I had someone reach out to me with questions about boudoir photography and I thought I would share them here because it may be helpful to anyone interested in photographing boudoir or being a boudoir client.
Boudoir Photography Questions
“You create some very sensual shots for your clients. I have to ask: What are some effective ways for a non-model to feel at ease in front of the camera, particularly when the photographs are of a boudoir variety?”
Every woman is usually nervous before their boudoir session. And honestly who wouldn’t be nervous posing in their skivvies. Even as a seasoned boudoir photographer when I had my very own boudoir session I was super nervous. Luckily for me, I had a close friend snapping my pictures so I quickly became at ease. My best advice to potential clients would be to hire a boudoir photographer they feel comfortable with. Someone they feel they can chat with easily. Another way to feel at ease is to wear lingerie they feel confident in. They should try on outfits prior and love all the pieces they plan to wear during their boudoir photoshoot. If they are a little unsure about a piece of lingerie they may not feel as confident, so be advised to leave that piece at home.
“Do you think having alcohol will help a client relax before their photoshoot?”
Some clients like to have a glass of champagne or wine before their session, this is perfectly okay. Just be sure to limit it to one glass. Bringing a friend along they feel comfy with can also ease nerves. It is also important that the photographer encourages the client and shows them everything to do and is their cheerleader thought out the shoot.
“I like your lighting style, which illuminates your subjects while simultaneously making them look natural and real. Do you have an indoor or outdoor lighting tip that is gold, and might be something the photographer can use to lend a natural luster to their subjects?”
I love all kinds of lighting so choosing one tip is so hard but I will try. For someone that is just starting or a non-pro photographer, I would recommend shooting early in the day when you have the best natural light. Choose a location with big open windows that allow a lot of natural light to shine through. Later in the afternoon could be great for dramatic lighting as the sun is lower and is more direct. Bonus tip for anyone wanting to do great boudoir selfies: again this is best in the early morning light. Find a nice spot where you are directly facing a window stand or sit two three feet away and take your photo from there. Morning light yields some of the most beautiful natural light. Pro photographers will have more experience with off-camera lighting and may choose different times of the day for their sessions. I love to use a variety of lighting sources from natural like to flash to constant light.
“I think we live in rather homogenous times, with much of the mass-produced images of “sexiness” all kind of looking the same. Yet, every woman has their sensuality, and that is what makes them exciting and unique to others. How do you suss out a client’s personal sexy, then bring it alive in photos?”
Ah! Good question because I love the uniqueness of every woman and I truly wish for each person to discover and see their very own distinctive sensuality. I give my clients the freedom to be uninhibited and share a very intimate and personal side of themselves that is normally only shown to their partner. This is why I think having a boudoir session can be an empowering experience for a woman. They see a side of themselves outside of their everyday setting and get to see just how amazing they truly are. I say this a lot and it is true: most women come to me for a boudoir shoot as a gift for their significant other, only to discover that in the end, it was the biggest gift they could have given to themselves. I truly adore helping women feel comfortable with their bodies and redefining what it means to be sexy.
About Couture Boudoir
Critsey Rowe, Couture Boudoir’s photographer, is an experienced, internationally published, and respected boudoir photographer who has dedicated her career to helping women feel comfortable and beautiful. With the help of female-only assistants and stylists, Critsey celebrates the uniqueness and intimate beauty of every client and takes truly flattering, tasteful, and gorgeous boudoir photographs.