If you were to ask a group of people what they think boudoir photography is, I'm willing to bet 9 times out of 10 they're going to say it's all about lingerie, nudity, or being sexy....but they're wrong! They don't think about the fact that it is a form of pampering & self-care. I bet you probably didn't think that either. Well, I'm here to tell you that boudoir sessions are so much more than that. It's a confidence booster; it's an expression of self-love by treating yourself to something so empowering. I'm going to cover 5 myths about boudoir photography that you might not know.
1. Boudoir is only for a specific body type.
WRONG!! Say it with me, Boudoir is for ALL BODY TYPES! I've had the honor of photographing so many beautiful souls, each of them with different shapes and in different sizes. Each of them looked phenomenal. As a bigger girl myself, I get that sometimes we think we need to hide the extra love we have in our mid-section, but as I've gotten older, I've realized that I don't have to hid anything. Show your tummy or your (what you think are imperfect) arms and thighs. Be proud of your beautiful body, no matter if you're a size 0 or a size 26. Our size doesn't get to determine what beautiful moments we get to experience. Do that boudoir session!
2. Boudoir has to be overly explicit.
WRONG AGAIN! Your boudoir session can be anything you want it to be. If you want tasteful and artistic, then you can do that. If you want to get dirty and full on raunchy during your session, then do that. I've had clients wear jeans, t-shirts, sports bra, or cover up with a fur. I've also had clients be fully nude. You decide what you want it to be!
3. I have to wear lingerie during my boudoir session.
Nope! Similar to # 2, it can be anything you want. While lingerie is fun and looks amazing, a flannel shirt or oversized sweater with thigh high socks is just as sexy and playful. You can rock a old t-shirt and some cut-off shorts or pair it with panties. My favorite is wearing something special, like something that belongs to your significant other; a jersey or they're favorite shirt you always steal. Most boudoir photographers have a client closet with a variety of outfits for you to pick from so be sure to ask about that. During your consultation call, you can decide what style/look you're going for.
4. You have to be between 25-40 to do a shoot.
OMG who is telling you this? NO! As long as your 18 or older, you can do a boudoir shoot. I've had clients ranging from 19 up to 65 do a boudoir shoot. I hope to beat that 65 cap in the near future. No matter what age you are, you're beautiful and should flaunt it! Worried about saggy titties?? Don't worry, we'll find a good bra to lift the girls up!
5. Once I do a shoot, my pictures have to be shared online.
Ummmm, no! What is shared is completely up to you. While, I love when the world gets to see what I see, which is a beautiful soul having fun & loving them self, I know that to you these images may be something more personal. Your boudoir photographer should never push you to share images from your sessions. If you do decide that you're willing to share, then there are typically 3 options; no sharing, anonymous sharing (no face), or full sharing.
I know that was a lot, but it needed to be said! If you take nothing else away from this remember that your session is about YOU! Ask questions, wear what you want, and share what YOU want!
All love!
-Mae