Boudoir Photography and Your Privacy Options

Did you know that on my website we have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and one of the most important topics is regarding your boudoir photography privacy. I fully acknowledge that it takes a lot of guts to take the step to do a Boudoir Photography Session as there’s a certain level of vulnerability involved. Not everyone wants to have their images out there in the world, let alone ones that are so intimate. I 100% respect your decision on whether you’d like your photos completely private, public, or somewhere in between. 

This is our approach to your privacy.

Will you use my images on your website/blog/social media/portfolio?

Of course as a photographer I love showing off my images to celebrate the amazing women I get to work with, but I take your comfort level and your privacy very seriously. At your reveal, we’ll go over your images and discuss your comfort level for sharing them. You will have the final say on which images, if any, will be shared.

Privacy Options

After discussing your privacy options together, you will then get to select from one of the following choices: 

Mateus Studios may share:

• All photos in my gallery
• Any modest photo that doesn’t show exposed breast or bum
• Any photo that doesn’t show my full face or can be cropped to not show my full face
• Yes, but only these specific images (You would provide your approved list)
• No, please keep my images for my eyes only

Each of my clients has their own situation and I respect any option that you choose. Some clients permit sharing of all photos and others want complete privacy. For example, I’ll call her Ms. B for privacy purposes, had this to share about her reasons why she wants full privacy:

“After my session with Michele, she asked me what my comfort level was with sharing my photos. I personally would love to show them to the world- they are beautiful and tasteful and artistic! However, I work in a position of trust and safety with the public and it is important for me to maintain a neutral and safe space for my patients.

I was concerned that sharing my intimate photos could affect my professional relationships in ways that I couldn’t anticipate and I didn’t want to unilaterally change the nature of the those relationships by making my photos public. I decided to keep my photos private and Michele was very supportive of my need to maintain anonymity and privacy, which I really appreciated!”

Privacy Beyond Pics

I’d also like you to know that when it comes to privacy, I feel it’s my responsibility to protect my clients beyond the studio, where I can. A lot of research has gone into which of the various professional printing companies that are available, and I have opted to use one that is Canadian owned, and operated by an all woman team. It’s called The Boudoir Album. I had lunch with the owner and can say I am proud to be working with this company. I hate to say it, but I’ve heard horror stories of other companies not keeping their print jobs private, and even the staff not being appropriate when printing off boudoir images. That is absolutely NOT ok with me! 

With Mateus Studios, please know that I am committed to your privacy from the moment you elect to work with me, to the time I deliver your incredible printed images for you to cherish forever. That is also the reason why I choose to do in person photo reveals and not simply send you a link to the photos. Sadly, that option is not very secure and I don’t want to risk your privacy, nor mine. Besides, doing an in person reveal is way more fun anyway! And, you get to see all the beautiful options of photo books and other materials for wall art and printing your images on.

Covid-19 Privacy Protocols

I should mention too that due to Covid, and to prevent unnecessary multiple exposure, I have adjusted my in person reveals to live via screen reveals should you prefer. At first I was a bit unsure about them as I wanted to ensure client privacy, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how fun and secure this style of reveal is. Ultimately, it’s safe and healthy for everyone involved!

I hope this blog answers all of your questions about privacy of your images. If not, please reach out to me directly and I’m happy to chat more.

Images shared with permission.

Michele Mateus is a Vancouver Boudoir & Portrait Photographer located in Coquitlam, BC. Hair & Makeup By Jenny Valla.