What is Boudoir photography? Houston, TX Boudoir Photographer
A boudoir film
An intimate look at a Goddess Boudoir photoshoot in Houston, TX
A question I often get asked is what exactly is boudoir photography? The quick answer is that this style of photography is typically intimate in nature where the subject is often wearing lingerie / sleepwear or the photographs are posed as implied. When we expand the topic, however, we discover that boudoir has multiple sub categories and styles that are all quite different and unique in their own way. While we have boudoir styles that are romantic, we also have erotic, artistic, and sensual. The setup, color scheme, outfit, posing, and facial expressions all contribute to the style one wishes to capture. Although there is one thing all boudoir categories have in common, and that is the setting of the image being either a bedroom, private room, or studio set to look like one. This caterers to the original meaning of the word which translates to a woman’s private bedroom / room.
When we first think of boudoir images and photography, the majority will immediately think of the erotic style based on major magazine images that are more well known for shooting this photography genre. These images are often marketed for magazines and though they can be done for a client’s photoshoots, is it not as likely. The composition of these images often highlight the body and are meant to capture actions. In recent years, however, the sensual theme has become more well-known and popular. This style features softer facial expressions that are meant to capture the subject as being in their own space rather than posing for the viewer. The subject in this case, is perceived as powerful and in control of the emotions within the image. While the sensual photos can and often do tend to be considerably “sexy” and feature lingerie, they are more so focusing on the subject and how “they” feel, which makes this style popular for anyone that wishes to do a photoshoot for themselves or as a gift to their partner. When it comes to composition, this style is typically posed and can be relaxed in nature while showcasing angles and more intricate images.
The romantic style, in contrast, mainly focuses on the subject’s feelings. This style often features softer tones, serene facial expressions, and flowers or personal items that speak of the subject's character. Pajamas or slips are the most popular choice of attire though using silk sheets to cover up is also popular. While still under the genre of boudoir, this category tends to focus more on telling a story. A popular capture is the subject laying in bed holding a retro cord phone as if talking to someone, or looking out the window of their bedroom as if in deep thought. Which brings us to the final boudoir style, artistic. This is one that I love to shoot as it often takes after the romantic style and adds a surreal atmosphere. The added layer of fantasy adds to the image’s story which makes each photo unique. In comparison, this style takes after Greek sculptures and old Victorian and Renaissance paintings. While the subjects are implied or portrayed in the nude, their bodies are not meant to be perceived as sexual in nature but rather powerful and oftentimes vulnerable. There is an innocence conveyed in this style which is wonderful for those who wish to tell a story through their boudoir shoot and say something through the captured images. No matter what style, there is a spark in boudoir photography that has taken flight in recent years. The thing to remember is that when you book a boudoir shoot, you are in control of which style you wish to model for and what message you want the images to convey.
Interested in exploring your own Boudoir Photoshoot? Schedule a discovery call and let's see if this is the right experience for you!
0 Comments