Boudoir Photography - is this a sin?

[PatriceA]

No, I would not feel comfortable with this, nor would I photograph a same-sex marriage. I think there are a lot of “what-ifs” that could asked of any businessperson that would have them question their morals. I think those situations would be addressed as needed otherwise we could go crazy drafting contracts on to whom or what services we would offer.

I suppose my biggest issue with this isn’t about my photographing the women, but how the images will be used (or otherwise abused). But JackieMom has a good point:

But as a business owner, especially a new business owner, you absolutely do have to think of the “what ifs”. And yes those situation can be asked of any businessperson and make them question their morals. But better to know what you are willing and not willing to do in your line of work before you are presented with a potentially troubling situation.

As for you saying you would advertise by “word of mouth”, if I was a potential customer for the boudoir photos, I would wonder if you were ashamed of your product or were doing something immoral that you couldn’t publicly advertise your services, all your services. Same if I wasn’t seeking out the boudoir photos and only wanted a family type photo, and I might possibly consider using a photographer that doesn’t do the boudoir setting because I would wonder why you couldn’t be upfront about all you provide.

 

[Vtbunny]

But as a business owner, especially a new business owner, you absolutely do have to think of the “what ifs”. And yes those situation can be asked of any businessperson and make them question their morals. But better to know what you are willing and not willing to do in your line of work before you are presented with a potentially troubling situation.

As for you saying you would advertise by “word of mouth”, if I was a potential customer for the boudoir photos, I would wonder if you were ashamed of your product or were doing something immoral that you couldn’t publicly advertise your services, all your services. Same if I wasn’t seeking out the boudoir photos and only wanted a family type photo, and I might possibly consider using a photographer that doesn’t do the boudoir setting because I would wonder why you couldn’t be upfront about all you provide.

What if a cashier at CVS was asked to ring up condoms? What if a pharmacist was asked to dispense birth control? I certainly understand where you are coming from, and I guess that is why I am here on the forum, to gain information and to question myself on ‘is this really a good/bad thing’? While I don’t think the service I am provided is sinful, the intent in which the portraits are being used and for whom is my concern.

I have been in business for over 3 years and 95% of my clients are word of mouth (referrals). I do advertise for my family portraiture - such as blogging my photos, posting updates on Facebook, etc for the purpose of displaying my work for potential clients to see. I am not saying I wouldn’t publicly advertise my boudoir photography, but I don’t feel the need to plaster sensual photographs over the web or on promotional material to get business. I would feel comfortable leaving business cards at an establishment or having a website with information and a few photos that my previous clients have agreed to share so that potential clients could see my work. But boudoir photography and family portraiture are two separate markets and offerings. There are many photographers I know of that provide both services and they are always kept separate. Similarly a photographer who photographs both weddings and portraits typically keeps their advertising and websites different for each offering. It isn’t ‘full disclosure’ but I would never be ashamed to share what type of services I offered if they inquired.

 

[monicatholic]

I agree with the many other post-makers who assert there may be no objective, vivid line here, though i find the catechism quotes MORE compelling than the casual observations.

despite the CCC quotes, though, maybe this really is a question of prudence and discretion.

but… … …

if one considers just how many ways (some have been mentioned) this sort of thing could easily go off the rails, this endeavor could easily earn a solid place in the “occasion to sin” category. perhaps this wouldnt be true for every client, but it would be true for enough of them. prudence would strongly suggest: skip it.

***subjectively, ***though, my choice would be much easier than all the above consideration. i hate pornography. pornography hijacks the astonishing, fantastic awesomenss of marital sex and turns it into something ugly-- something that hurts people, ruins minds, distorts vision and blackens hearts. why then, would i, in turn, hijack the means and mode of pornography (i.e. sexual suggestion exhibited in photography or on film) to enhance my husband’s sexual arousal? i wouldn’t. if i want to make my husband’s experience of our intimacy better, i’m not going to mimic means that have proven so destructive to so many.

therefore, i wouldn’t do it for a living, either.