Learn How to do Boudoir Shootings like a Pro

All photographers know that feeling when they press the shutter. We’re used to seeing the world through a small window, a viewfinder.

We learn to understand and almost predict what’s going to happen. In this case, it is time to learn how to do Boudoir Shootings like a pro.

When photographers take a picture they don’t do it with their hands, not even with their eyes. A photograph is taken with the whole body.

When you see the model through the viewfinder you know you have it, that the photo is good, that it produces sensations and emotions. And that, in the end, is what photography is all about, the feeling, in Boudoir shootings is no different.

So in the end, photography is an exercise of empathy. Even more so when you work with models. That’s why in this post, we will talk about Boudoir, that style of photography that needs more respect from the photographer.

Understanding Boudoir Photography & Shootings

Boudoir was nothing but a room where women talk about their intimacies. But it was the Marquis de Sade who popularised this space in his book Philosophie dans le boudoir (1795).

Since then, the concept of Boudoir has been used in branches such as photography, painting or drawing and in the background it maintains the essence of women and their intimacy.

Boudoir photography is about accompanying women in those spaces where they feel free, beautiful, and empowered; where they can feel sexy, without fears or taboos.

So what is really important for this type of photo to represent feminine beauty is to make them feel comfortable at all times.

A great example of Boudoir photography is the work of photographer David Bellemere. He manages to connect with his models on a personal level. He has a great capacity to transmit his ideas to them and achieves high quality and beautiful photos.

However, there are photographers who don’t understand what it takes to take such pictures. They don’t have the knowledge, experience or finesse to take them.

This is why we explain here the best practices when doing a boudoir photoshoot.

This is not Boudoir

Let’s start by clarifying something basic: Boudoir Photography and shootings are not about seeing naked women, period.

Avoid being the photographer no one wants to work with by being reckless and wanting to lead your models into uncomfortable situations.

Here are some tips you can use:

Speak up first

Successful boudoir shootings depend on good planning. It’s always good to talk to your models first and explain how the session will go, what you expect from them and above all, listen to their point of view.

You should pay special attention to how they feel about being in lingerie or half-naked in front of a stranger and you have to make sure you know their limits and don’t overstep them.

Avoid creating uncomfortable situations

We, photographers, know what a picture will look like even before we shoot it. You can always give your models ideas to make their posture better, to make the light look prettier or to achieve that expression that you think will become a great photo. However, it’s up to your model to decide whether or not she’s comfortable with what you’re proposing.

If not, don’t insist.

Flow with the shooting

The best thing that can happen on a photoshoot is that things flow naturally. This means that your model is comfortable, that she feels good and this will surely help you be more creative and get better pictures.

Respect

It may seem obvious, but you have to start by respecting the models. So don’t touch them, don’t be imprudent and don’t ask them to do things they don’t feel comfortable with.

How to do a Boudoir Shooting?

Are you ready to do your Boudoir session?

You already know what it takes to make a successful boudoir session. It’s time to take action.

The first thing you need is models and ModelManagement.com is the place where you can find them. Post a free online casting by clicking here.

Remember that the popularity of Boudoir photography today is due to the fact that it is not just a photo session, but an experience that seeks to highlight the beauty and sensuality of women, leaving aside eroticism and explicit images.

Be sure to keep this in mind during your session and it will surely be a success.

What do you think about boudoir photography? Share your thoughts with me.