10 Tips for Stunning Boudoir Photos
Hello, gorgeous! I’ve spent my Chicago photography career behind the lens helping women rediscover their confidence through the art of boudoir.
One of the biggest misconceptions about boudoir sessions is that you need to be a professional model to get "magazine-quality" results. In reality, stunning photos are the result of a little preparation, a lot of self-love, and a photographer who knows how to guide you. When you step into my studio, it’s just the two of us—a safe, private space to celebrate YOU in this beautiful chapter.
Here are Amelie Boudoir’s top 10 tips to ensure your boudoir session is nothing short of breathtaking.
1. Choose Lingerie That Makes You Feel Powerful
Don't just wear what you think you should wear. If a delicate lace teddy makes you feel like a goddess, wear it. If you feel sexiest in an oversized white button-down or high-waisted silk shorts, bring those! Comfort translates to confidence on camera.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Start upping your water intake at least a week before our session. Hydrated skin looks luminous and plump, which reduces the need for heavy editing and gives you that natural, healthy glow that no highlighter can replicate.
3. Professional Hair and Makeup is a Game-Changer
Even if you’re a pro with a blending brush, professional "camera-ready" makeup is different from everyday wear. It’s applied to withstand studio lighting and highlights your features in a way that truly pops in photos. Plus, it’s part of the pampering experience!
4. Mind the "Elastic Lines"
On the day of your shoot, arrive in loose-fitting clothing. Tight jeans, bras, or socks can leave indentations on your skin that take a while to fade. We want your skin looking smooth and seamless from the moment we start shooting.
5. Personalize Your Session
Boudoir is about storytelling. Do you love vintage records? Do you have a favorite heirloom necklace? Bringing a few personal items helps make the session uniquely yours. It turns a "photo shoot" into a personality portrait session.
6. Practice Your "Model Face" in the Mirror
I will guide you through every single pose, but it helps to spend five minutes in front of a mirror seeing how your face reacts to different expressions. Try relaxing your jaw and slightly parting your lips—it’s a classic boudoir trick that creates a soft, sultry look.
7. Don't Stress the "Flaws"
We all have them—stretch marks, scars, or beauty marks. At Amelie Boudoir, I view these as part of your story. However, if there’s something you’re particularly self-conscious about, just tell me! I use lighting and angles to highlight your favorite assets. I can also edit certain things out.
8. The Power of Posing
Posing for boudoir can feel a bit like a workout! We’ll be arching backs and pointing toes to create beautiful lines. Trust the process. What feels like a strange position to your body usually looks incredibly elegant and elongated through my lens.
9. Set the Mood with Music
I always have a playlist going, but I love it when clients suggest their own. Whether you want 90s R&B, moody cinematic scores, or upbeat pop, the right soundtrack will help you lose your inhibitions and move more naturally.
10. Trust Your Photographer
Since it's just me and you in the studio, we’re a team. My job is to see the beauty in you that you might sometimes overlook. When I gasp behind the camera, it’s because you look incredible! Lean into the experience and let your guard down.
"Boudoir is not about hiding or changing who you are; it’s about seeing who you’ve been all along."
