Why I Shoot Boudoir Photography (And Why It Might Not Be What You Think)
When people first hear I’m a boudoir photographer, the question usually follows, “Why?” It’s not every day you hear about a guy choosing this path, and honestly, it’s a fair question. My answer is layered, much like my own story, but at its core, my reason for shooting boudoir comes down to something simple yet profound—I want to create experiences that genuinely touch and inspire people.
The Evolution of My Why
I’ll admit, the reason I shoot boudoir has evolved over the years. When I first picked up a camera, my focus was on creating amazing images, plain and simple. But as I grew in this field and connected with the incredible people who stepped in front of my lens, I realized boudoir photography wasn’t just about the photography. It was about how those images could transform someone’s self-perception.
From Fitness to Empowerment
Before photography became my full focus, I owned a fitness studio for many years. My approach in fitness was never about six-packs or superficial aesthetics (though, sure, they’re nice bonuses). It was about empowering people to feel strong, capable, and healthy for their own reasons. Whether it was lifting their grandkids or reducing back pain, the true joy came from seeing clients transform how they felt about their abilities and their bodies.
Boudoir photography feels very similar, just with a faster timeline. Instead of months or years to see progress, a single boudoir session can give someone this surprising, instant transformation. Sure, beautiful photos are a highlight—but the real magic happens when clients see themselves in a new light. When they discover that their body, just as it is, can be beautiful and worth celebrating. Watching those moments of realization, those pure joy-filled reactions (sometimes accompanied by happy tears), is something words can’t fully capture.
A Return to Creativity
That said, it’s not just about the client experience. Boudoir photography also allows me to tap into a part of myself that I pushed aside for many years. Growing up, I was always drawn to art—I was even an art major for a brief stint in college. But practicality steered me into sports medicine instead, and for a while, that creative part of me took a back seat.
Everything changed when I picked up a camera again about ten years ago. At first, it was just a hobby. I used it to promote my fitness business and capture moments during my travels. That began to change with a photography class I took, where the instructor happened to specialize in boudoir photography. Seeing their work and hearing their perspective opened my eyes to the genre, and it immediately resonated with me. Boudoir was this perfect melding of everything I love. It was artistic, it was personal, and it had the power to make someone feel amazing.
Now, boudoir photography has become this wonderful creative outlet for me. Whether I’m photographing delicate poses or playing with lighting to highlight someone’s unique silhouette, I get to feed the artistic side of me while also providing something meaningful for my clients.
An early wedding show booth at the Orange County Convention Center. Admittedly, it's not the best looking booth, but we all have to start somewhere!
Why It Matters
I wholeheartedly believe that serving others is one of the highest forms of existence. Whether it was empowering clients as a fitness coach or now as a photographer, knowing I’ve played a small role in helping someone feel better about themselves brings me so much satisfaction.
Boudoir photography isn’t just pictures. It’s an experience. It’s about celebrating where you are right now, in this body you’ve been given. It’s about uncovering strength, confidence, and self-love that maybe you didn’t even realize was there. Being able to guide someone through that experience, to see the joy it brings them—that’s everything to me.
And if I can do all of that while creating art? Well, that’s the dream right there.
If you’ve been curious about boudoir and are wondering if it’s for you, I’d encourage you to take the leap. There's no question you deserve it — and I’d be honored to be small part of your story.
My goal as a boudoir photographer is to transcend mere imagery, and embody a powerful journey of self-empowerment and personal transformation. With over six years of experience working with women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, I've dedicated myself to celebrating individuality and silencing the inner critic through each personalized photo session. Join me in this empowering adventure!
- Patrick Michael