Boudoir photography (also known as glamour photography) is a style of photography designed to create a set of sensual images of adult women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Boudoir literally means a woman’s dressing room or bedroom, and so the bedroom is typically the setting of boudoir photography. This style of photography has become popular recently as a form of a gift from a woman to her significant other. Specifically, a collection of boudoir photographs has become fashionable as a wedding gift from the bride to the groom. Boudoir photography is also popular as a Valentine’s Day, birthday, anniversary or even a surprise “anytime” gift.
Boudoir photography is designed to highlight a woman’s sensual side. The pictures are tasteful, fine-art portraits of the client. These photographs can be taken while the woman wears whatever she chooses, from a wedding dress to lingerie to sports jerseys. (Yes, some sites do recommend things such as jerseys or male work clothes to help bring a piece of a male recipient’s world into the pictures.) In many studios, nudity is allowed, but once again these are very tastefully done. In other studios nudity is off-limits, and the pictures focus more on the “suggestion” of nudity. This is to say that the woman is pictured in such a way that nudity is implied but never fully revealed.
In the world of glamour photography, the emphasis is all on the client. The uniqueness of each individual woman is what is most important. While many women may worry whether boudoir is right for them, glamour photographers and studios beg to differ. Boudoir photography is not about being a model. Many studios stress that no modeling experience is necessary at all. Furthermore, it is not necessary to tan, get a make-over, or even a haircut before the shoot. It’s actually frowned upon in most cases. The point of these photos is to celebrate the individual, to explore the natural elegance and beauty already present in a woman. As one site instructs: “Remember, your significant other loves YOU.”
In this vein, it is also important to note that boudoir photographs are completely customized and tailored to the desire of the client. How much or how little is shown, how to pose and what to wear are all in the hands of the woman being photographed. This overall personalization is a cornerstone of the boudoir business.
Boudoir photography is typically conducted in a studio with a very small number of employees present. The client will have access to a hairstylist, a make-up artist, and whatever other services the studio offers, but the shoot itself is a private affair more often than not. The idea is to create a comfortable atmosphere, one in which the woman can truly relax, be herself, and focus on how she wants her pictures to turn out.
In many cases, after the photographs are taken the client will have access to them and may be allowed to pick and choose the final proofs as she likes. The photographs will then undergo a digital retouching during which lighting will be adjusted and “trouble areas” will be eliminated. Just as many studios insist that their clients need not be models, they also reassure their potential customers that no matter how perfect a woman’s body, she may be uncomfortable with some areas such as stretch marks, cellulite or scars. In the end, the customer is left with a series of photographs that highlight her own unique and elegant beauty.
Knowing what to expect during your boudoir photography session will help you prepare yourself for the big day and put you at ease when you know that there’s nothing to be nervous about. Boudoir studios prize themselves on bringing out the most beautiful side of their customers and by making them feel comfortable and beautiful during the shoot. It’s called glamour photography for a reason, so one thing you should expect during your session is to look and feel glamorous.
Upon arriving at the studio you’ll have an opportunity to go over the specifics of your session. You’ll meet with the hair and make-up stylist(s) and discuss exactly how you want to look. You’ll also have a chance to go over your ensemble. If you have a set selection of outfits that you plan on wearing, that will make this easier. If not, there’s no reason to worry. Many studios have outfits on hand that you’ll be able to select from. However, you should check with the particular studio you’ve decided on to make sure that this is the case. If they don’t have stock outfits and you haven’t been able to decide on what to wear, you may be asked to bring in a multitude of different options that the photographer will go over with you.
After your dress, hair and make-up have been decided, you’ll also be able to review the studio that your session will take place in. You will probably have discussed this with the studio beforehand, but once you actually enter the room you’ll be able to make any last-minute decisions or suggestions that you would like. Don’t be afraid to let the photographer or the stylists know exactly what you want. These are your pictures and they will be, for all intents and purposes, permanent. Make sure that you and your surroundings are exactly how you want them before you begin.
As you begin, you’ll most likely find that you don’t need to be a model to take boudoir photographs. If you’ve selected a specialized studio, the photographer will be an excellent coach and able to tell you how to pose, how to look, and what to do. During the session, an abundance of pictures will be taken to ensure that the final product is the absolute cream of the crop and that you look at your most beautiful through your entire collection.
After the shoot is finished, you’ll most likely have a chance to review the pictures that were taken. Most likely, you’ll be able to select from the pictures taken and make sure that your favorites end up in the final product. After you make your choices, these pictures will be digitally retouched and developed. This will take a few weeks, and each studio varies, so pay close attention to delivery time when deciding on your studio. You don’t want to have the photographs sent out two weeks after the event they were intended for.
In the end, professional boudoir studios are concerned with what you want and how you want to look. You should expect to be catered to and made to feel at ease while you look your most elegant.