What is a Boudoir Photography Session?

As a Boudoir photographer, I know the ins-and-outs of what boudoir is. I believe EVERYONE should treat themselves to a boudoir session at least once. Boudoir is a self-love experience and can be extremely empowering as well as fun. These sessions are an intimate experience that is geared to build up your confidence. And if they’re done correctly, they should around empowering you, making you feel as powerful in your own skin as possible. If you ask me, because of how raw and exposed sessions can be, who the photographer is matters exponentially more. And sadly, not everyone is built to be a Boudoir photographer.

In this blog post about what Boudoir is. I will outline ways to prepare for your session, different furniture that we can incorporate, and common misconceptions. As an aside: Boudoir photography is a perfect gift for a partner if you want to something unique.

So, What is Boudoir?

Boudoir photography is often referred to as intimate photography. It originated in France in the 1890s but wasn’t popularized until the 1930s. During the 1960s, boudoir took off in its popularity, largely due to Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. But it was not until the 1970s that it started to transform and be centered around empowering women rather than being an object for the male gaze. Boudoir photography is done in lingerie or intimate clothing and typically take place in a bedroom, although can be done almost anywhere.

How to prepare for your boudoir session:

Eli Boudoir

If you book a session with me, you’ll get a more complete list but for starters:

1. Bring at least 2-3 outfits, it never hurts to bring extra outfits. We will pick your favorites depending on how you feel during the session.
2. Set aside any accessories you might want. This can include jackets, oversized sweatshirts, heels, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and robes.
3. Bring a moisturizer.
4. Make sure you bring a water bottle and a snack to your session!
5. Do any waxing or shaving you want to.
6. Go get your nails done (neutral colors look the best)
7. Avoid spray tans

Different furniture we can build into your intimate session:

Eli Boudoir

• Couches
• Bed
• Bathroom – Bathtub & Shower
• Chairs
• Windowsills
• Tables
• The Floor
• Curtains
• Cabinets
• A Chaise
• A stool

Common misconceptions about boudoir photography and sessions

I need to be wearing lingerie.

Eli Boudoir

• If you think your only outfit choice is to wear lingerie during your session, go look at my blog post, . The options of what to wear are endless. If you work with me, you have multiple different outfits. So, we can play it by ear depending on how comfortable you are during the session.
• The most important factor when choosing your outfit is what makes you feel empowered
• But if you have an outfit, you really want to wear but don’t feel confident in it or are unsure of how you look, take that leap and just do it. If you don’t like those photographs in the end, you won’t be forced to purchase them. But I bet you will LOVE them, and they might be your favorite.

I need to be confident before I do invest in a boudoir session.

Eli Boudoir

• That is categorically false. Boudoir photography will build your confidence and help kickstart your self-love journey.
• This is a common misconception. Often, my clients hesitate or have put off their Boudoir session until they feel more confident. But, while you might not be completely confident in your own skin, that is a reason to do Boudoir now. To feel that much more confident and beautiful.
• My goal for you throughout your session and image reveal is for you to develop a whole new level of confidence and realization that you are a bada** . And that you are beautiful, sexy, confident, and most importantly powerful.
• My favorite aspect is its ability to transform how you view yourself and help you fall in-love with certain parts of your body. I want you to become obsessed with your belly rolls, or your love handles. Throughout your session, you will realize how beautiful they are. Your boudoir session should help you fall in-love with your entire body: stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, beauty marks, birth marks, the whole nine-yards.

It is a really uncomfortable experience.

Eli Boudoir

• Any photographer you work with, including myself, should work to make you feel comfortable. During your session they should be your personal hype woman/man.
• Additionally, they should invest time before your session to make sure you feel ready for your session and at ease walking into the studio, outdoor space, or wherever you might have your session.
• In my sessions, I allow my boudoir clients to have multiple outfits for this reason. At the start of your session, you might feel far less comfortable in your lingerie. So let’s start in a button-down or a oversized sweatshirt. Or even a slightly more conservative lingerie option, like a bodysuit versus a three-piece set.
• Lastly, if you are concerned about feeling confident in your lingerie, practice. Start walking around your house in your lingerie or taking your own Boudoir photographs, to get used to it.

Boudoir photography is only for a gift for my partner.

Eli Boudoir

• Well, no, it can be, and it is a super fun gift and unique BUT…first and foremost, you should be at the center of your experience. The goal of every quality boudoir photographer is to ensure that you have fun and have an empowering experience.
• Now, once you’ve done the session, you can absolutely use the photographs and gift them to your partner. This can be done in an album, matted prints, a flirty calendar, there are so many fun ways!
• It can even be for both, but you should never feel like you are doing it JUST for someone else.