Do your research and read the fine print before getting boudoir photos

EDMONTON – Taking sexy boudoir photos is becoming more popular these days, but before you step behind the camera, make sure to research your photographer carefully, read the contract before signing, and ask about the studio’s privacy policies. The warning comes after an Edmonton photography studio sold one woman’s photos to someone pretending to be her boyfriend.

A Trouble Shooter investigation into the incident had many consumers questioning the privacy of these very sensitive pictures. And other photographers are coming out to address those fears.

“I want to earn that respect from my clients, so knowing that they feel safe and taken care of is really important to me,” says photographer Nicole Ashley.

Since anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a photographer, Ashley advises to research who you are trusting to take and safeguard your boudoir photos.

“We do photograph people who are teachers, doctors, nurses – people who are not wanting their images released out into the public. I would say 60 per cent of my images are never seen because I do give people the option to keep them private.”

The photographer should have a waiver or contract explaining exactly what will happen with the images. Ashley allows clients to choose between allowing the photos to be used in her portfolio, or not used at all.

Photographer Lane Jensen offers the same option, and cautions clients to think about exposure carefully.

Watch for forms which may release the photos completely to the photographer.

“Need to clearly negotiate that these are for personal use only. It must be in writing and you both need to sign it,” Jensen explains.

“Once you take these types of photos,” he adds, “you can’t take them back. So whatever they do choose to do with them can have repercussions somewhere down the road in their lifetime.”

With files from Julie Matthews, Global News