Helen’s First Boudoir Session

So you want to do a boudoir shoot…

Hey there people. As promised, it’s Helen this week. I feel like you guys are expecting some super spectacular post the way Bryan has talked it up. I don’t know about all that…but I’ll do my best.  Last week’s post, discussed some things you need to know when doing a boudoir shoot. This post, obviously, is also about boudoir shoots but more specifically, my boudoir session, what to expect from one, and a few tips on how to relax, have fun should you choose to go bare-as-you-dare for the camera.

First off, what is a boudoir shoot? Boudoir is just a fancy French word for a woman’s bedroom or private space. So when we talk about it in photography it’s a bit more loosely defied. It’s about intimacy…romance even.  Many people do these kinds of shoots for their partner as a gift but some people just like to put on sexy clothes and have their picture taken, no matter your reason we’re here to help.

About a year ago, I did my first boudoir shoot. I was a little nervous at first (I don’t really know why, I’m very liberal when it comes to what I’m wearing and who sees what. After all, it’s just a butt, right?) Anyway, I decided I wanted to have these pictures and rented a cute little hotel room in Atlanta. I knew there were a couple of specific shots that I wanted so I made a list and gave them to the photographer beforehand. Planning, in these matters, is important.  So I had my outfits laid out and we had a good idea of what shots we wanted to get. I hired one of staff photographers for this shoot because I wanted my experience to mirror what yours might be and he was very professional and made me feel very comfortable.  The shoot was 4 hours but it seemed like much less once we got started I got into it and taking breaks for wardrobe changes made the time fly by. It was fun and I think that’s what makes all the difference. The more fun you have, the better. That kind of thing really shines from inside out. 

So a few takeaways from my shoot:

1.     Eat first, but not too much. (Seems obvious, but sometimes you don’t think about it) you’re likely going to be next to naked…or all the way naked and you don’t want to feel uncomfortable or bloated. A light snack is good and having water and a little something to nibble on will keep you camera ready!

2.     One of my looks included rope, and while my partner knows how to tie the ropes and the shoot wasn’t a surprise so he was able to be there and tie them, that’s not the case for everyone, so keep in mind that if you want something uncommon like that, it's best to bring your own accoutrements.

3.     You don’t have to be a professional model. I’ve shown my pictures to friends and family (and pretty much anyone who will look at them) and I get compliments all the time. I love my body and I like to keep pretty fit, but I am far from a model.  Sometimes I need LOTS of coaching when I’m in front of the camera. Bryan will tell you. But the beauty of a boudoir shoot is that you don’t have to be a model to do it and do it well. When I’m posing for any reason for Bryan, I always ask him “what’s my motivation?” In a boudoir shoot, use thoughts or images of your partner and how they make you feel. Play music that reminds you of them or go to your “special place” in your mind. All great ways to get to a space where the resulting photo will be a spectacular representation of how you feel on the inside.

4.     Relax and have fun. Like I said before, the more comfortable you are the better. I can’t tell you how many photos of people I’ve seen where you can just SEE that they are uncomfortable. You don’t have to ever pose in any way that makes you uneasy or wear any more or any less than you like. It’s totally up to you and should you choose Eleven 11 for your boudoir shoot, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, comfortable, judgment free environment for your best you to shine through.

Remember, your boudoir shoot can be whatever you want it to be! So whether you decide to bare it all or barely show anything at all it’s up to you and we’re here to capture whatever you choose. The important thing is that you are comfortable and you have beautiful images that you and your partner (or whoever you share them with) love and are proud of and can cherish for a lifetime.