Boudoir Portraits
As photographers who shoot extensively with glamour and bikini models, we often have non-model clients who are interested in being shot in that same style. We have now created special Boudoir Photo Sessions to be able to provide these clients with both the ‘model experience’ and images of which they will be proud.
Why Boudoir Photography? Many of these clients are not model-perfect, and can’t be shot in the traditional glamour or bikini style. Offering boudoir photo sessions allows us to create beautiful, sensual, sexy images for them, without being overtly sexual or creating images that are non-flattering to the client.
Most of our Boudoir clients have never been part of a professional photo session, and are both nervous and excited at the same time. The prospect of having sensual images to share with their husband, fiancé, or boyfriend holds tremendous appeal, but they’re also extremely self-conscious and fearful of looking old, overweight, or unattractive.
As the photographer, you need to create an atmosphere that is relaxing and non-intimidating! There is a fine line, however, of which you must be extremely cautious. Playing soft music is pleasant, but if the client hears music with sexual overtones, they may begin to feel uncomfortable. If you are a male photographer doing boudoir photo sessions, a female assistant can be invaluable in helping the client stay comfortable. Also, remember that a boudoir client is not used to being treated the way you may treat a professional model; we often touch models to adjust a piece of their clothing or hair that is out of place, and they are quite used to it. However, touching or adjusting a boudoir client without asking can make the client feel extremely uncomfortable and ruin the session. Always remember, even if this client is posing in lingerie on a bed, treat them with the respect you’d give an executive client in a boardroom shot.
As far as the technical aspects of Boudoir shooting go, we recommend shooting at an open aperture for a soft, shallow depth-of-field. This allows you to create a soft, sensual feel for the client. Muted backgrounds and colors can also help create an overall soft feel for the client. For lighting, try to create a soft falloff of light from one side of the image to the other, with suggestive shadowing and a lot left to the imagination! When posing the client, offer feedback such as ‘that pose is so flattering to you!’ and ‘You look so marvelous and relaxed on this background, it really suits you well’. Avoid using phrases like ‘You look so sexy!’, or ‘That is so hot!’, which may have the unintended effect of creating tension in the client.
Expanding your business to include boudoir photography is a smart move for the glamour and bikini model photographer, as long as you always remember that your boudoir client isn’t a professional model, even if you are shooting them in the same setting and style you use for the pros you shoot!
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