If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that you’ve recently booked your first-ever boudoir shoot, or perhaps you’re considering it, but not quite sure. Either way, I want you to know you deserve to do this. I believe you deserve to feel exquisite and have beautiful keepsake portraits of yourself. That’s the one thing I hope you always remember.
Part of my mission as a boudoir photographer is to make you feel comfortable and confident during your shoot. I also want to give you the resources you’ll need to get the most out of this experience and leave you feeling assured that your portraits depict your beauty and inner strength. That’s why I’ve created this guide with expert advice to help you determine what will make you look and feel your best during your photoshoot.
Before you plan what to wear, first think about the amount of skin exposure you’re comfortable with; moderate, classic, or daring. Perhaps you will incorporate a mix of all three. That’s perfectly fine with me. Your shoot is all about you. Upon booking, we will discuss which level of exposure is your best option and what style of portraits you want to have. Here’s a brief overview of the differences between moderate, classic, and daring boudoir photography.
Modest Boudoir Photography
As a bay area boudoir photographer, it is my job to create alluring images that evoke curiosity. Despite what many people think, it is quite possible to achieve this with modest skin exposure. Boudoir photography with modest skin exposure has a certain quality that is mysteriously attractive. Imagine wearing a long, satin robe and exposing one shoulder, both shoulders from the back, or the entirety of one leg. Those are examples of modest boudoir photography.
Classic Boudoir Photography
A classic-style boudoir shoot is the most common among my clients. The skin exposure is like wearing a bikini or bathing suit, except it usually entails wearing pretty lingerie or undergarments of some type. You can wear casual undergarments, go for something extra, or pose for shots wearing both.
Daring Boudoir Photography
Take one step beyond a classic-style boudoir shoot and imply total nudity in your portraits. Using shadows, artistic camera angles, your hands, or other objects instead of garments or lingerie, I ensure areas of your body are not visible in your portraits. Daring boudoir photography allows you to incorporate fun props to conceal your body, like bubbles in a bathtub, scarves, sheer curtains, or bedsheets.
Choose Your Style
Now that you understand the different levels of exposure, it’s time to think about what to wear. There are many different styles you can apply to your wardrobe choices. Ultimately, what you wear is all about your unique personality or the type of portraits you want to have. I have put together some suggestions to spark your imagination and help get your creative juices flowing. You can bring as many garments as you want. So, what’s your style going to be?
Girl Next Door
You don’t have to buy new things to wear for your boudoir shoot. Consider your favorite pair of form-fitted jeans or jean shorts unbuttoned, paired with an open button-down shirt and a sexy bra. Other options are a plain white tank top matched with boy shorts and knee socks, an unbuttoned pajama top with thong underwear, or a man’s button-down shirt and G-string. A stretchy sweater pulled down at the bottom and off one shoulder also works well in boudoir photography.
Burlesque
Want to go beyond the everyday look? Spice things up with eye-catching lingerie. Make your shoot as seductive as you want to with bralettes, bustiers, corsets, pretty panties, sexy hosiery, and garter belts. Don’t forget the high heels. A camisole, slip dress, or sheer nightgown with smooth fabric and intricate details are other lingerie options to consider.
Playful Pin Up
Wear a one-piece bathing suit, a pin up-style halter top with high-waisted sailor swim bottoms, or a bustier and mini skirt for a flirtatious and playful vintage-inspired look.
Moody
Maybe a studded, leather, or latex bodysuit is more your style, or a sexy leather corset dress with a plunging neckline. Nothing says empowering like a black latex cat-woman suit or a black leather jacket paired with G-string panties. Don’t forget the knee or thigh-high boots to complete these rebellious looks.
Relax and Enjoy
Above all, no matter what you choose to wear for your boudoir shoot, you should feel confident wearing it. I want you to love how the garments make you feel and look. The spectrum of styles to apply to your boudoir shoot are endless. The aesthetic you choose can be a true reflection of who you are or a bolder version waiting to come forward.
Choose garments that accentuate your best features, and make sure everything you want to wear fits your body appropriately. You should be able to move and pose freely without restrictions. If tags are visible on your garments, please carefully cut them out.
If this is your first boudoir shoot, it’s natural for you to be a bit nervous. If you are considering a boudoir shoot but have insecurities about your body, let’s talk about what they are. Getting them out in the open will help you conquer your apprehensions. First and foremost, boudoir photography is all about empowering the human spirit while creating stunning photographs that inspire strength and confidence. So, relax and enjoy it. See you soon!