Have you seen those classy, yet sexy boudoir photo books ladies have done and think to yourself, “I could never do that!”? Well, I’m here to tell you that’s the farthest thing from the truth! I have been doing hair and makeup for 3 photographers who shoot boudoir sessions for the past 6 years and it’s such a wonderful experience. I have also actually had 2 different ones done myself and LOVED it! I will give you all of the insider tips and tricks from these photographers to make you a bombshell.
On a Personal Level
As I said I have had 2 sessions myself. The first one was a maternity photo shoot and I wasn’t quite sure what in the world I was doing or how I was going to feel, considering I was 7 ½ months pregnant at the time. I felt like the blueberry girl off Willy Wonka and didn’t know how to be sexy like that. Let me tell you, the photographer put me at ease right away by having a professional pamper me with hair and makeup for my photos. Then she helped me choose the appropriate outfits to fit my body just right and photograph well. She never once made me feel uncomfortable or any other way but sexy and confident!
My second shoot was for me. I wanted photos in my bedroom, bathroom and walk in closet. I love black and white photos and reached out to a photographer I work with and she suggested she take the photos of me instead of buying them of someone else. What an awesome idea and experience with a different photographer. I did my own hair and makeup this time (because that’s my job), and felt so comfortable around her because I was already familiar with her process. She is amazing and likes to show you the poses before you mimic them. She also angles your body just right so your curves look gorgeous and on point. I couldn’t recommend having a boudoir session enough!
Disclaimer This article may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, I may receive a small commission. It will not cost you anything, but helps me to keep providing you great content on this site. I only promote and work with brands and products I have personally used and know are great. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for over a decade, and use my education and training to bring you these amazing products. Rest assured I have your best interest at heart!
A Gift? Or For Yourself?
Whether these photos are for an upcoming gift for your significant other, or just to feel good and honor yourself, it’s a worthwhile gift that will always remind you how beautiful you are. Many brides have books printed as gifts for their groom on the wedding day. I’ve also heard of them given as gifts for the one-year anniversary of the traditional “paper” gift, what an incredible idea! Fortieth birthday? Great Gift! 10th anniversary? Great Gift! Just because you feel like it? Amazing!!
Ladies in the Business
Having worked with different photographers who all include boudoir in the packages they offer, I have enjoyed getting to know these fabulous ladies (#momboss) I wanted to let them share a bit about themselves, why they love their job and tips you can use for your boudoir photo shoot.
Meet Lauren Theis
Bio-
Hey Ladies! I’m Lauren and have been a professional photographer for 10 years, but just took over the Boudoir side of our studio last year. When I’m not in the studio or editing behind the computer screen, you can find me hanging out with my daughter Evelyn (2), dog Ozzi, and husband Dustin. I’m known for my loud laugh, which goes great with my equally loud personality lol! I find that the more you are comfortable in your own skin your clients can feed off that energy and relax as well.
A Little Q and A
Q: What made you start in boudoir?
A:
I jumped into the boudoir game after I experienced a boudoir session of my own! I was totally that girl that thought “Naked photos … um I don’t know.” But let me tell you that I walked out of my session on some dead end ally street like it was a New York Fashion Week runway. What a high I was on, and suddenly I really wanted every woman to experience this as well!
Q: What is your favorite part?
A:
My favorite part is definitely seeing my clients’ reactions after they receive their images. The session is such a high for both them and me, but hearing their disbelief that the woman in the photos IS them, completely priceless! I love knowing that they now have this renewed confidence and view of themselves.
Q: One thing you have learned over the course of your boudoir journey?
A:
One thing I have learned is “knowing your worth” is everything! Not only for clients, but for me as a photographer as well.
Q: Advice you could give to those thinking about doing a boudoir session?
A:
Every woman should experience this! Almost every single one of my clients tell me the same things … “I’m not sexy”, “I need to lose weight first”, “I have no idea how to pose, so my photos won’t look good.” I’ve heard every excuse in the book, heck I made these same excuses before I booked my session. Be brave and vulnerable! You deserve to feel sexy and beautiful in your own skin, right now!
Meet Jaclyn Cotton
facebook.com/mainstreetboudoir
instagram.com/mainstreetboudoir
Bio –
My photography journey began with the birth of our first child (daughter Cameron) 13 years ago. I enjoyed taking photos of her using natural window light around our home and outdoors. I loved it and began taking photos for friends and family, and that quickly turned into a business. Over the years I have photographed families, children, newborns, weddings, corporate headshots, high school seniors and everything in between. I live in Springboro, OH with my husband and three children. I am grateful to have a busy life filled with a studio and clients I adore, pee wee football games, swim meets, lacrosse games, church and supportive friends and family.
A Little Q and A
Q: What made you start in boudoir?
A:
Boudoir found me! A good friend asked if I would take “sexy” photos of her as a 40th birthday gift for her husband. We set a date and I proceeded to study poses and make sketches obsessively, so afraid that I would mess something up. What I didn’t think about at the time was that all of these years of posing women easily transferred to beauty/boudoir images. As soon as I began the session with my friend I realized a few important facts; my clients feel very comfortable being photographed by me, boudoir is much more than being photographed in lingerie, and “full circle moment”, my entire photography career was leading me to this moment.
Really, I got teary-eyed after she left the studio. My friend continued to express how great she felt, and she hadn’t even seen her photos! That day, I decided to launch Main Street Boudoir in addition to Jaclyn Cotton Photography.
Q: What is your favorite part?
A:
There are so many! When a client comes in nervous and then looks at herself in the mirror smiling after my hair and makeup artists have brought out her best features, capturing a genuine laugh while the fan is giving them Beyonce hair wind, when a client comes in for her Reveal & Ordering Appointment and sees how beautiful they truly are (because there’s no denying it when there’s physical proof right in front of them), hearing about the reactions from a loved one who received an album as a gift. I could go on and on…..
Q: One thing you have learned over the course of your boudoir journey?
A:
Sadly I’ve learned that ALL women have something they loathe about their body. A boudoir session is about celebrating who you are, right now, and focusing on what you LOVE! We live in a world that pushes the narrative of skinny, anti-aging, do-it-all-and-love-doing-it women. Each woman brings something unique and amazing to this world and my job is to capture her dynamic image.
Every woman deserves to see herself in a strong, impactful way. Body confidence is power that transfers to all areas of life.
Q: Advice you could give to those thinking about doing a boudoir session?
A:
It’s really fun and I promise you don’t need to have any previous modeling experience! I will be with you each step of the way, from choosing what to wear, to coaching you through flattering poses. You deserve it, you are worthy and you have permission to do something just for you! A boudoir album makes a great gift, for a loved one or for your self.
Choosing the Right Photographer
Did you know all photographers have a gallery of their work? Most of them are not open to the public when it comes to boudoir, simply out of respect for their clients, but you can always message them and ask for a password to look at those beautiful photos.
If you are anything like me I have an idea in my head of exactly what I like (wanting black and white photos), and exactly what I want to look like in the finished prints.
The best part about being able to view all of their work is seeing if their style is what you are looking for. Just like an artist, photographers usually have a specific way they like to shoot, edit and present their photos. If you like soft, bright and airy editing then you most likely won’t want a photographer who likes moody, bold editing. If you want a specific background or setting for your photos, it’s a good idea to reach out to the photographers and ask where they shoot. Look at pricing; they vary depending on the company, photographer, experience and packages. Not all photographers will fit in to your budget and they may help you make the right choice.
When to Schedule Your Session
If this is a gift and you have a deadline, try to allow yourself at least 6-12 weeks for the photo shoot and to get editing done and back to you so you can make the choice of which photos go in your printed book and your book can be finished. Check with the photographer you prefer about their availability and what timeframe you are able to meet. Allow yourself enough time to get lingerie and extras together for your session.
You can do this! You are beautifully and wonderfully made, celebrate that! There are amazing photographers all over the world who put their touch on making you the best version of yourself, now go out there and get sexy!
