Boudoir photography is a niche within portrait photography. It consists of portraiture with soft undertones, fine art, and fashion.
As a photographer, I get asked about boudoir photography all the time. This is why, in this post, we will explore this photography genre in-depth.
I will take you through everything you need to know so that you are as comfortable as possible when booking a boudoir session in Abu Dhabi with me or any photographer of your choosing.
What is Boudoir Photography?
The term “boudoir” originates from French, described as an area where the woman could have time to herself.
This particular area could be a whole room or a portion separated by a room divider. The essence, in any case, is for the woman to have a sense of privacy and maybe even a little bit of mystery.
Boudoir photography has witnessed its popularity soar over the last few years. It has grown quite famous amongst women of today even though it has been around since the 1940s.
When it comes to what it really is, boudoir photography finely treads the line between fashion portraits and a glamour photoshoot. A boudoir session is meant to exude sensuality and is purely intimate in nature.
This aspect of intimacy is one of the reasons why women usually wear lingerie and other intimate garments to profess ownership over their sensuality.
However, the great thing about boudoir is that you don’t have to strip down to let your sensuality shine through.
For many women, boudoir photography lets them embrace their feminine side without having to be half-nude. The allure of a boudoir session still holds with the help of timeless clothing that often involves the use of elegant lace and silk fabrics.
What Does a Boudoir Session Look Like
When it comes to boudoir photography, one often poses in a way that offers a sensual and intimate look at the person. The focus of the images is on their mood, their clothing, and their general surroundings.
The images are somewhat candid with varying degrees of posing, composition, and lighting patterns. The style of the photo session is playful and feminine. This style of photography enables those photographed to give off a strong and empowering presence.
Although I love exploring and working in all types of conditions, I always find myself going back to and taking full advantage of shooting my boudoir photos in natural light.
As a boudoir photographer in Abu Dhabi, I am lucky enough to get plenty of natural sunlight year-round which lends the perfect soft dreamy look to the photos I take.
But one doesn’t have to be dependent on the sun.
Boudoir can take place in many different settings, locations, and lighting, as long as the subject of photos is comfortable and it fits with the soft and silky theme of this genre. These pictures are also emphasized in all the right places during post-processing, so they turn out exactly how the client envisioned them.
Speaking of, I also love when ladies have specific visions for their photoshoot and are into trying new concepts and poses. It is refreshing to see a woman indulging in sincere self-care. Moreover, it gives me a better insight into what they like and how they would want the pictures to turn out.
A typical boudoir photography session with me could look like getting your hair and makeup done by my favorite artists while you relax and go through the wardrobe options. When it comes to wardrobe, think: lots of lace, sheer fabric, silk robes, and surrounding details with soft accents.
As we move on to the shooting of the pictures, I make it a priority to help you feel as comfortable as possible. I am with you every step of the way, helping you create organic poses that result in a natural style of photos.
My clients and I work with a wide range of poses, some of which are geared to give the “Girl Next Door” vibes while others are more seductive and sensual.
Communication is rife not only during the photo session but before and after the pictures are taken as well. It’s always a good idea to chat beforehand to discuss the type of images you want to create.
For me, nothing beats a relaxed face-to-face with the client before the photo shoot. That way, both you and I have a plan for the shoot and we can curate the setting accordingly.
This also increases your overall comfort level around the photoshoot before we begin.
Who is Boudoir Photography for?
Boudoir photography is for everyone.
Unlike many other photography genres, boudoir’s subjects do not have to be professional models. Anyone can do a boudoir shoot. That’s the beauty of it as it brings out the uniqueness of every woman in different ways.
Often, women choose boudoir photography as their journey towards self-discovery and self-expression. It gives them a confidence boost as they are able to unabashedly express themselves through a powerful boudoir session.
Perhaps you too want to discover another side to your personality that you never explored before. Or maybe you just have had enough of the expectations that surround women’s bodies and want to reclaim what you are worth.
Or it might just be that you want a nice little gift for your significant other. Or for yourself! Yes, boudoir could be the perfect way to pamper yourself and celebrate YOU.
If you fit any of these categories, a nice session of boudoir photography in my Abu Dhabi studio will do right by you.
Celebrating oneself is my favorite reason for a woman to do a boudoir session. As women, we have all been guilty of not giving ourselves enough attention and respect.
So, when you book a boudoir photo shoot, you will get a lot more than just pretty pictures out of it. You will get a boost in confidence while having fun.
How Boudoir Photography is Different from Wedding or Engagement Photography
Similar to boudoir or intimate photography, wedding and engagement photography also have elements of elegance and softness in them. But what sets boudoir photography apart is that it is all about you. The focus is on you – making you feel beautiful, empowered, and sensual.
In boudoir sessions, many women start off a little shy or unsure. But as the shoot progresses, their confidence soars as they realize how gorgeous they really are.
There is a good chance that a woman walks out of a boudoir photography session seeing herself in a new light while radiating renewed confidence. This is exactly what sets boudoir apart from other photography genres and makes it so very special.
What Do You Need to Bring to a Boudoir Photography Session
Getting to a boudoir session prepared is one of the ways you can feel mentally comfortable during the photo shoot. The photo session itself can be quite fulfilling and relieving. But to make the best of it, there are a few things you can bring on location.
When coming to my boudoir photography studio in Abu Dhabi, I encourage my clients to bring clothing items that they want to be captured in. This includes comfortable items like your significant other’s t-shirt or sweater along with some playful options like robes, veils, tights, and other fabrics/clothing items that you love and that fit you well.
You can bring multiple outfits to the shoot. Some women prefer to bring 2-3 outfits while others pack more. It all comes down to your personal preference.
Lingerie might seem like the natural choice when it comes to a boudoir photoshoot – but it isn’t the only choice. If you are not comfortable in lingerie, or you simply fancy choosing something a little more subtle, there are still a world of choices at your disposal.
Try a simple button-down shirt or an oversized sweater and underwear. These options can still be equally as powerful and seductive as lingerie.
Ultimately, however, you should not stress too much about the wardrobe.
If you are not sure what to wear, I’d be more than happy to guide you through the options and help you come up with some great ideas.
My advice is: if you don’t feel amazing in it, don’t use it. This is because boudoir is all about getting you pampered and making you feel your best.
In addition to clothes, you can also bring high heels, jewelry, and other accessories that you think will work well with our outfit choices. A range of items such as pearls, statement earrings, and long necklaces work great to add details.
Not only do accessories look beautiful and add to the femininity of the scene, but they also serve as great props during the shoot. They can also come in handy to relax you during the photo session by giving you something to focus on.
I also recommend my clients to bring something that belongs to their significant other to use as a prop. It adds an intimate touch to the entire scenario.
What Boudoir Photography Isn’t
As mentioned earlier in this post, the term “boudoir” means a woman’s dressing room or her bedroom.
Earlier, when boudoirs were popular in France, they served a number of different functions. They were a place where a woman could change and prepare herself while she gets dressed.
They also served as a retreat of sorts for the woman to go if she wanted some time alone. A boudoir also served as a room to bring other lady friends to have a chat with.
By its very nature, boudoir is a private place for a woman – a place that comes with an expectation of privacy. Therefore, boudoir photography is often conducted indoors. The indoor setting also contributes to the comfort of the woman – which is another aspect of boudoir.
Of course, not all boudoir shoots need to happen in a bedroom. The essence of boudoir is that of an intimate space within the home or a studio. The idea is to celebrate female beauty in a home-like environment.
Another factor that plays into boudoir photography is that, more often than not, the subject of boudoir images is a sole woman. Couples can have intimate shoots, too. But boudoir is typically a gift from a woman to herself.
It is a form of self-love as she is the sole focus of the photography. Hers is the only beauty shining through.
Not every picture of a woman wearing lingerie and showing a little skin is boudoir. Contrarily, a woman who is fully clothed or is showing minimal skin is not NOT boudoir.
Boudoir is gentle and represents love and passion in a subtle manner. The sultry and feminine characteristics of a woman can be captured in numerous ways – even by a simple photo of her hands adorned with soft details.
At the end of the day, boudoir photography is more about the powerful allure, elegance, and softness it represents than anything else.
What to Expect from Your First Boudoir Photo Shoot
If you have decided to book a boudoir session with me in Abu Dhabi, you might be wondering what to expect from your first shoot.
First and foremost, making my models feel relaxed at the photo shoot is paramount. I strive to make sure that every woman who steps in front of my lens feels comfortable right from the beginning till the very end. If they feel out of place or nervous, it will show through in the final product.
Confidence speaks volumes. At the end of the day, it’s crucial to be comfortable in your own skin. Your body language will translate into pictures and you will be amazed at how confidence can speak volumes even through the camera.
With that said, here are a few things that should help you make sense of a boudoir photo shoot and what it’s like being in front of the camera:
You Don’t Need a Ton of Confidence
While I just mentioned above that confidence is key to creating great photos, I do realize that, for most women, being in front of the camera and embracing their sensuality can be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning.
Therefore, if you walk into a boudoir photography session feeling nervous, that’s okay. Feeling a certain reluctance to pose in intimate ways and have it permanently captured on film is natural. But as the shoot progresses, you will realize that it’s not as scary as it may seem initially.
Your comfort is made easier by the fact that, as your boudoir photographer, I am there to cheer you up and guide you through each pose. I will help you be more daring and strut the fierce side of you that you keep under wraps.
The goal is to create great pictures while having fun. We can have a great time creating your boudoir masterpieces while chatting, exchanging silly jokes to lighten the mood, and enjoying ourselves while your confidence is boosted and captured on camera.
It Doesn’t Have to Be a Special Occasion
Boudoir photography is particularly popular among brides-to-be who want to give their fiancé a little eye candy. But it doesn’t have to be a special occasion.
As boudoir photography is a way re-envision oneself, it is great for every woman at any stage of their life. This holds true whether you are in a moment of transition – such as changing careers or having a baby – or simply in the mood for something new, sexy, and exciting.
Meet with Your Boudoir Photographer Before the Shoot
Choosing a boudoir photographer is all about finding someone who can create an aesthetic that fits your vision. Connecting with the person on the other side of the lens is crucial to creating great photos.
Some studios also offer hair and makeup in their studio. That is another consideration to keep in mind while choosing a package.
Trust Your Photographer
Unless they are a model by profession, posing for boudoir isn’t the easiest thing in the world for most women. That’s where I come in.
My job as a boudoir photographer is to make sure a woman poses in a way that highlights her favorite features about herself. Some poses may make the client think that they look ridiculous – but it’s all for a good reason.
Thus, it’s always good practice to trust your photographer as they know how to make you look great in the camera.
Have Fun with the Finished Product
Boudoir photos are not ones that you take to hide. Subsequently, I recommend you have fun with what you have created together with the photographer.
Make an album of your favorites or print a steamy collection of black-and-whites to gift to your partner. You can also blow up one gorgeous shot to hang in your personal bathroom.
Whichever route you decide to take, appreciate the fact that you are getting to see yourself in a very different and wholly unique way. It’s an empowering experience.
Nervous? Here’s How to Get Comfortable in the Intimate Setting of a Boudoir Session
Although we have briefly covered the little techniques you can use to feel a little less nervous and intimidated in a boudoir session, it doesn’t hurt to know a few additional ways you can make truly take the photo shoot in stride.
To soothe the nerves a bit, I love to set up a lengthy call or meet before every boudoir session. This helps me get to know my client personally, helping me familiarize myself with the ideas they have flowing in their mind for the shoot.
The day of the shoot is filled with lots of chatting, going over the best outfit choices, getting your hair and makeup done, playing lots of great music, and even having a snack or two.
You can always go a step further to feel more at ease by bringing a partner or a close friend to make you feel supported.
As a boudoir photographer, I help women appreciate their uniqueness and feel beautiful and desirable without feeling nervous. Based on the features they want to highlight, I pose everyone differently while also giving them the space to explore varying poses that they prefer.
For many women, insecurities around size, weight, or body shape also add to the nervousness of the shoot.
But in truth, sensuality lies in the woman herself.
It hardly matters what you look like, what you wear, or how much skin you expose. Every woman is beautiful.
Every body with its unique set of proportions and curves is a work of art in my eyes. I make sure my models know that by showering them with plenty of sincere compliments throughout the shoot. After all, you are special and you deserve to know that.
Is Boudoir Photography Worth the Cost?
When you shop for a luxury item, you always want to make sure that your investment is worth your hard-earned money. The same thought process should follow a boudoir photo shoot.
Boudoir photography is an investment in yourself. It’s rewarding, refreshing, and an invaluable experience that nourishes the soul. Every woman who walks out of my boudoir photography studio in Abu Dhabi feels like a renewed version of herself.
The photoshoot is also a way for many women to feel validated in their own skin without the constant judgment, burden, and shame of the world.
For many women, it brings them closer to their partners due to a renewed sense of sensuality that they and their partner are able to recognize through the pictures.
Moreover, a lot of effort goes behind boudoir images. From utilizing natural light just right to creating the dreamy silhouettes using the appropriate details, creating an intimate boudoir environment comes with its fair share of legwork.
I am also actively involved in the entire process as I work to find the perfect location, create the right environment and setting, and ensure your wardrobe, hair, and makeup come together. This is because I want the experience to be about you.
Going beyond the shoot itself, the post-processing requires a great deal of thought, editing, and time, too. My 12 years of experience come into play not only when I’m behind the camera, but also when I am adding the final touches.
Combining the experience with my love for detail, I am able to introduce unparalleled levels of subtle elements into the final product which makes the pictures all the more special to the person on the other end.
Photography that is good and consistent every single time comes with a price tag. Learning the craft of lighting and exposure and running a business that exemplifies reliability, dependability, and professionalism are all factors that count towards the final cost.
In the end, the deep connection between the photographer and you, the renewed sense of self, and the boosted self-confidence are all things that make boudoir photography worth it for every woman.
Book your boudoir session with me today and let me help you celebrate YOU.
Alona Koenig Photography.
Vintage charm. Timeless elegance. French ‘joie de vivre’