The Boudoir Photographer’s Playbook: Charge Your Worth, Own Your Power, and Elevate Your Business

Empowering Women Through Boudoir Photography: Nikki Watarz’s Journey

I had the privilege of speaking with Nikki Watarz, the visionary behind Boudoir by Nikki, a business that has been empowering women through intimate and transformative photography for over a decade. Nikki shared with us how she started as a hobby photographer, developed her passion for boudoir photography, and ultimately turned it into a thriving full-time business in 2019. Through her lens, Nikki helps women embrace their beauty and confidence in a way that truly celebrates their unique selves.

Nikki’s journey is one of evolution. Starting out, she honed her skills in lighting, posing, and even branching out into headshots and branding photography for entrepreneurs. But the deeper she went into her craft, the more she discovered her true passion—helping women connect with their bodies and celebrate their strength through intimate portraits. Through these photoshoots, Nikki gives women a safe space to rediscover their confidence, power, and beauty, empowering them to own their space and express their individuality.

Now, as a boudoir photographer, Nikki’s goal is simple: to help women see themselves the way others see them—beautiful, strong, and worthy. Whether it's a celebratory moment or a milestone in their journey, boudoir photography offers an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact on every woman who steps in front of Nikki’s camera.

Charge Your Worth, Own Your Power: The Boudoir Photographer’s Guide to Value and Confidence

You’re an artist, a creator, and a storyteller with a camera. Every time you photograph someone, you're crafting more than just a picture; you’re creating an experience that empowers your clients to feel radiant and confident. Yet, when it comes time to price your work, that nagging voice creeps in: “Am I charging too much? Will people actually pay for this?”

Here’s the truth: Know your value and charge your worth. If you don’t, no one else will.

Why Pricing Matters (And Why Being "Too Cheap" Can Hurt You)

It’s tempting to lower your prices to attract more clients, but the reality is, lower prices can actually push clients away. Think about it: when you see a luxury item with a high price tag, you automatically assume it’s high-quality. But when something is dirt cheap, you question it.

Your work isn’t a discount service—it’s a luxury experience. When clients step into your studio, they should feel pampered from the moment they walk through the door until they hold their empowering photos in their hands. That’s what they’re paying for: an unforgettable experience.

The Journey to Confidence in Pricing

As a new photographer, it’s okay to start with lower rates to build your portfolio. But don’t stay there. As you refine your skills, gain experience, and increase the value you provide, your prices should reflect that growth.

Here’s a rule of thumb: Pick a price that makes you a little uncomfortable, then go slightly higher. If you never push yourself, you’ll never break free from that “safe” zone. And trust me, you deserve more than safe—you deserve success.

The Power of Audacity

Running a photography business takes more than just technical skill—it requires audacity. Audacity to believe in your worth, audacity to put yourself out there, and audacity to charge for the value you provide.

Boudoir photography, in particular, demands vulnerability and confidence from your clients. But guess what? It takes the same from you as a business owner. You have to own your skills, own your experience, and own your price.

The Experience is Everything

In today’s fast-paced world, what sets you apart is the experience you offer. Clients don’t just want photos—they want a transformation. They want to feel empowered, celebrated, and beautiful. If you focus on delivering an unparalleled experience, you’ll not only get repeat business, but your clients will refer others to you as well. This is how you build a thriving business—through unshakable confidence in the experience you provide.

From Scrubs to Stilettos: How Nurses Found Confidence in Front of the Camera

Let me tell you a story about nurses. During the height of the pandemic, while the world felt still, a powerful shift happened. Nurses, exhausted from long shifts in scrubs and overwhelmed by the weight of the crisis, found a surprising form of self-care: boudoir photography.

A Much-Needed Escape from the Chaos

These nurses weren’t looking for just any photos—they were seeking something deeper: a feeling. They wanted to step away from their clinical world, take off their scrubs, and reclaim a sense of femininity, confidence, and self-love. They booked boudoir sessions to shed the exhaustion, the weight of their roles, and step into something that reminded them of their strength and beauty as women.

More Than Just a Photoshoot

When these incredible women walked into my studio, they weren’t just entering a photoshoot—they were walking into a sanctuary. There were no harsh fluorescent lights, no stressful beeping of monitors. Instead, they were met with an atmosphere designed for comfort, relaxation, and empowerment.

From themed rooms to a wardrobe spanning XS to 4X, to props that allowed them to express themselves fully—my studio became their space to be bold, beautiful, and empowered. With hair and makeup artists, music playing, and every detail taken care of, the women shed their scrubs and embraced their power, leaving my studio feeling like queens.

Your Turn to Shine

Whether you’re a nurse, a teacher, a business owner, or a stay-at-home mom, boudoir photography isn’t about having the “perfect body.” It’s about celebrating the body you have right now. It’s about embracing every part of you—your curves, your lines, your story—and seeing yourself in a way you never have before.

Your Moment is Waiting

Feeling nervous? That’s completely normal. But I promise you, once you step in front of the camera, you’ll feel like an absolute goddess. And when you look back at these photos, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.

Final Takeaway:

Embrace your worth, own your power, and let boudoir photography be the catalyst for rediscovering your confidence. Whether you're a photographer charging what you're worth or a woman stepping in front of the camera to celebrate your beauty, remember: you are powerful, you are worthy, and you deserve to feel radiant.

Your Call to Action

Now it’s your turn to step into your power.

• Raise your prices to reflect your worth.

• Own the luxury experience you provide.

• Believe in your work, because if you don’t, no one else will.

Your dream clients are waiting for YOU—the confident, fearless photographer who knows her value. So go out there and own it!

So, why wait? Book your session now with Boudoir by Nikki (@BoudoirByNikki on Instagram) and step into your power. Because beauty isn’t something you “used to have”—it’s something you own right now.

#OwnYourPower #BoudoirPhotography #EmpowermentThroughArt #ChargeYourWorth #ConfidenceInEveryShot #SelfLoveJourney #CelebrateYourself #BeautyInEveryBody #FearlessAndFierce