Boudoir photography is becoming more and more popular, with photo shoots and boudoir albums making excellent wedding day gifts for your future husband. If you’re interested in surprising your partner with a sexy yet tasteful gift, then a boudoir photo shoot might be for you. Boudoir photographers are masters of creating elegant, sensual and classy images of you in your lingerie, but before you strip down to your skivvies, there are a few things to know about a bridal boudoir session.
We cover the basics so that you know what to expect from your boudoir photography shoot.
What Is Bridal Boudoir Photography?
Before we dive into the details of a typical boudoir photography shoot, we want to explain what bridal boudoir photography really is.
“Boudoir” is a French word meaning a lady’s private dressing room or bedroom. In photography, boudoir refers to a style in which women pose for photographs partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful and nudity is typically implied rather than explicit. They are sensual and sexy as well as classy and elegant.
Photos and albums from boudoir shoots make excellent wedding day, anniversary, holiday and birthday gifts, with wedding gifts for the husband-to-be becoming extremely popular. These photos are also used as a way to document how great you look and feel about yourself at this given time.
Photo Credit: Modern Love Photography
Choosing a Boudoir Photographer
As with your wedding photographer, choosing the right boudoir photographer is key to a successful photo shoot. You’ll want to feel comfortable being mostly naked in front of your photographer and the camera.
When you start speaking with potential boudoir photographers, think about how relaxed and easy-going the conversations and interactions are. Take a look at samples of their work and portfolio so that you can see whether or not you like their style.
Choose someone whose style you enjoy, offers a photography package you’re looking for and you feel comfortable and relaxed around. These are the key traits to look for in the perfect boudoir photographer.
Photo Credit: Modern Love Photography
Boudoir Photo Shoot Locations
Now that you’ve selected a photographer to document your sexy shoot, it’s time to choose the location.
Many boudoir photographers have a studio in which they have chairs or beds set up for different scenes and settings. If you don’t feel comfortable posing in their studio, you can always book a hotel room or choose another private location.
Oftentimes studios will provide champagne and snacks so that you can fuel up and gain a little liquid courage for your shoot. You can also provide a playlist of your favorite music to get in the zone.
Photo Credit: Modern Love Photography
Outfits, Props and Accessories
Boudoir photos typically involve lingerie, but that doesn’t mean that you have to start shopping for a lacy undergarment. Think about what kind of look you’re going for, such as sexy, playful, pinup or glam. You also don’t have to pose in your underwear; you can take great boudoir photos in a modest outfit, such as jeans and a tank top.
If you know your fiancé loves the way you look in his favorite team’s jersey, pair it with cute boyshorts for a playful and cute look. If you want to channel your inner pinup model, there are plenty of outfit choices that range from barely there to full coverage. Many boudoir photography studios have wardrobe options for you to choose from, and they’ll help you decide what looks best for the look you’re trying to achieve.
Props and accessories such as jewelry, masks, toys, stockings, garters, umbrellas and anything else you can think of make the photos even more special and exciting. Talk to your photographer beforehand to see what they have and what you should bring yourself; you’ll probably need to bring your own shoes but they may be able to provide everything else.
Photo Credit: Procopio Photography
Hair and Makeup
In order to look the part, you’ll need to have your hair and makeup done. Many boudoir studios offer on-site hairstylists and makeup artists who will make you over as part of your photography package. Fake eyelashes and hair extensions are commonly used, while makeup styles can be as natural or heavy as you’d like.
Remember that your photographer and stylists will have expert opinions on your beauty look, but you have the final word on your makeover. Feel free to bring your own products that you know work well, or let the stylists work their magic! If you’ve done research ahead of time on the look you’re interested in, bring photos so that they can see what you’re envisioning.
Photo Credit: Modern Love Photography
Boudoir Poses
Boudoir photographers are well-versed in the different types of poses that will look great in photos. Arched backs, leg lifts and torso twists are three techniques used to achieve sexy poses, and you’ll likely spend a lot of time lying on your back or stomach.
Your photographer will direct you throughout the shoot and make suggestions and demonstrations for expressions, gazes and moods to try. If you’re ever confused about how to pose, ask your photographer and he or she will typically be more than happy to show you.
Photo Credit: Boudoir by Lily
Boudoir Albums
After the shoot is over and you’ve received your images, a great way to present them is in a photo album. Your boudoir images are guaranteed to be beautiful, so why not show them off in a professional album?
Whether you plan to give your fiancé the album as a gift or you’d like to keep a copy for yourself, creating an elegant, tasteful and high-quality album of your boudoir albums is the best way to preserve and showcase your sexy photos.
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about boudoir photography, you can decide whether or not it’s for you. Keep in mind that although most brides choose to do boudoir sessions as a wedding day gift for their grooms, there doesn’t need to be a special occasion to do a boudoir shoot.
If you’re ready to document your sexiness and sensuality, consider booking a boudoir photo shoot for your wedding day, an anniversary, a birthday or for yourself!
