THE FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY
Thinking of dipping your toes into the world of Boudoir? (Or even jumping right in at the deep end?)
Well, join the club!
So many women spend much of their adult life building a career and family that they often lose sight of themselves along the way. They tell us that they feel they’ve lost that spark that used to make them feel gorgeous, unstoppable, indestructible.
Well, we’re here to re-introduce you to your former superpower.
There is more to this life than endless laundry, dirty nappies and a diet that lasts forever.
You really can be the star in your own Marvel Movie.
The key to an amazing boudoir portrait experience is planning exactly what you want to achieve from your shoot.
Do you want this to help to improve your self confidence and feel good about yourself?
Is it a bucket list type thing, you’ve always wanted to do but never plucked up the courage?
Are you wanting to do this because you’ve seen friends pictures and want the same or it’s been recommended by others?
Maybe your other half is trying to persuade you to do this.
Whatever your motivation for wanting this amazing boudoir experience we will help you plan every detail.
We will hold your hand every step of the way.
We can help you with outfit ideas and posing suggestions.
Hair and Make-up looks.
We’ll take care of everything.
You might want to consider this experience as the confidence boost you need to apply for that amazing job.
Perhaps you’d like it to throw another log on the fire of your fabulous marriage. (or re-ignite the embers)
Careful though, a Boudoir Experience can become addictive.
You start with the first photoshoot and then, many women come back every year, maybe to try a new look, a new idea, get some more pictures for the wall.
Some women only have one boudoir photoshoot for their lifetime and other women do it every single year.
When is it the right time for a boudoir shoot?
The truthful answer is Right Now is the right time for a fabulous Boudoir Photoshoot Experience.
If you’re the kind of girl who needs an excuse though, consider a Birthday or Anniversary.
Achieving a milestone ; 30th, 40th, 50th.
How about reaching a weight goal, celebrating beating cancer, even celebrating surviving divorce. (Honestly, this is a stronger motivation that you would believe)
We always say this is the best present you could ever give to yourself.
Whatever your motivation though, remember, the person who will get the most out of this incredible experience is YOU.
Not only that, but the amazing book of fabulous images you’ll get from your session will be enjoyed every time you look at it for the rest of your life.
SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE BOOKING YOUR FIRST BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT
Don’t look through our website and think you can’t do this.
You absolutely can!
There are literally hundreds of women on our website, in the portfolio sections and the blog (Such as Laura featured on this page) - I’m sure you’ll agree all of these women look amazing and yet, they all come to us expecting not to look as good as the other women on the site.
Do you think that only women who are model types come to us?
Of course not. (Most models have no money so we would rapidly go out of business if all we photograph were models)
It’s fair to say that we have never photographed any one we wouldn’t be proud to show off on this website. (Of course, we never show any picture without their permission. Some of our absolute favourite shoots are destined never to be shown )
So, We are absolutely certain, after 20 years of doing this, that YOU will look as good as any of the women on our website.
Still, we know how scary booking a Boudoir Experience can be. You will probably be stepping well outside your comfort zone and we understand this.
We also understand that most women come to us and never appreciate the truly beautiful woman that stares back at them in the mirror everyday. The mirror lies to you because you see yourself through judgemental eyes.
It’s our job to help you see your real beauty.
Our job to help you appreciate who you are, right now.
You just need to see yourself through our non judgemental eyes.
Once you’ve taken the leap of faith to do this, you’ll need to consider a few things to really achieve what you want.
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT…
There are different types of boudoir shoots. Find a photographer that suits your style
Different photographers have different styles.
Some do lingerie, others specialise in tasteful nudes and fine art. Some pictures will focus solely on the body and no face, others will be full face and body.
Some photographers have a dark, shadowy style and others are more bright and airy photographers.
Most experienced photographers will have a repertoire of different styles to their skillset and their portfolio should reflect this. On the day, you should be able to switch from nude to clothed or from lingerie to more nude as your comfort levels allow.
THIS SHOULD BE YOUR CHOICE, NEVER THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S CHOICE.
Do you think you’ll be more comfortable with a man or a woman doing your photography?
Some women prefer the idea of a female photographer and some women are perfectly happy with a man doing the photography.
If a man is doing the photography it’s worth checking if a woman is present at the shoot at all times. She will be on hand to style, look for twisted bra-straps and clothing mis-haps and help move you in position when needed. This is obviously for your safety but you’d have to question the wisdom of a male photographer who allows himself to be alone in a studio with a female client. It’s certainly rare for a male photographer to photograph boudoir solo.
At Madison Bou, we have been photographing Boudoir for 20 years. Dave is the photographer and I’m his partner (Jayne) and I’m always on the shoot to style. On the occasions when I’m not on hand, Dave always has one of our hair and make-up team on the set to stylise through out. This is as much for his comfort as yours.
What should be most important though is the quality of their work. That’s what you’ll be purchasing after all.
Many women prefer male photographers because they consider them as less judgemental than women. Others really wouldn’t feel comfortable being half naked in front of a man.
Again, this is a highly personal issue and all down to your own comfort level. This is your choice, no one else’s.
Just remember to check how professional you feel the photographer will be. A gynaecologist may be male but that is his profession. You’d expect the same level of professionalism from a photographer.
(Boudoir) photo shoots are an investment.
Before you book, consider the cost of your pictures.
If you’ve chosen your photographer well, you can expect to love your pictures.
Will you be able to buy what you want/need?
Regardless how much the photoshoot will cost (Anywhere from zero to several hundred pounds), you will need to purchase the pictures if you want them afterwards.
Based on our research of the Boudoir Market around the country, this will be anywhere from £500 to several thousand.
Read the Reviews.
Go online and read reviews. See if the photographer has an online presence. A red flag would be if they did not have a functioning website or at the very least a Facebook business page. The more reviews you can find, the better and you’ll have an idea of what previous clients felt about their experience. (Facebook reviews can’t be edited by the photographer so these are a good sign of authority)
Remember, Boudoir can be an empowering way to feel confident about yourself and embrace your real beauty. It could make a great keepsake to look back on one day and say “Damn, I was hot!!”
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT
As soon as you book your Photoshoot start preparing. Even if it’s a few months away, trust us when we say, ‘preparation is key’.
The women who who prepare the most get the most out of the day itself. We want you to be one of those women.
• Bring Extra...Everything
You want to do this right, and every detail should be perfect. If you're investing time and money into your boudoir session, the last thing you want is to have a rip in your lace corset or a run in your stockings the day of your shoot. If you have a backup, you can switch, and save the session. Although artistically "distressed" articles can look good in a photo, for most of us, unseemly rips (especially in certain areas) are the last thing that we want.
• Spend Time Trying On and Testing Outfits
It's no secret that our bodies change over time, we gain weight, we lose weight, we have children, we spend more time at the gym. Some things that used to look great on us just won't anymore, and some things that we couldn't quite fit into we will look great in now. Also, clothes that have been in the wardrobe or in the drawer for a while, depending on the material, will change with time. So, if you bring an outfit for your session that you used to love but haven't worn in a while, you might be in for a surprise.
Instead of dealing with these potential "whoops" moments, take the time to try on any and all your potential outfits.
The more you have to bring the better, because options are always good, but you don't want to make the mistake of bringing a lot of things that aren't right for you.
The day of your shoot, you want to feel confident, sexy, on top of the world.
So bring those outfits. And if your wardrobe doesn’t inspire you then maybe it's time to go shopping. You never need an excuse to go shopping, but it's nice to have one.
Your upcoming Boudoir session is definitely an excuse.
• Wear Loose Fitting Comfy Clothes to the Boudoir Studio
Skip the bra, skip the socks, skip the watch, and forget that belt, those tight jeans, and anything else which could leave an impression in your skin.
Besides, you want to relax and feel confident, and tight clothes are only going to restrict you.
• Drink Plenty of Fluids
WATER…. and lots of it. And make sure to avoid alcohol and salt if at all possible. Honestly, it really does make a world of difference.
• Wear Clothes that are Right for Your Body
Everybody's different, and everybody is beautiful. Wear the clothes that you not only feel confident in, but accent your incredible body.
If you're on a thinner side and want some curves, wear brighter colours and horizontal lines, there are so many decadent varieties of bra/knicker combos that you'll want for nothing in your quest for fabulousness.
If you're on the curvier side and want to add some balance, try super-slimming fishnet stockings. Not certain how to dress your body the right way? Ask your boudoir photographer, they'll have loads more tips for you as well, and they’ll know what will look great and what not so great.
• Don't Fake Tan
No sprays, no gels, no lotions.
If you want a natural sun-kissed glow then get it from the Sun. Even better, book some sessions in a professional salon that has tanning beds, and do it in the nude (no unsightly lines this way).
The last thing you want is to a) look like a sexy pumpkin or b) have tan lines where your watch should be or, heaven forbid, streaky fake tan marks between your fingers and toes! (Ouch!)
9. Don't Think all "Boudoir Photographers" Are Equal
Do your research!
Take advantage of free consultations, read reviews and testimonials, scour through online galleries and portfolios.
Don't be fooled into thinking that just because someone says they know what they're doing and they happen to fit the right "price range" that they're offering a quality experience.
This is often a once in a lifetime event, and you should do it the right way.
Choose someone who is talented, professional, trustworthy, someone whose style you actually love and keep in mind that you will usually get exactly what you pay for.
It's an investment, give it the attention it deserves.
10. Relax
It'll be fun. Promise!
