So you've decided you want to get some boudoir photos done.  Whether for you (its always for you) or for a gift (which is really for you), you want to be comfortable with the photographer you're taking your clothes off with.  Err...for.  Mine stay on.

First thing you need to decide is male or female.  

This is really a personal choice.  You should also consider your significant other's feelings on the matter.  I know some guys who would not be happy with their SO and a male photographer.  So start there.  Men and women are going to have very different perspectives of you.  Neither are wrong, simply different.

Now, your budget.

Like everything, there's a WIDE expanse of price points.  Examine your potential photographer's portfolio closely and ensure there is consistency among what they are showing.  Also be sure you understand what is included in your session.  Some photographers include hair and makeup.  Others sell images separately.  Read the details carefully and ask questions if you are unsure.  I'd rather get asked a ton of questions upfront than have an unhappy client after the fact.

Are you two peas in a pod?

Read through the photogs website and social media.  Do they sound like someone you'd be comfortable with?  You don't have to be besties and you don't have to agree with everything but you should at least feel like you can get through a drink together without a ton of weird silence.

Is the style you want?

Some photographers are light & airy shooters.  Other's are dark & moody.  Some like color, some like black & white.  Again, check out your prospective photogs portfolio.  If you love the light, bright images and their portfolio is filled with moody dark images you will probably walk away unhappy.  Do you like superposed images or something a little more fluid?  Full body or lots of detail?  Do your research.

What happens to your images?

I honestly don't know a photographer who has a hard and fast rule on client image usage*.  For example, I have all my clients fill out a privacy policy that outlines what images I can use and where I can use them.  Some are cool with all their images used anywhere, others only want non-identifiable images on my website.  I understand that sometimes you might want to spread your joy far and wide but maybe your job doesn't really allow for that.  Or maybe this is a special gift for your spouse and you only want him to see.  Understand the usage of your images.

(*many photographers will run model calls or portfolio updates where they offer a complimentary or discount session in exchange for use of your images.  Again, read the details.)