What This Moment Means to Me
Every now and then, something happens that makes you stop, breathe, and realize—this is bigger than me.
I recently had the honor of being named one of the Top Black Boudoir Photographers in the United States by The Coterie Noir, a national platform that celebrates and elevates Black women in boudoir photography. You can read my full feature here and watch my interview below.
If I’m being honest, it wasn’t easy to accept this honor at first. I don’t take compliments easily. That moment of recognition made me reflect on something I see in my clients every day—how hard it is for us as women, especially Black women, to fully receive the good. Someone tells you you’re beautiful, and you deflect. Someone says you’re doing amazing, and you downplay it.
So many of my clients struggle with this exact thing. You book your boudoir session, and then the questions come: “Am I doing too much?” “What if I don’t look like those other women?” “What if I’m not enough?”
I get it. I’ve lived it. And this moment reminded me why I do this work—to help women actually receive their own power.
Why This Means So Much
When I started Nicole Griffin Photography, I set out to create something that felt honest, liberating, and deeply affirming for women who’ve been told they’re too much or not enough. Women who never saw themselves reflected in magazines. Women who’ve carried shame about their bodies. Women who wanted to feel powerful but didn’t know how to get there.
I didn’t want to just take beautiful images—I wanted to create a space where women could reclaim themselves.
To be honored on a list that centers and uplifts Black women in this industry means everything, because it affirms the very heart of my work.
Representation matters. Safety matters. Healing matters.
And we deserve to be seen—not just by others, but by ourselves.
What Sets My Studio Apart
At Nicole Griffin Photography, boudoir is not just a photoshoot. It’s an experience grounded in transformation. From the moment you inquire to the moment you hold your album in your hands, I’m thinking about your story, your confidence, your comfort, and your capacity to rise.
Clients searching for “boudoir photography pricing,” “boudoir pictures near me,” or “boudoir photo shoot props” often land here because they’re looking for more than just a photo—they’re looking for a feeling. A breakthrough. A moment they can keep forever.
The Impact of This Honor
This recognition gives me the opportunity to reach even more women—especially Black women—who are looking for a space to come home to themselves. It also allows me to raise awareness about how important it is for women of color to feel safe in front of the camera.
Because boudoir isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being seen without conditions.
Without editing yourself. Without apology. Without the pressure to conform.
As a Black woman in this industry, I know the power of visibility. I know what it feels like to wonder if a space is meant for you. And I’m proud to say: my space is.
A Few Words from My Clients
To Every Woman Reading This
Whether you’ve been thinking about booking a session, or you’re still not sure if you’re ready—I see you. I know how much courage it takes to put yourself first. To look at yourself with softness. To allow someone else to witness your beauty without shame.
You don’t have to wait for permission. You don’t have to wait for the perfect time. You’re allowed to celebrate yourself right now.
And if you’re ready, I would be honored to hold that space for you.
Click here to book your session
Thank you to The Coterie Noir for this incredible honor. And thank you to every woman who’s ever stepped in front of my camera. You are the reason I do this work.
Let’s keep rewriting the narrative—together.
