Redefining “Boudoir”
All Photos by Devon Dadoly Photography
HOT TAKE - Boudoir is not defined by what you're wearing - or what you're not. It is a feeling. It is an intimacy. It is an observation of a person within a scene. It is grounding. It is soothing. It is collaborative. It is necessary.
Boudoir photography often evokes images of sensuality, allure, and, more specifically, lingerie and nudity. But at its core, boudoir is much more than the sum of its aesthetic parts. It's an emotion, a profound connection, and a collaborative journey between the client and the photographer that has almost nothing to do with what the client is (or isn’t) wearing.
What is Boudoir?
I understand boudoir photography to be an art form that prioritizes the essence of an individual. It's about the subtle glances, movements, and unfiltered emotions that surface in front of the camera. It's the potential of being seen, not just in a physical sense, but being truly observed and appreciated for who you are and who you can be. This is the grounding, soothing nature of boudoir that many people overlook.
When I talk about boudoir, I’m not merely referring to the images that are produced, but to the experience itself. It's a collaborative process that involves trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision. Both myself (the photographer) and the client embark on a journey to create something beautiful, personal, and deeply meaningful.
Challenging the Industry
The boudoir industry, like many others, is problematic, especially in their treatment of people of color, fat folks, queer folks, and disabled folks. Additionally, predatory sales tactics and overly sexualized imagery can make boudoir feel exclusive and inaccessible to even those in the groups that are often highlighted (wealthy, white, thin women). These significant barriers need dismantling immediately. I believe that photographers and creatives who work with individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, have a responsibility to unpack these problematic pillars and create spaces where introspection and growth are not just welcomed, but celebrated.
I believe that boudoir should not be confined to a narrow definition. It should be a space where all bodies have the opportunity to feel empowered and celebrated - whether clothed or nude. This means moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and working towards embracing the unique needs of every individual.
Working Towards Accessibility & Inclusivity
If boudoir has always felt inaccessible to you, know that you're not alone. This exclusivity is by design, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Each of us has the power to redefine boudoir, to make it a practice that is for you and by you, and tangentially, for us and by us. This is not just about breaking down barriers but about building a more inclusive and expansive future for boudoir.
Imagine a boudoir experience where all bodies are celebrated - queer ones, fat ones, ones of color, disabled ones, etc. Imagine a future where boudoir is not just about the images, but about the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and confidence that it can inspire. This is a future that is limitless, and it's one that we can create together.
Join the Journey
I invite you to join me on this journey to invest in a future for boudoir that celebrates more bodies. Let’s redefine what boudoir can be, making it an experience for everybody. Whether you are a seasoned photographer, a curious newcomer, or someone considering a boudoir session for the first time, there is a place for you in this movement.
Together, we can create a boudoir experience that is more. It can be a transformative journey that celebrates individuality and fosters self-love, and dismantles barriers of oppression that keep communities marginalized. Let's work to fuck up the “norms” and build something beautiful.
Are you ready to redefine boudoir?
PLEASE NOTE: My blog posts are written from my personal experience as a boudoir photographer who uses Therapeutic Photography techniques and Trauma-Informed Photography methods in my work. My methods and opinions may expand and change overtime. I am not a mental health or medical professional, nor am I a licensed counselor. I am not certified by any institution or organization to give medical and mental health advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Devon Dadoly (she/they) is a therapeutic photographer and multidisciplinary artist who specializes in body affirming intimate boudoir and portrait photography. Devon is an outspoken advocate for the fat acceptance movement, destigmatizing addiction, and uses a trauma-informed approach when working with clients. They have over 10 years of experience working with and photographing folks in recovery from addiction, sexual trauma and eating disorders.
