How Many Boudoir Photographers are Male? More Than You Might Think.
When most people picture a boudoir photographer, they imagine a woman behind the camera. That assumption is so common that when someone finds me from an Internet search for “Maryland boudoir photographer”, they are often surprised to learn that I’m male.
Some people click away the moment they find out. Others lean in and want to know more. That tension — the “elephant in the room” — is why I’m writing this post.
What Percentage of Boudoir Photographers are Male?
This may vary by location but I can tell you that in my local area in Maryland the answer is 9 out of the 37 I’ve identified (24%). That works out to roughly one in four.
How do I know this? I keep a running spreadsheet of boudoir photographers within a 50 mile radius of my location, which includes the Baltimore and Washington metro areas and extends out to Annapolis and Frederick.
It started as simple competitor analysis, but it has given me some interesting statistics: 24% of boudoir photographers in my area are male. That percentage is higher than I expected. If you go by stereotypes, you’d think the number would be closer to zero.
Many potential clients still assume boudoir photography is an all-female profession. The reality is more nuanced.
A client feeling relaxed and comfortable in her boudoir shoot.
But Photography Clients Might Want Something Different…
Here’s the harder truth. My website analytics suggest that about 47% of potential clients click away after they realize I’m male. That’s roughly half.
It’s not a perfect measurement, but the trend is obvious. Half the audience doesn’t even get to the part where they might see my portfolio, my process, or my testimonials. The decision is made instantly, based on gender alone.
Imagine if 50% of employers refused to hire you simply because you were a woman. Unfortunately, that’s not hard to imagine — gender bias runs deep in many industries. In boudoir photography, it just plays out in reverse.
Why Gender Shouldn’t Be the Deciding Factor
Here’s my perspective after a lot of thought (and some trial by fire): gender isn’t the thing that makes or breaks your boudoir experience. Three factors matter far more:
Trust & Comfort
Boudoir is deeply personal. If you don’t feel safe, respected, and comfortable, the photos won’t reflect your real self. Comfort comes from the photographer’s personality and professionalism, not whether they are male or female.Style & Artistry
Every photographer has a distinct eye. Do you connect with the images in their portfolio? Do they create the mood, tone, and aesthetic you’re drawn to? Those things last forever.Process & Professionalism
I hold planning calls with every client before their shoot to walk through details, set expectations, and ease nerves. My studios are private and quiet, designed for focus and comfort. Those are the details that shape the experience, not my gender.
Why Some Women Choose Male Boudoir Photographers
To be fair, there are clients who specifically prefer working with a male photographer. Here are a few reasons I’ve heard directly or seen echoed in conversations across the industry:
Male Perspective: Some women want photos that align with what a male partner might find appealing.
Feeling Less Judged: A few clients have said that standing in front of a woman felt like being compared to another woman — and they were more at ease with a man.
Quick Rapport: Others find they relax faster and feel seen in a different way.
These reasons aren’t universal, but they show that preferences vary widely — and they have more to do with personal comfort than a blanket rule about gender.
Choose the Photographer That’s Right For You
At the end of the day, boudoir is about celebrating you. It’s not about me, my gender, or even my opinion of “what looks good to men”. My job is to create a safe space, guide you with posing and direction, and use my artistic eye to make images that feel timeless.
I’ve had clients tell me that my calming presence helped them forget their nerves. One even said the session turned out to be a greater gift to herself than to her partner. Those are the moments that matter — the moments when the photographer fades into the background and the client steps fully into the spotlight.
That’s why I believe the real question isn’t, “Is the photographer male or female?” It’s, “Do I feel safe, understood, and inspired by this person’s work?”
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering boudoir and you find yourself hung up on the photographer’s gender, I’d encourage you to pause and ask: what really matters to me in this experience? Is it safety? Style? Professionalism? Comfort? Those are the things that shape how you’ll feel during the shoot and how you’ll feel every time you look at your photos afterward.
Choosing a boudoir photographer is an act of trust. Pick the person whose work resonates with you and who makes you feel comfortable from the very first conversation. That’s what will give you the images you’ll treasure.
If you’d like to see if my style and approach fit what you’re looking for, you can view my portfolio or schedule a planning call. I offer convenient sessions for clients in the Baltimore area, with studios in Baltimore and Elkridge.
Whether you’re booking as a gift, a celebration, or a personal milestone, I’ll help you feel at ease and create portraits that remind you: this is about you.