Dear Men… xo Your Boudoir Photographer
Dear Men, I am sorry.
I am sorry that you mustered up the courage to look for a photographer and you struggled to find one that was willing to work with you.
I run an inclusive studio, so it should come as no surprise to you that I photograph men, however, sadly it is not common place. Especially in regards to Intimate Portraits and Boudoir.
I full heartedly believe that every body is deserving of being photographed. We all have a story to tell. We all deserve to feel empowered in our vulnerability. We are all worthy.
Men, I know many of you struggle silently with your body image. Us women have been vocal in fighting societies BS standards and expectations of us. But you have been sitting silently at the back of the room pretending it doesn’t affect you. Why? Society again… says men shouldn’t talk about their feelings. Suck it up. Be a man. Walk it off.
It’s been my experience that men have just as much, if not more, insecurities when it comes to their bodies.
Check out the last journal entry about,
5 Tips to Seeing Your Beauty.
This applies to you all humans!
The gratitude I witness when I provide a safe place for my male identifying clients to have open dialogue, to let down their guards and explore their vulnerability is a humbling experience. I am proud of all the men that have come in for their own Intimate Portrait + Boudoir experience and there have been quite a few this year! I know that it can be intimidating and scary. Society has put so many walls up, that you have had to overcome, and you deserve to be applauded.
I am humbled when you grant me permission to share your images with the world.
I thank you.
You are worthy and deserving too and I thank you for being brave and owning your vulnerability.
xoxo - Jessica Rae
I pose this for my fellow boudoir photographers:
Why don’t or won’t you photograph men?
I get it, to a degree, female photographers likely worry about their safety. It’s true, society, as well as personal experience has given many women cause for concern. I am not dismissing this fact, in the least, it is valid.
However, this is why we have consultations in place. Do a zoom meet up, then do an in person one. If it makes you feel safer, have an assistant present. But don’t assume, don’t write them off, don’t stereotype. Please, keep an open mind, they may surprise you!
love letters from some of my male clients:
“I looked at a lot of different photographers and, Jessica Rae, was the only one that I found that photographs all genders.
My biggest fear was that I would feel uncomfortable with being in underwear or less, also not being photogenic enough to have enough good pictures.
But from the initial meeting, Jessica is open and funny and fun and honest. She makes you feel comfortable.
I have enjoyed every single aspect of this experience.
The photo shoot was, as I described it to myself, “liberating”. My mind and confidence leaving the session was through the roof. Truly amazing experience!
I legitimately came away from this experience with a sense of pride. More comfortable in myself and even more confident.
Jessica is amazing and a blast to have this experience with. I will be back for more.”
-I
I was very impressed by the photos and the stories on Jessica's website.
I left the session with a greater awareness, and more confidence in myself.
Leave your fears and inhibitions behind and embrace your inner beauty and strength, you are in good hands with Jessica Rae.
-N
“I am so thrilled to have come across Jessica to take photos of me. She is very supportive and understanding. She has a way of getting you to try to push the boundaries of what you think about yourself, your body, and what would make a great picture.
Jessica was able to coax out some poses during the photo shoot that I never would have thought of trying, and they are some of my favorites. She has a unique ability to create poses where you end up looking natural, yet stunning!
When I initially planned on a photo shoot with Jessica, my expectation was to get a few nice pictures to give to my wife as a personal gift. What Jessica created was art that I would be proud to display on the walls of my home for others to enjoy as well. I left her studio thinking wow! The pictures look so incredible people might not even recognize me!”
