After booking a boudoir portrait session, one of the most frequently asked questions is what to wear and bring. We always discuss this and other details before the shoot, but it can be helpful to write about it here as well. I also always send my Boudoir Session Guide to my clients with lots of useful information.
What Does Boudoir Mean?
Wikipedia’s definition: A boudoir (French) is a woman’s private sitting room or salon in a furnished accommodation, usually between the dining room and the bedroom, but can also refer to a woman’s bedroom. The term derives from the French verb bouder (to sulk or pout) or adjective boudeur (sulking) – the room was originally a space for sulking in, or one to put away or withdraw to.
What Is Boudoir Photography?
“In photography, boudoir refers to a style in which women pose for photographs partially clothed or in lingerie. The photos are tasteful and nudity is typically implied rather than explicit. They are sensual and sexy as well as classy and elegant.” – bridebox.com
Boudoir Photography is one of my favorite photography genres. I especially love the romantic nature of it. I believe that every woman deserves to feel confident about themselves. There is no such thing as photogenic. It is my job as the photographer to make sure that my clients are confident in front of the camera. I love it when women light up and I get to capture their beauty and femininity. It is so special to see them become emotional when they see themselves of stunning images.
How to Prepare for Your Session
Please expect to spend a half day in the studio. Our boudoir Sessions include Professional Makeup and Hair Styling which takes about an hour. After this, the portrait session itself is about 2 hours. We will make sure to capture the most beautiful images you have ever seen of yourself.
Feel free to plan an evening out on the day of your session because you will look and feel gorgeous.
It is a good idea to do manicure and pedicure before your portrait session. Please shampoo and rinse your hair the night before for best results in hair styling. Cleanse and moisturize your face in the morning before coming to your session.
What to Wear
We offer wardrobe styling as well with our boudoir sessions. We will help you decide what you should bring and wear for your images. After discussing ideas we will work out a plan for you, based on your preferred style.
The following outfits and accessories are great ideas for boudoir photography.
Lingerie – of course
Preferably plain, solid colored underwear/lingerie, without too many patterns or big logos. Lacy ones for example look great.
Bodysuits
There are so many different styles, lacy or plain ones are both fine. It doesn’t even have to be the underwear type. There are t-shirt or tank top bodysuits and the asymmetrical ones are great too.
Robes
Mini or long or kimono style – lacy, sheer, satin or silk materials. There are lots of options. Nightgowns – long or short – of the same materials can work too.
Shirts
HIS shirt or his favorite team’s t-shirt – it can be a great idea to look in your partner’s wardrobe for button-up shirts or his favorite sport team’s t-shirt.
Also, button-up shirts from your wardrobe, preferably longer ones and plaid shirts for country girl style.
Knits
Knitted button-up or open cardigans, loose sweaters, jumpers or tank tops look amazing on boudoir photos.
Fur and Feathers
Any feather- or fur-look outfit or accessory can work well.
Stilettos
Don’t forget to bring a few, darker and lighter options too.
Other Underwear-type Items
Corsets, babydolls, chemises, camisols, stockings and garters can look amazing.
More Ideas
- a coat or leather or denim jacket;
- wedding veil, especially for bridal boudoir;
- blazers – your own or your partner’s – looks nice over lingerie;
- light fabrics like tulle or sheer material (our studio has a few of these);
- a few choices of jewelry, hair combs and clips;
- flowers and flower hats (we also offer some of these);
- carnival style eye masks.
For More Information
If you would like to find out more about our boudoir sessions, please call Janette on 0431 591 096 or get in touch with us via our Contact page. You can also book a free consultation or schedule a call or meeting online.
If you would like to see more of our boudoir and glamour work please check out our glamour page.
