Be My Valentine: 5 Tips for Beautiful Boudoir Photography

Celebrating love, romance, and special moments is what we do this time of year—flowers, chocolates, and dinner reservations aren’t exactly a surprise. Though books may not be traditional tokens of passion, we’re surprised to see how people are using boudoir photography collections to convey their sweetheart sentiments. Our platform gives you the opportunity to create a “little black book” keepsake from the privacy of your own home.
Boudoir photography has been around since the early 1900s. In the 1920s, boudoir art and photography became popular due to the illegality of nudity in photographs. Photographers, most notably Albert Arthur Allen, created boudoir masterpieces focused on women posing in romantic ways against ornate backdrops.
Since then, the boudoir genre has gone through many transformations. From focusing on elaborate photos of pin-up girls to showcasing the beauty of real women in natural surroundings, it has become something anyone can do.
Recently, boudoir photography has become a trend as a wedding package add-on or as gifts for your special someone.
Considering a photo shoot for your own “little black book?” Keep these portrait tips in mind:
1. Find comfort in the uncomfortable. This event will most likely take you out of your comfort zone—which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It is important to find the things that can help put your mind at ease such as a location that you are familiar with, a photographer you have worked with previously, or a best friend encouraging you from off camera. Having a level of comfort will help you come across as carefree and relaxed in your photos.

2. Turn it up notch—just one! If you are using a professional makeup or hair artist, which is highly recommended, let them know you want to look like yourself so they don’t overdo it. It’s tempting to get so glammed up that you look like a completely different person. This makes photos that are less about you and more about a character. If you’re doing a character portrait, go big. If not, remember you are gifting this to a special someone; they love you and want to see you in those photos.

3. Choose a photographer you trust. Boudoir is intimate, so it is important you are comfortable posing in very little clothing in front of your photographer. Do you research, read reviews, and try to meet face to face before the day of your shoot.

4. Get yourself something nice. If you have a favorite outfit, definitely include it, but don’t underestimate the element of surprise. Something new might put you in a new frame of mind. You want to make sure you feel amazing in every outfit you are going to wear—it will show in your photos! Be sure to wear clothes that accentuate your favorite features. Try on all of your outfits beforehand to ensure proper fit. Remember looking sexy does not mean less clothing—it means feeling and looking your best.

5. Have fun! This entire experience should be one you look back on fondly so don’t forget to laugh, smile and enjoy the moment. The photos will capture everything you are feeling.

Looking for a little inspiration for you photoshoot? Check out some of the boudoir books people have made with Blurb here.
Looking to make a book of your photos? Create your book today.