How to get the best boudoir photography

What is boudoir photography?

I think the easiest way to describe it is that it's a sophisticated type of fine art nude photography.

Find out more about boudoir photography The boudoir is a bedroom, usually sumptuously furnished, of a lady and generally only for the well-heeled!

Boudoir photography is photography that takes place in the bedroom - the boudoir - and usually implies a sensuous and sexy nature.

It's important to understand that this genre of photography is not simply nude photography.

The model is generally at least partially clothed and any nudity is either implied or done in a sensuous fashion.

Brides and Husbands

Recently it's become a very popular area of photography, especially for future brides who are keen to give their new husbands a special gift on their wedding day.

After all, what husband wouldn't want a photo of his new bride looking incredibly sensual and sexy?

Before we continue, just one word of caution. By its nature boudoir photography is a sexy form of photography and some nudity is inevitable (even if not the main focus of attention). Therefore if you think you'd be offended by such images please use the links at the top of this page to explore the rest of the site.

How to create boudoir photography

It's easier than you think to get started in boudoir photography. All you need is a model, a camera, and a bedroom.

A flashgun will help because it will give you more control over light in the room. A reflector will also be useful (to "bounce" light and illuminate the scene softly). There are pricey ones available, but a large piece of white card will certainly be effective.

In fact, boudoir photography is a form of photography that can be enjoyable on even the most modest of budgets.

Pause for just a moment and think about your scene - a bedroom, a model, tons of photographic equipment?

Too much equipment in a bedroom is just going to get in the way. You'd be better off with one decent camera, a flash, a reflector and a little boudoir photography know how!

You'll find the basic know how here, and for more detail there's a terrific eBook that illustrates everything for you.

Find out more about boudoir photography

Back to the Bedroom...

First thing to consider - what are you looking for from your boudoir photography?

Will it always be shots on a bed? Nothing wrong with that, but once you've set things up there might be other avenues to explore.

A nice shot is one of the model dressed seductively by the bedroom window. The soft light from the window looks appealing in photos and the wistful gaze is perfect for this style of photography.

What about different poses on the bed? No doubt you'll have some fun playing with poses, but be careful...

How to avoid turning boudoir
photography into ...

...let's just say 'photography of a questionable nature' (I think you know what I mean!).

It's all too easy to get carried away and end up with shots that would look right at home in a top-shelf magazine.

This is easily avoided by thinking about posing your model.

But where to start? Examples help - I could go on for hours describing all the different poses, but it wouldn't work for two reasons.

First, there are plenty of posing cheat sheets available to get you started (at a cost, but to be fair, the cost is small compared to the hours lost trying to get the right pose yourself).

And second, as you progress you will develop your own style of what you want in your photos and a list of poses will then become a straightjacket.

The best guide to boudoir photography I've come across handily comes with a free posing cheat sheet - ample to get you started and varied enough to get you thinking creatively about your own boudoir photography.

Find out more about boudoir photography


Hopefully this has whet your appetite for boudoir photography and inspired you to seriously investigate it further.

As a photographer it's not my forté, but I have to admit I do enjoy it when I get the chance.

I think it's because it's creating something of beauty without overstepping the mark into tacky-territory that I enjoy. And who doesn't like creating something beautiful?

If you'd like to find out more have a look at this eBook - it comes with a free posing cheat sheet and if you're lucky enough to own a Kindle there's a 'Kindle-friendly' version in the pack too.