Questions to Ask a Boudoir Photographer Before You Book
1. How do you handle consent during a session?
A safe photographer will talk about ongoing consent, not just a contract. They should mention checking in, asking before adjusting anything, and honoring a no without explanation.
If they say “I just guide you through it” with no mention of consent, that’s a red flag.
2. What happens if I feel uncomfortable or want to stop?
The correct answer sounds like: “We pause, we adjust, or we stop. No pressure.”
Anything that minimizes discomfort or reframes it as “pushing past fear” is not okay.
3. Who will see my images and where might they be shared?
They should be able to clearly explain:
Who edits the images
Where files are stored
Whether assistants ever see them
Exactly how and where images are shared
Vague answers or “don’t worry about it” is a no.
4. Do you share images publicly, and how do you get permission?
You should never feel assumed consent.
A safe photographer uses written, specific image release options and respects a no without guilt or pressure.
5. What is your approach to bodies that don’t look like models?
Listen carefully here.
You want to hear language about body neutrality, adaptability, and meeting you where you are not “I’ll show you how to hide everything” or “everyone feels ugly at first.”
6. What kind of direction do you give during posing?
They should describe verbal direction, mirroring poses, or demonstrating with themselves.
If they mention frequent physical touching without explicit consent or act casual about it, that’s concerning.
7. Can I bring a support person if I need to?
A photographer who prioritizes safety won’t be threatened by this.
Even if the answer is no, they should explain why in a grounded, respectful way.
8. What happens after the session with my images?
Ask about:
How long files are stored
How they’re delivered
Whether raw files are kept or deleted
How privacy is protected long-term
Professional photographers have systems. Unsafe ones wing it.
9. What kind of clients are not a good fit for you?
This is a powerful question.
A thoughtful answer shows boundaries and discernment. Someone who says “I work with everyone” often doesn’t have clear containers.
10. How do you create a calm, grounded environment on shoot day?
Look for mentions of:
Time buffers
No rushing
Music choices
Warm-up time
Clear flow of the session
Safety lives in pacing.
Trust Your Body, Not Just Their Portfolio
A gorgeous Instagram grid does not equal emotional safety.
You are allowed to:
Ask direct questions
Take time to decide
Walk away without explaining
Choose someone who feels steady, not performative
I hope this helps. Stay safe always. Make sure consent is part of their vocabulary.