Boudoir photography is a very personal experience. Anyone who stands in front of my camera reveals their vulnerability – and in doing so places a great deal of trust in me.
But trust isn’t something you can simply claim to have. You have to earn it, time and time again. That’s why I’ve set out in writing what I stand for as a photographer. This code applies to every shoot – for clients, for models, for TFP projects and for collaborations with other creatives. Without exception.
I. Respect and Safety
1. No means no. You’re always allowed to say no – to a pose, an outfit, a photo or the whole shoot. You don’t need to give a reason for saying no, and there are no downsides for you.
2. I won’t touch you. I’ll demonstrate the poses or describe them. Only if you specifically ask me to will I help with a strand of hair or a strap – and I’ll ask you first every time.
3. I announce every pose. You always know what’s coming next and why. The only surprises I offer are in the form of beautiful photographs.
4. You’ll never be alone with anyone unless you want to be. You’re welcome to bring someone along with you. If you’d like, my wife can be present throughout the shoot.
5. I’ll always speak respectfully. No comments about your body, no suggestive remarks, no comparisons with others. I’ll talk about light, lines and expression – not about flaws.
6. You can take a break at any time. Just say the word. A dressing gown, a blanket and something to drink are always on hand.
II. Self-determination
7. You decide how far you want to go – before, during and after the shoot. What we discussed in the preliminary meeting is a framework – not a contract that you have to stick to.
8. I don’t put any pressure on you. You won’t hear me saying things like ‘Go on, have a go’ or ‘Just a bit more’. If you want to show more, it’s always your decision.
9. I only photograph adults. Everyone in front of my camera is at least 18 years old. I check this before every shoot using official identification – without keeping a copy of it.
10. A voucher is an invitation, not a commission. Anyone who receives a photo shoot as a gift decides for themselves whether, when and how it takes place. The photographs belong to her – not to the person who bought the voucher.
III. Confidentiality and Data Protection
11. Nothing will be shown without your written consent. No image will appear on my website, on social media, in an exhibition or anywhere else unless you have expressly authorised it in writing.
12. You decide on a picture-by-picture and channel-by-channel basis. In my model release, you specify where each picture may be shown, whether it includes a face or not, and how you are to be credited. Your restrictions always take precedence.
13. Your gallery is private. You will receive your photos in a password-protected gallery that is not linked anywhere and cannot be found by search engines.
14. Your data remains with me. I will not pass on your personal data or sell it. Your address, date of birth and contact details will never be published. Upon request, I will delete your data, provided there are no legal obligations preventing me from doing so.
IV. Images and editing
15. I retouch honestly. I remove anything that’s temporary, but I don’t alter body shapes. You should be able to recognise yourself in your photos.
16. No AI without your consent. Your images will not be used to train AI systems, nor will they be altered using AI, unless you expressly give your permission.
17. Images are never displayed in a derogatory context. I will under no circumstances publish them in connection with pornographic content – even when licensing them to third parties.
V. Professionalism and Fairness
18. I work transparently. Prices, services and procedures are clearly set out on my website. There are no hidden costs and no pressure to buy after the shoot.
19. The same rules apply to models. For TFP shoots and independent projects, there is always a written agreement. Models are credited as they wish and receive their photographs as agreed.
20. I’m always available to talk – even after the shoot. If something’s bothering you, if you’ve changed your mind, or if, looking back, something made you feel uncomfortable: do let me know – or my wife, if you’d prefer. I take all feedback seriously.
My promise
This code of conduct is not just a marketing document that I write once and then forget about. It forms the basis of my work. Anyone who books a photoshoot with me can refer to it – at any time.
Because, for me, a boudoir shoot is only a success if you not only take home beautiful photos, but also the feeling that you were safe at every moment.
Leif Sundelius
