Boudoir Photography Girls

Did you know that ‘boudoir’ is a French word for a lady’s bedroom or other private room? The phrase ‘boudoir photography’ instantly suggests that the photographer has gained entry into a private place of sensual pleasures. And this perfectly captures the mood of boudoir photography: lush; sensual; softly sexy. This type of photography is particularly popular with women who want to surprise their partners with some evocative photos of themselves.

In terms of technique, boudoir photography is characterized by soft focus, soft lighting, and props and furnishings that convey a warm and intimate environment. The focus and lighting effects are fairly easy to achieve, but what is less easy is finding an appropriate setting. Most people’s bedrooms don’t look very much like ‘boudoirs’, so professional photographers usually create their own boudoir setting in their studios.

Creating a convincing boudoir setting in your ‘studio’ (this might very well just be the spare bedroom of your home) needn’t be difficult. An old wrought-iron bed frame or something similar will be the centerpiece; apart from that it’s all about lace and some luxurious-looking soft furnishings. If in doubt, go with white fabrics, as these will be the most versatile color.

Boudoir photography typically features great hair and makeup on the model, so don’t neglect this aspect. Equally important is some appropriate lacy lingerie for your model to wear – or go fully nude if your model is comfortable with this (note that this will limit the appropriate poses though).

For lighting, 2-3 strobes (i.e. hotshoe flashes), a couple of light stands, and a way to trigger the flash units remotely will be a good start. Off-camera lighting is not something you can learn overnight, so the best advice is to practice appropriate lighting schemes using a stand-in before you try shooting your model.

When you do shoot your model, take your time with it. Boudoir photography is all about relaxed, languid glamour, and it will take your model some time to relax enough to convey this confidently.

Above all, don’t forget that the purpose of boudoir photography is to make your model look great! If you can do this, you’ll definitely get repeat work.