What Is Boudoir Photography?

Boudoir photography is a type of portraiture that captures what many people consider to be some of the most intimate moments. It’s an art form that depicts women in their natural state, confident and sensual.

Boudoir photography sessions are not about what your body looks like, but instead what it feels like on the inside. If you’ve ever wondered what boudoir photography is all about, here are a few things you should know before booking your next photo session:

What is boudoir photography and what are its origins?

Boudoir photography is a type of photography, which is done in both amateur and professional photography, that is used to capture erotic and sensual images of a person.

The word boudoir comes from the French word for ‘cabinet’ or ‘private room’, which was where women would retire to get dressed before going out on the town.

Boudoir art and photography first started to emerge in the 1920s. Although it was illegal to feature nudity in photographs, iconic photographers like Albert Arthur Allen, a French artist, continued to create masterpieces. Allen’s work focused mostly on the natural shape of curvy women, who posed romantically in private dressing room settings, lounged on luxurious bedding, and wore expensive jewelry.

By the 1940s, the focus of this photographic style shifted to pin-up girls. The girls were dressed in stockings, corsets, men’s ties, and hats. However, another major change was underway by the 1970s. At this time, boudoir photography began to make waves throughout the art world and magazines began to feature more photographs of real women instead of drawings.

From the 1980s onwards boudoir photography has gone through even more changes. Although initially, the models were hired by the boudoir photographer, today, it is more common for the subject to be a client who seeks out a professional boudoir photography shoot and photographer to create a private portfolio of images. This is demonstrative of a wider cultural shift towards female empowerment and a celebration of diverse female subjects.

Today, it is clear that boudoir photography has stood the test of time. The advent of digital photography has made it much easier to create boudoir-style images without the need for expensive camera equipment, lighting setups, or studios.

Moreover, thanks to social media platforms and content subscription services such as Instagram and Only Fans, models can share intimate photographs with followers and subscribers. Boudoir photography is therefore not going anywhere anytime soon.

What is the difference between boudoir photography and other types of portraiture?

Boudoir photography is a unique genre of portrait photography because it’s designed to be private, intimate, and provocative. Boudoir photos are meant to capture the essence of a woman in her most natural state – without any pretense, artifice or other forms involved. They tell the story of who she is: sensual, confident, and unapologetically sexy.

Boudoir photographers work with their subjects on finding poses that suit them best, and they often use props such as candles or scarves for variety and context. The goal is not simply to take what could be an ordinary photo. Instead, boudoir photographers create images that stand out by portraying confidence and self-acceptance in women while accentuating their most alluring features.

What is the difference between boudoir photography and nude photography?

There are few differences when it comes to artistic intent or composition, but generally speaking, the main difference is in the message that’s communicated in each type of photo. Nude photos tend to be more sexual than boudoir photos, which are more personal and intimate. When done tastefully, both types of photography can be artistic, alluring and smoking hot – but they undoubtedly send different messages to the viewer.

What is the difference between boudoir photography and erotic/glamour photography?

These genres of photography tend to get confused because they share many similarities. However, the thing that distinguishes them is intent. Erotic/glamour photography shows more overtly sexualized images of women; often these photos are meant to be seen by the public. While boudoir photos can certainly be sexy, they are ultimately more low key, in a private location and more personal – only depicting the subject for her own eyes (or for someone special in their lives).

The benefits of boudoir photography

Boudoir photography can have many amazing benefits for women. Whether it’s for a special occasion, such as an anniversary or birthday, a wedding gift, or just because you deserve to feel beautiful and empowered about yourself, boudoir photography can be a great option. Here are just a few of the benefits of a boudoir shoot:

Increased confidence

One of the biggest benefits of boudoir photography is that it can help to boost your confidence. When you step in front of the camera and let yourself be vulnerable, you end up feeling more confident in all aspects of your life.

Improved body image

Boudoir shoots can also help to improve your body image. When you see yourself in a beautiful, intimate setting, you start to see yourself in a new light. You may find that you love your body and feel comfortable in yourself more than you ever have before.

Experience a boost of self-esteem

This is one of the biggest benefits that women experience when they take part in a boudoir session. The boost of self-esteem you receive will benefit you in all aspects of your life too, not just in how you feel about yourself. Also, you could try a couples boudoir photography session to help keep the spark alive in your relationship and boost your self-esteem.

How to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot

If you’re considering doing a boudoir photo shoot, you should first find a professional who does male or female glamour photography in London or in your area. Once that’s done, there are four things you can do to prepare. Here are a few tips:

1. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. You’ll want to start thinking about your outfit and hair and makeup well in advance so that you can look your best, particularly if you want to book a makeup artist or a private dressing room.
2. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and sexy. This doesn’t have to be anything too revealing – just something that makes you feel good in your own skin.
3. Practice your boudoir poses in advance. It can be helpful to have a few sexy poses in mind so that you feel comfortable in front of the camera. If you’re lying down, try lying with your bottom leg straight and your top leg bent, with your knee touching the object you’re lying on. This is a great way to accentuate your curves. Your body language will show through in the final images, so it’s important you practice relaxing your face and trying all those different poses.
4. Relax and have fun. The most important thing to remember about boudoir photography shoots is to enjoy yourself, so be sure to have a few laughs. Try and push past any initial awkwardness and successful boudoir photographers will help you get comfortable anyway – so just lie back and enjoy your boudoir shoot.

Boudoir photography is all about empowerment and self-expression

Ultimately, boudoir photography is a type of portraiture that captures the sensuality and femininity of its subject. It often features women in lingerie or other intimate clothing and is typically intended for private consumption rather than public display. Above all, the boudoir style has an enduring appeal that is likely to stand the test of time.