.

1. Shift the Focus: It's About the Subject, Not the Viewer In the world of boudoir photography, the spotlight belongs to the person in front of the lens – that's you! It's not about conforming to societal expectations or catering to someone else's gaze. The magic happens when you're free to express yourself authentically, embracing your unique beauty without any external judgments.

2. Every Body Deserves Celebration Here's the truth – every body is worthy of celebration. It doesn't matter if you're curvy, petite, or somewhere in between. Boudoir photography is about capturing the essence of you and making you feel like the superstar you are. Embrace your individuality, because that's where the real beauty lies.

In the world of boudoir photography, empowerment and inclusivity aren't just buzzwords – they're the guiding principles that make the magic happen.

So, as you embark on this journey, remember: it's all about you, your story, and celebrating the incredible person staring back at you in the mirror. You're the star of the show, and your boudoir photos should reflect that – unapologetically you.

And while you're here, enjoy some photos of Miss L.