When I found out I was named one of the Top Black Boudoir Photographers in the U.S. by The Coterie Noir, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. But what truly moved me were the words from the people who nominated me.

This blog is for them. For you. For anyone who's ever wondered if they could be seen, celebrated, and photographed without shame or performance.

As a boudoir photographer in Washington DC serving Maryland and Northern Virginia, I always say boudoir is about more than pictures. It's about being witnessed in your full power. And when I read these anonymous nominations, I was reminded exactly why I do what I do.

Because this work is about more than poses and lighting. It’s about helping you free yourself from unrealistic standards, reclaim your worthiness when the world tries to minimize it, and escape the trap of impossible comparisons that keep so many of us from celebrating the bodies and lives we already have.

They Said I Made Them Feel 'Imperfectly Perfect'

“Nicole’s ability to make a client feel so confident and comfortable in her own skin... I would call it feeling 'imperfectly perfect.' She has the ability to make you accept yourself as you are and see your own beauty, inside and out."

That phrase hit me hard. Because so many of the women I work with come in feeling like they have to fix something before they can celebrate themselves. But the truth is, there’s nothing to fix. Boudoir is the celebration, not the reward for reaching perfection.

Whether you're booking your boudoir shoot for a birthday, anniversary, or simply because you're ready to see yourself differently, the magic is in allowing yourself to show up as you are.

They Chose Me Because of My Mission: Empowerment at Every Size

“I chose Nicole because her social media promotes women empowerment and loving yourself, no matter the size. She often sends encouraging messages or asks questions to get you to think about your own personal qualities and how to better appreciate yourself."

Empowerment is not just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. Through every story I share, every behind-the-scenes clip, every post-session client reaction, I want women to feel seen. That’s why I photograph women of every size, shape, and shade.

If you’re searching for plus-size boudoir, mature boudoir photography, or inclusive boudoir sessions near me, know that my space was built with you in mind.

When we talk about freeing yourself, this is what we mean. Freeing yourself from the pressure to shrink. Freeing yourself from only seeing your value in numbers or milestones. This is the kind of self-expression that changes how you see yourself—on and off camera.

They Appreciated My Vulnerability, Too

“Nicole is often vulnerable and candid about her own struggles and posts photographs of herself, which made me feel as a potential client that if she can do it, I can give it a try too."

That’s real. Boudoir requires vulnerability. So I believe it’s only right that I bring my full self to the table, too. I show up. I share the awkward and the empowering. I’ve been in front of the camera and know exactly how intimidating it can feel.

My hope is that by sharing my own story, I give you permission to embrace yours.

Because your story matters. Your body is enough. And your confidence doesn’t have to wait until you reach some invisible finish line. Worthiness is not a reward—it’s your baseline.

Behind the scenes of a confidence-boosting boudoir session with Nicole Griffin Photography — *“Her work speaks of inclusivity, beauty, allure, and fun in ways many women of color don’t always see themselves portrayed."*

They Felt Seen as Women of Color

This was one of the most meaningful pieces of feedback for me. Representation behind the lens matters, but so does the experience of being in front of it.

My boudoir photography studio in DC is rooted in making Black women, women of color, plus-size women, queer women, moms, neurodivergent women, all women, feel centered, respected, and powerful.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in comparison or erased by beauty standards, this is your invitation to come home to yourself. You don’t have to look like anyone else. This session isn’t about conforming. It’s about unlearning impossible comparisons so you can see what’s already beautiful and whole.

They Felt Supported From Start to Finish

“Working with Nicole meant I received quality boudoir images, but that I was supported, validated, and cherished before, during, and after my session."

That right there is everything. I don’t want you to just love your photos. I want you to love how you felt while taking them. My process includes:

Full pre-session prep tools like a boudoir outfits checklist and posing tips
A prepayment plan that makes luxury accessible through biweekly or monthly payments
A session flow designed to be collaborative, calming, and confidence-boosting
A reveal appointment that feels like a celebration, not a critique

Because this isn’t just about one session. It’s about giving you tools you can carry into the rest of your life.

Body-positive boudoir photography in DC studio for plus-size Black woman — “This was the first time I felt truly safe and celebrated in front of a camera. Nicole guided me with so much care and intention. I left feeling more like myself than I have in years.” — Ms. A.

“I booked this session thinking I was just going to take sexy photos for my husband. What I got was healing, joy, and a new voice in my head saying, “You’re enough.” - Mrs. S.
“I had been searching for affordable boudoir photography near me and stumbled upon Nicole. I can’t believe the value I received for what this experience gave me. This wasn’t just a shoot—it was transformation.” — Ms. J.

Want to Book with a Photographer Who Gets It?

If you’ve been Googling terms like:

boudoir photography DC
boudoir for Black women
plus size boudoir photographer Maryland
best boudoir near me
body-positive photography Washington DC

... you’ve found her.

I’m currently booking through December 2026, and my prepayment plans make it easy to secure your date now with smaller, manageable payments.

Ready to feel imperfectly perfect? Ready to be seen without apology? Ready to free yourself, reclaim your worthiness, and let go of impossible comparisons?

Let’s talk.

Click here to book your session

Thank you to every single person who nominated me. This isn’t just my win, it’s ours!