When women talk about their photo shoot afterwards, they rarely mention the lighting or the camera. They talk about how it made them feel. Whether they were able to laugh. Whether they felt safe. Whether the time just flew by.
This atmosphere doesn’t just happen by chance. Words play a big part in it. That’s why I’d like to tell you here how I speak during a photoshoot – and what you’ll never hear me say, quite deliberately.
Before the camera comes into play
The atmosphere doesn’t begin with the first image, but the moment you arrive.
- First of all, settle in. A coffee, a glass of water, a few minutes to catch your breath. We chat about all sorts of things, just not about poses straight away.
- Your music. You’re welcome to bring your own playlist. Music you like is more relaxing than any instructions.
- A warm room. The studio is comfortably heated, and blankets and a dressing gown are provided. If you’re feeling cold, you won’t be able to let yourself go.
- Let’s briefly go over once more what we agreed on during the preliminary discussion – and whether anything has changed since then.
What I say whilst we’re taking photos
I explain before I ask. I announce every pose: what we’re going to do, why, and what it will look like. The only surprises I offer are in the form of beautiful photographs.
I’m talking about light and lines, not your body. Instead of saying ‘Suck in your tummy’, for example, I’d say: ‘Turn slightly towards the window – then the light will fall more beautifully on your shoulder.’ It’s about the picture, not about judging you.
I’m straightforward when something’s good. An honest “That’s exactly it – the light on your face looks absolutely lovely right now” helps you more than hearing “great” ten times over. You need to know what works so that you can do it again.
I ask: ‘Are you still comfortable?’ ‘Would you like a break?’ ‘Shall we skip this bit?’ I ask these questions often – not because I’m unsure, but because your answer is more important than any photograph.
I’m allowed to be a bit silly sometimes. When I demonstrate a pose for you, I sometimes look rather funny. That’s on purpose. Laughter relieves tension more than any breathing exercise, and the most beautiful pictures often come from genuine laughter.
What you’ll never hear me say
There’s no place for certain phrases in my studio:
- No comments about your body, whether critical or suggestive. I won’t judge your weight, your skin or your figure.
- No suggestive remarks. Boudoir photography is sensual, but my language is always respectful and professional.
- No pressure. I never say things like ‘Go on, have a go’ or ‘Just a bit more’. You decide what you want to show.
- Do not compare with other customers, models or images from the internet.
If you’re feeling unsure
It can happen that, right in the middle of a photoshoot, a thought pops into your head: ‘My tummy’, ‘my thighs’, ‘I’m sure I look funny’. That’s completely normal.
Just tell me. I won’t try to convince you that you shouldn’t think that. But I can show you what the camera actually sees, and we’ll find a pose or a light that makes you feel more comfortable. Often, just a quick glance at the screen is enough to make your worries seem smaller than you thought.
Pauses and the word ‘stop’
You can take a break whenever you like – no explanation needed. Just say: ‘I need a quick break.’ Or simply: ‘Stop.’
Then we’ll put the camera aside, you can put something on, have a drink, and we’ll carry on when you’re ready. Or we can stop. That’s fine too.
Silence is also a mood
Not every moment needs to be filled. At certain times, particularly during quiet, intimate shots, the studio falls completely silent. Just the music, the light and the soft click of the camera. Many people find these very moments the most beautiful, because they are simply allowed to be at one with themselves.
I’m taking the time to find out what you need: some people like to talk a lot, whilst others prefer to settle in quietly. Both are fine.
And if there’s someone there
You’re welcome to bring someone along with you. And if you’d like, my wife can be there for the whole shoot. For many clients, this makes a noticeable difference to the atmosphere: it feels less like an ‘appointment’ and more like a relaxed afternoon.
Fancy giving it a go yourself?
If you can imagine a boudoir shoot feeling exactly like that – calm, warm and with plenty of space just for you – then let’s have a chat. No strings attached – over a coffee in the studio or on the phone.
Real. Sensual. Unapologetically You.
Arrange a no-obligation initial consultation · The 20 most frequently asked questions · Is a boudoir shoot right for me?