TIPS FOR BOUDOIR PHOTOSESSIONS
TIPS FOR BOUDOIR PHOTOSESSIONS
Boudoir photography is a niche in portrait photography, combining the features of portraiture, fashion, art, glamorous and erotic photography. A great way to capture sexy, sensual, stylish images of women of all ages and forms. It is not necessary to have the body of a model that has stepped off the catwalk in order to turn out beautifully in the frame.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
The word boudoir comes from French. The boudoir was a place where a woman could take time for herself; depending on financial capabilities, the boudoir was assigned a whole room or part of it, separated by a partition.
The style of boudoir photography itself has existed since the 1940s. It is a sensual, intimate look at a person. Clients are most often women, but there is also a male boudoir photograph. This is a playful and provocative style. Nudity is only implied, but rarely shown.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Some women feel extremely confident in front of the camera in such a seemingly vulnerable state. Others are not so relaxed. Some may be scared to “let go” of themselves and relax, get rid of the feeling that the photographer in the process judges every physical flaw of the model.
Some tips to help for a successful boudoir photo shoot
Meet the future model
Chat with your client before the photo shoot begins. Ask different questions, try to understand what the woman in her body likes. What does she consider her dignity? How is she comfortable working? Some prefer refined and sophisticated posing, while others prefer more sensual poses for a photo shoot. Which wardrobe will be more convenient and how much is the model ready to bare in front of the camera?
A preliminary idea of how the client sees herself and perceives what she likes and dislikes helps to prepare for the shooting. Let’s not lie, a boudoir photo shoot can be as awkward for a photographer as for a client.
Location for boudoir shooting
Boudoir photo shoots usually need a rather intimate setting. It can be a bedroom, a hotel room or an ordinary studio with the corresponding props. Try to use a space with good natural light from the window. To build a pose, a bed, couches and simply chairs come to the rescue. Huge space is not required here.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Camera settings
Since most likely you will use an open aperture, make sure that the shutter speed does not increase by more than 1/200. This will eliminate any possible mirror jitter or slight movement. It is also an excellent speed for synchronizing with lighting equipment.
For boudoir photos, you first need to work with aperture and ISO. Depending on what kind of lighting you use – natural or studio – you will have a range that allows you to get the right exposure. With studio lighting, you can increase and decrease power, getting as much light as you need. This will help maintain a low ISO value for better quality and detail.
Natural light is what it is. In cloudy weather, higher ISO values will be required, and sunny – vice versa. The aperture should be around f / 8-16 so that the model remains in focus, but visually detaches from the background.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Lighting
Lighting plays a big role when you need to show the frame of the model in the best light (pun intended). It is necessary to get the depth of the image, shadows are used to soften parts of the body. Without a doubt, you will need a softbox for the on-camera flash, a diffuser or reflector, or a softbox or umbrella for a studio monoblock.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Wardrobe
What should a customer bring with them? It is best if a woman takes with her many different things to choose from. This will help determine what suits the person best, and also diversifies the entire photo shoot.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Underwear, oversized t-shirts, high-heeled shoes, a variety of jewelry, T-shirts and button-down shirts – anything can come in handy.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Also keep in mind that professionally applied makeup and hairstyle noticeably increase the self-confidence of the female model you are shooting. Think about the opportunity to stock up on your own makeup artist for the shoot.
Personality!
As in the case of any portrait shooting, you should not impose a model on a character that is alien to her in the frame – shyness can look no less sexy than sociability and a cheerful disposition.
Tips for Boudoir Photoshoot
Talk during a photo shoot. This not only relieves the atmosphere, but also allows you to catch the natural movements of the client in the photo. And most importantly – in a playful way! Do not impose poses!
