Boudoir Guide

Everything you need to know to get the best boudoir photos possible from your session.

Boudoir Photo Shoot Overview

A concise overview on what you can expect your experience to be like, when you book your boudoir photo shoot with me. This post will cover all aspects of your boudoir photo shoot including:

Planning
Booking
Your Makeover
Your Photo Shoot
Your Image Reveal

Learn More About My Process

A stylish and creative boudoir-themed "To Do" checklist is split into two sections: a black background with white text on the left and a seductive black-and-white boudoir portrait on the right. The checklist includes essential boudoir photo shoot tips, with some tasks checked off in red, including "Hair Cut & Color," "Teeth Whitening," and "Outfits," while "Makeup," "Lashes," and "Manicure" remain unchecked. The right side features a confident woman with dark bangs and long, flowing hair, lying on a soft, textured white bedspread. She props her head up with one hand, adorned with statement rings, while gazing seductively into the camera with dark lipstick and a playful expression. The image is artfully composed with her bare curves softly blurred in the background, enhancing the intimate, sensual feel. The combination of text and imagery provides practical preparation tips for a boudoir session, ensuring clients feel polished, confident, and ready for their shoot.

Tips to Get the Best Photos Possible

This post will help you come up with a game plan of what personal care appointments to do and when to do them before your session. Following these recommendations will greatly enhance the overall quality of your final images.

Get All The Tips

A woman with long, wavy, ombre hair cascading over her shoulders reclines on an elegant vintage chaise lounge. She wears a black lace halter dress with a plunging neckline and intricate floral patterns that cling to her curves. The dress features a subtle cutout just below the bust, adding a touch of intrigue. A shimmering rhinestone choker encircles her neck, drawing attention to her décolletage. Her expression is sultry, with full lips slightly parted and eyes gazing with quiet confidence. The warm, moody lighting casts soft shadows across her fair skin, enhancing the texture of the lace and the luxurious, brocade-patterned upholstery. A pale, embroidered pillow rests behind her against the aged wooden frame of the chaise. The overall atmosphere is intimate and sensual, offering elegant boudoir lingerie ideas for those seeking inspiration.

Boudoir Lingerie Ideas to Enhance Your Natural Curves

Boudoir lingerie ideas to enhance your specific body type, sexy things you already have but never thought of and some creative ideas for a unique look.

Find The Perfect Style

This sultry boudoir image showcases a stunning lace lingerie set, highlighting intricate details that make for a perfect intimate look. The model's toned midsection is the focal point, emphasized by the soft, moody lighting that casts gentle shadows across her skin. She wears a deep burgundy lace bra, matching panties, and garter straps adorned with delicate gold ring accents, creating an alluring contrast against her smooth skin. The fabric’s sheer quality adds an extra layer of sensuality, making this ensemble an excellent choice for a boudoir shoot. Her body is posed in a graceful arch on a luxurious white bed, with her hands resting lightly on her waist, drawing attention to the structured lines of the lingerie. A silver bracelet and a dainty ring subtly enhance the look, proving that small accessories can elevate the overall aesthetic. The blurred background, featuring a softly lit bedroom with warm ambient lighting, sets a romantic and intimate mood, making this a prime example of how the right lingerie can transform a boudoir experience.

Where To Buy Boudoir Outfits

Finding the perfect lingerie for your boudoir session doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re looking for luxury pieces or affordable options, this guide covers the top places to buy boudoir outfits both locally in the San Francisco Bay Area and online.

My Lingerie Brand Short List

This captivating boudoir portrait blends sensuality with vintage elegance, set against the backdrop of a grand, ornately designed fireplace. The woman stands poised in a sheer black lace nightgown that delicately drapes over her body, revealing glimpses of intricate lingerie beneath. The gown's lace patterns and flowing fabric add a dramatic, ethereal quality, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere of the scene. The room is bathed in warm, moody lighting from antique wall sconces, casting a golden glow that highlights the carved architectural details and the reflection of a chandelier in the oversized mirror above the mantel. The dark marble fireplace contrasts with the creamy tones of the walls, framing the model in a setting that exudes opulence and intimacy. Her deep, sultry gaze and softly tousled waves complement the gothic romance of the moment, making this an unforgettable boudoir composition.

A woman stands barefoot at the far end of an opulent hallway, softly lit by warm, golden sconces affixed to intricately paneled cream walls, creating a luxurious and intimate atmosphere that exemplifies high-end boudoir shoot location ideas. Her back is to the camera, showcasing her long, wavy blonde hair cascading down to the small of her back. She wears a dark, strappy thong lingerie set, her pose confident as she places one hand on her waist and the other near her chest. The corridor features classic architectural details: ornate molding, symmetrical paneling, and an elegant inlaid wood floor bordered with a dark geometric pattern. Framed artwork lines one side of the wall, leading the eye to a stately fireplace mantel ahead. Heavy, draped curtains are just visible in the room beyond, reinforcing the mood of privacy and sophistication central to thoughtfully selected boudoir shoot location ideas.

Location Ideas For Your Photo Shoot

Ideas on where to have your boudoir session photographed. This section contains:

A list of my favorite hotel rooms
Ideas to spice up your home
Tips for Airbnb style rentals
Creative location ideas you never thought of

Photo Shoot Location Ideas

A makeup artist applies a rich, rosy lip stain during a boudoir makeup lip stain application session. The woman's lips are slightly parted as the artist uses a fine brush to carefully define the edges and blend the color into the natural texture of her lips. The lip stain is a bold pinkish-berry hue, enhancing her complexion with a soft, seductive touch. Her eyes are closed, showcasing smoky eyeshadow in blended tones of deep charcoal and warm brown, with a subtle shimmer highlighting the inner corners. Her skin appears flawless with a radiant finish, and her long, golden-blonde hair cascades softly over her shoulder. The artist’s nails, painted with a marble-like gray design, add a touch of modern flair to the scene. The blurred reflection of the makeup application in the mirror adds an intimate, behind-the-scenes feel to this boudoir beauty moment.

Meet Your Makeup Artist

Every photo shoot with me includes a makeover with Ducky Rickman. Will you choose a natural look or something more edgy? Come check out some of the looks we’ve done for our past clients to get ideas!

Get Makeup Ideas

This powerful image captures a fit woman in the middle of an intense deadlift, highlighting strength, confidence, and dedication—essential qualities for feeling amazing in a boudoir photo shoot. She wears a form-fitting sports bra and high-waisted leggings that showcase her toned physique, with sweat glistening on her skin as she focuses on perfecting her form. The industrial-style gym, with exposed beams, large windows, and workout equipment in the background, adds to the raw and determined atmosphere. The warm, moody lighting filters through the space, casting soft shadows that accentuate her defined muscles, particularly in her legs, arms, and core. This scene is a perfect representation of the work and discipline that go into building a strong, confident body—one that translates beautifully into boudoir photography.

The Blueprint to Tone Up & Become Unrecognizable in 6 Months

In this post I’ll give you the blueprint on what exercises you should do to be healthier, slow the aging process and look more attractive using a mixture of cardio, strength training and mobility work. Practicing these things will positively impact your boudoir photos more than anything else mentioned above.

The Stuff That Actually Works