For nature-loving women, outdoor boudoir photography offers a unique experience that blends the idea of classy sexy photos with nature as the background.
To get photos like you’ll find below, review the tips on this page. There’s a few things that are different between these sessions and regular boudoir photo shoots captured indoors.
The tips below will help you get better photos and avoid common pitfalls in preparation for your photo shoot.
Key Takeaways
- Best times for outdoor boudoir in Sonoma County: Mid-May to mid-October for coastal and golden fields; late summer for vineyards; March for wildflowers.
- Locations: Private property, vacation rentals, or secluded natural spots.
- Essentials to bring: Comfortable shoes, flip flops, backpack, compact mirror, hairbrush, mascara, water, warm robe.
When is the Best Time of Year For an Outdoor Boudoir Shoot in Sonoma County?
The best time depends on what setting you want for your photos. The following are my favorite timings for some popular locations.
• Coastal Looks: mid-May through mid-October to avoid the cold.
• Golden Fields: mid-May through mid-October.
• Vineyards: Late summer when they fruit, and when the leaves change in October-November.
• Wild Flowers: The sweet spot is to time your photos at the peak of the Lupin bloom in March; however, other varietals are in bloom from January – April.
If you’re temperature-sensitive and hate being cold, you should choose to do your session in the summer months along the coast, redwoods, dry grassy fields, the peak of the wildflower bloom in March, or when the vines fruit in late summer.
If you tolerate cold well, the wild mustard in January/February is beautiful. If you like wine, the vineyards in October/November are also stunning when the leaves change color but will also be cold at sunset. Both of these seasonal events offer some of the finest landscapes Sonoma County has to offer, if you aren’t temperature sensitive.Where Can I Do My Outdoor Boudoir Photo Shoot?
The short answer is almost anywhere! While having access to a private location is ideal, it’s not a requirement. Here are some great options:
• Private Property: Many clients use their backyard or borrow one from a friend. This includes everything from a backyard in suburbia to a ranch in the hills. Examples of both are on this page.
• Vacation Rentals: Renting an Airbnb or VRBO with a scenic outdoor area can be a great option, especially if you’d like to include indoor shots as well.
• Secluded Natural Spots: If you’re comfortable with a little adventure, hidden areas along the coastline, wooded trails, or grassy fields can make for stunning backdrops. These sessions are for the people who love to hike.What Should I Bring To My Outdoor Boudoir Photography Session?
Outdoor boudoir sessions require a little extra preparation to keep you comfortable and looking your best. Here’s a checklist of things I recommend you bring to your photo shoot:
• Comfortable Shoes: If your location requires a bit of hiking, wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. It’s also not a bad idea to bring sandals or slip-ons so you can take them on and off in between photos.
• Backpack: A small backpack makes it easy to carry your outfits, accessories, and any essentials without juggling multiple bags.
• Compact Mirror: Perfect to check your makeup and for quick touch-ups.
• Hairbrush: The wind will mess up your hair, so a brush is a must.
• Mascara: Outdoor sessions are harder on makeup than indoor sessions. My makeup artist can give you some touchup for your lips, but it’s not a bad idea to bring some essentials like mascara, just in case.
• Water: Staying hydrated will make your session more enjoyable, especially for longer outdoor sessions in warm weather.
• Warm Robe or Cover-Up: Even in summer, early mornings and sunset sessions can get chilly. A lightweight, easy-to-remove robe will keep you comfortable between shots.
These little details can make a big difference in how comfortable and confident you feel during your outdoor boudoir session.
Book Your Outdoor Boudoir Photography Session
If you’re ready to book your outdoor boudoir session, tap the button below and let’s talk details about what kind of photos you’d love to get from your photo shoot!
I am a boudoir photographer located in Sonoma, California, with over 10 years of experience and 500+ sessions captured. Author of posing women for boudoir photos. View my boudoir photos and read clients testimonials to see how my work has helped these women change the way they see themselves.