If “boudoir photography” makes you think of itchy lingerie and awkward PDA, think again. Here’s how to get intimate photos – even if you’re an introvert! (Photographer: ALINE MARIN)
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Forget the “scandalous” days of illegal prohibition-era nudes and war-time pin-up portraits. Boudoir photography may still have some grannies clutching their pearls, but it’s only slightly more shocking than a sleeve of tattoos these days – which is to say: not shocking at all.
Perhaps thanks to our recent hippie history, more and more of us have at least dabbled in the idea of loving our own bodies. (Really: you should try it!) On the sidelines: boudoir photography is cheering us on. This evolving photography form offers images of powerful sensuality, deep vulnerability, and authentic beauty.
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Thanks to artists like Cheyenne Gil, Haley Loria, Kevin Lowery, Kinzie Ferguson, Jillian Powers, and Mike Allebach, today’s boudoir photography celebrates the beauty of the human form with body-positive, gender-inclusive images that look and feel strikingly, well… human.
Photo by ALINE MARIN
If you’ve contemplated adding boudoir photography to your repertoire, but aren’t sure you’re ready for sultry poses or (ahem) “the full Monty,” keep reading.
Here’s how to market, create, and deliver boudoir photography to your clients – even if you (or they) are on the shy side of the spectrum.
Photo by ALINE MARIN
What Defines “Boudoir Photography”?
The word boudoir has its roots in the French verb bouder, meaning to sulk or to withdraw. It most commonly referred to a woman’s bedroom (presumably because women’s delicate senses necessitated a private space in which to hide from the horrors of the world.*)
*What women really wanted was a life free of pinching undergarments and admonishments to “smile more.”
- Today’s boudoir photography isn’t just for women! Unless they’re highly specialized, most boudoir photographers welcome men, non-binary folks, and couples.
- Boudoir photography no longer has to take place in a bedroom. Sessions are held in unique locations – even outdoors!
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Most importantly, the boudoir photography of today aims to serve a bigger purpose.
Today’s boudoir photographers do more than show skin; they tell stories. Their images do more than spark desire; they evoke empowerment.
Book Your First Boudoir Photography Client(s)
If your portfolio is currently bare of all boudoir photography, you may need to begin by photographing someone for free. In exchange, obtain a model release allowing you to show the images on your website and in social media promotions.
PRO TIP: Get Legal for Less
Get The Law Tog’s legal documents at a discount through the ShootProof Marketplace – for ShootProof members only! Boudoir photographers: look for the Model Release and Boudoir Contract!
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Suggest Boudoir Photography To Your Clients…
- as a pre-wedding shoot
- to celebrate an anniversary
- for healing, marking a milestone, and honoring the physical transformations that occur with pregnancy, postpartum, or even after surgery
It’s easy to send a quick contract and linked invoice for a boudoir photography session directly through your ShootProof account!
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Find Your Ideal Boudoir Photography Clients
Approach boudoir photography like you do all your other work: with your ideal client in mind.
- Is your ideal client conservative and reserved?
- Would you describe your clients as bold and daring?
- Do you prefer to photograph individuals or couples?
PRO TIP: Communicate Your Boundaries Legally
Whether you’re photographing an individual or a couple, it’s critical that you communicate clearly and in your contract about what you do and don’t photograph. Examples of your work are an important first step in defining the type of images your clients can expect. Make sure your communication and documentation support those same standards!
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Define Your Dream Boudoir Photography Wardrobe
Some clients hear “boudoir photography” and immediately assume they’ll have to bare all for a successful session. While uncovered skin is certainly a mainstay in the boudoir photography world, it’s not a requirement! Encourage your clients to wear whatever makes them feel:
- sensual and connected
- comfortable and relaxed
- fun and authentic
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Share *Secret* Photos Via ShootProof
Any ShootProof gallery is safe for sharing boudoir photography. Ensure privacy by requiring an email address and password at login, and making the gallery private so not even a gallery thumbnail will appear on your gallery homepage.
If you already have a gallery created for your boudoir client, however (such as for a wedding client who’s added boudoir photography to their wedding package), you can add a private, secure boudoir photography album to their existing ShootProof gallery. Here’s how…
Photo by ALINE MARIN
- Create a new album in your clients’ pre-existing gallery, and add the boudoir images to that album.
- Password-protect this album.
- Even if you don’t have the Hide the “All Photos” album option selected in Gallery Settings > Advanced, your password-protected album’s image will NOT appear in the All Photos view.
When gallery visitors login to the gallery, they’ll see the album names, but won’t be able to access the locked album unless they know password.
Above, you’ll see that there’s no cover image on the “Shhh!” boudoir photography album. This prevents visitors from getting even a hint of what this album contains.
If you do want to add a cover image to your boudoir photography album, consider using a nondescript detail image or your logo.
With ALL your clients’ photos secured in one gallery, it’s wonderfully simple for them to view their images, order prints, and download their favorites.
Photo by ALINE MARIN
Protect Your Photos (& Your Client’s Privacy)
In a one-gallery, multiple-albums scenario, you want total control over your digital files. No copyright infringement, no unethical downloading!
ShootProof gives you detailed downloading controls through Gallery Settings > Free Digitals.
- Set unique downloading permissions for every album within a gallery.
- Create custom permissions just for your client – the Linked Contact.
- Establish permissions that apply to the entire gallery.
- Downloads can:
- be restricted by size
- require a PIN
- include a watermark
- be limited by quantity
Keep Memories Close with Mobile Apps
Everyone wants their favorite photos on their phone. Boudoir photography is no different! Wall canvases and luxury albums are even better when complemented by a mini portfolio that fits in your pocket.
A Mobile App is the perfect add-on, up-sell, or client gift!
The photographs in a Mobile App cannot be downloaded or printed, but they can be enjoyed at any time from a data-connected smartphone.
PRO TIP: Help Your Clients Love Their Photos More
Even if you do enable unlimited downloading for your boudoir photography clients, Mobile Apps are a great way to keep sensitive photos separate from the other images on their mobile device.
Instead of downloading private pictures into their phone’s general photo album, your clients will enjoy their boudoir photography images from the more secluded Mobile App.
Photo by ALINE MARIN
A Rose By Any Other Name…
Whether you call it “Boudoir Photography” or “Intimates,” “Love Sessions” or “Nudes for Dudes,” what matters most is making art you believe in with clients who trust you implicitly.
Embrace the real, radical beauty of each one-of-a-kind client. ShootProof will handle the hassles.
Do you already offer some form of boudoir photography? What’s YOUR advice for new boudoir photographers?
Ready to get started with boudoir photography? What’s been holding you back?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
Written by ANNE SIMONE | Photographs by ALINE MARIN via TWO BRIGHT LIGHTS
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