Erotic boudoir photography is often misunderstood. But there’s one thing I know from personal experience doing this work: it changes lives.
Women face a brutal and judgmental world. Baring all in front of the camera may seem like a way to highlight every self-perceived flaw women are taught to believe about themselves. I’m here to tell you that a boudoir session has the opposite effect on my clients.
Sexy Boudoir photography sessions empower women to unleash their curves and to celebrate their bodies in a way they’ve never done before. Unquestionably, boudoir photography is one of those disciplines about which everyone occasionally has some nervousness. Clients may experience anxiety and worry that they aren’t attractive, slim, curvy, or tall enough for these images. Because it is such a vulnerable image, the photographer could worry that they won’t be able to give clients pictures that adequately express their beauty.
In the modern era, the media creates erroneous standards for beauty and how women should embrace their sexuality. A boudoir session may therefore be incredibly empowering, giving a lady the gift of self-love and confidence.
Here are some of my suggestions for photographers who want to provide their clients with an experience that will make them feel like they can take on the world.
Getting ready before the meeting:
1. Conduct preliminary research. Get to know the woman. What drives her behavior? What features of herself does she adore? What does she feel insecure about? What do others love and appreciate about her? When does she think she is most gorgeous? What motivates her to want to do boudoir?
2. Inform her. Aid her in getting ready for the session. Give her advice on selecting flattering clothes for her—colors, shapes, etc. Guide her in what to do with her hair and makeup (I provide a professional hair & makeup artist with all my boudoir shoots).
3. Address her doubts and anxieties about her body and how to pose. Give her suggestions.
As the session progresses
1. Get her warmed up. Start with the outfit she is most excited about or the one that is least revealing. Play a song from a fun playlist you made for her or one with her favorite songs.
2. Set a good example. Show her the movements and poses you want. Give her instructions on any adjustments she can make to bring out her best sides.
3. Shower her with affection. Tell her what a fantastic job she is doing! Show her one or two of your favorite boudoir style photos on the camera’s back. She will feel more assured to carry on after this.
After the session:
1. Be aware of her insecurities and edit accordingly. This is something to remember throughout the shoot and when selecting your favorite photos for editing.
2. Continue with natural edits. I edit boudoir photos to make my customers look their best, but I never go overboard! Not a phony version of my customer, but rather the finest possible portrayal of them is what I’m going for with these pictures.
3. Emotional editing. Humans naturally seek visuals that are compelling or stir up strong feelings. Ensure that your imagery conveys this.
4. Overpromise and underdeliver. Provide private boudoir photographs more quickly than you promised. To see their emotions and help them make decisions for their artwork, meet with them in person to share the pictures.
Boudoir sessions empower women. They give them space to unleash their curves, to forget about all the marketing noise, to celebrate their bodies in a way they’ve never done before.
There’s value in what I do as a boudoir photographer. The proof? Every woman who steps in front of my camera and walks away feeling more sure of herself and more beautiful than ever before.