Why Women Choose a Male Boudoir Photographer
I know what you're thinking.
The assumption most women make is that they want a female photographer for boudoir. And honestly? That makes total sense. It's vulnerable, it's intimate, it's you in lingerie with a stranger. Of course you'd assume you want another woman in the room.
But here's what actually happens when women book with me.
Now, this isn't me trying to convince you this is the right choice for you—just explaining why it works for the women who do choose this. Because I get it, the hesitation is real.
The Elephant in the Room
Jackie Myers said it best in her review: "In this day and age, it can be extremely scary to see a photographer that is a man—especially if said man offers boudoir photographs."
She gets it. You get it. I get it.
But here's the rest of what she said:
"Please know that he is 100/10 amazing! I truly cannot refer him enough to anyone that asks me about photographers in the Havelock/New Bern/Jacksonville area. He made me feel completely safe and respected the WHOLE time; before, during, and after my shoot. He made sure I was comfortable every second and allowed a same sex support person to be there. He was extremely down to Earth and easy to talk to at every encounter. He was also extremely understanding about communication, my comfort, and any photos I wanted to change up."
The reality is this: consent and professionalism matter more than gender.
Every pose is explained before we do it. I check in throughout the session—"are you good with this?" If your hair needs adjusting, I ask: "Your hair needs to be moved—are you okay if I move it, or do you prefer to handle it?"
You're never wondering what's happening next or what I'm doing. There are no surprises. No "just trust me" moments. You're in control the entire time.
What Women Actually Say
Look, I could tell you all day that I'm professional and respectful. But that doesn't mean much coming from me. So here's what the women who have done a boudoir session with me say:
Meagan from Surf City: "He's a professional, he's kind, he empowers you, listens, makes sure you're comfortable and all he wants is for you to feel great during your shoot! Everything about the experience was wonderful! 10 out of 10 recommend Brad for boudoir portraits."
Nicole: "I was a nervous wreck and I was convinced that I would get ZERO nice pictures, however there were sooooo many good ones! He was very professional and he is a good hype man too when he gets 'the shot.'"
Autumn: "He made me feel comfortable and confident. His professionalism and talent were evident in every shot... The session felt relaxed and fun, and Brad guided me through poses that highlighted my best features."
Another Autumn (yes, I've photographed multiple Autumns—it's a thing): "I felt so comfortable and so natural the entire time. He hyped me up, was extremely professional, and so much fun to shoot with!"
The common thread? Nervous at first. Comfortable during. Enthusiastic after.
The Posing Advantage
Here's the thing about boudoir photography: most women have no idea how to pose. And that's not a criticism—why would you? This isn't something you practice in your everyday life.
I guide you through every single pose. You're not guessing or trying to figure out what looks good. I'm directing you the entire time, showing you exactly what to do.
I've photographed hundreds of women. I know what works and what doesn't. I know how to make you look confident, powerful, beautiful—whatever vibe you're going for. The goal isn't "sexy for sexy's sake." It's you at your best. You feeling like the most confident version of yourself.
Because here's what this is really about: this is your gift first and foremost. The gift of confidence.
Some women choose to share these images with their partner, and that's great. But that's secondary. This is about you seeing yourself differently. This is about you walking out of that studio feeling like a completely different person than when you walked in.
The Environment and the Experience
This isn't some casual, informal thing. This is you investing in yourself in a space that's built for this.
We shoot in a private studio—not an Airbnb, not some rented space where who-knows-who has the keys. It's mine. It's professional. It's set up specifically for boudoir photography.
The experience is designed around you. The consultation beforehand means nothing is a surprise on shoot day. You know what you're wearing, you know what poses we're doing, you know what to expect. No stress. No guessing.
And like Jackie mentioned, if bringing a same-sex support person makes you more comfortable, that's always an option. Whatever you need to feel safe and confident, we make it happen.
This is about you seeing yourself differently. Not about me. Not about anyone else. Just you.
The Bottom Line
I'm not here to convince you this is the right choice for you.
Some women prefer female photographers, and that's completely valid. If that's you, no hard feelings. Seriously.
But for the women who do book with me? Jackie says it best: "I hope every single person that is interested in his services just goes ahead and full sends it because he is worth every single cent and then some."
If you're on the fence, let's just talk. No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a conversation where you can ask me anything and decide if this feels right for you.
Most women who were initially hesitant end up being the most enthusiastic referrals. Not because I convinced them, but because the experience spoke for itself.
Ready to take the first step, no commitments ?
Fill out my contact form, or message me on Instagram.