Boudoir Photography - Tips and How to Find a Suitable Photographer
Boudoir photography treads the delicate line between glamour photography and fashion portraits. These intimate shots are generally for women. But men are also free to indulge in them to explore another side of their personality.
The main aim of this kind of photoshoot is to bring a sense of sensuality. It's the reason why you'll typically see women wearing only lingerie and making seductive poses in front of the camera.
If you are interested in having a boudoir photoshoot, it is important to plan in advance for it. Since you are not a professional model, you need to educate yourself on the poses that work the best for you.
This article is for both boudoir photographers and people who want to get some sensuous photos. Read on to know how to pull off a great photoshoot and whether you should consider doing it before your wedding.
You'll find ways to discover a good photographer specializing in boudoir photography in your area.
What Is the Meaning of Boudoir Photography?
The word boudoir, as you may have guessed rightly is French. In this language, it means the private dressing room of a woman. So, it’s a kind of intimate and private place that belongs to the woman.
Following this point, boudoir photography is a kind of intimate photography that the person in question takes for their own personal reasons. There’s a crucial difference between this kind of photography and the usual glamour photography.
It's that glamour photography uses professional models who know the art of posing in front of the camera. However, in boudoir photography, the photographer captures intimate shots of average people, who may not know how to pose.
So, the subjects of these photos are likely uncomfortable in front of the camera. It’s the job of the photographer to communicate clearly the poses and direct the boudoir photoshoot appropriately.
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What Is Bridal Boudoir Session and Should You Do One?
Bridal boudoir shoots are a kind of solo photoshoot where you pose sensually and flirtatiously in front of the camera. These kinds of photos aim to evoke an intimate feeling.
So, women usually do it wearing lingerie. Some even go completely naked if they are fine with it. You can have this type of photoshoot some months or a few weeks before your wedding.
This photoshoot can be a great gift or surprise for your partner. Depending on what resonates with you the most, you can have this photoshoot done at a hotel, studio, or even in your own bedroom.
Why Consider Bridal Boudoir shoots?
The most common reason why brides-to-be indulge in this type of photoshoots is to present the final boudoir portraits to their partner as a wedding gift. But there are many more reasons that you can consider getting this photoshoot.
Apart from being a great gift, these photoshoots can be hugely empowering for the woman. Seeing herself in new poses, with far fewer clothes than you normally wear can increase your confidence significantly.
What’s more, these photoshoots will allow you to relax in front of the camera. You will get more comfortable with getting your photos taken in the days leading up to the wedding.
Another great reason to go for this photoshoot is that you will learn to embrace your sensuality. It will help you to shed your hesitation in front of the camera and pose confidently.
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Can Men Take Boudoir Photos?
Male boudoir photos aren’t as common as female ones. Its because sensuality is often associated more with women’s bodies rather than men’s.
However, that’s no reason for men to not indulge in this kind of photoshoot. There are many seductive poses that men can use to get interesting boudoir portraits for themselves.
Below are some tips that every man wanting to indulge in this type of photoshoot can use.
- Be your own self – Every male has a masculine energy that isn’t confined to skin color or body shape. Men naturally have a sensual side to them and it's this side that they should showcase in the photoshoot without sacrificing their true personality.
- It is not mandatory for you to wear lingerie – If you want to pose in lingerie, that’s fine, but it is not mandatory. Things like a nice fitting suit, boxers, or your favourite pair of jeans work equally well.
- Plan your style in advance – It's important to convey to your photographer the style you want to go for. If you are unsure of a specific style, inquire with the photographer about those that will best fit your photo shoot.
- Showcase your interests by bringing in props – Maybe you like lifting dumbbells or maybe you are a fan of football. In such a case, there’s no harm in bringing a pair of dumbbells or a football to be used as a prop. It will only shine a light on your unique personality.
- Get yourself groomed – Before commencing the shoot, it's best to get a new haircut, shave or a massage. It will make you look perfect in the photoshoots and you will find yourself enjoying posing in front of the camera even more.
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What Makes a Successful Boudoir Photoshoot?
Boudoir photography demands a distinct blend of photography skills. It is quite different from glamour or fashion photography.
Boudoir photos display intimacy. So, it needs the photographer to possess robust skills in directing, posing, and conveying what needs to be done by the model or the subject.
You might relate boudoir photoshoots to those having women. But today, males are also posing for boudoir.
Many people are nervous before posing for his kind of photography. But a great photographer knows how o make the feel comfortable. Thus, they can pull off a good photoshoot.
Here are some ways to have a successful boudoir photo shoot.
Prepare for the Photoshoot
It is easy to make mistakes in any kind of boudoir photoshoot which results in tacky photos. You must ensure that your client feels comfortable in front of the camera.
Remember they are sharing an intimate part of their lives. So, you must talk with them beforehand and find out what they want and don’t want.
Communication is the key. The more comfortable the subject feels, the more they will feel excited about the shoot. It is especially crucial when they are posing while wearing lingerie.
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Makeup and Styling
Right makeup and styling can make or break the end result. So, whether it is plus size boudoir photography or a male photoshoot, you need professional stylists.
You must have a system in place for the client to be dressed and groomed by expert makeup and hair professionals. Otherwise, you’ll have to bear the blame for bad photos by your clients.
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Gear for the Boudoir Photoshoot
The place of the shoot also plays a massive role in finding suitable gear. Find the space availability and lighting options.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is pretty appropriate for boudoir photography. They have a big aperture and let you click highly detailed and dreamy pictures of the client.
You can also work with a 50 mm lens. But don’t go beyond that.
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Boudoir Photography Outfits
It is best to have a vast wardrobe so your clients can get several boudoir photo ideas. Wardrobe choices are influenced by the stylistic preferences of people.
Apart from that, hair, makeup, lighting, and posing may also affect what the client wants to wear. Ideally, outfits that aren’t too ornate or busy work well.
Today, lingerie isn’t the only outfit for a great boudoir photoshoot. Go through these stunning boudoir outfit ideas that’ll help your client achieve a sexy and classy look.
- Black bodysuit
- Oversized sweater over a lacy panty and bra
- Classic corset for simple bridal boudoir shoots
- Bathrobe for a sexy yet fresh look.
- Silk strip dress with thin straps
- White boyfriend tee with tousled hair and natural makeup.
- Button up shirt that provides extra coverage to add confidence
- Kimono robe for a feminine boudoir photoshoot
If you are gearing up for bridal boudoir photoshoots, you can wear fishnet stockings, lingerie, engagement ring, and jewellery. These items will make the photoshoot more authentic
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How Do You Pose in Boudoir Photography?
If you are just starting out, it will make sense to read about some boudoir photography tips that include classic poses. To gain more inspiration about the poses, you can look at images from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanticism.
Here are some poses for the clients.
- If the model is wearing a shirt or a cardigan, she can pull the fabric firmly around her body to highlight her curves. From there, you can click pictures from various angles.
2. The model can lie on her back with knees slightly bent. Her feet must be together. You can direct her to extend one of the legs without fully straightening it.
3. A classic boudoir photography pose is to make the model lie on her side. If she lies with her bottom leg straight, it will emphasize her curves. You can also ask her to be on her elbow with one hand in her hair.
4. Irrespective of whether the model is curvy or slender, you can take a shot of her posterior part. For it, the model should face away from the camera at an angle. You can also ask the model to pop her bottom back and tilt her pelvis.
Always remember that less is more in these kinds of photoshoots. Here, less means using fewer props.
After clicking the photos, you can edit them, and smoothen out the skin, wrinkles, or blemishes.
You should include photo retouching in your pricing package.
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How to Find a Local Boudoir Photographer?
Finding the best photographer depends mainly on your needs and preferences. Here are some useful tips to commence your hunt.
- Search intelligently – Search terms like ‘boudoir photography near me’ or ‘Best boudoir photography in (your city)’ work well to yield you the websites of many professional photographers who specialize in it.
- Review the social media presence – After narrowing down boudoir photographers in your local area, head over to their social media pages. They will have stabled Facebook and Instagram pages.
- Check the review – Now you can read the reviews on the photographer’s Google business page. There will also be reviews on their Yelp and Facebook pages from their previous clients.
- Look through their portfolio – Now scan the photographer’s work. You’ll gain a sense of their aesthetic, the lighting they use and the mood their pictures evoke.
- Chat with the photographer – Now it's time to meet the photographer and ask them about their studio space if they provide hair and makeup and other add-on services. This is a good time to ask about their boudoir photography cost.
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Final Words
Boudoir photography is a great way to express your love and affection toward your body. In India, it is rapidly gaining popularity.
It is a good option for both men and women to unravel a new part of their personality, and find what poses look flattering on them.
This article will certainly help you decide whether you want to give it a shot. If you do, then use the tips to have a successful photo shoot.
