In a perfect world, each and every woman would feel beautiful and confidant, all the time. Each mole, scar and birthmark would be embraced. Those extra 10 (or 30) pounds wouldn’t matter, as long as we were healthy. The dimple in our thigh wouldn’t phase us.
You see, our imperfections are a part of us, and they should be embraced. Boudoir photography is a wonderful way for women to embrace their bodies, and as a photographer of this intimate session, you have the chance to build a woman’s confidence and make her feel like a goddess. Check out some tips for making clients comfortable while taking beautiful, classy images of the brave women willing to go (nearly!) bare for the camera!
“I absolutely love boudoir photography. I love that women of all shapes, sizes and ages are throwing their clothes on the floor and standing before a camera (plus total strangers!) to let their inner beauty shine through in an image that shows them in their most vulnerable state. This takes a type of confidence many women don’t have (myself included).”
As a boudoir photographer, making your client feel comfortable is taken to an entirely new level. Your clients are letting you in on such private moments, and your approach can make or break the session. I mean, no pressure or anything!
Love this shot from Couture Boudoir!
First things first, you have to be an expert at posing, and it is imperative that you know what poses work best for which body type. We all have good and bad angles, and many of us have areas of our bodies we aren’t thrilled with. Keep your lovely lady comfortable by having a conversation with her before you begin shooting about her best angles, and any areas she is a little self-conscious about. A girl with small calves could think they are gigantic, so you wouldn’t want to have her leg front and center (even if it is flawless!) since she will likely see it through her self-conscious glasses.
Check out these great resources for posing your boudoir clients:
The 5 Boudoir Poses You Need to Know and Master
15 Boudoir Photos: Super Sexy and Tasteful
From Kinky to Classy: Photo Do’s and Don’ts
5 Boudoir Posing Techniques for Problem Areas (Bonus Alert! Snag a free boudoir posing guide on this great site!)
Check out more superb shots from French Kiss Boudoir Photography here
Once you’ve got the posing down, check out these wonderful websites to ensure your clients feel comfortable and confidant during their session:
I love this video: Sue Bryce gives fantastic advice for photographing different body types
This video will give you great ideas on how to direct your clients
These tips will make your client feel as comfortable as a worn in North Face sweatshirt!
The sample questionnaire on this site will ensure you are on the same page with your client during the session
Check out this informative Q&A with a boudoir photographer
The Modern Tog shares how offering boudoir sessions means extra income in the slower winter months
So, there you have it, some of my favorite boudoir photography resources!
While finding your niche and photographing what you love is super duper important, it is equally important to venture out of your comfort zone once in a while and do something that makes you nervous. For many of us, these sessions would surely bring us into unchartered territory!
For more inspiration, check out our boudoir board on Pinterest here!
I’ll leave you with this musical snack since, let’s be real, what song is sexier than this?!