What is boudoir photography?

Boudoir is the old French room for bedroom.  Ergo, boudoir photography is the photography of the bedroom.  It is sensual and intimate, but above all, it should be classy (it is French, after all).

Traditionally, these pictures are created as gifts, to husbands and lovers.  Though usually given as wedding presents, or Valentine’s Day surprises, they’re just as wonderful out of the blue, for a spark of excitement.  But they’re not just a gift for the receiver, the experience itself is a gift for the woman making the photographs.

Why do we love boudoir photography?

In short, because we love love.  That’s why we love being wedding photographers.  That’s why we love shooting engagement photography.  And that’s why we love creating soft, sensual, intimate portraits.

The love and desire in the eyes of our subject is a beautiful thing.  The sexy lingerie and soft but dramatic lighting, those are all secondary.  The love is our real purpose.

Why do our clients love boudoir photography?

First, it’s a whole day of being pampered and looking and feeling gorgeous.  We always recommend bringing along our hair and makeup artist, Michelle, because she makes everyone look more glamorous.

Second, it’s empowering.  It’s fun.  It’s an exhilarating experience.  It can make you feel sexy and alive.

And third, you get the pictures!  So that you can always remember how amazing you look right now.  So that you can share them with your love, and enjoy them together.

Won’t I be self conscious?

Most of our clients wonder about this, even if they don’t ask us directly.  And most people will be a little self conscious – at first.  It’s a new experience, we’re new people.  It can be a little overwhelming.  But the good news is that after a few minutes into the first set, people relax and enjoy themselves.  And then we can have a blast together.

But, because we know it can be scary, there are a few things we like to do to make it as relaxed as possible.

First, we always like to meet people before the shoot, so that they can be comfortable with us.  So, let us take you out for coffee – let’s share some laughs over espresso.  And for the same reason, we like to schedule longer shoots with boudoir clients to allow time to build up the trust and comfort level.

Second, we have a female photographer.  Jameson will come in and out of the room (as he is our expert lighting guy, perfecting the lights to make you look fabulous), but the person who you will interact with directly, who will make you laugh with cheesy jokes and posing examples, is Heather.

Third, we have a portable studio setup, so we can come shoot in your own home, or somewhere that you feel comfortable (as well as in our studio, in beautiful hotel rooms or even a bed and breakfasts).  We’re flexible so that you can be comfortable.

And forth, we have the option to throw boudoir parties, so that you and your girlfriends or bridesmaids can experience this together!  When we have parties, we go all out.  We’ll bring trays of hors d’ oeuvres, and maybe a bottle of champagne if you’d like, and it always turns into a fun night — with one girl getting pictures taken while the others laugh together in the hair and makeup room.

That sounds fun!  What’s the next step?

It is fun!  There are a few things you can do if you’re interested in doing a boudoir session.  One is to look at our boudoir portfolio.  Another is to keep reading the posts we make throughout boudoir month for more information.  But the most important one is to contact us!  Even if you only have questions, or you’re curious, we’d love to talk with you about it.

Stay tuned for more posts, including interviews with our wardrobe designer extraordinaire, Cora of Coriander, and our amazing hair and makeup artist, Michelle!

-Heather and Jameson
___

To view our full portfolio, click here.

If you’re ready to make Hooton Images your photographers, contact us here.

BOUDOIR MONTH INDEX
The New Years Resolution
Boudoir Photography Introduction
Lingerie and Wardrobe with Cora Rasp
Boudoir Hair and Makeup with Michelle Beran
How to Choose and Prepare a Location