1. Lingerie
Having good quality and great looking lingerie for a boudoir shoot is paramount. Remember, you are paying money to be photographed in your underwear, so why would you want to wear something less than spectacular?
Old lingerie thats been sitting in the bottom of your drawer and cheap looking lingerie are exactly that. Old and cheap.
Is that the look you going for in you photos? I didn't think so.
Invest in some new lingerie that will make you look and feel sexy.
2. Shoes
This is almost as important as lingerie, but another part of boudoir photography that is often overlooked are the shoes. So you went out and purchased some new outfits for your shoot, great, but those old scuffed shoes that you wear to work everyday will definitely not go well with your new lingerie.
Here is a tip, most stores will allow you to return shoes within a certain time frame as long as the shoes are not damaged or dirty. So purchase a few pairs and then return them after your boudoir shoot. Now you can wear brand new shoes in you photos and they didn't cost you a thing!
3. Hair, Makeup, and Nails
When flipping through the pages of Vogue or any other fashion magazine you will notice that the models look amazing. Their and makeup are perfect.That's because behind the scenes they are getting made over by professional make up artists and hair stylists.
I recommend to any woman interested in doing a glamour or boudoir shoot to get their hair and makeup done by a pro. Most photographers work closely with make up artists and hair stylists, so locating one should not be a problem. Also, spend a few bucks on a manicure. Chewed up fingernails and peeling nail polish will show in your photos and trust me, it does not look good. Remember, you are investing in a photo shoot to create some beautiful photos. Don't skimp on something small.
4. Themes
A good theme will definitely make your boudoir shoot a lot more fun and exciting. Themes can be created around the style of lingerie you have, a prop, or a character you want to act out as. Be a naughty school girl, a sexy cowgirl, an innocent princess wrapped in lace, or a bad ass latex wearing dominatrix. Themes are excellent ways to tell a story with photos and help you come out of your shell.
5. Props and Accessories
Boudoir photography is best when the look is complete. Just because you are going to be posing half dressed in front of a camera doesn't mean the rest of your body should be naked. Ear rings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, scarves, gloves, and hats can help complete you look. So don't forget to bring them!
If you are doing a themed shoot, think of what props will complete the look. Wearing a cowboy doesn't make you look like sexy cowgirl, but adding a rope, a vest, or even a six-shooter definitely will.
6. Posing
So you have boudoir shoot coming up in a few days and you want to practice some glamour poses. You search for sexy poses in magazines or online but when you practice them in the mirror they don't look the same.
What to do? Should you begin to panic and pull out your hair. Will you lose sleep at night and wonder if you should go through with your shoot. My suggestion, just relax. It's not your job to know how to pose.
Posing is an important part of photography and a skilled photographer will know how to move and shape your body to make you look amazing. The photographer may put you into a pose that feels a bit awkward and uncomfortable, but you best believe it will look great.
7. Looking Sexy?
Leave all of your worries at the door. Sure, this may be your first boudoir photo shoot and being a little nervous is expected. Just remember that whatever you are thinking about will show on you face.
Don't believe me? Grab your iPhone and go try it.
Stand in front of a mirror and think about something that makes you angry. Like being stuck in traffic or behind some really slow driver. It can be anything that makes you upset. Think about it for a little and snap a photo of yourself. Not very pretty.
Now, close your eyes and think about how amazing you will look having your hair and make up done, wearing your new sexy lingerie, looking like a supermodel, while gazing into my camera with the "you wish you could look as hot as me" look. Now open your eyes and snap THAT picture.
Told you so.
If you found these boudoir photography tips fun and valuable please take a second to share them with your friends and fellow photographers.
