What is Boudoir Photography?

A question I get occasionally from people I meet is: What is boudoir photography? I wanted to take some time to answer this question and provide some background for anyone who might be interested in doing a boudoir photo shoot. Let’s start with the actual definition of “boudoir,” which comes from the French language:

boudoir - noun - a woman’s bedroom or private room

By definition, boudoir photography is a genre of portraiture centered around feminine empowerment. It’s kind of like the classic Glamour Shots from the 80s, but modern. To put it simply: boudoir is intimate portraiture for every body.

Boudoir photography is about freedom.

Freedom to own your beauty, freedom to claim your confidence, and freedom to feel sexy and empowered. It’s about seeing how gorgeous you are. A boudoir session can start a revolution in your heart - it's about where fantasy meets reality and then learning how to emulate that combination in every day life.

In Renaissance times, a painter would be commissioned to create a beautiful, one of a kind piece of art for their patrons. This artist would invite you into their studio, or would be invited into your home, to place you in the best light — usually next to a window. After positioning you in just the right pose, that artist would spend hours and days capturing your best angle for a glimpse into your world - even if just for a moment. 

Have you ever seen yourself through an artist’s eyes? 

Boudoir photography is the modern-day equivalent of having your portrait painted by a master. It’s about capturing that moment — this moment — right now. Before the moment is gone, you will see yourself through an artist’s eyes and begin to appreciate how someone else perceives your unique beauty.

I also love to think of boudoir as a pampered experience - a day where you get to relax and let the professionals doll you up and build you up with confidence and assurance.

It doesn’t matter what you look like or what dress size you wear, you deserve to feel beautiful in your own skin. There’s no one-size-fits-all for how someone can feel sexy. Everybody is different, and a boudoir photography experience will help you reframe your self image and celebrate your singular beauty.