What is a boudoir photoshoot and why should you do one

Ever heard of Boudoir Photography? Until a year ago I hadn’t.

What is a boudoir photoshoot and why should you do one

What is a boudoir photoshoot?

Boudoir photography usually refers to a photoshoot that leads to sophisticated, erotic pictures. Definitely not talking about pornography or full nudity here.

The focus is on creating suggestive, atmospheric pictures -often meant as a teaser for the (future) husband- in which the woman (the client) looks her best and sexiest.

Many women not only see it as a present for their husband, but also as a beautiful souvenir for later, when they are way older, to look back and think: “Wow, I was quite a stunner back then!”.

How does it work?

Last year I had the privilege to be allowed to witness a boudoir photoshoot. The woman in question was okay with me being there, as long as I would assure her anonymity. I had to make sure that she was unrecognisable. That’s why you don’t see her face in any of the pictures in this post.

We arrived early morning at the studio of the photographer.

It was a female photographer, as most boudoir photographers are, since most clients are female and feel more at ease being scarcely dressed in front of a woman than in front of a strange man.

The model suffered from a sudden allergy attack. She sneezed the whole time and her nose was red.

The photographer showed professionalism by sending one of her assistants out to a drugstore to get anti-allergy meds and insisting that the client took them immediately.

Then a lengthy process of preparations started.

Hair and make-up were done by a make-up artist.

Preparing the model.

Props and lingerie were spread out on the bed.

The light and setting were checked and rechecked.

Checking the lights.

In the meantime, the photographer engaged in a chat with the model, trying to make her feel relaxed and comfortable.

The photographer on the left, the model in the middle, the hair and make up artist on the right.

How does the actual shoot go

Then the actual shoot began.

The first half hour to hour was used to help the model loosen up, show pose tricks to her and try out things.

One of the pointers the photographer gave her, was to always ‘break’ your body/spine. Meaning that creating curved lines in your body while you pose, makes pictures more exciting and interesting.

Bend that body, break the lines.

It was a long session ; I think it took 4 to 5 hours.

Taking a break while the model has her pictures taken .

What do you get

Let me tell you: boudoir pictures don’t come cheap.

You pay for a package, which includes the shoot, a number of pictures and a photo book.

Be prepared to pay at least a couple thousand dollars.

Should you get your own boudoir pictures ?

I have to say that witnessing this shoot gave me a positive idea about boudoir photography.

This photographer was very professional. She knew about posing. And she was able to make the woman in question feel at ease.

She reassured her during the whole shoot. Telling her how beautiful she was and how she would only take pictures that would make her look her very best.

“But I’m 40plus!”

I’m convinced that this photographer -or any other good boudoir photographer- can make beautiful, sexy pictures from anyone. She/they will adapt to the woman’s body, age, insecurities, strong points and wishes. Cover up more, use different positions or angles, use different light.

So don’t let your age or body hold you back!

“For whom would I do this?”

You can choose to do it as a gift to your husband, boyfriend or lover. But you can also choose to do a boudoir shoot as a gift to yourself. To have an album that you can come back to throughout the years to look at what a hottie you once were.

And if you’re very vain/narcissistic open and comfortable with your body, you can of course show the album to your whole family and all of your friends. You could even put it on FaceBook! Hahaha…

How to choose your boudoir photographer

1. check out portfolios of 3 to 5 different boudoir photographers:
   -are they a good photographer?
   -do you like their style?
   -what location(-s) or studio do they use?
2. after your initial research, narrow down what you are looking for:
   -black and white, or colour?
   -how photoshopped, softened or glammed up do you want your pictures?
   -do you want to look romantic, sensual, erotic or sexy?
3. compare prices and packages; don’t forget to look closely at terms and conditions. What is included and what’s not. What add-ons are possible?
4. shortlist three photographers
5. call them to make inquiries and arrange a meeting (no strings attached).
6. go well-prepared to the meetings. Write down your questions. Ask all you want to know. See how the communication goes. Do you feel comfortable with the photographer? Do you have a click?
7. pick your boudoir photographer

Good luck!

Have you ever done a shoot like this? Would you consider it?