What is Boudoir Photography?

What is Boudoir Photography?

The French coined the word “boudoir.”  The definition is to “sulk” or “pout.”  The boudoir was a place for a woman to go if she needed a little alone time.  Most commonly now, when people use the word “boudoir,” they’re referring to a woman’s bedroom or dressing room.  Therefore, boudoir photography is a type of photography that showcases what a woman would do if she were alone in her boudoir – or bedroom.

Early Boudoir Photography 

The earliest examples of boudoir photography started popping up in the mid 1800s.  French artists were some of the first to popularize boudoir photography, and used the style on postcards.

Boudoir photography really took off because of boudoir artist Albert Arthur Allen.  Allen’s style of boudoir photography was to photograph black and white images of women alone in their bedroom.  Some of his boudoir subjects were nude, some wearing lingerie or bedclothes.  Allen started a boudoir photography studio in California in 1916 and really opened the door to the exploration and popularization of boudoir photography in the United States.

Boudoir Photography During World War II

The U.S. government was actually an early promoter of boudoir photography.  During World War II, they used boudoir photographs in literature to encourage men to fight for their country.  After all, even politicians know that sex sells! Uncle Same used slogans like “She’s worth fighting for” and “Come home to your girl a hero” on their recruiting posters featuring scantily clad women.  They used pin-up style boudoir photography to lure men into the military.  This made the pin-up photographs one of the most popular styles of boudoir photography in the early 1900s.

Who’s the most famous boudoir pin-up girl?  No doubt it’s Betty Grable.  She was one of the highest paid female actors and was the first women to insure a body part.  Grable insured her legs for a million dollars!

Styles of Boudoir Photography

Pin-up Boudoir

Pin-up Boudoir Photography is a bright, colorful way for women to show off their sexy in a fun way!  Bright makeup and lipstick, bold colors, and old-fashioned props typically differentiate pin-up style photography from other genres of boudoir.  

Sporty Boudoir Photography 

Many boudoir photography clients want to include a sport-themed outfit in their boudoir photoshoot.  Sporty boudoir photoshoots are also a great way to include one of your man’s articles of clothing in your boudoir photographs.  A sports jersey thrown over a naked shoulder is always a crowd pleaser!  Many clients also incorporate sports equipment, such as golf clubs, baseballs mits, footballs, etc. in their boudoir photo shoot.

Sexy Boudoir Photography

For those looking for a sexy, sensual look, look no further than your nearest lingerie store.  From feminine to feisty to fun and flirty, lingerie is the number one outfit of choice for most boudoir clients.  There’s a variety of lingerie styles that can accentuate what a woman likes about her body and hide the parts she wants to hide.  

• Bra & Panty sets
• Baby Doll nighties
• Corsets
• Bralettes
• Camisole
• Chemise
• Stockings with garter belt
• Robes

Nude Boudoir Photography

Popular magazines like Playboy opened the door for full nude boudoir photography.  Many women will choose to do tasteful nude photographs.  The best boudoir photographers can use lighting and posing to hide body parts the subject does not want to be seen.  

Why Schedule a Boudoir Photo Shoot?

There are many reasons you may want to schedule a boudoir photography session for yourself.  They may include

• Celebrating a life milestone
• Getting married
• Getting divorced
• Documenting a weight loss journey
• Celebrating plastic surgery
• Boost self-confidence

Best Place to Shoot a Boudoir Photography Session

This question starts by asking yourself what kind of boudoir portraits you would like.  Interested in something very personal.  Many boudoir photographers will photograph your boudoir session in your own bedroom.  There are also many boudoir photography studios available for those who don’t want to have boudoir photographs taken in their home.  Many boudoir photographers rent hotel rooms to host their boudoir photoshoots.   Some boudoir photographers are even able to shoot in private, discreet outdoor areas.

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