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Writer's pictureGiovanni Rusconi

Boudoir photography: the steps to obtain surprising shots

To create an excellent Boudoir photo shoot you need to refine a good one

technique, knowing all the best practices and above all following a very specific process that

consists of several phases. Each of these phases must be taken care of in detail for the purposes of a good

preparation for the shots that will allow the models to feel at ease and

live an unforgettable experience.

On the contrary, doing things without method and leaving details to chance will lead to a series of problems and unexpected events to manage. First of all the fact that the models will not feel free to express themselves serenely and, consequently, they will not get those wonderful shots that we photographers crave.

So let's see what these phases I mentioned are and how to take care of each aspect

linked to the creation of a truly surprising Boudoir photo shoot!


Preparing for a Boudoir photo shoot

Preparations for the Boudoir session should begin well before the service

photographic itself because this kind of photography is rather intimate and every

next phase can become challenging. Especially if the model is inexperienced or,

even the first experience.

It may take some time to put on make-up, choose the right clothes and make the person you are going to pose feel really at ease.

Communication between the model and the photographer is extremely important because it

You must feel confident and comfortable with your body and attractiveness. It's fundamental,

then, ask her which of her characteristics she would like to emphasize and which ones she prefers

keep hidden. Women tend to be very sensitive about their image and this is something that must necessarily be taken seriously.

Boudoir images should highlight beauty and self-confidence

of a woman, and sometimes it is quite complicated to achieve this goal. It could be

It's helpful to hire a professional to do your hair and makeup if you can

get more out of your shots through this service.

Wardrobe and changes of clothes

Another important part of preparing for a photo shoot is planning

of the wardrobe. For example, if a model wears too much lingerie

provocative and outside his comfort zone, he will not be able to act and pose

spontaneously. Feeling good is very important for a model. It's really important

make sure the model chooses clothes that fit her personality, make her

feel good and reflect its aesthetics.

To help your model make perfect wardrobe choices, it's nice to spend a little

time to talk to her before filming. Also, a good stylist can help you with

lingerie choices in case both you and her are unsure of the final selection.

Lighting Tips

Boudoir photos can't look truly beautiful without lighting

carefully designed. Boudoir photographers must have a good culture about

lighting settings.

The location where you shoot plays a crucial role in determining the best lighting

possible. In theory, a control over the light conditions should not be too difficult to

get if the place has enough natural light and if you can block easily

any unnecessary light. As for additional equipment, you can consider

simple backdrops, reflectors and maybe some sheer curtains to diffuse the light.

While you can certainly use a typical photography studio to shoot boudoir sessions, it is usually more complex and more intriguing to combine natural and artificial light.

For models who are feeling more adventurous, there is also an extra option: shooting the whole thing

outdoor boudoir session! While this may seem strange, it can lead to

crazy images that simply cannot be achieved indoors.

I know that boudoir portraits are by their very definition meant to be taken in

an internal context, but you can also show yourself to be alternative and, for example, bring a

furniture, such as a bed or sofa, outdoors.

Boudoir poses, let's see some ideas

There are two important guidelines to keep in mind when having your furniture installed

models for Boudoir shots.

First: the photographer should shoot from the model's point of view, not hers.

This means that what seems great to him is not necessarily perfect to her.

Once again, communication is key! His photography skills should

correspond to the preferences set by the customer.

Second: images must evoke emotions. They shouldn't be just one

cold and objective representation of female beauty. The boudoir sessions are

delicate and intimate sessions and should not be treated as normal portraiture.

Most likely, the model/client will be nervous and will need to be helped to relax

in front of the camera. The best way to do this is to suggest various movements and give

positive feedback every time he manages to relax and do a nice pose. The

Most photographers have a list of poses that helps them target the client and

get the best final images.

Some of the common poses for Boudoir photoshoots include sitting on

knees, lie on your back, put your legs against the wall, lie on your side,

sit on a chair or sofa and lean against the wall.

If you want something more unusual, you can use various interesting props, such as

stools for your model to sit on, vintage canopy beds, designer cushions

captivating and so on.

If you're shooting outdoors, your prop choices are pretty much

unlimited. Flowers, branches and rocks can give an unexpected twist to your

boudoir.

In case you are taking Boudoir photographs of a couple, you can express yourself

greater creativity in terms of poses. But you need to make sure you know how

men pose too!

Final touches and Post Production

Retouching is as important as the shot itself when it comes to Boudoir photos. The

acceptable amount of post-processing should depend on the model, as it does not

there is an objective consensus on this detail.

The only thing to avoid for sure is altering the image so much that the model becomes

unrecognizable. Although physical imperfections should not be highlighted, of

It usually doesn't make sense to remove them completely, as they make people unique.

One of the common problems in editing boudoir photography is the tendency of photographers to

make the eyes excessively sharp and soften the skin too much

models. This gives women a doll-like and lifeless appearance and

should generally be avoided.

On the other hand, an experimental approach to colors, playing with the adjustments of

curves and the use of various gradients can create an interesting atmosphere for your

Boudoir photographs, preserving the natural appearance of the subjects portrayed. You shouldn't

forget to also use black and white conversions since they give a certain

dramatic and vintage look that many models are still fond of.

You can also try using presets designed specifically for photography

boudoir. These presets focus on beautiful skin tones and colors

pleasant and soft.


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