How do you shoot boudoir photography?
Boudoir photography is the art of capturing a more sensual side of yourself, it can assist you in getting back in touch with who you are, to reconnect with your body, confront your fears, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and embrace yourself again.
With such an important role in a woman’s life, Boudoir Photography is fast becoming a self-care necessity and has become so much more important in recent years.
So, what is needed to create beautiful empowering boudoir photography and how do you shoot it?
Here are a few key elements to consider when creating boudoir imagery.
1. Posing through Flow
A great boudoir photo shoot will showcase your body and face in the most flattering way. Make sure you get a variety of shots that highlight any areas you want to show off, such as your lower back, bottom, legs, or chest these are parts of your body which can be accentuated in all the right ways throughout your boudoir shoot.
The arms and legs are often key to posing in boudoir photography, so look for ways to make interesting shapes out of them. Move your arms away from the side of your body and it’ll strengthen the shape of the pose. A slight side-on angle works wonders to present a slimmer view of the body. For lower body shots, pop your bottom back with one leg bent in front of the other, tilting your hips to one side this is an extremely flattering pose to showcase the lines and shape your body creates.
“Flow Posing” is a good way to keep a rhythm going throughout the shoot. To keep the boudoir photo shoot loose and comfortable, you want to move naturally from one pose to another. This is called “flow posing,” and it allows you to take a variety of boudoir shots, following your natural movement. It is also a good way to stay in the moment and not feel too awkward or stilted as you move from pose to pose.
2. Props during the Boudoir photo shoot
Props can be a great way to give your boudoir photography additional detail and interest.
Use props that will create a sensual, engaging image, such as feathers, mirrors, or chairs. Have props you feel comfortable using during the shoot, so it highlights your body in a beautiful, intimate way.
Go for props that are simple and classic, rather than distracting.
3. Expression is Key
Not everyone’s approach to flashing a sexy expression should be the same.
A beautiful expression may not require a smile from the mouth and more a smile from the eyes.
Other great expressions can be achieved by looking down and focusing more on beautiful features such as eyelashes. Others are achieved by flashing a playful smile. Some even have their eyes completely closed or are looking away from the camera.
Another common cue in boudoir photos is a slight breathe in or out of the mouth. There is a lot of subtle variation with the way the lips can be manipulated. Gasps and lip bites can both look great.
A relaxed jaw is a great technique to give a more youthful look to your face. Give it a try: relax your jaw so that you have a 1–2-millimeter gap between your teeth. Then, give a slight, no teeth-showing smile. When your jaw is relaxed it keeps from accentuating crow’s feet, cheeks, and other wrinkles that appear during a big cheesy smile.
Just remember your body language is more than just your facial expression so stay relaxed and have fun with it.
4. Choosing the Light Source
Window light or Daylight is ideal for this kind of shoot. Soft and flattering, it floods over the body evenly. Positioning yourself in the doorway channels the light behind you creating a silhouette lighting effect. You can control the softness of the light by moving closer to or further from the light source.
Good lighting can make or break a boudoir photo shoot. To keep things simple and flattering, look for a location with lots of natural light, preferably diffused behind light-coloured curtains or blinds. Avoid locations with harsh top light or fluorescent lighting, as they tend to be unflattering. A bright, naturally lit room or a studio with a daylight setup is an ideal lighting for your fresh boudoir feel.
Studio lighting with Low key lighting techniques, on the other hand gives you a completely different feel. Using only a key light (one light) will create a more dramatic moody effect, this directional lighting technique gives you control on which part of your body you shade and light.
This means that shadows remain in the dark and only the parts of your body you wish to be is highlighted. This type of lighting accentuates lines of the body and shapes it beautifully to give a completely different feel to your boudoir shoot.
Having a studio set up with both types of lighting sources low key and daylight is ideal to give your boudoir shoot variety and depth.
5. Setting the Scene
The location of the boudoir photo shoot should have just enough visual interest to fill the frame, but not too much to overcrowd the shot. Go for a location with a lot of space for you to move around and pose. Avoid cluttered or busy rooms with too much going on in the background. The location should complement your style and personality and make you feel like you have room to move around.
For example, you may opt for a bedroom with minimal furnishings or a studio with a few key props and a plain background.
Using a studio with different sets will also give you options to show off different sides of your personality. Soft feminine bedroom feels, dark and moody sets with vintage furnishings and colourful backgrounds. Variety gives you options and can be fun to play with different styles throughout your shoot.
6. Finding Shape
Elegant lines
Arching backs
Pointed toes
The S Shape
These are things to look for when photographing boudoir, finding shape and elegant lines of your body is the key to beautiful nude boudoir photos.
A good tip is to always keep your toes pointed to create pretty feet and to not break the lines of light on your body, which will help the viewers eye move seamlessly along the lines of light creating flow in the image. The S shape is pleasing visually and can create interest in a pose.
Examples of ways to pose to show these shapes are;
On the knees, with their feet tucked underneath them. Have your hands on your body in a natural, relaxed way or reaching up for the ceiling and moving gently from side to side to show movement and flow.
Lay on their back and place their arms over your head. Arch your back and play with your hair or run their fingers along their neck to create sensual lines.
Another is lying on one side, with the bottom leg straight and the top leg bent to accentuate the natural curves of your body.
Finding shape in your boudoir shoot is about knowing your body and moving it in a way that is pleasing to the eye and creates beautiful lines of light on your body. Be creative with it you will be amazed at what you can do.
By now you have lots of information to help you create beautiful, empowering boudoir photos. Taking all these elements into consideration will help you to see yourself in a more empowering way, allowing yourself to reconnect with your body, confront your fears, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and embrace yourself again.
If you are interested in booking a Zest Photography family, couple, modern glamour, boudoir or nude portrait photography experience, call 0862453150 or email us at info@zestphotography.com.au.