The Power of Boudoir Photography | Cheyenne Gil | Philadelphia Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir photography is a powerful thing. Like, really powerful.

I remember a few years ago I was explaining to someone what I do for a living as a boudoir photographer here in Philadelphia. They had heard of boudoir and said to me, “Oh, that’s for women who want to show off for their boyfriends, right?”. This is a pretty typical reaction to my job, but I explained that what I do isn’t about the male gaze at all and that most of my clients book their shoots specifically for themselves — and not only that, but not all of my clients are women, and many of them are Queer, don’t have a partner, or are Asexual.

I explained that for my clients it’s about empowerment. A reclamation of one’s body, mind, and soul. I went on to talk about how it can often be an incredibly life changing experience. The person scoffed at me. “I don’t think a photo shoot could make someone feel that much better. They’re just photos”. Just photos. Hm. Just photos. Two months later that person was in my studio in her underwear. She cried when I showed her the back of the camera. “Is that me?” - Yes. Yes, that’s you.

Should I say it again? Boudoir photography is a powerful thing.

It’s a job that shouldn’t be taken lightly and as a client, it’s important to choose a photographer that you feel connected to and safe with. Your experience in front of the camera can feel vulnerable. You might feel a whole myriad of emotions — joy, grief, softness, glee, etc.. You’ll want the person there with you — your photographer — to be someone you trust. 

I’ve been a boudoir photographer for 11 years now. ELEVEN! I’ve photographed literally thousands of people in my various studios here in the Philadelphia area over the years, and have built trust with myself and my clients in holding space that feels caring, supportive, and wonderful.

Eleven years ago I photographed my first ever boudoir session. My client was my very own mother. I asked her if she would model for me and to my surprise she agreed - and that first session with her absolutely changed my life. I watched my mother - a person, who like most of us, struggled with her body image most of her life - transform from shy and nervous into a giggly, gorgeous, sexy goddess divine. After our session, I left the room to run to the bathroom, but on my way back, I caught her fluffing her hair and giggling to herself in the mirror. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My mother was.....loving herself? What?

I knew right then and there that this is what I wanted to do. I knew that my purpose was to create a caring space for people to simply...be. To have a place to love or like or accept and celebrate their bodies just as they are. From that moment standing in my mom’s bedroom doorway, I stopped photographing families and weddings and high school seniors and I started telling everyone that I was a boudoir photographer.

Join me at my natural light photography studio in Philadelphia for a body and fat affirming boudoir session. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.