Bio
Shawn Black is an internationally award-winning boudoir photographer, educator, author, and industry advocate based just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. As the owner of Couture Black and President of the Association of International Boudoir Photographers (AIBP), Shawn has spent more than a decade helping redefine what boudoir photography can be. Known for his dramatic lighting, editorial style, and wall art focused approach to image creation, Shawn has become one of the most recognized voices in the boudoir genre. His work has been featured in leading industry publications including Rangefinder and Professional Photographer Magazine, and his images have earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
While creating impactful imagery remains his first passion, Shawn has long believed that the growth of the genre depends on education, community, and advocacy. That belief led him to acquire AIBP in 2021, giving him the opportunity to further elevate, educate, and support photographers around the world. Through AIBP and his own educational programs, Shawn has taught at many of the photography industry's premier events, including WPPI, Imaging USA, ShutterFest, ClickCon, Exposure Europe Conference, the AIBP Retreat, as well as countless workshops and private mentorship programs. Shawn's influence extends beyond the stage and classroom. He has partnered with many of the photography industry's leading brands, including 17hats, Aftershoot, Geekoto, Pro Prints, Fundy, Evoto, Cheetah Stand, and BabyDream Backdrops.
His contributions to the industry have earned him recognition as AIBP's Photographer to Watch in 2017 and Photographer of the Year in 2019, along with numerous additional honors from organizations and publications throughout the world. At the heart of everything Shawn does is a simple belief: boudoir is for everyBODY. Whether working with clients, mentoring photographers, or advocating for the genre, his mission remains the same as it was when Couture Black was founded fourteen years ago: helping people see themselves differently and embrace who they are with confidence. #BeBoldBeSexyBeYou Because the most important part has always been Be You
