Meet Manchester-based erotic photographer: pidge

Based in Manchester, pidge is an erotic photographer, with 4 years of experience in the scene. They offer services such as 1-1 photoshoots, group sessions and photography for kink events. Pidge has captured many in the kink community through a celebratory, direct and delightfully fantastical lens. We had a sit down to hear about their personal journey in the world of erotica.

Could you introduce yourself and what you do?

Hi I’m pidge and I’m a 23 year old kink and boudoir photographer based in central Manchester. My main clientele are queer sex workers and artists, although I’m always open to meeting and shooting with new faces and people! I love shooting anything taboo or different.

When I tell people I’m a photographer, they often ask if I shoot weddings and honestly I can’t imagine anything worse. I love how interesting the community that I’ve surrounded myself with is, always presenting new niches and subgenres. You can never learn everything about kink and I love that!

What type of photography services do you provide?

My most popular photography service is one-on-one sessions, typically held in a client’s home or a hotel. I’ve also noticed a growing demand for couples’ shoots, which have become increasingly popular over the past few months.

In addition, I organise large-scale photography meetups and social events for those looking to connect with new clients and expand their network.

I occasionally run group sessions as well, which usually involve 10-15 models and are offered at a discounted rate to make my work more accessible. My studio sessions, while a bit pricier, provide a more refined and personalised experience.

Every month, I also photograph several events, with kink events, sex parties, and queer rave nights being among my most frequent bookings.

What was your journey into this world?

I discovered photography when I was sixteen, initially choosing it as a filler subject in college so I could focus more on art. However, I quickly fell in love with it, especially after realising that the art education system often favours “pretty” art over expressive art. Photography, on the other hand, gave me the freedom to truly express myself.

I attended college in a small town with narrow-minded views, which held me back from fully exploring photography. It wasn’t until I moved to Manchester three years ago that I felt confident enough to dive into this genre. The move came after a breakup with a toxic partner and was a spontaneous decision—my old friend’s roommate had suddenly left, creating an opportunity for me to start fresh.

With no friends in Manchester, I began hosting social events and parties at my apartment to meet new people. Through these gatherings, I was able to grow my client base and network, all from the comfort of my own home. I’m so glad I made the move; it completely changed my life.

How would you describe your approach to photography?

As a young photographer, I’ve encountered many predatory and unprofessional photographers. My goal is to create a safe space for models, capturing them through a femme lens that offers a fresh perspective. I aim to highlight them in a way that reflects how they truly want to be seen.

Can you present one of your favourite photos that you took and explain why it is special to you?

It’s hard to choose a favourite but this shoot I did with Chloe when I travelled to London stands out to me! I love doing outdoor shoots, any excuse to use natural lighting is always so fun. Travelling to shoot is something new to me as I’m such a home bird, and I’m proud of how my last trip to London played out so well. 

Tell us something that you wish more people knew about erotic photography.

I wish more people realised that erotic photography is really about trust and collaboration. It’s an art form where comfort and consent come first.

When done right, it’s about empowering the subject and letting them express themselves in a way that feels natural and freeing. It’s less about being provocative and more about documenting genuine connection and self-expression.

What is your usual process for a shoot from start to finish?

I typically receive bookings through Instagram DMs or email. I’m flexible with people’s budgets and even open to trades, as I aim to make my services as accessible as possible. Once the deposit is paid, we coordinate the time, location, concepts, and styling together.

On the day of the shoot, I usually start by playing a pre-made playlist to set the mood. We then discuss posing concepts in more detail, ensuring the models are comfortable and clear about any boundaries. I often prepare mood boards beforehand, which I share with the model so they can assess what poses their body can replicate.

During the shoot, I suggest different poses, and for any complicated ones, I demonstrate them myself. I break the session into segments based on the number of outfit changes the model has brought.

Towards the end of the shoot, I review the photos with the model, offering them the chance to change or redo any shots. Once the session wraps up, I head home to select and edit the photos. I often apply pre-made presets, favouring warm tones in my work.

I deliver the final images within two weeks via link transfer, and before posting anything on social media, I always check with the models to see which photos they’re comfortable sharing.

Who are your artist inspirations?

A lot of my work is inspired by documentary photographers. I love the style of Vivian Maier and Martin Parr. Some more fashion based and boudoir photographers include Carrianne Older, Petra Collins and Jack Bridgeland! Some people who work more with erotic photography and kink that inspire me include Tony Verdello, Devinn Pierre,  and wandrashoots!

How has your relationship with what you do evolved over time?

In high school I was selectively mute and incredibly awkward; when I started shooting at age sixteen I felt like I had found my purpose and I started learning to be confident in myself.

I’ve met so many wonderful people who inspire me to be exactly who I want to be.

What are your hopes for the future in this world?

I hope to open my own studio, which I’m already fundraising for! I hope to run frequent social events and grow the community around me even further. And I hope to expand to other cities and meet even more amazing people!

Any closing thoughts?

In the modelling and photography industry, trusting your instincts is essential. While I’ve met many incredible people, there are also those who may try to take advantage of the trust and relationships you build with them. If someone crosses your boundaries, don’t hesitate to address it. If they react poorly, it’s often best to distance yourself from them. You deserve to feel comfortable in your workspace, and your intuition is almost always right in these situations.

Discover more about pidge.

Explore more erotic photographers on Sensuali.

Iso

Author

Iso is a writer and filmmaker based in East London. She is passionate about all things erotic and leads a sexy, shame-free life in hope that she can inspire others to do the same. Originally from a Northern seaside town, she is naturally drawn to the best things in life: candyfloss, trashy karaoke bars and heart-shaped sunglasses.

pidge

Author

Pidge is a NSFW, kink and boudoir photographer, based in central Manchester. They have been working in the scene for the past four years and love meeting and working with the UK's most gorgeous and interesting people.