What is Boudoir Photography?
Well, I have a confession. I am a boudoir photographer and as I’ve talked to people and they ask what I do, I’ve realized A LOT of people don’t really know what that is. When I tell people that I’m a boudoir photographer I usually get lots of questions. Many people start off with “what is boudoir photography?” The answer goes something like this… “I shoot intimate portraits of men, women, and couples in varying states of dress, or undress if you will.” This usually piques their curiosity and leads to more questions. Boudoir photography truly is the art of sensual imagery featuring intimate, sensual, and sometimes even sexual and erotic images. I have heard Boudoir called many names, from “erotic lifestyle photography” to “a sexy photo shoot” and lots of things in between. Honestly, it’s about letting yourself be vulnerable, bearing it all (or some) and giving into loving yourself. It’s about learning to accept your beauty and flaunting it and celebrating yourself.
Typically shot in a photographer’s studio space, the client’s home, or hotel room/suites, a boudoir session results is a set of sensural or sexually suggestive images of women, and increasingly of men and/or couples.
This image was created at a session in a Las Vegas based hotel room.
Most contemporary boudoir photography sessions mix in a variation of candid and posed photographs of the subject partly clothed or in lingerie. Based on my client’s comfort level, some sessions also include nudity or implied nudity. Also, some sessions are planned as an erotica shoot for something a little racier!
There are many motivations people have for boudoir shoots. Boudoir sessions are often planned as a special treat for the client but the photos can certainly be a gift that is given to your love on special days such as wedding days, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Some clients book sessions as a way to make their trip to Las Vegas even more memorable. From booking a pre or post conference boudoir shoot to a bachelorette party memory, boudoir shoots are a great way to create a life long memory of your trip to Las Vegas. Oftentimes, men and women book solo sessions as a gift to themselves or to create a special gift for their significant other. They also book to celebrate a milestone birthday, meeting fitness goals, having other forms of body change or alteration (such as breast augmentation or reduction or new tattoos), life accomplishments, and sometimes the reason is deeply personal as they are seeking a way to reconnect with themselves. They want to have a wonderful experience and get some amazing pictures of themselves.
Couples book sessions to celebrate special moments in their relationship such as an anniversary, engagement, pregnancy, or even becoming empty nesters! Sometimes they do a session because they want to celebrate their ongoing commitment to each other. Other book a session as a way to reconnect and get the spark going again!
When I mention what I do for a living often I get one of two responses, “Oh, I could never do that” or “ I’ve always wanted to do that, I just haven’t got the courage.” I am here for both of those people. My goal is to show those who believe their body doesn’t belong in a sexy image and those who can’t quite seem to take the plunge. I’m here to tell you if you decide to do one thing for yourself, let it be this kind of self-love experience. Sometimes people will comment that they aren’t a model. They say they are too old or they need to lose weight. Well, I say NO! Stop the negative self talk. You can be whoever you are. My sole focus is to create stunning, sexy photos of you that make you feel good about yourself as you are.
Boudoir photography has been popular with women for quite some time. It is increasingly popular with men and couples as well. These are sessions that empower both men and women allowing them to face any fears and insecurities they may have. It also empowers both men and women to be open and be themselves. It is truly about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. It’s about celebrating and embracing who you are and where you are right now in your individual uniqueness. When you experience a boudoir photo shoot you’ll discover that others don’t see you the way you see yourself. Oftentime, we are far too hard on ourselves. As a boudoir photographer, it is my job to guide you and find your most attractive attributes and accentuate them. When you have the experience and see the results, you will light up with confidence. What happens during a boudoir photo shoot is truly magical. In a space that is void of criticism and judgment, you are allowed enough time to let go of fear and inhibitions.
Okay, lets cover one more thing. I have heard people compare boudoir to pornography. Well, that’s just not correct. I want to clear this up and say a couple of things about this with a longer post to come at a later time. Yes, of course, I know that there will be people that equate boudoir with porn and even more that will equate erotica, since it is racier that boudoir, with porn. I get it, nudity and sexuality makes a lot of people uncomfortable because they have been conditioned to feel that way by any number of influences such as their family, their culture, their religion, etc. Despite what some may think, there is nothing shameful about sensuality or sexuality or the desire to express it. There is nothing more beautiful than the human form. Boudoir photography celebrates the beauty that everyBODY has. Typically, boudoir sessions are primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and/or his or her significant other. Some clients choose to share their images publically and others want them just for themselves. I get it though, some people simply aren’t comfortable being nude (especially in front of a practical stranger). Well, I need to let you know that nudity isn’t a requirement in a boudoir photoshoot but I’m also here to let you know that I have a safe space with no judgement to allow you to embrace your nakedness. One goal I have as a boudoir photographer is to help reprogram those who find shame in their nakedness and help them reshape how they think about themselves and how they love themselves. What I really want is for people to simply look at themselves and feel good. There is so much value in just feeling good.
Why not treat yourself and embrace your beauty, explore your sexy side, feel beautiful, regain confidence and have amazing photos to document just how badass you really are. If you want to feel GOOD, reach out for a complimentary consultation to talk about your unique session in Las Vegas.