Are Boudoir Photos Private?
Understanding Usage Rights

If you are looking for a boudoir photographer, the first thing you do is look at their portfolio. You want to see their style, the lighting, and the vibe.

This creates a difficult situation for photographers in terms of boudoir photoshoots. We rely heavily on showing our past work to attract new clients. If a photographer has no images to show, they have no business.

Because of this, standard photography (family, couples, beach portraits, etc) contracts usually state that the photographer has the right to use the images for their website, social media, and advertising. If a client wants a standard shoot to be totally secret, it often leads to a higher price because the photographer loses the "free advertising" value of those photos.

However, boudoir is different.

When you pay for a boudoir session, the nature of the images is inherently intimate. Because of this, the industry standard shifts:

• Implied Privacy: It is generally understood that paid boudoir images are to remain private unless you say otherwise.
• The "Hidden" Portfolio: Many top-tier boudoir photographers actually have very little work they can show publicly. They might shoot every day, but because of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), those images remain for the client’s eyes only.
• Pricing: In boudoir, the "privacy fee" is often already built into the standard price.

Even though privacy is common in boudoir, you should never assume.

Normally, your photographer will explain you before the booking what usage rights they want for your photos because it is a crucial thing for both parties. If photographer isn't clear and explicit on this subject—
something is sketchy.

1. If provided, check the contract before you sign, and/or read photographer's disclaimer carefully.
2. Look specifically for the "Model Release" or "Usage Rights" section.
3. Ensure the contract/disclaimer explicitly states that the images are private and will not be shared online without your written consent.

Cases when client does give the photographer permission to use their boudoir photos aren't unheard of. Maybe it’s to get a discount, maybe otherwise photographer won't take the shoot, or maybe the client is just thrilled with how they look and wants to show off.

But you must remember: Model releases are usually permanent.

Before you agree to let a photographer post your intimate photos online, you need to think about how your life might change in the future.

Just a couple of examples of scenarios that cause conflict:

• A single woman allows her boudoir photos to be used. Two years later, she gets married, and her spouse is uncomfortable with her lingerie photos being online. She demands they be taken down.
• A couple does a steamy session and allows the photos to be published. Later, they split up. Now, neither wants to be seen with the other, and they demand the images be removed.

In the scenarios above, demanding the removal of images isn't just a breach of the legal agreement—it is plain disrespect to the photographer.

When you agree for your boudoir images to be used by the photographer, they rely on your word.

• The Discount: If you received a discount for signing a model release, demanding the photos be removed means you are trying to keep the discount without holding up your end of the bargain.
• The Opportunity: Sometimes, a photographer agrees to a specific project only because they need those specific photos for their portfolio.
• The Investment: The photographer may have paid for ads or printed expensive brochures featuring your photos. Forcing them to remove the images wastes their money and damages their marketing.

Boudoir photography is a beautiful, empowering experience, but it requires clear communication.

• If you want privacy: Ensure it is written in your contract.
• If you grant permission to publish: Be absolutely sure you are comfortable with those images being public, regardless of how your life turns in the future.

Protecting your privacy and respecting the photographer’s business go hand-in-hand. Make sure you are on the same page before the first photo is taken. And as simple and cliche as it sounds—communication is the key. If something is unclear—ask, most likely it will be clarified right away.