😅 Is Boudoir Photography Awkward? Let’s Talk About What Really Happens
One of the most common things we hear — often before a session, sometimes during the booking call, and almost always with a nervous laugh — is:
“I feel really awkward in front of the camera.”
And honestly? That’s completely normal.
In fact, it would be more surprising if you didn’t feel a bit awkward at first. Most women who walk into our studio have never done anything like this before. They’re not models. They’re not used to being photographed. And they’re definitely not used to being guided into poses while wearing lingerie.
So let’s talk about what that awkwardness actually looks like — and what happens next.
The Awkward Part (Yes, It’s Real)
We’ll never tell you, “Oh, you won’t feel awkward at all!” — because that wouldn’t be honest.
At the very start, most women feel:
Unsure what to do with their hands
A bit stiff or self-conscious
Hyper-aware of the camera
That’s normal. It’s human. And we expect it.
The important thing to know is this: you are not doing anything wrong.
You’re simply in a new situation — and new things always feel awkward for a moment.
What Changes Once the Shoot Begins
Here’s the part that surprises almost everyone.
Once the shoot actually starts — and once the ball gets rolling — something shifts.
You’re no longer thinking about:
How you look
What your face is doing
Whether you’re “doing it right”
Instead, you’re listening. Moving. Laughing. Breathing.
We demonstrate every pose. We guide you into position. We adjust hands, shoulders, chin, posture — all the little things that make a huge difference. You’re never expected to “just know” what to do.
And very quickly, the awkwardness fades into something else:
comfort, confidence, and often… fun.
Why “It Gets Easier” Isn’t Just Something We Say
We know it can sound dismissive when photographers say, “Don’t worry, it gets easier.”
But in this case, it’s genuinely true.
Why?
You’re being guided the entire time
You realise you’re not being judged
You start seeing that you can do this
You feel safe in the space
Most women tell us halfway through their session:
“I can’t believe how different this feels to what I expected.”
That’s the moment the magic really starts.
You Don’t Have to Be Confident to Start
One of the biggest misconceptions about boudoir photography is that you need confidence before you arrive.
You don’t.
Confidence isn’t a prerequisite — it’s a result.
It grows as the session unfolds, as you realise you’re supported, guided, and genuinely seen.
Feeling awkward at the beginning doesn’t mean the session won’t be amazing.
It usually means you’re about to surprise yourself.
💖 Final Thoughts
If you’re worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, please know this:
You’re not alone — and you’re not unusual.
Almost everyone starts there.
Almost everyone relaxes.
And almost everyone finishes their session saying,
“That was nowhere near as awkward as I thought it would be.”
And honestly? We love being part of that moment.
