Who are the Black Boudoir Photographers in the industry that you need to follow in 2021? Well, we have the list for you.

We asked each of them some questions about who they are so you can get to know these amazing artists a little better. Take a look at some of their amazing work that always wows.

BRIA NICOLE TERRY – WWW.WOLFANDROSEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Where are you on your boudoir photography journey? Where are you located?

When I started my photography journey, I was kind of all over the place. I wanted to try everything. After having my son, I had a boudoir session done in 2016 with another photographer, and it was one of the first times in over 4 years that I had truly felt sexy. I felt so empowered and inspired, and I wanted to create a space to give others that feeling. I started practicing on myself and then offering sessions to my clients later that year.

I’ve spent the last few years trying to hone in on my craft, but now my focus is the business side. My goal for this year is to curate a more luxury boudoir experience for my clients. Before the pandemic, I was shooting in my home. My living room was literally my studio, but I have since decided the safest thing for my family is to rent out spaces until I can afford to purchase my own studio space. I’m currently located in Tyler, TX, but I shoot primarily in the DFW area now.

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

I personally love shooting boudoir couples. Parents are my favorite. After kids come, it’s so easy to get lost in caretaking. I absolutely love giving long term married couples an opportunity to bask in their sensuality.

What are you most proud of as a boudoir photographer?

When I show someone their photos, and they have that moment of awe where they realize that beautiful, sexy creature was there within them all along, that’s my most proud moment. That and being told I make my clients feel comfortable.

Who are your favorite Black boudoir photographers in the industry? Why do you look up to them?

D’Artagnan Winford is for sure one of my favorites. His work is awe-inspiring. He makes black people look like renaissance art.

Would you say there is a lack of Black boudoir photographers and if so why?

I think the photography industry in general lacks space for black artists and to be highlighted. Blogs tend to share the work of people who meet standardized beauty standards shot by white artists.

What are the barriers you face as a Black boudoir photographer?

I think one of my biggest barriers has been creating a strong client base in east Texas that consists of clients who value me as a human. I don’t feel that I have to settle for clients who don’t support basic human rights. I want clients who are anti-racist. I want clients who see me being loud about my thoughts on equality and support that, and I refuse to take anything less.

KARICE COLEMAN  –  WWW.THEBOUDIEBAR.COM

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

I began shooting boudoir for my wedding clients first about 4 years ago, but just recently switched to shooting boudoir exclusively last year. I chose to focus on boudoir once I realized that it was giving my clients confidence in themselves. I began to notice women literally transforming right before my eyes, gaining self-esteem and leaving the session with a little extra pep in their step. Some would even cry (I cried with them). I realized that showing all women that there was always a Goddess within them was what I was meant to do.

Where are you on your boudoir photography journey? Do you have your own studio? Where are you located?

I have my own studio located in Atlanta, Georgia serving Atlanta and surrounding areas. But a lot of my clients travel from Alabama and Tennessee as well.

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

My favorite thing about boudoir is the fact that it allows me to express myself creatively in so many different ways. I really enjoy working with my clients to come up with different themes or ideas for their session. I love building new sets and using lots of colors and flowers and boudoir is perfect for that.

What are you most proud of as a boudoir photographer?

I am proud of the fact that I get to give women the ability to love themselves again. Most of my clients are career women or stay at home moms who don’t have the time to get glammed up and pampered. What I do gives them the ability to feel good about themselves, reclaim their sexuality and see themselves in a way that they never thought they could.

Would you say there is a lack of Black Boudoir photographers in the industry and if so, why?

I know plenty of black boudoir photographers, so I wouldn’t say that there is a shortage. I think that there is a lack of representation in the boudoir industry. I have spoken to so many black women who had no idea what boudoir was until they found me. And when you Google the word boudoir, you only see majority white women being photographed this way. I aim to make more and more black women aware that this type of experience is available to them as well. I do this by showing lots and lots of my black clients on all of my social media platforms and all over my website.

What are the barriers you face as a Black boudoir photographer?

Similar to what I stated in the article above – representation. But I think articles like this one can be helpful.

If there is one thing you want your clients/future clients to know about boudoir, what would it be?

That boudoir is not just about taking sexy photos. It’s more about self-discovery and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to do something that you’ve never done before. Also to black women who are considering this, you deserve this too.

DEVANTE TERRELL – WWW.SORBOUDOIR.COM

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

I fell in love with intimate portraiture when I started photographing my beautiful wife after she miscarried our first pregnancy together. I wanted to show her how much I loved her and how deeply I admired her strength. I wanted her to love herself again. I wanted her to heal and feel whole again. I learned how to gently reflect her beauty back to her when she couldn’t see it. I’ve witnessed the ins and outs of her personal self-love journey, and it has been such a privilege to play even the tiniest part along the way. In my professional photography journey, it has been SO fulfilling and rewarding to be able to make our clients feel like a work of art.

Do you have your own studio? Where are you located?

We are located in Houston, TX and typically shoot at various studios, boutique hotels, and Airbnb’s around town. We will soon be opening our private in-home studio to our clients.

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

Who are your favorite Black boudoir photographers in the industry? Why do you look up to them?

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

I started shooting boudoir in 2018. Truthfully, my first boudoir session was sooooo awkward. I didn’t “study” or research anything about photography and I was still fairly new to the photography world in general. A friend and I went out to the woods, not even a secluded area, and just “winged” it. I honestly thought she was going to hate them, but she didn’t. She felt really good about them and I was like “okaaay. I actually really like helping others feel good about themselves.” So I practiced for a while doing a few shoots here and there. I didn’t connect right away with it, I had to do a little soul searching and self-loving before it reeeeally spoke to me. But once I had that connection with myself, I loved it so much – I know helping others become in tune with themselves is something I needed too.

Where are you on your boudoir photography journey? Do you have a studio? Where are you located?

I have an in-home studio located in Spokane, Washington! I have really pushed myself this last year to reach my goal of being a full-time boudoir photographer! I am literally busting my ass working as a full time preschool teacher and coming home to work until 11:00pm on the photography side of things. I think for me, I still have a little bit of fear and “what if’s” when it comes to taking the leap but deep down, I do know I can do this. I was made for this. This has been my goal for so long so I just need to do it!

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

Oh man! I would probably say the confidence it gives my clients. As boudoir photographers, we are always faced with so many people dying to feel love for themselves but can’t do it on their own. Every time I see a client cry or tell me “oh my god! That’s me!? That’s my body?”, I know. I know that is WHY I am in this career.

What are you most proud of as a boudoir photographer?

I would say I am most proud of being able to help others. Being there for my clients really gives me something to be proud of.

Who are your favorite black boudoir photographers in the industry? Why do you look up to them?

Truthfully, I do not know many other black photographers.

Would you say there is a lack of black boudoir photographers and if why?

Well based on my answer above, yes, I would say there is a lack of black boudoir photographers. As to why, I cannot truly answer this question. I don’t “see” skin color, we are all human. No matter our color, gender, or sexuality, we are all human. Unfortunately, not everyone views it this way. There could be hundreds of reasons why there are not a lot of black photographers. If I had to put a reason on it, I would say the fear of not being accepted. It is 2021, but racism is very much alive. I live in a predominantly “white” area, I had my fair share of it.

What are the barriers you face as a black boudoir photographer?

I have been fortunate not to have faced many barriers in my career this far. I have certainly had a few unpleasant moments and faced judgment from bystanders and even lost a client or two because of my skin tone. I’ve had a lot of those “its white people shit, you wouldn’t know” comments, or insensitive questions. Overall, I feel like barriers are pretty minimal, and I am truly lucky for that.

If there is one thing you want your clients/future clients to know about boudoir, what would it be?

That boudoir sessions are not a “one and done” to the self-love journey! Many folks come to me thinking, I can “fix” them overnight. The truth is, it takes time. These sessions are absolutely helpful and empowering BUT if you have issues with loving your body and loving yourself, it may take more than just one boudoir session.

OLESHA HASKETT – WWW.OHEXPERIENCE.COM 

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

I started doing boudoir exclusively in 2017 when I needed to understand who I was as a woman. I was recently divorced and had stopped shooting for a few years. When I reinvented my business, I reinvented myself.

Where are you on your boudoir photography journey? Do you have a studio? Where are you located?

At this time in my boudoir journey, I am building safe spaces for other Black boudoir photographers and the Black womxn who come to us. 

My studio is located right outside of Washington D.C in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

My favorite thing about boudoir is it is my form of activism for Black and Brown bodies that are not always seen as beautiful. It is also very healing for Black womxn to see themselves as beautiful.

What are you most proud of as a boudoir photographer?

I am most proud of the work I do elevating other Black photographers. In September we have our very first expo and it was right on time! 6 Black womxn educators and a panel of more Black womxn spoke and gave insight on what it means to be in the business of boudoir. 

Who are your favorite black boudoir photographers in the industry? Why do you look up to them?

My favorite Black boudoir photographers are Toni Black because she is truly tapping into the soul of Black folxs when she is behind the camera. Celeste Patrice because she makes our skin glow from within! I recently did a session with her and it was amazing. 

Would you say there is a lack of black boudoir photographers and if why?

There is a lack of Black boudoir photographers in this industry because of cultural challenges and lack of educators who are Black.  Representation matters. 

What are the barriers you face as a black boudoir photographer?

I do not face any barriers as a Black boudoir photographer because I am creating my own space and narrative. Instead of asking for a seat at the table, we are creating our own. 

If there is one thing you want your clients/future clients to know about boudoir, what would it be?

One thing my clients and future clients need to know is boudoir is for Black womxn. We deserve this luxury and should not guilty for putting ourselves first.

LEZANDRA MCGINNIS – WWW.LEZANDRAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

I started shooting boudoir when I was studying to be a sex therapist in college. I ended up starting my photography business at 19 and nearly 11 years later, here we are! Boudoir was the perfect blend of art and sexuality. I find that our sessions are like sex therapy and I love that I have been able to blend my two passions.

Where are you on your boudoir photography journey? Do you have your own studio? Where are you located?

I am located in Norfolk, Virginia! I recently moved into a 4,500 sqft studio that I renovated during the start of the pandemic. I don’t recommend it. Hahaha! It has been a labor of love but I have loved transforming this historic building. This is my third commercial space, but I started in my living room.

What’s your favorite thing about shooting boudoir?

Literally EVERYTHING. It really is the coolest job!

What are you most proud of as a boudoir photographer?

The ability to encourage and promote independent, sexually liberated women that aren’t afraid to speak loudly for what they believe in because they are fueled by confidence and backed with self love.

Who are your favorite Black boudoir photographers in the industry? Why do you look up to them?

Ore Adesina’s work continues to blow my mind. I love her creativity and the life that she infuses into her images. I love Korin of Wonderland Boudoir’s work! She has such a great ability to express emotion and power in her images.

Would you say there is a lack of Black boudoir photographers and if so why?

We don’t see diversity throughout the photography industry as a whole. I feel that POC are underrepresented in photography, and boudoir is no exception. I could go down an entire rabbit hole on why I feel so strongly about this but I will save that rant.

What are the barriers you face as a Black boudoir photographer?

I have personally experienced racism in our industry and it turned me off from connecting with other photographers as a whole.  At times it does feel as though we have to work extra hard for the same amount of recognition.

If there is one thing you want your clients/future clients to know about boudoir, what would it be?

Trust the process and trust your photographer. You have already made the most important choice: choosing to honor YOU. Allow yourself to fully express yourself during your session without shame, fear, or hesitation. You are worthy and deserving of it!!!

SHANNEL STALLWORTH – WWW.BOUDOIRBYSHANNELMONIQUE.COM

When did you start shooting boudoir and why?

KAY LEDWELL –  WWW.KAYTAKESPHOTOS.COM 

ELAINE L. JOHNSON – WWW.POSITIVELYBODIEDBYELJ.COM

JAIME PATTERSON – WWW. HIDDENEXPOSUREPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 

If your looking to take Boudoir images to the next level don’t forget to check out the hottest boudoir ideas for 2021! You will love them!