Get The Best Boudoir Photos Possible: Tips From A Boudoir Photographer
Are you preparing for a boudoir photoshoot but struggling with what to focus on to make your photoshoot a success? Worry not! I'm here to help you get the best boudoir photos possible from your photoshoot! To ensure you get the highest quality photos possible from your photoshoot, I've put together this comprehensive guide that covers everything you can do to increase the quality of your final images.
In this guide, we'll cover the following topics:
Personal care appointments to consider leading up to your photoshoot
How to choose the best lingerie that will enhance your best features (and downplay your sensitive areas)
Effective ways to tone up your body and lean out for your boudoir photoshoot
How to choose the best photographer for your photoshoot
My ultimate goal is to make sure you feel confident, empowered, and completely prepared during your boudoir photoshoot. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you'll have the best tools I’ve discovered after thousands of hours of experience photographing hundreds of women.
Remember, everything mentioned in this guide are the things you and only you can do to ensure the best quality boudoir photos from your photoshoot. My goal with this guide is to empower you with practical insights so you not only feel prepared, but also confident and ready for a positive experience.
Preparing Your Body to Get the Best Boudoir Photos Possible
Hair Removal
Getting your body ready for a boudoir photo shoot is crucial to achieving the best possible photos. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that you get your body as you want it in camera rather than relying on Photoshop to fix unwanted body hair. To achieve this, it's important to take the time to prepare your skin thoroughly, and avoid skin irritation.
One of the most common issues that women face when preparing for a boudoir photo shoot is skin irritation caused by waxing. For example, if you want to wax your bikini line but have never done it before, it's important to do a trial run first to make sure that your skin reacts well to the wax. Alternatively, finding a professional waxing salon that uses good techniques, products, and provides good aftercare instructions is important to avoid skin irritation.
If waxing doesn’t agree with your skin, shaving is another option for hair removal, but it can also cause skin irritation and ingrown hairs if done improperly.
To avoid these issues, it's important to exfoliate and cleanse the skin before shaving, use a good razor,warm water and shaving cream to soften hair. Paying attention to your shaving direction and moisturizing after shaving are also important.
It's important to remember that removing all the hair you don't want to appear in your final photos, and taking steps to avoid any skin irritation, is critical to achieving the best boudoir photos possible.
Attempting to remove hair from these areas in Photoshop after the fact can often lead to an unnatural-looking final result. Therefore, taking the time to properly prepare your body for your boudoir photoshoot by removing unwanted hair, and doing so in a way that avoids any potential skin irritation, will help you achieve a natural, flawless look that showcases your beauty and sensuality.
Tips for Handling Tan Lines
To achieve the best possible results in your boudoir photo shoot, it's important to address any unwanted tan lines beforehand. I personally don’t think tan lines are unflattering, but a lot of people find them unsightly.
While tan lines can be corrected in Photoshop, it may result in additional retouching fees and lower quality final images. Therefore it’s best to even out your skin tone before your photoshoot so we can get everything as close as possible to your ideal look in camera.
The best way to even out tan lines is to tan your entire body slowly and naturally, so that tan lines can’t happen. Alternatively, you can protect your entire body from the sun over a long period of time to avoid any tan lines altogether.
If natural tanning or sun protection isn’t possible before your photoshoot, a spray tan by an experienced spray tan tech can even out your tan lines and get your body closer to where it should be in camera. It's important to find a great spray tan technician who can do this by hand. Note that I said “great spray tan technician” as there are a lot of lousy ones out there which can make your photos look worse than doing nothing at all. In any case, avoid using a spray tan machine, as they can often produce an uneven or overly applied tan that looks terrible.
For best results, talk to your tanning salon about how long it will take to correct your tan lines. Next, create a schedule to correct them based on their recommendations. Make sure to time your tanning sessions to finish at least two weeks before your session to allow time for your skin to heal.
This will reduce skin dryness and help soften your skin texture for the final images, resulting in higher quality final results. So whether you choose to tan or not, remember that getting everything as close to perfect in camera is always the best way to achieve stunning boudoir photos.
Hair Cut & Color
Getting a fresh cut and color before your boudoir photo shoot can take your photos to the next level and boost your confidence leading up to the session. It's important to plan your session close to your hair cut and color appointment to take full advantage while everything is on point! Ideally, the best time to get your hair cut and colored and your eyebrows shaped is 3-5 days before your session. This timing allows your brows to heal and hair dye to fade from your scalp.
It's important to resist the temptation to make drastic changes to your hair style right before your photo shoot. This can leave you devastated after all the planning and anticipation if you don’t love your new look. Go with what you know works, and experiment with the crazy new style sometime after your photo shoot. Keep in mind that it's always best to get everything as close to perfect in camera as possible for best results.
Taking the time to get your hair cut and colored will not only make you look great but feel great too. With a fresh look, you'll feel more confident and ready to take on the camera.
Manicure & Pedicure
Getting a manicure and pedicure leading up to your boudoir photo shoot is a small detail that can make a big difference. It's important to plan your nail appointment close to your session date to minimize the chance of chipping or breaking your nails before the shoot. Additionally even if you don’t chip them but still get them done too far in advance, they can grow out and not look as good as they do when they’re fresh. Ideally, you should schedule your nail appointment the day before your session for best results.
Avoid using drug store stick-on nails as they can look cringeworthy in close-ups. Instead, opt for having your nails done by a professional nail artist or take the time to do a nice job yourself. Trust me, it's worth it to invest in well-done nails rather than cutting corners and potentially ruining this detail for your photos!
Don't underestimate the power of a manicure and pedicure in elevating the quality of your photos. It's a simple detail that can make a big impact. And remember, it's always better to come to your photo shoot with natural nails than to have a shoddy work around that could be visible in your photos.
Lash Extensions
If you're not interested in lash extensions, no worries! You can still achieve gorgeous eyes by simply adding a touch of mascara and eyeliner during your makeover before your boudoir photo shoot. Alternatively, my makeup artists are skilled at applying strip lashes, which can look great for most boudoir photos except for close-up shots where you're looking down, as the lashes can be quite obvious in this situation.
If however you’d like to take your lashes to the next level, lash extensions (applied by a professional lash tech) are the way to go. These extensions are glued to the top of your existing lashes, providing a fuller, more natural look when compared to strip lashes. If you choose to go this route, I recommend scheduling your appointment 1-3 days before your photo shoot with a trusted lash tech for best results.
If you want a more cost-effective option, you can try a DIY lash extension set using Lilac St-style extensions. These style lashes are glued to the underside of your lashes and can look as good as lashes applied professionally by a tech once you get good at applying them. Whatever option you choose, make sure to keep your lashes short and light, as going overboard with lash extensions can make them look unnatural and overpowering. For the best results, think of adding just a touch of enhancement, but be very careful not to overdo it!
Close up, eyes down of a client with strip lashes applied. A professional lash artist or lilac street diy are better for this kind of shot.
Same woman with the same eyelashes looks fantastic from just a few feet away.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective way to boost your confidence if you're self-conscious about your smile. Although teeth whitening is included in my overall editing process, a brighter smile can have a significant psychological impact. If you're uncomfortable with your teeth, you may be less likely to smile, which can lead to closed-off body language or shyness during your photo shoot.
Even though teeth whitening is easy to correct in photoshop, I find that it’s best to avoid this altogether by making an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and whitening procedure. This way, you won't have to worry about feeling self-conscious about your smile during the shoot and can focus on your photographers posing instructions without the additional stress.
Choosing Lingerie for Your Body Type
When it comes to choosing lingerie for your body type, it's important to wear something that will emphasize your best assets and downplay your sensitive areas. Additionally, you want to enhance your natural hourglass shape as much as possible. Here are some tips for choosing lingerie based on your specific body type
How to Get the Best Boudoir Photos With an Hourglass Body Shape
Hourglass-shaped bodies are highly desired because of their clearly defined curves at the bust, a waistline smaller than the bust and hips, and hips that are proportionate to the bust. If you have an hourglass figure, consider yourself lucky as you can rock any lingerie style that you like.
The key is to accentuate your already stunning curves further to create a more enhanced hourglass look. One way to do this is by wearing a corset to cinch in your waistline and draw more attention to your bust and hips.
Alternatively, you can opt for a demi bra and thong to showcase your natural shape. Remember to choose lingerie that highlights your best assets while downplaying sensitive areas.
How to Get the Best Boudoir Photos With a Inverted triangle Body Shape
Inverted triangle body type enhanced with this clever outfit
Women with an inverted triangle body shape tend to have broad shoulders or a large bust, but struggle with narrow hips or an undefined waistline. This body shape can make it challenging to create an hourglass figure. However, with the right lingerie, you can accentuate your curves and achieve a more balanced look.
To create a more balanced silhouette, it's important to choose lingerie that exaggerates the size of your hips and improves your hip to waist ratio. This can be achieved with lingerie that fits tightly at the waist and flares out at the hips. Babydolls, tulle skirts, and form-fitted dresses are all great options for those with inverted triangle bodies as they all flair out at the hips and can help enhance your curves.
You can also try adding a skirt to other lingerie pieces for the same effect. For example, pairing a teddy with a tulle or mesh skirt can help create the illusion of wider hips and improve your overall silhouette.
While an inverted triangle body shape can be challenging to dress, the right lingerie can help you achieve a more balanced and confident look.
How to Get the Best Boudoir Photos With a Rectangle Body Shape
Babydoll enhancing this stunning woman’s rectangle body shape by exaggerating her hip line
If you have a rectangle body type, you may describe yourself as having a plus-size or curvy body shape. Typically, women with this body type do not have a defined waistline and have minimal or no waist to hip/bust ratio. But don't worry, there are plenty of lingerie options that can help enhance your natural shape and create a more flattering silhouette!
To start, try looking for corset or waist cincher-style lingerie that can help reduce the size of your waist. By creating a slimmer waistline, you can get closer to an hourglass shape, which is typically the most flattering thing you can do if you have this body type.
It's also a good idea to avoid lingerie styles like chemises, teddies, and bustiers, as these pieces may not do much to improve your shape. Instead, focus on exaggerating the size of your bust and hips with a babydoll or cinching in your waist with an underbust corset. Pairing the underbust corset with a bra that enhances the size of your bust is often the best combination for this body type as this pairing will enhance the bust and create a more flattering hip to waist ratio.
How to Get the Best Boudoir Photos With a Diamond Body Shape
Alternatively if you feel brave enough, you can just go ahead and rock nude photos like this gorgeous lady with a diamond body type did.
If you have a diamond-shaped body, your waistline is larger than your hips and/or bust. It may seem difficult to shape your tummy and torso with lingerie, but fear not! The corset is your friend. By wearing a corset, you can get your figure closer to an hourglass shape, which is typically the most flattering for this body type. Look for corsets that fit well and cinch in at your waist to create a curvier outline for your body.
To further enhance your corseted figure, try pairing it with ruffle tops, large hats, and tulle skirts. These items can help to exaggerate the size of your bust and hips and make your waist look smaller by comparison.
If you've tried various combinations of lingerie and still feel like you're not quite there, it may be time to focus on reducing your waistline through exercise. Even small changes can make a big difference in your figure. Consider starting a workout regimen before your photoshoot to help you feel more confident and prepared.
If you do decide to begin working out, it's a good idea to invest in a custom-made corset in your goal size. This can serve as a motivational tool to help you stay on track with your diet and exercise routine. With a few months of effort and the right lingerie, you can feel more confident and beautiful at your boudoir photoshoot than you ever thought possible!
How to Get the Best Boudoir Photos With a Pear Body Shape
Women with pear-shaped bodies have larger hips and thighs, a good hip to waist ratio, and a smaller bust. To get the best boudoir photos possible from your photoshoot, it’s important to choose lingerie that will balance your figure by exaggerating the size of your breasts.
If you have a pear-shaped body, try on different bras to find the ones that make your bust look its fullest. Push-up bras and bralettes are great options for enhancing your bust and balancing bust to waist ratio. You can also consider half tops with frilly details and large hats to further exaggerate the size of your upper body and complete an hourglass shape.
Try not to worry if you’re really flat chested as there’s only so much you will be able to do to increase the size of your bust with lingerie. Instead remember that a good photographer will be able to make you look much bigger than you think by enhancing the size of your bust with shadows.
Also remember to play to your strengths and choose pieces that show off your best assets such as your butt, hips and thighs.
I chose to pose this pear shaped client this way to highlight her best features.
Tips for Finding the Right Lingerie
When it comes to getting the best boudoir photos possible, choosing the right lingerie is key. Good lingerie can make you feel confident, sexy, and can really enhance your natural curves. It’s important to choose lingerie that fits well and makes you feel comfortable. Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and colors to find what works best for you.
However, it’s not just about the lingerie. Bringing some of your own clothes to the photo shoot can add a personal touch and create a unique look that really represents you. Even mundane clothes like a sweater and panties, thigh high socks and panties, a bathing suit, Calvin Klein underwear, or a button-up blouse worn without a bra can be styled to create an insanely sexy look.
Remember, the goal of a boudoir photo shoot is to showcase your natural beauty and femininity. So, don’t feel like you have to stick to traditional lingerie! That said, if you need lingerie for your upcoming photoshoot but have no idea where to start looking, check out this post for some ideas on where to buy boudoir outfits.
Locations That Will Give You The Best Boudoir Photos
This client chose to rent a beautiful hotel room for her photoshoot.
When it comes to styling your boudoir session, location is just as important as the lingerie or personal care appointments you choose to do. The right location can set the mood, enhance the theme, and create stunning images to round out a good boudoir photo.
As someone who specializes in boudoir photography, I have seen it all and have a few tips to share to help you choose the best location for your boudoir photoshoot.
Let's start with indoor location options. Popular choices include:
your own home
a hotel room,
some other rented location(AirBnB, VRBO, etc.)
A friend’s home or property
These indoor locations offer privacy, allowing you to feel more comfortable and relaxed during your shoot. Additionally, your home may have unique features that can add character and interest to your photos. Think about using your bedroom, living room, or even your bathroom for a sensual and intimate vibe.
If you're looking for something more adventurous, outdoor locations can provide a breathtaking backdrop for your boudoir photos. Nature settings such as gardens, forests, and beaches can create a romantic and ethereal feel, while urban settings like a hotel balcony or rooftops can provide a bold and edgy atmosphere. Don't be afraid to get creative and choose a location that speaks to your personality and style.
Tips to make your home prettier for a boudoir session
Now, what if you want to take your photos in your own home but feel like it's not "photo-ready"? No worries, there are plenty of easy ways to enhance your home for your boudoir shoot.
Think about adding soft lighting with lamps or candles, using sheer curtains blackout drapes to control or diffuse window light. You can even rearrange furniture to create more aesthetically pleasing space around windows.
Remember that anything that emits light can add extra interest to your photos so get creative! For example, small touches such as fresh flowers picked up the morning of your shoot, or candles can also add background interest or even double up as props!
Most importantly the location you choose should reflect your personality and make you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it's your own home, a hotel room, or you invite me on a stunning hike with my camera, the possibilities are endless! Therefore I encourage you to get creative and have fun when styling your boudoir photoshoot. It can make a big difference for your photos, and can cost you no more than the daydreaming required to come up with the idea.
Toning Up To Get The Best Boudoir Photos
This is what boudoir at 60 can look like if you adhere to a healthy lifestyle like this client.
As a boudoir photographer, I've worked with women of all shapes and sizes from 18 to 69 years old, and I can confidently say that there's nothing that will do more for enhancing your boudoir photos than living a healthy lifestyle.
A healthy lifestyle includes a few key things:
Vigorous Exercise,
A clean diet which includes enough protein
Getting adequate sleep
Protecting yourself from the sun
Keeping smoking, drinking, and drug use to a minimum (preferably abstaining completely).
Exercise
If you're looking to lean out for your boudoir photoshoot, the easiest way to do so is by lifting weights, not running. This is because your matabolizm will increase allowing you to burn more calories even at rest.
Not only will resistance training help you build muscle and get toned, but it can also give you a boost of confidence and make you feel strong and sexy. That said, if you hate lifting weights, that’s okay too!
The most important thing is to find a form of exercise that you love and will stick to long-term. Whether it's running, yoga, or dancing, if you enjoy it and it gets your heart pumping, that's what matters most! That said, if you want to change your physique in specific ways or with the least effort possible, you’d probably do best to exercise with weights.
A Clean Diet
While exercise is an important aspect of leading a healthy lifestyle, it's not the only factor to consider when preparing for your boudoir photoshoot. Your diet plays a crucial role in helping you look and feel your best. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve your skin, help you maintain a healthy weight, and give you more energy to tackle your busy day. Most women don’t get enough protein and I find that once they do their eating overall vastly improves. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is important for maintaining good health and a glowing complexion.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential when preparing for a boudoir photoshoot. Lack of sleep can lead to bags under your eyes, dull skin, and a tired appearance that can negatively impact your photos. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and confident.
Sleep is not only crucial for your appearance but also for your overall health and well-being. It's during sleep that our body repairs itself and recharges for the next day. A good night's sleep can improve your mood, reduce stress levels, and enhance your cognitive function, all of which will contribute to a better boudoir experience.
So, how much sleep do you need? The answer varies from person to person, but the general recommendation is between 7-9 hours per night. It's also essential to establish a consistent sleep routine leading up to your photoshoot to ensure that you're getting enough rest.
Protect yourself from the sun
Finally, protecting your skin from the sun is important for both your health and the appearance of your skin. Sun damage can lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing when you're spending time outside.
One of my favorite clients smoking a joint at the end of her session.
Keep in mind that sun damage is cumulative and there is no going back once skin is sun damaged! This is especially important to remember for women who are 20-40 who don’t have sun damage yet to compare different parts of their bodies to.
Abstain From Vices
Smoking, drugs, and alcohol can all negatively impact your boudoir photos by affecting your appearance and your overall well-being. Smoking can cause wrinkles, yellow teeth, and a dull complexion, while drugs and alcohol can lead to puffy eyes, bloating, and dehydrated skin. In addition, these habits can affect your mood, leaving you feeling sluggish and unenergized.
If you want to look and feel your best for your boudoir photoshoot, it's important to limit or avoid smoking, drugs, and alcohol altogether. Instead, focus on living a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, and staying hydrated. This will not only enhance your physical appearance but also boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable during your photoshoot. Remember, the goal of boudoir photography is to capture your natural beauty and sensuality, so taking care of your body and mind is essential to achieve stunning results.
The Best Boudoir Photos Come From The Right Boudoir Photographer
It is crucial to choose a boudoir photographer whose work you absolutely love. Unfortunately, many women make the mistake of creating a Pinterest board of their favorite boudoir photos and then hiring random photographers that they can find to recreate other people's work.
This approach is not recommended as it often leads to disappointment and unsatisfactory results. Instead, you should focus on finding a photographer whose portfolio showcases images that resonate with your style and vision. By finding a photographer whose work you admire, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll get photos of yourself like they show in their portfolio.
Portfolio Is Only Half the Battle
It's also crucial to meet with your potential photographer (or talk with them over a video call) before hiring them for your boudoir session. While you may love their portfolio, you might not vibe with their personality, which can negatively impact the overall experience and results. It should go without saying that the best boudoir photos come from a place of trust, comfort, and a good rapport between the subject and the photographer.
Jason Guy
During the consultation for your boudoir session, you can ask any questions you may have about the process, voice any concerns, and discuss your vision for the session. This way, you can get a feel for the photographer's style, approach, and personality, and determine if they're the right fit for you.
Love My Photos? Book A Boudoir Photoshoot With Me!
If you're ready to elevate your self-image and want to work with a photographer who is passionate about creating the best photos you’ve ever seen of yourself, then let's connect! Schedule a consultation with me today, and I’d be happy to discuss your intended session, preferences, and any questions you may have about my process!
