Oops! I May Have Hired The Wrong Boudoir Photographer.... Now What?

It can happen! Hiring the wrong boudoir photographer can happen to anyone-- even the most savvy of us. It's a lot trickier than you may have thought at first.

You thought you had the situation under complete control-- You wanted a boudoir session for your wedding... How hard can that be? You pulled out your phone. Jumped on Instagram. You saw a couple of Instagram Reels with dancing photographers wearing big round hats saying how they "so become your new bestie," and how they "❤️ their clients." You exchanged a few DMs and before you knew it you were booked... and since then, you think you may have made a mistake...

It's not too late...

The good thing is...you've realized this NOW, before it's too late! It can be fixed.

Just like that time you impulsively cut your hair really short-- which seemed like a good idea at the time (No thanks to that new hair stylist you never went back to...) these things can happen.

As a side note: --And it probably doesn't need to be pointed out that dancing skill (or lack thereof) is hardly barometer of photographic competency (or anything else for that matter.) Picking a boudoir photography based on them jumping around may not be the basis for great results.

Oh boy, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you thought you made the right decision, only to realize later that you may have made a mistake? Well, I certainly have, and I'm guessing if you're reading this post, you might be feeling the same way. Specifically, maybe you recently (and impulsively) hired a boudoir photographer and now you're second-guessing whether you made the right choice. Don't worry, you're not alone. So, let's take a deep breath and explore some options for what to do next.

First off, it's important to acknowledge that hiring a boudoir photographer can be a really personal decision. After all, you're entrusting this person with capturing intimate photos of you. So, if you're feeling uncertain about your choice, it's completely understandable. Maybe you're not happy with how the photographer is communicating with you, or you're feeling uncomfortable with their approach to the shoot. Or perhaps the photos they've shown you so far aren't quite what you had in mind. Whatever the reason, it's okay to feel perplexed and a bit frustrated.

One possible next step is to schedule a meeting with the photographer to express your concerns. Sometimes, miscommunications or misunderstandings can be cleared up with a simple conversation. Perhaps the photographer didn't realize that you were looking for a specific style of photography, or maybe they weren't aware of your expectations for the shoot. By having an honest conversation, you might be able to find common ground and work together to create the boudoir photos you're hoping for.

If, after the meeting, you're still not feeling comfortable with the photographer, it's okay to explore other options. Remember, this is your shoot, and you should feel good about the person you're working with. In this case, it's important to be honest with the photographer about your decision. You might feel awkward or guilty about backing out, but it's better to do so now than to go through with the shoot and end up with photos you're not happy with. Politely explain that you don't feel like it's the right fit and thank them for their time. They may not be thrilled about it, but they should understand.

Another option is to bring in a mediator, like a friend or a professional boudoir consultant. This person can act as a neutral third party, helping to facilitate a conversation between you and the photographer. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to work together more effectively or provide some objective feedback on the photos you've seen so far. Having someone else in the room can also help diffuse any tension or discomfort you may be feeling.

If you've reached a point where you've decided to part ways with the photographer, it's time to start looking for a new one. This may feel overwhelming, but don't worry – there are plenty of talented boudoir photographers out there who would be happy to work with you. Start by researching photographers in your area, reading reviews, and looking at their portfolios. Pay attention to their style and make sure it aligns with what you're looking for. If you're looking for a specific type of shoot, like a vintage boudoir or an outdoor shoot, make sure the photographer has experience in that area.

Once you've narrowed down your list, reach out to the photographers and schedule a consultation. This can be done in person or virtually, depending on your preference. During the consultation, be upfront about your previous experience and what you're hoping to achieve with the shoot. Ask them about their approach to boudoir photography and how they work with clients. It's important to make sure you feel comfortable with them and that you trust their vision for the shoot.

Overall, hiring the wrong boudoir photographer can be a frustrating experience, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world. There are steps you can take to rectify the situation and find a photographer who is a better fit for you. Additionally, this experience can serve as a learning opportunity for the future. You now have a better idea of what you're looking for in a boudoir photographer, and you can take that knowledge with you when searching for a new one.

It's also worth noting that you should never feel pressured to go through with a boudoir shoot if you're not comfortable with the photographer or the process. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if a boudoir shoot is something you want to do, and if you do, you should feel confident and excited about the experience.

In the end, finding the right boudoir photographer is all about communication, trust, and compatibility. Don't be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right, and be open to exploring different options if necessary. With a little perseverance and a positive attitude, you'll be well on your way to creating the boudoir photos you've been dreaming of. Remember, this is all about celebrating your body and your unique beauty, so don't settle for anything less than what you deserve!