Luckily you do not need to know how to pose. I have a large repertoire of stunning poses, so your only responsibility is showing up. Throughout your boudoir experience, I will demonstrate every pose so you don’t have to guess how to position your body. Usually, the initial awkwardness starts to dissipate in the first ten minutes.
What if I have no idea how to pose?
To be honest, almost every woman I have photographed worries about whether or not she will look awkward. It is totally normal. Even as a photographer, when I am in front of the camera, I can get preoccupied and begin to feel awkward. The most important distinction to remember is that you are booking a boudoir experience for yourself. So, contrary to the family session your parents forced you to do at nine years old, it will already be infinitely more enjoyable.
In my experience, the majority of the awkwardness arises from being unsure of how to pose, where to look, what to do with your hands, and whether you’re doing something “correctly.” This has shaped how I photograph women. Throughout your boudoir session, we will be talking, and I will demonstrate everything I want you to do. As we go along, I'll make any adjustments as necessary. You will never be expected to step in front of the camera and know what to do.
What if I'm awkward in my photographs?
You do not need to feel confident before you book your boudoir experience. Most of the women I photograph didn’t feel confident either. Confidence is something you build throughout your session as you become more comfortable, and find yourself less preoccupied with what you’re doing and more connected to yourself. This lets you start to see yourself differently.
If part of you wants to do boudoir but another part of you keeps saying, “maybe when I feel more confident,” you do not have to wait for your future confidence to show up first.
Do I need to feel confident before booking?
You don’t have to love or even like your body right now to do a session. That’s part of what boudoir can give you. All of our confidence ebbs and flows throughout life, and often the best thing you can do when your confidence is in a rut, is give yourself the opportunity to see yourself differently.
You can be critical of certain aspects of your body and still believe that your body deserves care, attention, and beautiful photographs. Booking a photoshoot is not a declaration that you’ve finally become confident. You don’t have to wait until you reach that point first.
Sometimes seeing yourself outside of a mirror, outside of your own criticism, and through somebody else’s eyes is what you need to change how you see yourself.
What if I don't like my body right now?
Absolutely not.
I do not believe in setting arbitrary goals in order to believe you deserve this experience. You deserve it now.
Not when you lose ten pounds.
Not when you finally go to the gym.
Not when your clothes fit differently.
Not when you reach some random number you’ve decided will make you feel good enough.
Your body will continue to change throughout your life. If appreciating it is always contingent on reaching the next goal, whether that is related to weight or simply life, there will always be another reason to be hypercritical of your body and another reason to wait. You are allowed to appreciate the body you have now and set goals for yourself.
You are worth it now.
Should I lose weight before my boudoir session?
Yes, I believe with my entire being that boudoir is for everyone. The question I would ask instead is: "what makes you believe that the person you see in boudoir photographs, who look incredible, cannot be yourself?"
My goal as a boudoir photographer is to help you truly see yourself and how phenomenal you are. I want you to have photographs that make you do a double take every time you see them. Photographs that showcase how beautiful you are in a way you have never experienced before. So, yes, I think this experience is for everybody.
Is boudoir photography really for someone like me?
Absolutely not. You can book your shoot at any time. You do not need to wait for a special occasion.
You can do this just because.
You do not need to wait for a new life chapter.
Or until you get engaged.
Or get that promotion you’ve been working towards.
Or turn 40.
You can do it simply because you want to.
I think we get so used to needing a justification to celebrate ourselves that doing something simply because it would make us feel good sounds indulgent.
But it isn’t.
You are already a good enough reason.
Do I need a special reason or milestone to book?
Here’s the fun part: the options are endless. The most important factor is that your outfits fit your style and make you feel confident and comfortable. You do not have to wear lingerie to your boudoir photoshoot. If you feel more comfortable wearing a sports bra and panties, wear that. If you would rather wear a stunning dress, perfect. Or even jeans and a bralette. Before your session, I’ll send you a detailed preparation guide with outfit ideas, styling recommendations, plenty of which are not traditional lingerie.
Here is an extensive blog post I wrote to help you choose the best outfits to wear, so that you can walk into your experience prepared and excited.
What should I wear?
Then don’t wear lingerie. It is that simple. The most important criterion for your boudoir outfits is that you feel comfortable in them. So, if lingerie doesn’t make you feel powerful, choose something else.
I typically recommend bringing one look that you’re curious about but aren’t sure you will actually wear. You do not have to commit to specific outfits before your shoot, so there is zero commitment. Sometimes clients surprise themselves and decide they want to try something they hadn’t anticipated. Other times, they don’t end up wearing that outfit, and that is completely fine. The choice is completely yours.
Do I have to wear lingerie?
I do not reshape or alter my clients’ bodies. I will not alter your body by slimming your arms, back, or stomach, removing your wrinkles or reshape your body. Those are part of you and your story. They make you beautiful. Temporary blemishes are different. If you wake up with a pimple the morning of your session, I am perfectly happy to remove it during retouching because it is not a permanent part of you.
Personally, I started ELI Boudoir because I do not think there is a "perfect" body and I want all women to feel confident as they are. My goal is to help you see yourself fully. We get stuck looking in the mirror being our own worst critic. I want to show you how other people see you. To show you your unique beauty and power.
Will you photoshop or change my body?
At ELI Boudoir, I do not share client photographs without a signed model release.
I value my clients’ privacy. Some of the women I’ve photographed will never appear on my website because they chose to keep their images completely private, and I respect that decision. However, if you give me permission to share them, I would love to show off your photos.
Will my boudoir photographs remain private?
Plan on spending approximately four hours at the studio from start to finish. Your experience starts with professional make-up, followed by approximately two hours of photography filled with conversation, laughter, and expert posing guidance.
How long is a boudoir session?
Yes. Professional make-up is included with your boudoir experience. My make-up artist will work with you to create a look that complements your features and still feels like you. You are responsible for styling your hair before arriving at the studio.
Is professional make-up included?
After the photoshoot, we will schedule your private reveal where you will see your photographs for the first time and choose the images and artwork you want to take home. This is my favorite part of the experience. I hear, “I cannot believe that’s me," over and over again. I swear 90% of my clients say it.
What happens after the photoshoot?
If you are celebrating a special milestone or need artwork by a particular date, I recommend booking your session at least two to three months in advance. That gives us enough time for your photoshoot, private reveal, and the creation of your heirloom album or wall art.
How far in advance should I book?
How much does a boudoir experience cost?
Thank you for reaching out
We will be in touch soon. Keep an eye out for an email with next steps.
213-513-6088
info@eliboudoir.com
Take the first step
By design, ELI Boudoir takes only a handful of sessions each month, so every woman has my full, unhurried attention. Spots are reserved first-come, first-served; complete the form and I'll send your next steps within 1–3 business days.
Based at a private Westside studio near Venice, ELI Boudoir welcomes clients from across Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and all of Southern California, with stunning outdoor locations from El Matador Beach to Placerita Canyon.
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