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Look into boudoir photography when you want to feel glamorous and showcase your intimate side for your next photo shoot. “Boudoir” is a French word for a woman’s private sitting room.

Boudoir photography is a photo session meant to exhibit the more sensual side of an individual’s personality. Some celebrities who have had boudoir photo shoots include Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, and Katy Perry, to name a few.

Understanding Boudoir Photography

When people hear about a boudoir photo shoot, the first thing that comes to mind is “sexy photos.” However, engaging in a boudoir experience is more than that – it’s all about empowering, accepting, celebrating, and loving yourself. Many choose to have a boudoir session as part of their journey to self-awareness.

Since boudoir photography is about intimacy and sensuality, it’s common to see subjects posing in their lingerie or revealing outfits. In most cases, these subjects are not professional models.

As such, an experienced boudoir photographer must direct the poses to capture the essence of the shoot. Photographers must also be sensitive when retouching boudoir photographs as they can inadvertently misrepresent their subjects.

Different Styles of Boudoir Photography

Just as people express themselves in various ways, there are many different styles of boudoir photography. Here are some types you can offer as part of your photography business.

Traditional

Traditional boudoir photography is the typical photo shoot where the subject strikes seductive poses as if they’re teasing the camera. However, the poses aren’t enough to be considered erotic. Often, the session takes place in a bedroom with soft lighting to highlight the intimacy. The subject will most likely wear lingerie. They may go nude if they’re comfortable in their skin.

Glamour/Elegant

A glamour or elegant shoot is when your subjects want to feel like professional models for a day. This type of boudoir photography showcases the subject’s best features, including their charm and sex appeal.

Photographers use bright colours and natural lighting to highlight the subject’s natural beauty for glam shoots. Outfits can range from fully-clothed sessions to more revealing ones.

Dramatic

A dramatic boudoir emphasizes the form and emotional aspects of the subject and the surroundings. While there’s a hint of erotica, the main focus is capturing the artistic portraiture.

Aside from the unusual poses, it’s also critical for photographers to know how to use unconventional or low lighting techniques.

Playful

Playful boudoir photoshoots are standard for brides-to-be when they want to gift something frisky to their partners. These sessions can reveal a subject’s flirtatious side, which helps them inject their personality.

In a playful boudoir photo shoot, the subject has more flexibility to give vent to their silliness and playfulness. An experienced photographer will encourage them to smile and tease.

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Important Tips for a Successful Boudoir Shoot

Since a boudoir shoot isn’t like a regular photo session, here are some things to prepare before the big day:

Familiarize yourself with the subject before the shoot

Capturing these intimate photos starts with having a good rapport with your subject. Get to know them before they step in front of the camera to begin a boudoir photo shoot.

Have a quick chat with them to gauge if they have style preferences. Ask about their comfort level with the intimate nature of the photos. Their answers can help you direct their poses and the choice of wardrobe.

Connecting with them will help you choose the best type of boudoir shoot to set up. It will also help subjects get to know you, making them less awkward during the session. You want them to have the best experience and feel comfortable in their skin.

Prepare your subject for their boudoir photography session

For most, it will be their first time entering a boudoir studio. As such, the environment may feel strange to them. It will help if you can educate them on what to expect.

Encourage them to pamper themselves. Subjects can schedule a waxing session or massage to relax their muscles. Advise them to do activities to help them calm their nerves and boost their confidence.

However, ensure you inform your subjects not to use any spray tanning products before the shoot. It will give their skin an unattractive orange tinge in the photos.

Let your photo subjects choose and prepare several outfits to give them a sense of control. Remind them to try them on before the shoot and remove any tags or inside labels.

Make your subject feel comfortable

The key to a successful boudoir photography session is how comfortable they feel. If the subjects feel shy, they may be less open to trying different poses that will exude their sensuality. You can ease them into more intimate poses by making them do some glam shots first.

You may suggest a trial session with their make-up artist to find what works for them. This will lessen the prep time before the actual shoot. You may also show them boudoir photos they can use as references for poses.

While most boudoir photography showcase lingerie and underwear, experimenting with wardrobe is also ideal. If your subject isn’t comfortable with lingerie, you can suggest a glam outfit with a sheer t-shirt.

Pick an appropriate location for the boudoir session

Depending on the boudoir session you plan, the location plays a huge role. While the bedroom is the most common location, you and your subject can agree on other areas. If the concept calls for it, you and your subject can hold the photo shoot in the bathroom or kitchen. Essentially, the shoot can occur anywhere that the subject can feel sensual.

When picking the location, always factor in the lighting. Working with natural light is always best. It would help if you could position your subject next to a window. Natural lighting softens the image, and a good play with shadows adds another layer of intimacy.

Choose poses that highlight your subject’s assets

Boudoir photography is about capturing the subject’s sensual side, which can reflect in the poses. As a photographer, learning how to pose models according to the mood of the photo shoot. This means knowing the poses that highlight your subject’s body parts and personality.

For example, you can take a close-up shot of the small of their back without showing their face. Not only does the tight shot add drama, but it also shows off their assets.

Remember, posing the subject in boudoir photography is equally crucial as composing the shot. It’s not unusual to come across a model who finds the camera intimidating. This awkwardness can reflect in their rigid poses and forced smiles.

Learning to direct your model in a photo shoot can help boost their confidence.

Use (and control) natural light for your boudoir shoot

The use of natural lighting is common in boudoir photography. Most photographers want to capture sultry images, which they further enhance with natural lighting. As mentioned, natural lighting imbues the subjects with a softness that artificial lighting does not.

However, using natural light also has its disadvantages. Unlike artificial lighting, it’s uncontrollable. During the shoot, the sun may move into unflattering angles. Additionally, you only have a limited time frame to work with it. You and your model will need to adjust accordingly.

Take High-Quality Boudoir Photographs With Contrastly

You can make use of several techniques to capture award-winning boudoir images. However, remember that it’s about taking your subject out of their comfort zone. Whether they do it alone or with a significant other, your goal is to allow their sensuality to come out. This is where your skills will come in. If you do your job well, your images may earn a place as bedroom wall art.

Learn more about boudoir photography through Contrastly today! Improve your photography skills and get valuable insights from picture-taking enthusiasts worldwide through our website.

FAQs on Boudoir Photography

Do models have to wear lingerie for a boudoir shoot?

No. A boudoir shoot goes beyond the wardrobe. It allows the subject to establish a good relationship with their body and self. Subjects can choose to wear denim pants paired with a sheer top. Experienced boudoir photographers direct the model in poses that will achieve the desired mood.

Why should I have a boudoir session?

A boudoir session can be a way to indulge yourself in boosting your self-esteem and confidence. When daily life becomes boring, a boudoir shoot allows you to pamper yourself. It gives you an excellent reason to buy sexy lingerie for yourself.

What are the benefits of boudoir photography?

Boudoir photography encourages you to appreciate yourself more. It’s about empowerment and self-love. This much-needed boost in self-image can have long-term benefits that can spill over to different aspects of your life. It gives you the chance to be who you are, not what others think you should be. Boudoir photography lets you embrace your authentic self.