The first documented nude photographs were taken of French women in the 1890s. Boudoir is derived from the French word “bouder,” which means to pout or sulk. Boudoir photography began to flourish during the roaring 20s when photographers would capture risque models in swanky hotel rooms. During this time, most artists who paved the way for this medium were men photographing women from the heterosexual male gaze. Furthermore, intimate photos were regarded as smut due to the sex-negative culture. As a result, nudity in photography was both taboo and illegal. That didn't stop women from mailing their husbands prints from a boudoir photoshoot to keep them company while stationed abroad.

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In the 1940s, boudoir photography was popularised by full-figured beauties and pinup models. Thanks to the sexual liberation movement, the sensual photography niche has become increasingly respected as an artistic practice and a tool for self-empowerment and exploration.

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Today’s boudoir photographers are continuing to break boundaries and make the art form a more inclusive space. One of these artists is Dolly Monroe, a queer pinup model turned boudoir and portrait photographer. Dolly was first inspired by boudoir in her youth. “When I was a teenager there was a resurgence in 1950s retro pinup style which got me looking at images from the past. As a teenager I loved fashion, putting on makeup, and taking photos of myself.”

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In 2015, she started renting studios for professional photoshoots with her friends. Eventually, people began asking her to take photos of them, which motivated her to return to school to study photography techniques to complement her intuitive talent for capturing a scene. While in school, she was the only one of her classmates shooting boudoir photography. “I always leaned towards boudoir and pinup because I love women and nonbinary people. That has always been the focus of my art.” Now, Dolly and her wife have curated a beautiful studio space in a private loft in the east end of Toronto.

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Dolly’s artistic trajectory reflects that of model-turned-photographer Bunny Yeager, who pioneered the change in public perception surrounding erotic photography in the 1950s and 1960s. She is perhaps best known for her photoshoots with Betty Page. “I modelled myself on [Bunny Yeager]. What she was doing was similar [to male photographers] but she knew what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera and what the models want to show, not just what the photographer wants to see.”

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Over the years, Dolly has worked with sex workers, drag performers, burlesque performers, women of all ages and couples. An expert in shibari helped her recreate a Bondage Betty Page group photoshoot. Dolly believes that anyone and everyone can benefit from the enchantment of boudoir photography in a supportive environment. “Within the promotion of my work I try to convey that I work with everyone regardless of their shape, size, gender expression, or ethnicity, so that people know when they walk in that it’s a safe space and no matter what they want to shoot, I am down to work with them to bring their vision to life.”

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Dolly emphasises the importance of having an expansive understanding of beauty. “When you see beauty in all people, you can see the beauty in yourself. I love to follow so many different kinds of people on my social media, people of all shapes, sizes, ages, colours and gender expressions. Surrounding yourself, in life or online, with many different kinds of people allows you to love yourself more.”

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Working with a queer female photographer often puts clients at ease as, calming their fears of ulterior motives or photos falling into the wrong hands, which Dolly has experienced as a model. Unfortunately, creepy cis male photographers are more common than some people think. Dolly makes client comfort a priority, because she knows it can be intimidating to be photographed in a professional setting, especially for the first time. She encourages her clients to bring friends if it makes them feel more comfortable. When working with first-time models, she guides them to get into classic pinup poses that encourage laughter and grounding, helping them to loosen up. She brings out an array of fun props, such as a vintage rotary phone, and consistently provides them with positive feedback to help calm their nerves. By creating a safe, encouraging environment, Dolly helps her clients face their fears and appreciate themselves more fully.

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She encourages her clients to bring their authentic selves to the surface that might otherwise remain hidden. “I allow the individual to take the lead on the costuming, makeup, the setting. I ask them to send photos they like to get the vibe of what they are going for. As much as it is about my perspective as a photographer when I am working with a client, it is so much more about their perspective of themselves. So much about it is about playing, becoming someone that you want to be. It’s a special moment when you get dressed up. You can put on a persona that isn’t your normal persona.”

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Boudoir permits models to step outside the norm to embrace their authentic beauty, often eliciting a sense of joy unlike anything else when they look at the final images. It allows them to see themselves without focusing on the flaws they may otherwise see when looking in the mirror or shopping for clothes. It may be the first time someone sees themselves as truly beautiful—someone you would see on the front of a magazine. For Dolly, curating that experience is the most important thing. “Everything I do in boudoir photography is about self-love.”