A boudoir session is the ULTIMATE expression of self-love. And as a Tennessee boudoir photographer, I think that every woman should experience that at least once in their life!! Whether it’s a gift for your partner, to celebrate a milestone, or just to have fun feeling hot, I‘ve gotchu covered on everything you need to know about taking boudoir photos here.
What Are Boudoir Photos, and Why Should I Take Them?
Boudoir photoshoots are, in a traditional sense, photos taken in your lingerie (or nothing!), in a bedroom setting, meant to be sensual and sexy. These are usually given as a wedding gift to your partner. But as a boudoir photographer, I say fuck the expectations!! Some people book because they just became mothers and want to reclaim their body, some people book because they’re going through a breakup and want to get revenge photos and talk shit about their ex (I’m here for that ALL the way!), and some people book just because they want to see themselves in a different light, through someone else’s eyes. Whatever that looks like for you, I’m sooo here for it!
Boudoir photos can be just for you, full nudity if that’s your vibe, or outdoors in front of a waterfall. Your session should be all about you. A shoot that feels like you, makes you feel hot AF, and is some of the most fun you’ve ever had.
Here’s why you should take boudoir photos, at least once in your life:
- Having boudoir photos done is seriously a bucket list experience. The confidence boost you get from seeing how beautiful and badass you are from someone else’s perspective?? Unmatched.
- Because creating space and time to feel sexy is the ultimate form of self-care.
- You deserve to treat yourself and splurge on an experience that is unapologetically centered around you.
- Because your life, your space, your body, and your energy all deserve to be romanticized. It’s all art. And it’s all fleeting. And one of the most beautiful things you can do with your life? Document it. Life is short, take the nudes!!!
- If you’re reading this because you don’t feel confident right now, that’s exactly why this experience exists. It can heal, not just celebrate! So if you need a confidence boost or you just want to feel seen, this is perfect for you.
- Just for fun! The good vibes, good music, and me hyping you up to absolutely no end is a hella good time. And then the sexiest photos of your life. SLAY.
And the best part of it all? You don’t even need a reason! You don’t need to be dating or engaged to anyone, you don’t need to lose weight, and you don’t need to be confident. Boudoir photos are something you can show up to just because you said, “What the hell, sure!!”
Boudoir photos are all about giving yourself permission. Permission to love yourself, permission to silence the voice of self-doubt, permission to say fuck you to the unrealistic beauty standards. So if you’re on board, I say hell yeah.
Boudoir Photoshoot Ideas
The next step is planning boudoir photos that actually feel like you. If your vibe is more funky, neon lights, and leather, and less white lingerie on a made-up bed, you’re my kinda person.
The good news is, no matter your style, I’ll help you create a boudoir session that feels just like that!! Trust me, I KNOW how to curate a vibe. A playlist full of jams, lighting that’s on-point, and you feeling like the baddest bitch in the world, no matter what feel you’re going for.
Classic Boudoir Photos
Maybe a traditional bedroom vibe feels like you, or maybe it’s your first boudoir session, and you want to ease into things. Or maybe, you just feel sexiest in white lace lingerie in bed!! Whatever it is, know that I’ve gotchu. Sometimes the classics are the best!!
Edgy Boudoir Photos
Want to spice things up a little? I love you already. If neon lights, leather lingerie, and a little bit of edge are right up your alley, check out Leah’s boudoir photos for a ton of inspiration.
I have SO MANY ideas for edgy, nontraditional boudoir photos, so let’s definitely chat about your vision!!
Outdoor Boudoir Photos
For the wild ones, an outdoor session is hella unique and perfect for the adventurous baddies. You swimming in a lake in front of a waterfall?? HOT AFFF!!!!
Keep in mind that some outdoor locations might be open seasonally, and some may be more private than others!! But that’s all stuff I’m here to help you with, anyway.
Couples Boudoir Photos
The romance, the steamy pics… I’m obsessed. Couple boudoir sessions can also be whatever you want them to be, whether it’s snuggles in bed or booty grabs in the bathtub.
Couples boudoir doubles as a fun date idea to push you two out of your comfort zone a little bit!! And trust me, the intention and the sexiness blend to make something hella artistic.
FAQs About Boudoir Photos
If you’re new to boudoir, you probably still have a ton of questions, and I get it!! It can be scary to make the jump to do something like this.
Luckily, I work with a TON of first-timers, so the questions you have are probably ones I see all the time.
What’s the Experience?
After you inquire, I’ll send you a questionnaire to make sure we’re on the same page with all the important stuff, like style, privacy, and comfortability. Then I’ll send you my long prep guide with everything you need to know in advance, so that all you have to do day-of is show up and be your bad self!!
Will I Feel Uncomfortable in my Boudoir Session?
Girl, no. I’m your bestie that you feel like you’ve known your whole life, hype-girl, boudoir photographer who will be so busy cracking jokes, you won’t even have a chance to be nervous. You’re gonna look sexy AF, and I’m gonna tell you that at least three million times, for sure.
But seriously, it’s actually really fun. It’s laid-back, low-key, and you don’t need any previous experience in front of a camera, like at all. I’ve got you covered every step of the way, from every facial expression, to moving your hair out of your face, to even demonstrating the poses for you before you do them!!
Where Should I Take Boudoir Photos?
You know I’ve got an answer for that too!! I actually have my own studio that’s fully private and ready to make your mark on, but if you’d prefer something like an outdoor session or an at-home session, I’ll meet you anywhere.
And if you don’t know where you want to take your boudoir photos, let’s create your perfect session together. I know TONS of amazing spots.
Boudoir Poses
This is the first thing my boudoir clients are always worried about: how to pose for boudoir photos. The good news? That’s not something you EVER have to worry about, that’s my job, babe!! Trust me, I’ll never put you in an awkward pose, and I’ll guide you through exactly how to pose throughout the entire session.
How Do You Maintain Privacy?
It’s just me, you, and the camera (and a hot girl playlist, duh). No one will ever see your boudoir photos without your consent, and we’ll be in a fully private location. I’ll do quite literally whatever you need to make you feel as comfortable as possible, so if you have any questions, always ask me!!
What Do I Wear for My Boudoir Photos?
We’re not used to dressing up for photoshoots, especially not lingerie, so if you’re intimidated and wondering to wear, that makes total sense. I always tell my clients to wear what they feel sexy in, or something that flatters your favorite features.
Here are some of my fave places to shop for your boudoir lingerie:
If you’re not a lingerie girlie, that’s fine! Here are a few ideas for what to wear that hit every time:
- Your partner’s shirt
- Cardigans and knee-socks
- A leather or denim jacket
- A silk pajama set
Comfort and confidence are what show the most in your photos, so as long as you’re in something you feel good in, you’ll look amazing.
How Revealing Will My Boudoir Photos Be?
Totally up to you, babe. You want full nudity? I love that for you. You want to be a little bit of a tease? Hell yeah.
In my questionnaire, you’ll choose full nudity, no nudity, or partial nudity, whichever makes you the most comfortable. And then I work my magic in the session, having your body be censored with hand placement, shadows, or props like sheets.
Exactly How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
As someone who shoots a lot of boudoir photos, I’ve learned the best ways to prepare beforehand.
- Stretch before
Tbh, boudoir is basically just sexy yoga, which means you will be sore after your shoot. I always tell my girlies to stretch beforehand. Trust me, you’ll thank me for it later.
- Be careful with tanning
No pressure, but self-tanning can ruin your photos. I can’t edit out tan lines or streaky tanner, so it’s maybe best to avoid the tanning spray!! If you choose to lie in a tanning bed, I recommend doing so nude to avoid tan lines.
- Treat yourself to a mani-pedi
You’ll be showing off, down to your hands and toes!! This experience is allll about self-love, so why not show yourself love all week and prep with a nail appointment?!
- Treat yourself to a skin treatment
While you’re at it, throw in a facial or skin treatment too. The more self-love, the better. You deserve it, queen!!
- Drink LOTS of water
Your skin will thank you, and you’ll feel SO much better for your shoot. So drink up, babe!!
Hailey’s Sexy AF, Leather-Filled Boudoir Photos
Hailey’s boudoir shoot was a bridal shoot, but she didn’t want the traditional white lace. She said white isn’t her color, and what she felt sexy in was black leather, so I said hell yeah, let’s do it!!! And the photos? STFU. She looked SO incredible, and it was such a beautiful expression of who she is. I’m so obsessed. Take this as your sign: Your bridal boudoir doesn’t have to be white and super classy!!
Wild Alchemy Photo | Boudoir Photographer
If something in this stirred you, even if you’re scared, that’s your sign. LET’S DO IT!!
Your boudoir photoshoot should feel like freedom. It should be the truest form of self-expression and the wildest form of self-love. So if it sounds like something you’re ready to treat yourself to, let’s create something AMAZING!! You can inquire with me right here.
