Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Frequently Asked Questions about Boudoir Photography

Definition of Boudoir Photography:

Boudoir photography is a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects, primarily intended for the private enjoyment of the subject and his or her romantic partners.[1] It is distinct from glamour and art nude photography in that it is usually more suggestive rather than explicit in its approach to nudity and sexuality, features subjects who do not regularly model, and produces images which are not intended to be seen by a wide audience, but rather to remain under the control of the subject.[2]

What is the history of boudoir photography?

Artists have been creating boudoir work for more than a millennia. The female form has been a theme of photography since as early as 1840.[3] Early erotic photography such as French postcards from the late 19th and early 20th century, and pin up girls have influenced the visual style of boudoir photography.

What is boudoir?

Boudoir – french for bedroom, in simple terms is intimate photography.

Q: What boudoir outfits should I bring to wear?

A: We love options. Bring 4-5 outfits that make you feel beautiful, and we’ll help you narrow them down to three.  We see everything from lingerie sets, stockings, and garters, to white dress shirts, sportswear and heels. Sky’s the limit! Check out our boudoir pinterest photos for inspiration.

Boudoir Must Have Clothing and Shoes:

  • Black &/or nude pumps
  • If you’re well endowed up top, a bra that provides lift and support for those laying down pictures
  • Something classic and timeless. You want to look back on these pictures for a lifetime. We recommend bringing at least one classic, sexy piece

Boudoir Extra Accessories:

  • Items with sparkle, especially accessories like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and pearls.
  • Props: hats, glasses, books, a sexy dress.
  • What looks great on camera: sheer fabric, silk or satin, items with texture, shimmer, soft colors, bold colors. Have fun with your selections!  Scour the magazines for inspiration–our favorites include Vogue, W, and our course, Vanity Fair.
  • But most importantly stay true to yourself! Go with your gut and pieces that you want to look back and see yourself in.

Q: What kind of hair and makeup styling should I expect?

A: We work with talented artists who specialize in natural, yet glamorous hair and make-up. Imagine a healthy glow to your skin and a little va va voom added to your hair and eyelashes. For more examples of these looks, check out our boudoir gallery & portfolio.  And don’t forget to make sure you schedule a night on the town after your portrait session. You’ll feel and look amazing!

Q: What is the price range of a boudoir photo session?

A: The shoot itself costs $299, but with a product, on average, our client spends between $1,000-$2,500 for their experience. This includes professional hair and makeup, complimentary champagne, a three hour photo shoot with three looks, an in studio image reveal, and product or digital purchase of choice.

Q: Do digital files come with the session?

A: Digital files are not complimentary with your session. We believe that options are never a bad thing, so we price the cost of the session to cover just that. Along with printed products we also have digital files (web resolution or high resolution) packages available for purchase.

Q: What’s your privacy policy?

A: Your privacy is so important to us. We will never use your images in our marketing, online or in print, without first having your permission.  In most cases, client’s prefer to keep their images private or allow only pictures where their identity is unrecognizable to be used, which we’re happy to honor!

If you do provide permission to use your pictures, we will never disclose your name alongside your image.

Q: Should I “prep” my hair before arriving to the shoot?

A: Because no one hair type is the same, there is no set of rules. We do always recommend clean and dry hair.

  • If your scalp tends to be oily, come with it washed and blow-dyed. For this hair type, we also suggest volumizing spray or mousse be applied before drying.
  • Curly girls, just come with it dry–we’ll work with it from there.
  • You know your hair best, if it will hold styling better a day after washing, that works for us!

Q: How about my skin?

1. Drink lots of water the week before your shoot.

2. No picking! If you have a pimple, just leave it. We can easily remove it in retouching.

3. Moisturize. We love Cetaphil for normal skin, Olay Total Effects for aging skin, and Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar for sensitive skin types.

Q: I hate having my photo taken, but the experience sounds like so much fun. What do you suggest I do to help me relax in front of the camera?

A: Don’t fret, you don’t have to be a model to take boudoir photos. The only thing we ask is that you stay hydrated and get some sleep the night before. We will help you pose from your head to your toes. We are trained to help you look your very best.

Q: Can I bring a friend to the boudoir studio’s photo shoot?

A: We totally understand a friend can be a source of comfort when you’re feeling a bit nervous, plus it’s fun to have your girlfriend around while getting pampered. But when it comes time to take your photos, we ask that it be you and our team only. We find the best results come when we can really connect with you to guide and direct you through the experience.  We promise, by this point, we’ll feel like an old friends anyway.

Q: Tell me more about this whole retouching process…Am I gonna look like someone put my head on another person’s body?

A: At Revealed, we’re all about embracing the skin you’re in. We’re not here to make you look like a completely different person. With everything we do the day of your session (lighting, angels, makeup, posing, etc) you’ll hardly need any photoshop.

We’re happy to take care of any blemishes (bruises and breakouts included), and smooth out any garment bulges or cellulite.

Q: What happens after the boudoir photo session?

A: We will schedule a viewing within 10 days of your boudoir experience where you will be able to see your images for the first time and make decisions about your final products. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have during this session.

Don’t see an answer to another boudoir question you were curious about? No worries. We love it when people email us directly so we can start a conversation. Plus, it helps us expand our What is Boudoir Photography page, so email us at [email protected] or contact us directly here.