Boudoir Photography: Everything You Need to Know

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Learn what to expect during a boudoir session

Co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: October 17, 2024 Fact Checked

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What are boudoir photos?

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Boudoir Session Expectations

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Preparing for Boudoir Photography

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What to Wear

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How to Pose

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Expert Q&A

Boudoir photos are intimate, seductive photos taken to boost your confidence or give your partner a romantic surprise. If you’ve never taken boudoir photos before, the process can seem intimidating, but by working with the right photographer, you’ll be having a blast in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about boudoir photography, including what to expect from your session, what to wear, and the best pose ideas.

Things You Should Know

Boudoir photos are taken by professional photographers and typically involve the client wearing lingerie and posing seductively.
Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in a boudoir photoshoot, regardless of gender.
Boudoir photographers will provide encouragement and posing tips to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.

Section 1 of 5:

What are boudoir photos?

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Boudoir photos are sensual photos often used to boost your confidence. The term “boudoir” is French for a woman’s private dressing room. While typically geared toward women, anyone can take and enjoy boudoir photography regardless of gender. At a professional boudoir photoshoot, the client usually wears lingerie or other seductive outfits to create an intimate and romantic tone. The photos are intended for the private enjoyment of the model and their romantic partner.^{[1]
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- While boudoir photography is romantic in nature, you don’t have to be in a relationship to have boudoir photos taken. Many clients use boudoir as a way to love and appreciate their bodies.
- Generally, the client gets their hair and makeup done on-site before taking photos so they'll look their absolute best in them.
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There are many different styles of boudoir photos. Boudoir photography combines glamour, fashion, and portrait-style photography to create unique photos for each client. Because everyone has different tastes and expectations, you can choose which style best suits you.^{[2]
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- Pin-up boudoir: Pin-up boudoir takes inspiration from classic pin-up girls. This style incorporates vintage hairstyles, makeup, and clothing and often leaves more to the imagination than some other boudoir styles.
- Dramatic boudoir: Dramatic boudoir puts the focus directly on the client. The photos will often be shot in low light using a solid background and will feature lots of highlights and shadows.
- Luminous boudoir: Luminous boudoir is almost the opposite of dramatic boudoir. It’s very light and rarely uses shadows, creating a fun, playful tone. Luminous boudoir often features outdoor settings and is commonly used in bridal boudoir.
- Elegant boudoir: Elegant boudoir is one of the most versatile styles. It allows the client to feel sexy, beautiful, and sophisticated all at once. Elegant boudoir photos are typically taken in black and white to add to the classic feel.
- Playful boudoir: Playful boudoir is meant to be fun and empowering. It often incorporates the use of props and themed costumes. Playful boudoir shoots are commonly done for holidays, but you can do one year-round.
- Bridal boudoir: Bridal boudoir is typically done as a wedding or anniversary gift. The client typically wears white, lace, and a wedding veil.

Section 2 of 5:

What to Expect from a Boudoir Session

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Your experience begins well before the actual boudoir photo shoot. Oftentimes, when you book your appointment, your photographer will reach out to discuss your vision for the session. They might set up a call or video chat or send you a questionnaire to help them understand what kind of photos, lighting, and mood you prefer. You’ll also determine if you’ll shoot at their studio or another location.^{[3]
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Meet your photographer and makeup artist. When you arrive at your session, your photographer will begin making you feel comfortable. They’ll likely be energetic and talkative to help ease any nerves you have, and they’ll walk you through what to expect from your day. You’ll then meet your makeup artist, who will help you choose how you want to be styled. Hair and makeup typically take 60 to 90 minutes, though this depends on the artist and session.^{[4]
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- Because these photo shoots are intimate, the makeup artist will often leave before the photos begin. In most cases, it will just be you and your photographer on set.
Once you’re done with hair and makeup, you and your photographer will discuss your comfort levels to determine which outfit you’ll start in. Since clients are usually nervous, especially if it’s your first time, you’ll likely wear your least revealing option for the first few photos and change into more revealing sets as you get more comfortable.^{[5]
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Have your photos taken. Your photographer will likely ease you into the process by beginning with beauty shots. They’ll hype you up and talk you through everything to keep you comfortable. The photographer will help you with posing and may offer you props to use as well. The photo shoot typically takes about 2 hours, though this varies depending on the photographer and session.^{[6]
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- If you feel uncomfortable, speak up. Boudoir photos are meant to help you feel confident, so you should be having fun during the session. Let your photographer know when you don’t like something so you can work together to find an alternative.
- Your photographer should always respect your boundaries. If you feel that your photographer is disrespecting you or ignoring your discomfort, don’t be afraid to end the session.
Some boudoir photographers will let you view your photos on the day of the session. Together, you’ll narrow your selections down by choosing your favorite poses, lighting, and backgrounds. Your photographer will then edit the photos, and you’ll receive them when they’re done. The time frame for editing varies, so ask your photographer when you can expect them to be done.^{[7]
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Tipping is at your discretion, of course, but if you felt like your photographer provided excellent service, you can show your appreciation by giving them a tip. A tip is usually 10-20% of the total cost of the session.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Prepare for Boudoir Photography

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While your photographer is there to guide you, it’s always a good idea to do some research beforehand. Look at examples of boudoir photos to decide what styles and poses you like. Narrowing down your options is a great way to ensure your session runs smoothly.
You want to feel comfortable and confident during your session, and deciding what to wear beforehand can help with that. If you try on your options before the shoot, you’ll know what you look and feel good in and what you don’t. You’ll typically wear a few different options during the shoot, so discuss details with your photographer.
You want to look and feel your best during your photoshoot, so be sure to drink a lot of water in the days leading up to your session. Avoid drinking alcohol to help keep yourself hydrated.^{[8]
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Avoid looking and feeling tired by getting enough sleep leading up to your shoot. It’s best to aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.^{[9]
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While most boudoir photographers offer hair and makeup with your session, it’s important to do what you can before you arrive. Whether this means shaving, waxing, or getting your nails done, do whatever you want or need to do to make yourself feel your most confident.

Section 4 of 5:

What to Wear to Boudoir Sessions

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Lingerie is the most common thing to wear to a boudoir session, and there are a ton of variations for you to decide what you’re most comfortable with. Choose a two–piece set if you want to show more skin or a one-piece if you want more coverage. Some common colors are black, white, and red.
If you want to achieve the just-rolled-out-of-bed look, robes are the way to go. Select a classic bathrobe or opt for a silk or sheer option. Wearing a robe will create a simple, yet sexy look.
If you’re not comfortable showing a lot of skin, choosing an oversized sweater might be a good option for you. Choose some cute underwear and pull your sweater down to expose your shoulder. This creates a soft, sensual, feminine look.^{[10]
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Bustiers and corsets are a great way to show off your curves. They help create a timeless look you can’t go wrong with.
Embrace your inner rom-com character by pairing an oversized button-up shirt with your favorite lingerie set. This classic look allows you to show as much or as little skin as you want.^{[11]
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If you’re comfortable, forego the clothes altogether and opt to drape yourself in a bedsheet. You can show as much or as little as you want and still create a look that is classic and sexy.^{[12]
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Shoes The shoes you wear help tone and shape your legs. Stilettos and high heels are go-to's for boudoir photography, or you can opt for thigh-high boots. Since you’ll likely be taking your shoes on and off for different photos, it’s best to choose a pair that’s sexy but still manageable.
- If your photoshoot is themed, you can also choose footwear to match. For example, if you’re going for a Western look, you can wear cowgirl boots.

Section 5 of 5:

How to Pose for Boudoir Photos

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Lean against the wall. Drape your arms above your head and cross your legs, slightly extending your hip. Posing this way creates a lot of triangular shapes, which brings out the natural curves of your body.^{[13]
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- As you’re posing, it’s helpful to breathe through your mouth to give your lips a natural pouty look.
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Hug yourself. Gently drape your arms across each other and bend your knee, tilting it inward. This gives your body an hourglass shape, again making use of the triangles the pose creates.^{[14]
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- You can do a similar pose while sitting. Tuck one leg under you and cross the other one over it, extending outward with the toes pointed. ^{[15]
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Keep your legs bent with your knees pointing to the ceiling. Bring your arms up to your hair, keeping one flat on the ground and the other elbow extending toward the ceiling.^{[16]
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While lying down, turn on your side and push yourself up onto your forearm. Extend your legs and bend one knee over the other. Then bring your other hand to your hair or gently lay it on your hip. Keep your body arched and your chin tilted upward.^{[17]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I establish boundaries when doing a boudoir shoot?

Brynne Zaniboni
Professional Photographer
Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge.

Brynne Zaniboni

Professional Photographer

Expert Answer

Discuss expectations and boundaries before the shoot begins. Communicate with your photographer what poses, clothing, levels of nudity, or limitations you may have. Also, don't be afraid to express any discomfort that you may be experiencing during the shoot.

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