Boudoir Photography

What is Boudoir Photography?
When I tell people that I am a boudoir photographer, that comment is usually met with either furrowed eyebrows or raised eyebrows.  To those with the raised eyebrows, I quickly add that I do tasteful boudoir shots with no nudity.  To those with the furrowed eyebrows, I explain that boudoir photography is a form of glamour and fashion photography, usually photographed in an intimate setting such as a bedroom (hence "boudoir") or other elegant, romantic surroundings.

OK, sure, boudoir is typically photographed with the lady in her underwear, but it is not to be confused with pornography in any way.  I tell clients that my style of boudoir photography resembles something you may find in a Victoria's Secret® catalog with a little Glamour Shots® thrown in (minus the big hair and shiny makeup).

The goal of boudoir or glamour photography is to portray the lady at her most beautiful and sexy self in a manner which flatters her best features and projects mystique and romance. While I think the human body is beautiful in its nude form, for artistic reasons, I never photograph nudes or even partially nudity.  I believe more mystery and anticipation can be created with just hints of nudity rather than full exposure.  All of my models remain fully covered, even if they appear to be nude under a throw or a pile of feathers.

Boudoir photography is intimate and personal and is typically a "for your eyes only" portrait, and it is important to establish trust and build confidence with the client, as she is most likely somewhat intimated about posing nearly nude in front of a stranger.  The outcome we are trying to achieve cannot come off as lacking confidence, being shy or showing nervousness.  I remind her that she is not posing for me, but for her husband or fiancé.  Having a female photographer is very important to the majority of my clients.  As a former professional fashion model and ballet dancer, I am able to help coach my ladies into flattering poses with artistic and elegant lines so that they look like experienced models.  The final results are transformative and a treasure to be privately shared for all time.

The boudoir/glamour mood is created with lots of soft, flattering light in the studio and a good bit of post image processing in the computer.  The goal of this type of photography is not photo realism, but to achieve a Hollywood-style glamour with a bit of fantasy (without the plastic surgery).  Typically skin is softened and any blemishes or other imperfections are removed or reduced, depending on the client's preference.  I tend not to totally remove wrinkles, but to reduce them to where she still retains the character, but age lines are not a focus or distraction in the final photograph.  I want my client to look like "them", but a slightly refreshed, more perfected "them".  My editing techniques also includes reducing double chins, de-plumping cheeks, and the ever-popular digital liposuction.  All of my results are believable and natural looking.  I am realistic and upfront when booking a boudoir session.  I tell my clients I cannot give them the body of a supermodel, but I can trim down unwanted bulges and whittle middles and trim thighs for a more appealing body line.  Which brings me to an often unexpressed question: "Is boudoir for me?" 


Who is Boudoir Photography For?

The short answer is: anyone and everyone -- even guys!  I believe that every woman (or even a man) should have at least one permanent record of her youth, beauty, and womanhood.  It makes no difference as to your age or your body style.  There is something beautiful and sexy about all women, and it is my job as the photographer to bring that out.  Many women stop having pictures of themselves made after forty.  Pity.  All stages of life are beautiful and worthy of being kindly documented. 


Most of my clients are brides-to-be who want to present a very special gift to their grooms they day before their wedding night. Brides, if you want a sure-fire solution to insure the groom doesn't get cold feet, a tasteful boudoir photo book presented to him the night before the ceremony will do the trick! 

Another popular inspiration for booking a boudoir or glamour session is for a wedding anniversary gift.  Many women like to get a boudoir portrait done every year, and others opt for every ten years, or "just that once".  Young women who anticipate starting a family soon, often want to have photographs taken of themselves at their peak.  The reasons and the occasions are limitless.  Be warned: boudoir/glamour can be addictive!  My clients leave my studio feeling exhilarated and often book another session and are always thrilled with the results. 

*I maintain complete confidentiality with my clients and I never use their photos for marketing purposes or display without their approval.