Boudoir 101
Let’s start from the beginning. How does one pronounce BOUDOIR?
boo - dwaar (aar sounding like are)
Secondly, what exactly is it? The French word Boudoir references a woman’s private sitting room or salon (or bedroom). This is how these spicey shoots got their name, inspired by the intimacy ‘from the bedroom’. Boudoir has been constantly evolving and we all know boudoir isn’t limited to the bedroom, by any means. It is less about the space they are captured in and more about enhancing a feeling. A feeling of self love, appreciating the skin we’re in and celebrating our imperfections.
Our bodies have grown with us our whole life. They’ve been through every hard day, every achievement, every loss and every gain. They are a reflection of who we are, with some help with genes passed down from our ancestors. They’re a mirror of the work we’ve put into our health and well being (both physical and mental). Our bodies, AS-IS, deserve to be honored and celebrated.. and what better way than with boudoir.
A big misconception of boudoir is nudity. Yes, some boudoir sessions include nudity or implied nudity.. but I’ve also photographed sessions with fully dressed individuals in formal wear, modest silk rompers, big t-shirts and tube socks or something else they feel beautiful (and comfortable) in. There is no right or wrong!
I love hearing people’s ‘why’ when they inquire for boudoir. I’ve heard all sorts of amazing reasoning like it being an anniversary or wedding gift or their partner, or they’re proud of themselves for losing or gaining weight, they needed a little confidence boost (I’ve always said boudoir is like therapy!), or they’ve graduated college or are celebrating a milestone birthday. I’ve even photographed cancer survivors who are honoring their body for its strength, or welcoming their body with changes after mastectomies or other similar procedures. I’ve worked with best friends who want to document their friendship with fun and playful portraits. Every single reason I’ve encountered has made my heart SWELL because these celebrations are exactly why I’m drawn to this session type. I love being proud of my clients and getting the opportunity to celebrate life with them!
Boudoir isn’t only for individuals.. oh, no. Boudoir has proved itself beneficial time and time again through couples sessions, as well. I’ve photographed couples to celebrate their recent marriage, or as an anniversary gift for themselves.. oooooh just because. Hear it from their own words:
”I’d say it’s like throwing a log on the fire of our marriage. It was already burning, but it made it brighter.. and hotter.”
”I seriously feel like we’ve fallen back in love all over again. I can truly see how much love we have for one another in each of these photos. Doing this shoot has. honestly helped me become more vulnerable with my feelings and made me so much more secure.”
”I feel like I’m 19 telling her I love her for the first time all over again!”
As a boudoir photographer, I understand the nerves that you bring to the shoot with you. I also understand you may not be experienced in front of the camera, and that is perfectly fine. I use natural direction, visual examples, and beautiful light and angles to highlight your beauty! At the end of each session I love hearing the woman say how fun it was and how beautiful they felt.
I work with very talented make-up artists and hair stylists local to my Owosso based studio (walking distance!) and am always happy to make recommendations if you’re down for a little pampering before your photos begin!
The topic of PRIVACY comes up often, as it should. The images we create together are for you and delivered to you only in a password protected gallery. Some clients grant me permission to share sneak peeks on social media or my website (like images used in this blog post!), while others prefer they remain unseen by the public. Either way is perfectly acceptable. There will never be any pressure to share anything out of your comfort level.
Tips and tricks when planning for your own session:
If you need help with wardrobe options, ask. I love helping clients find options that flatter their shape and complexion, or options that match a set or styled theme.
Avoid tanning for at least 3-4 days before your session. This goes for spray tans, tanning beds or normal sun exposure.
Lotion is your best friend. Hydrate that skin for a gorgeous glowy look.
On the day of your shoot, avoid wearing any tight fitting clothing or accessories that could leave marks on your skin - this includes tight socks or panties and/or hair tie bands around your wrist.
If you’re having make-up professionally done or doing it yourself, have a heavier hand than you would on any regular day; It will photograph better. Apply fake eye lashes for a big wow factor!
If you want to bring a friend along for support - you’re welcome to! I always try to limit guests to one, unless you’re doing a group event and multiple friends are having photos taken. Just be sure whomever you decide to bring will add comfort, not add discomfort.
If you have any areas of concern about yourself, mention it to us before the session begins. You’ll always be your own worst critic, but I always do my best to listen and approach those areas of concern with caution.
Read. Your. Contract. So important! Know the turnaround time you can expect to receive your photographs back before your session. Understand the process of rescheduling, just in case (things happen!). Always ask questions if needed.
Most of my boudoir sessions take place at Studio Owosso, but I offer them anywhere you can think of! Travel is welcome.
