10 of the Most Common Misconceptions about Boudoir

As a Boudoir Photographer, I want to dispel ten of the most common misconceptions about Boudoir. If you stumbled upon this blog post and don’t know what Boudoir is, let me tell you. Boudoir photography is an intimate form of photography that strives to empower women to appreciate their bodies and feel as confident and sexy as they are. It is a chance to shift your perception of yourself and take ownership of your body. If you need an excuse to treat yourself to a session, here you go: it can make for a great gift for your loving partner.

Without further ado, here are 10 of the most common misconceptions about Boudoir.

Misconceptions about Boudoir #1: Boudoir sessions are awkward.  

Regardless of how shy or outgoing you are, your boudoir session should not be awkward. Yes, it is a deeply personal and intimate experience, and it could be awkward or a little uncomfortable. But with the right photographer it won’t be. All Boudoir photographers, like myself, recognize this and go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable. Additionally, if you ever feel like you need a break that is always an option.  

Personally, I love demonstrating and walking through each pose with you. I have found that it is far less confusing than giving verbal instructions. And if there is ever a pose that you cannot get into, that is totally ok just let me know and we will switch over to a different pose!  

Lastly, I am simply a goofy person. I can guarantee I will break out laughing for no reason at least 3 times during your session. My boyfriend has grown accustomed to this, so he no longer looks at me and questions why I am giggling to myself.  

I want you to have the best experience possible working with myself or another Boudoir photographer, so if you have any concerns, please let me know and I will work with you to the best of my ability to dispel them.  

Misconception #2: You Need to Have a Perfect Body to do Boudoir

Simply put, no one has a “perfect body”. And that is what makes women so beautiful and unique. Boudoir is about celebrating ALL body types, embracing your curves or lack of curves, and finding new ways to love your body. Personally, like everybody else, I have my own insecurities and parts of my body that I am not in-love with, but doing my own Boudoir session helps me grow exponentially more confident and comfortable in my skin. As a Boudoir photographer, I know how to accentuate your best features, so you leave the session feeling amazing and beautiful. So, if you take anything away from blog post it should be that all bodies are gorgeous, and there is no such thing as a “perfect” body or a body not worth investing in Boudoir for. 

Misconception #3: In Order to do Boudoir, you HAVE to wear lingerie

Nope, nope, and nope.  

Whatever you wear to your boudoir session should make you feel comfortable and confident. Your outfits should mirror who you are and accentuate the parts of your body you love the most.  

If you feel the most beautiful when wearing lacy lingerie, then by all means wear that! But if lacy lingerie makes you feel self-conscious, and you feel confident in a simple bra and panties with a jacket, or an oversized sweatshirt and panties, then go with that! Or maybe you want to try out wearing jeans and no bra, or a sexy slip dress. There are so many options for your boudoir session. I have only touched on a few here, but if you want more ideas look here.  

And if you do not know what you want to wear, I will work with you one on one to figure out what the right choice(s) are for you!  

But remember, go with whatever feels like you! There is no right or wrong outfit for your boudoir session.  

Misconception #4: Boudoir Photos are Only for Your Partner 

Absolutely not. Boudoir is the perfect gift for yourself. It definitely can be for your romantic partner, but first and foremost it should be for you. It is an amazing way to document this chapter of your life and reflect on it years later. Additionally, it can exponentially help your self-image and help you fall further in love with your body. In my experience, even if you do it for your partner, it will also change how you view your body. Often clients do Boudoir sessions to celebrate important milestones like a significant birthday, or progress on a weight loss journey, or to celebrate a personal achievement. 

Misconception #5: I Should Wait until I have my “Dream” Body 

There is no such thing. Regardless of if you lose the weight you wanted to, there will still be some imperfection you are insecure about. And your body, even if it is not perfect to you, is amazing and doing so much work for you. It deserves to be appreciated. So, don’t wait until you have your dream body, do a session now and once you have that dream bod. So what if it takes two-years to get your body into pristine shape. Boudoir Photographers know extensive poses that will highlight your best features and help you love your body the way it is right now. Whether you’re petite, curvy, tall, or any body type, boudoir can be a beautiful and empowering experience. 

Misconception #6: You Must Already be Completely Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Number six on the list of common misconceptions about boudoir is a widespread. So, lets break it down.

As a Boudoir photographer, I will walk you through each and every pose, so you do not need any experience in front of the camera. In fact, most people do not have any experience. Myself included. I am actually extremely awkward in front of the camera without any guidance. But a professional boudoir photographer like myself, will help guide you through poses and facial expressions, so that you walk away with stunning images that are flattering. Additionally, any good photographer will make you feel at ease, so you are not anxious or wondering what your body or face looks like during the session.  

Misconception #7: Boudoir is Only for Young Women 

Boudoir is for ALL women, not just young women.  

Every age holds its own beauty. Regardless of if you are in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, Boudoir celebrates your confidence and gorgeous figure at that point in life. And if you do it once a year, you can see how you grow into your body and embrace your body.  

Misconception #8: Boudoir Photography is Only Done Indoors 

Traditionally, Boudoir was done in studios, but it is not limited to the indoors. In fact, some of my favorite sessions are outdoors. Outdoor boudoir can be daunting but lends itself to a stunning setting. Personally, outdoor boudoir sessions are my favorite. Additionally, you can choose the setting, so it can be somewhere personal to you or where you feel connected to. One of my favorite sessions I have ever done was at El Matador beach! Outdoor locations that are perfect for Boudoir photography are the beach, a meadow, forests, mountains, urban settings.  

This is one of the most fun misconceptions about Boudoir to myth bust, because outdoor boudoir is so fun and often more freeing!

Misconception #9: Boudoir is Inherently Sexual

Boudoir can be but does not have to be sexual. Boudoir photography is all about empowerment and embracing your body. That means embracing your body and sensuality in whatever way is natural and representative of how you view yourself: it could be soft, gentle, seductive, romantic, bold, youthful, silly, so on and so forth. The goal of any Boudoir session is to help you feel empowered and confident in your skin and reflect who you are! 

Misconception #10: Boudoir Photography is Only for Women 

Number 10 on the list of common misconceptions about boudoir is that it is solely for women, but since then it has expanded to include couples and non-binary individuals. Some Boudoir photographers also work with men. Personally, I only work with women and couples.

To Conclude:

All of these misconceptions about boudoir are equally important to myth bust. But if you were going to take away any it is that Boudoir is for all women, and that there is no such thing as a perfect body. The punchline is, there are an infinite number of ways to talk yourself out of doing a Boudoir session, but doing it is so worth it. Personally, I am all about stepping outside of my comfort zone and challenging my perspective. So, push yourself and try and view yourself in a new light.

So if you are thinking about inquiring about a Boudoir photography session, do it.

Remember the most important part is WHO your Boudoir photographer is. They need to be someone you can connect with and be comfortable around!