Tips For Adding Men’s Boudoir To Your Brand with Pam Fields
As a genre of photography, boudoir is heavily female-run and even more so female-focused. But the boudoir industry is changing. We are seeing more and more men wanting intimate portraits.
In the photography world, there’s lots of chatter about the terminology of “boudoir.” Is it just for women and just for the bedroom? Really, not anymore. Traditionally, the boudoir is a woman’s dressing room, but this is no longer the meaning of the term when it comes to the genre of boudoir photography. Boudoir photography can be with any gender and in any location, even outside. With that said, there is also the term “dudoir.”
You can feel free to use that but just be aware, dudoir started as a parody of men doing cheesy boudoir poses with the intention of creating silly photos. For this reason, it’s not a term that I personally love using as it sends the wrong message about the work I create.
Whether you are just starting out or are already an established boudoir photographer wanting to work with men, there are a few things you can do to position your brand to appeal to male and male presenting clients.
1. Professionalism
Adding sessions for men to your brand may not be for everyone. I get that and it’s OK for you to be a boudoir photographer and only work with women. There are lots of photographers that specialize in boudoir and work with women only, just like there are lots of photographers that specialize in working with seniors or babies only. Some photographers have no interest in expanding their services and that’s fine. What’s not fine is to be disrespectful or make shame-evoking comments when men inquire about a session for themselves. Not only have I seen some harsh and negative comments from boudoir photographers that are clearly not interested in sharing (and selling) this experience with men, but I’ve had conversations with many of my male clients about their experience in seeking out a session for themselves. It’s a wonder some of them continued their search.
