Boudoir photography has been used to provide weddings with quality photos over the years. The photos are also ideal gift items for valentine, anniversary, birthdays, and much more.
Most women would love to surprise their partners with a suggestive gift, and this photoshoot is a perfect yet tasty gift. Below, we dig into everything about boudoir photography.
What is Boudoir photography?
img source: thephoblographer.com
Boudoir photography comes from a French word Boudoir meaning a woman’s private room where she dresses in style to pose for a seductive photo shoot. Boudoir photos are popular since they help a woman feel good about themselves at any time. The photographers master their art perfectly by capturing classy and elegant images of women.
Qualities of a perfect Boudoir photographer
img source: kilfi.com
A boudoir photographer plays an essential role in a successful Boudoir shoot out. You must be comfortable standing in front of a camera dressed in lingerie. A professional photographer will create a comfortable atmosphere to make you feel relaxed and perceive the session to be like that of an ordinary photo shoot.
Choosing the perfect locations
img source: youthworker.com
After choosing a photographer, prospective ladies choose their ideal spot. Most often, the photographers take photos at their studios. Inside the studios are chairs, beds, and a seductive scene. There is usually a choice of changing the location depending on the customer’s specific requirements. For instance, you are allowed to choose private rooms such as hotels. Photographers may offer champagne or something to bite for the clients.
The photographer must strive to create a relaxed atmosphere for the clients. There is also some music, and you can even choose your favorite tone, which will play during the photoshoot session.
What type of outfits should a lady wear during boudoir photography?
Since these photos require the candidates to wear seductive lingerie, you can also choose to pose in classy outfits. Some people will still want to pose in jeans or fancy tops or a pair of boy short and favorite jersey. There may be a wardrobe in the studio with different outfits to help you select your favorite outfits.
According to PerfectMoment Studio “The photographer may provide you with accessories, but you are free to come with yours should you choose to”. For example, umbrellas, toys, jewelry, masks, and other things that can bring a thrill to the photoshoot. However, most photographers request for an earlier notification if you prefer bringing along my items.
Hair and make-up sessions
img source: pinimg.com
Before you take a photo, you need to look good and have my makeup done. Your hair must be well-styled. However, most studios normally offer makeup services. There are make-up sessions with experienced stylists and artists. Notably, the cost of the make-up and hair is included in the whole package.
The poses
img source: alchemyboudoir.com
Boudoir photographers are experienced and may suggest different poses for you. There are different techniques for posing for a boudoir photoshoot. For instance, you can lift a leg, twist the tummy, and lie on the back or with your stomach.
How much does it cost?
img source: thestar.com
A traditional boudoir session costs between $200 to $380 per hour and can last for 2 hours. You must be ready to spend more when preparing for a boudoir photo shoot. The cost of the photoshoot varies depending on your specific requirements. You may prefer a different setting, renting out some props or private rooms, and this can raise the cost. Also, hiring make-up artists and hair stylists comes as an additional cost.
Who accompanies the lady to the photoshoot?
img source: virginexperiencedays.co.uk
You can go for a boudoir wedding photography photoshoot alone or tag your best friend along in case you feel a little nervous. It is okay to have a company in the studio if you are nervous about posing in front of strangers seductively. The bottom line is that you want photos that will make you man see the best in your body and admire you even more.
At the end of a photo shoot, the photographer puts the photos in an album. He or she then presents the album to you. These albums are presented the groom to be before the wedding. Boudoir photos are traditional gift items for the groom. Ladies looking forward to participating in the photo shoot out may choose a boudoir photographer of their choice.
Shooting Equipment
While the equipment may depend on the look you want to achieve; the most basic include a camera, lens, and lighting gear.
- DSLR: A DSLR camera is a reliable choice for boudoir photography as it’s lightweight and easy to use. It also lets you control a range of shooting settings.
- Prime lens: Its fixed focal length ensures there’s little to no image distortion. If your model doesn’t want tight portraits, this lens can capture more of the environment without losing focus on the subject.
- Zoom lens: A zoom lens provides you with flexible focal lengths, especially if you’re doing an outdoor shoot. This is a great option for taking boudoir photos as you would most likely get lots of close-up shots.
- Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens with a low aperture captures more of the scene. It’s also suitable for low light conditions, making it an excellent lens to use when you want to produce alluring and mysterious pictures.
- Lighting: Like in other types of photography, natural lighting produces the most flattering effect. However, you can use diffused studio lighting to illuminate the subject further.
If you need help choosing the right DSLR model or lens brands, you can check out https://www.shootproof.com/ for guides and examples of when to use various pieces of equipment.
Camera Settings
img source: photographycourse.net
Programming the right camera settings is essential in producing quality images. Consider these shooting techniques when it comes to a boudoir shoot.
Do not lower your shutter speed below 1/200 since you won’t be taking timelapse or long exposure shots. In this way, you can prevent camera shake and motion blur.
Aperture is important in a boudoir shoot because it affects the brightness and overall exposure. The most crucial thing to consider is to flatter your model, so shooting close would require a wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/2.8.
You can also use an aperture anywhere between f/8-16 to balance a soft blur background and image sharpness.
Make sure that the speed syncs with the lighting equipment. You can increase the power of studio lights so that you can maintain a low ISO level, and consequently, retain better photo quality.
Since there are times when you would shoot in low light, try to keep the ISO value between 400 to 1600 to minimize image noise.
Props and Setting Up
img source: licdn.com
Boudoir photography doesn’t rely much on props because the focus should be on the subject’s form. As long as you keep these props to a minimum, they can enhance the sensual look you want to achieve.
- Silk or faux fur blanket
- Curtains
- Flowers
- Milk bath
- Antique items
- Fairy lights
Communication With the Model
It’s vital that your client or model feels comfortable facing the camera or following instructions from you. Keep in mind that the subject’s body language and expression reflect how they would look in photos.
If they feel nervous, they may end up looking stiff or out-of-focus. Hence, it would help if you communicate professionally. Try to ask what clients like most about their bodies. Get them to feel confident about themselves through body empowerment.
Use respectful and non-sexual language when telling subjects exactly what they need to do. Finally, always ask permission before touching them, especially if they need guidance in posing.
