Have you been asking yourself, “Is boudoir photography right for me?” Well that’s a great start, because it shows that your curious.
I’m Catherine, a professional boudoir photographer based in Bedfordshire, and I believe every woman deserves to feel confident, beautiful, celebrated and a little bit sexy.
After photographing woman who initially told me they were too nervous, too old, too self-conscious, or simply not photogenic enough, I’ve noticed three things:
- We all need a little time
- We all need to have some fun
- Confidence grows unexpectedly
Table of Contents
Studio Stories
Most of my boudoir clients arrive to the studio with similar worries:
- I don’t know how to pose
- I think maybe I’m a little overweight
- I think I’m too skinny
- I’m not sure I’m photogenic enough
- I think I’ll feel silly
I know, because I have had boudoir photographs myself. That’s the thing about us ladies, most of us have hang-ups about out bodies. It’s completely normal to feel a little apprehensive. Not one client has walked into their photoshoot with me, stripped off, and said, “Where do you want me?”
The fact of the matter is that boudoir photography isn’t about looking like a model, or changing who you are. It’s about celebrating you. It’s about embracing your individuality. I want you to have fun, feel good, and leave feeling empowered.
One recent client arrived for her boudoir photoshoot and told me that she didn’t feel confident to pose in her underwear. We started with some natural portraits, fully clothed I might add, so she could get used to me and the camera. We began to build up a rapport, shared a giggle or two, and I showed her the back of the camera. The woman she saw, laughing carefree and natural surprised her.
As her trust in me grew we decided to try some beautiful shots of her in a lovely negligee she had brought in. With some beautiful lighting, and the use of a swathed piece of cloth she slowly grew in confidence. We talked and laughed throughout the shoot. By the end of the session she had confidently posed in her chosen underwear and left feeling like a million dollars, knowing that we had some beautiful boudoir photographs for her to share with her partner.
I’m sure if anyone asked her, “Is boudoir photography right for me?” she’d categorically says yes!
Who Chooses To Have Boudoir Photography Done?
My clients come to me for a variety of reasons.
Some have just got engaged and they are looking for a meaningful, personal gift to give to their future spouse on their wedding day. Many are celebrating a milestone birthday and just want to embrace it and shout out to the world look how good I look, because they’ve still got it. For some, boudoir photography is solely personal, a way to rebuild their confidence after a difficult chapter in their life. Others just simply want to do something for themselves for a change.
No matter the reason my goal is to create far more than beautiful photographs. I want my clients to feel comfortable and proud of the wonderful person they are. They can leave their label of mum, girlfriend, sister, carer, whatever they are in a day-to-day setting, and indulge in a little ‘me’ time, celebrating themselves as a proud, gorgeous, strong woman.
Is Boudoir Photography Right for Me? – An Honest Answer
If you are ready to celebrate your body, who you are and what you have achieved in your life, then yes. Remember, you don’t need to be confident, young, slim, or experienced in front of the camera. In fact the majority of my clients don’t tick these boxes. You just need to have a sense of adventure, a willingness to trust, and be yourself.
However, anyone asking, “Is boudoir photography right for me?” because they are being coerced into doing it, then it might not be. No-one should feel pressurised into having boudoir photos taken. A boudoir session should always be your personal choice. You should also, always, feel comfortable with your photographer, the boundaries, and privacy.
Boudoir photography could be right for you if:
- You’ve never felt confident in photographs.
- You’re celebrating a milestone birthday.
- You’re getting married and considering bridal boudoir.
- Your body has changed and you’d like to reconnect with it.
- You’re starting a new chapter in your life.
- You want photographs for yourself rather than somebody else.
- You’re nervous but curious about the experience.
You do not need to:
- Lose weight first.
- Know how to pose.
- Wear lingerie.
- Be naturally confident.
- Have modelled before.
- Show your photographs publicly.
What Happens At A Boudoir Photoshoot?
My luxury boudoir photoshoots are designed to celebrate your femininity and self-worth.
It is a misconception that you have to wear sexy underwear or pretend to be someone you are not. And it most certainly is not about perfection.
Your session should reflect your personality and it should be true to you. When you arrive for your photoshoot we’ll chat about your vision and look at the clothes you have select (these can be anything from oversized jumpers to your partners shirt or dressing gowns to sexy underwear). Then we start slowly. We allow 3 to 3.5 hours for your session, so you will never feel rushed by me. After all, most people are shy in front of a camera for just portrait shoots, let alone a boudoir session.
I’ll demonstrate any poses we would like to try, then adjust your hands, shoulders, chin and body position rather than expecting you to know what to do. I guarantee we’ll share a giggle or too, but there’s nothing more sexy than a natural smile!
As I mentioned earlier, the more time you spend with me the more confident you will get. Therefore having a few changes of outfit is a must. Plus it will give you a lovely variety of images to choose from when you view your gallery.
My clients usually arrive nervous, shy, and sometimes a little bit excited. By the time they leave they cannot wait to see their portfolio because they’ve felt so relaxed and had so much fun too!
What Happens After a Boudoir Photoshoot?
Before you leave the studio we’ll set a date for your viewing. This viewing can be completely private between the two of us, or you may bring a friend, spouse, or family member with you.
I edit each of the images to ensure they are of the highest quality, but I will not change the person you are. The whole point of your boudoir session is to celebrate you.
Privacy is also imperative. Your portfolio remains in a secure folder and will not be shared without your express permission. I do find that many of my clients are so thrilled with their final gallery they are more than happy for me to share a few on my website or social media, but this is only with their written consent. Choosing to share or declining to share some or all of your images will not affect your experience in any way. Your comfort is my priority at every stage.
Is Boudoir Photography Right For Me? Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions I get asked, I hope you find them and the answers useful in helping you to decide if a boudoir photoshoot is right for you:
There is a minimum age requirement of 18 for my boudoir photography shoots, but certainly no upper age limit.
Absolutely. Boudoir photography is suitable for every woman of any shape, height or size. I use flattering lighting and carefully chosen poses for each individual. Let’s embrace the sexy woman you are.
No. Here is a suggested list of clothing you may wish to bring to your boudoir photoshoot:
- Lace lingerie
- Bodysuits
- Silk robes
- Oversized shirts
- Chunky knit jumpers
- Jeans and a white shirt
- Bridal lingerie
- Leather jacket
- Favourite heels
- Bare feet
Yes. Your privacy is always respected. The publication of any images is only done with express written permission from you.
Yes, of course. I will ensure we use props and poses that completely flatter your body type. Many of my clients arrive ‘hating’ their body, but leave loving themselves just a little bit more than before.
Yes. You’ll find me very supportive, patient and fun. Every pose is guided from head to toe.
We take the photoshoot at your pace. There are no hard set lines, only a desire to help you relax and have fun. Sexy does not mean revealing all and leaving nothing to the imagination. With the right lighting and pose, you can look just as desirable in an oversized shirt as you can in suspenders and a thong. This is your photoshoot, you set the boundaries.
I do find my clients relax very quickly with me. I believe that is yes, because I am female, but also because I have gone through the process myself. I can genuinely put myself in their shoes and offer the right level of support and encouragement.
We include professional hair and makeup styling at our Bedfordshire studio. A bit of pampering before the shoot itself works wonders in helping you to relax and enjoy the whole experience.
“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L Hay
Do you want to know more?
How are you feeling? Have I answered your question, “Is boudoir photography right for me?” or do you need more information?
I have several other articles you may enjoy reading:
Worried about posing? → Read my guide to boudoir poses for first-timers
Decided you would like to have a boudoir photoshoot but still feel nervous? → Read How to Feel Confident and Empowered for Your Boudoir Session
Getting married? → Read Bridal Boudoir Gift Idea – Sensational Photos for Your Groom
Ready to choose your boudoir photographer? → Read What Makes a Good Boudoir Photographer?
Why Choose Catherine Brooks Photography?
I’m sure you want a photographer for your boudoir photoshoot who is experienced, empathetic, and fun. I am all three and more.
I ensure all my boudoir clients leave my studio feeling gorgeous and uplifted by the whole experience. I know from my own personal experience how important it is for you to feel listened to, respected, and above all comfortable. I will not put you under any pressure. My role is to create beautiful images you can treasure for a lifetime. Images that capture you as a beautiful woman. I treat every one of my clients as unique individuals, you will never be compared to anyone else.
Let’s have some fun and make some personal memories for you.
Your Next Step
Well, you’ve made it this far, so why not investigate what exactly is included in my luxury boudoir photoshoot. Visit my Boudoir Experience page on the website for full details.
Still not quite ready? Find more inspiration on my Boudoir Gallery page. Real women. Real boudoir photoshoots.
Maybe you have more questions? I’d love to help you decide if a boudoir photoshoot is right for you or not. Please contact me via my email: info@catherinebrooksphotography.com or give me a call: 07850666893
I look forward to hearing from you
Catherine x
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