A selection from early and recent work by Belgian art photographer Pé Pieters

We had the pleasure of interviewing a talented boudoir and fine art photographer whose work honors the timeless beauty of the human form in a tasteful and artistic way. Throughout the interview, they shared their journey from graphic design to photography, how they approach working with models to create a comfortable and empowering atmosphere, and what inspires their creative process. Their thoughtful answers reveal a passion for capturing raw elegance while challenging conventions with authenticity and style.

1. What does boudoir photography mean to you?

In my opinion, so-called ‘boudoir’ is a tasteful and stylish evolution in any art form that honours the oldest art subject ever: celebrating the beauty of a woman.

2. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a boudoir / fine art photographer? What got you started?

As a self-employed graphic designer, I noticed my customers largely drew up the lines for me. My creative input remained limited within the lines of the ordered concept. So this style of photography came as an artistic outlet to avoid bleeding dry creatively.

3. What kind of creative process is there behind your photography?

I try to create a setting where the model seems to be an unsuspecting part of it. I don’t have a set procedure or anything. Sometimes the idea came from the model, sometimes it is a location that automatically determines a theme... I do try to exchange a moodboard with the model in advance, so that it becomes clear what atmosphere I want to achieve. 

4. How do you communicate with a client or model you’ve just met to make them comfortable for boudoir / nude photography?

By not focussing on the nudity. Shifting the emphasis from what we are doing to the result. Working towards an atmosphere in which it seems the most normal thing in the world. Because actually, that's exactly what it is.

5. How would you describe your photography style?

Unabashed, averse to most conventions”. But in which the aesthetic and tasteful always prevail over the vulgar, I hope.

6. What type of cameras do you shoot with and what other gear do you use to create your work?

I work exclusively with a Canon digital SLR and usually only have one lens with me, an 18-135mm. I may be an anti-advertisement for the aspiring photographer. I don’t use expensive lamps, I have an affordable camera and only one lens, haha.

I make my difference in post-production. I mostly convert my work in Photoshop with a custom curve that is not completely monochrome, but has a very slightly sepia undertone. It gives a delicately deeper shade. I must also confess that I often give the model a little more contrast or lighten it than the background.

7. Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

That’s a difficult question, it’s like choosing your favourite child. 

But images in which a naked model appears in an environment where you do not expect it at all, and yet it seems as if it is the most normal thing that it fits in; that is my preference.

8. What is the most difficult part of being a nude art photographer for you?

That a naked body is still automatically linked to sexuality for many people. I don’t understand that myself. Nude is perhaps one of the oldest subjects in art that has ever existed. Why there are still misunderstandings about this today is a mystery to me.

By the way, I have the feeling that people have become more prudish than when I was younger. What happened to the naked hippies of the 1960s? Where are the free spirited women of the 70’s? The free and cheerful topless sunbathing ladies on the beach in the eighties?

Perhaps prudishness has returned through the visual culture of advertising and (now social) media who portrayed the human body too ideal for too long. And that people no longer dare to show themselves as they are?

In any case, I always try to present the nude in a tasteful and respectful way in my work. And if you want to see a sexual dimension to that... well, I think that does say more about the viewer than about the photographer.

9. What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you?

Just like any other creative or artistic person, I would say the satisfaction that comes from positive and admiring reactions from your audience.

10. Just for fun, if you could shoot in any location, what would it be?

Any location where one does not expect a nude model to appear is tempting. So if it’s a crazy dream, why not say right in front of the Statue of Liberty? How strong would that make the statement of freedom?

Damn, now that you make me think of it; let’s put that one on my bucket list haha!