📷What is Boudoir photography? [2021]

What do you feel when you take a photo? Do you feel beautiful, sensual, proud of who you are and how you look? Well, the Boudoir photography exalts those sensations to the fullest.

You may think that boudoir photos are just the product of a lingerie photoshoot, however, not all lingerie photos are boudoir art.

Do not worry if you do not understand what boudoir photography consists of, because, in this blogpost, we will tell you everything you need to know about it.

Prepare your best poses and let’s get started 📸!

What is boudoir photography?

To understand what boudoir photography is, we have to go back a little bit in time and define the meaning of boudoir.

Literally, the meaning of boudoir is dresser or living room. Today it may not mean anything to you, but in the days of the French court, the boudoir was a space intended for intimate conversations of the ladies. That is, the space where the woman touches herself and talks with other women.

In boudoir photography, the conception of this intimate feminine space is taken to transform it into a type of artistic expression that reflects beauty and sensuality.

Boudoir photography is one of the types of photography that focuses on highlighting the sensuality and beauty of women in an elegant way under an artistic perspective.

Source: Arten Labunsky / Unsplash

What is boudoir photography like?

Now that you know what boudoir photography means, you must be wondering what boudoir photography is like.

As we already said elegance and sensuality is elemental in boudoir photos. However, for some people, it can be easy to mistake a lingerie photoshoot for boudoir photography.

Although boudoir photography uses sexy accessories and clothing, there is a fine line that differentiates it from nude photography or other more suggestive photography.

Boudoir photography is not about showing the body just why, nor is it directed at men, since it is about elegantly hint at female beauty in order for the woman to connect with her body and inner beauty.

It is a type of photography of women for women, to show themselves with pride to their surroundings. Self-acceptance can be a difficult battle to win and boudoir photography means a change of perception of the body and acceptance of beauty.

Source: Michael Mcauliff / Unsplash

Characteristics of boudoir photography

At this point, you may be wondering what characteristics boudoir photographs have. One of them, as you already know, is elegance.

To achieve the sensual photography that boudoir art seeks, there are distinctive elements such as the costumes, the location, the lighting and the care with which the boudoir photographer works.

What clothes are used in boudoir photography?

In a boudoir photo shoot it is very important to show a large part of the body, which is why fine lingerie is used more frequently. Nevertheless, it is not strictly necessary to wear lingerie.

Other garments that highlight the sensuality of the figure, such as bodys, corsets, garters, shirts, jackets, and even blankets, sheets or objects.

It is important not to forget that the clothes or accessories to choose along with the poses for boudoir photography should express a sensual, intimate and elegant environment.

Source: Martín López / Unsplash

Where can I take boudoir photos?

Although the meaning of boudoir is boudoir, it does not mean that boudoir photographs are only taken on boudoirs. Actually, any location that inspire a sense of intimacy.

However, the ideal location for a boudoir photo shoot is a luxurious hotel room or suite. Also, boudoir photography can be done in a bedroom of a private house or a country house.

Some boudoir photographers will even be able to set up a bedroom inside a photo studio. The important thing when taking any type of photography is to be creative!

Source: Dainis Graveris / Unsplash

How to do a boudoir photo shoot?

Now that you know more about boudoir photography, we can go on to talk a little more about how to do boudoir photography and what are the steps to carry out this type of art.

As you already know, boudoir photography uses sensual accessories, natural lighting, soft and delicate atmospheres, and simple, but intimate environments.

All this is aimed at the woman know, enjoy and enhance the beauty of your body, as well as your way of being through sensual photography.

It is important that the woman who is going to do the boudoir photography session feels comfortable with her boudoir photographer. Trust and respect should always prevail between the two of you to avoid discomfort or problems.

If you want to see step by step how a boudoir photoshoot unfolds, check this behind the scenes.

Elements to make a boudoir photo shoot

How to make boudoir photos? There is no sequence of steps or general rules to follow, as each photographer has his or her personal vision of what boudoir photography should be like.

But it must be taken into account that boudoir art sessions are adapted to the capacity and particular tastes of each person. No boudoir photography will be the same as another, since all will have a personalized treatment.

In general, to achieve boudoir style photography or any of the types of photography, we can talk about the following points.

Source: Castorly / Pexels

1. Determine the feeling you want to convey

It is important, before anything else, that in a boudoir photo shoot, you analyze what kind of feelings do you want to convey and what do you want to make known about yourself.

For example, what emotions do you want to awaken? or who is going to see these photographs? This is something you need to clarify internally and with the boudoir photographer.

2. Define the style

For a boudoir photoshoot to be carried out properly, you must know very well the style and concept of what you want to achieve.

What details will be included? What furniture, decorations or lighting will be used? Will it be a photoshoot in lingerie? Are you interested in a type of makeup or a type of hairstyle?

That is, defining the style is defining how your boudoir photography will look aesthetically and emotionally.

3. Choose a suitable location

Depending on what type of boudoir photography you want to do, you will have to choose the right place to do it.

They can be boudoir photos at home, in a room, a studio or even somewhere outside. The important thing is that it is a place where you feel very comfortable and no problems of any kind occur.

Source: Yoham Libot / Unsplash

4. Take care of the lighting

Lighting is one of the most important steps in boudoir photography, as it is something that will give you the sEnsuality or beauty that you are looking for in your work of art.

Talking to your boudoir photographer is the best way to determine what type of lighting will be appropriate, depending on the type of photo you have decided to take.

If you need more tips on this point, we invite you to learn more about photo lighting with our online course on Photographic Lighting Techniques.

5. Take care of general details

When doing a boudoir photo shoot, it is also important to take care of everything that happens in the photograph itself. Beyond your person, you have to take care of what is the wardrobe, makeup, decorations, objects that are or are not seen in the photo.

The background image is also important when giving the right atmosphere to your boudoir photography.

6. Posing appropriately

Perhaps the most important thing in your session will be the boudoir photography poses that you decide to use.

Sensual, daring, wild, strange, funny, whatever you have chosen for your boudoir photography, the important thing is that you feel comfortable enough to show what you want to show.

In boudoir photo shoots you can find three types of photographs:

• Documentary photographs in which you do not have to pose, you simply have to stay away from the camera doing some activity (putting on makeup, getting dressed, etc).

• Moments directed by boudoir photographers.

• The combination of the previous two.

Think very well about what you want to show when taking these boudoir photographs and how you want to show your beauty through boudoir photography.

Download the photography pose guide and pose like a pro!

What kind of women can do boudoir photography?

Believe it or not, many women opt for the boudoir photography style, some profiles of women who like this photography are:

✅ Women who have just become mothers and need to feel beautiful and comfortable with their body again after the pregnancy process.

✅ Women who have recovered from some type of illness and want to reconcile with themselves.

✅ Female athletes and models with good physique who want to take pictures to show their physical condition, but that transmit and mean something important.

✅ Women who want to give an original and romantic detail to their partners.

Actually any woman can have a boudoir photography session as long as you feel comfortable, safe and confident.

Source: Luke Jeremiah / Unsplash

What do I need to have a boudoir photography session?

The first thing you need is the desire and confidence in yourself, since boudoir photography is a unique experience that will help you have a better relationship with your body and with yourself.

The second is a lot of security, since participating in the boudoir photo process should be something that you enjoy and make you feel good. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, insecure, or unhappy, it’s best to save it for later or look for other options.

It is very important that if you are interested in a boudoir photo shoot, you look for a professional boudoir photographer. In the event that you know someone who can take the photos, try to make it someone trustworthy, respectful and who makes you feel comfortable.

Source: Racool-studio / Freepik

How to be a boudoir photographer?

If you have come this far and you are not interested in taking boudoir photos, but in taking boudoir photography, do not think you have wasted your time, all the above information will also help you better understand what your clients want.

Any aspiring boudoir photographer should start by learning basic photography fundamentals, the skills that a professional photographer should have, knowledge of photographic planes, types of lenses, among others.

How can you start your path to being a professional boudoir photographer? With any of our photography courses.

For example, you can try the online course on Beauty Photography and high end retouch or encourage yourself to start your photographic study with the help of the online course Start your first Photography business.

Once you’ve learned the basics, you can specialize and take courses in boudoir photography. Also, you can complete your study with the book Boudoir photography: the art of sensuality by Christa Meola.

See you later 😀!