So you want to be a boudoir photographer? Then what’s stopping you?
No really, what’s stopping you?
Let me guess.
You believe that something that needs to happen before you can start your boudoir photography business.
You are probably telling yourself: “If I had [insert excuse here] THEN I would start my boudoir photography business.”
For example “If I had [the studio space, better camera, lighting equipment, diverse portfolio, skills, knowledge] THEN I would start my boudoir photography business.”
From the time I started dreaming of having my own boudoir photography business, to when I had my first paying client, it was almost 5 years. Can you believe that?! What a waste of 5 years! And surprisingly during that period I was already a professional family photographer. So I can imagine how scary it must be for someone to take that plunge and start a boudoir business when they are a hobby photographer, or a ‘mom with a camera’. I had every excuse imaginable. So I get it. I really do.
You are waiting until you feel READY.
But this is the most common lie that budding photographers tell themselves. They say ‘when I have all my ducks in a row and feel ready, THEN I’ll start my boudoir photography business’.
But here’s the kicker you will NEVER feel ready.
You have to start DESPITE not feeling ready. That is the only way.
You need to start with what you have right now. And not hesitate another day.
The only thing you need to do is to start.
Start from where you are, and work with what you have – rather than waiting for that mythical future moment when you finally feel ready, or when all the stars align and the conditions are perfect.
You will figure everything out as you go. Trust me on this. Just start.
I heard the most amazing poem on Instagram the other day by a poet called Sophie Diener. It summed up exactly what I wish for all budding boudoir photographers.
The First Step
You have to begin.
Go, do it badly at first
with sweaty palms
and shaking limbs
and gaps in what you know.
You have to start,
and perhaps you won’t feel ready
or like you’ve fully prepared.
Perhaps you’ll feel
too late, too small, too scared.
But it’s okay that you did not appear on Earth
with all the skills and information.
It’s okay that there are things you’ll have to learn.
It’s okay you won’t be perfect overnight
and people might see you try
and that getting where you want will take some time.
Please begin,
because you could enjoy it,
because things just might go right,
because the world craves your light,
because you want to.
Everyone starts somewhere;
you’ll be in excellent company.
You’ll be so proud looking back,
recalling your first step.
Please begin.
By Sophie Diener
So to all the budding boudoir photographers out there – what are you waiting for? Just begin.
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