Do you find it difficult to fill your boudoir photography schedule? Here are some strategies that really work

Boudoir shoots are one of the most creative and emotional disciplines in the world of portraiture. They celebrate the real beauty and natural sensuality of ordinary women, moving away from the inaccessible stereotype and offering a sophisticated, elegant and deeply personal experience. It’s not just about taking photos: it’s about transforming the way a woman sees herself. However, although many photographers have a genuine love for this speciality, selling boudoir photo shoots can be quite a challenge. It is an intimate and exclusive type of shoot, where it is not enough to master lighting and posing: you have to know how to properly communicate the emotional value of the service, build trust with the client and design an irresistible experience from the very first contact.

The problem is that many professionals do not know how to promote it or simply show pretty pictures on social media without a clear strategy. And that is where the frustrations begin: enquiries that do not lead to bookings, empty diaries and the feeling that boudoir ‘does not sell’. But the reality is quite different: boudoir does sell (and very well)… when you know how to do it. If you are truly passionate about this speciality and want to make a profit from it, you need to understand how to plan every detail: your message, your ideal audience, your positioning, your prices, the customer experience and, of course, your marketing. And that’s exactly what we’re going to teach you today in this article.

 

 

Captivate, excite and sell: the art of offering boudoir photography from your website.

What is a boudoir shoot and why are more and more women choosing it?

 

In boudoir shoots, also known as dressing table photography, the goal goes far beyond obtaining beautiful images. It is about capturing the feminine essence, the attitude, the natural sensuality of the model and her unique way of expressing herself. Therefore, the photographer must work with sensitivity, elegance and an artistic eye capable of highlighting what makes each woman special.

Unlike other types of portraiture, in boudoir photography, most clients are not professional models. Many arrive feeling insecure, embarrassed or afraid of not knowing how to pose, and that is where the role of the photographer becomes crucial. It is essential to:

• Know how to direct with clarity and delicacy.
• Advise on wardrobe, make-up and styling.
• Create a safe and intimate environment.
• Build trust from the very first minute.

Because when a woman feels truly comfortable, magic happens: her confidence is reflected in the image and the result becomes powerful and natural.

Today, boudoir photography has evolved enormously and has become a highly customisable experience. There is no longer a single format: it has diversified to suit different styles and stages of life. Some variants that have already conquered the market are:

• Outdoor boudoir shoots (nature, urban locations, boutique hotels, etc.).
• Couples boudoir session, an intimate and fun experience
• Maternity boudoir photos, to celebrate a unique moment.
• Male boudoir, an increasingly popular alternative.
• Themed boudoir photography (vintage, editorial, fine lingerie, glam style, etc.)
• Boudoir shoots as gifts for anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, etc.

Thanks to this evolution, boudoir photo shoots have become a form of self-affirmation and empowerment, accessible to anyone who wants to look and feel extraordinary.

What is the day-to-day life of a boudoir photographer like?

Boudoir photography is closely associated with female audiences, and although this trend is gradually changing, most boudoir photo shoots are done with women in a dressing room setting, where they get ready to dress, apply make-up and do their hair. It should be noted that in the first boudoir photo shoots that came to light, the subjects were usually professional models, posing in lingerie for major underwear brands. But today, a new audience has emerged around this type of photo shoot. Ordinary women who want to enjoy an experience and images of themselves in a much more intimate and subtle setting that enhances their femininity.

Whether you are a professional model or a woman who has never done a photo shoot before, boudoir photography is synonymous with guided or posed sessions. In addition, for a boudoir shoot to turn out perfectly, the choice of wardrobe (lingerie or clothing that makes the model feel most attractive), accessories (heels, necklaces or earrings), and location (indoor or outdoor) all play a very important role in these sensual shoots.

It is also true that this type of shoot is becoming increasingly popular among male audiences, with semi-nude or fully nude models. Because nowadays, men don’t want to give up expressing their sensuality either. Another variation of these shoots that is also gaining ground is the boudoir photo shoot for couples. This is a new trend that is beginning to take off.

What are boudoir photographs like?

Boudoir images tend to feature close-up shots that highlight the female body and the finest lingerie. In this type of session, the setting is essential to recreate a more intimate atmosphere for the woman. The boudoir photographer‘s mission is to advise and guide their model to achieve more elegant and natural poses.

It is also important not to confuse boudoir sessions with other types of more explicit photography, such as nudes, where the purpose of the images is usually to convey a more transgressive message that is totally different from that of boudoir photography.

Within this discipline, you can find many variations, such as semi-nudes, full nudes, couples’ sessions, or themed photo shoots. The idea is always to show the most intimate side of women with elegance and class.

What are the biggest challenges for those who work in boudoir photography?

 

When a photographer ventures into a new speciality, it is normal for doubts, initial mistakes and obstacles to arise that can slow down the arrival of clients. And in the case of boudoir photography, these drawbacks are often even more pronounced, because we are talking about a very intimate, emotional and delicate discipline. To prevent this from happening to you and to help you sell boudoir photography consistently and profitably, below we will show you the most common problems that arise when offering this type of session and, most importantly, how to solve them effectively.

The goal is for your potential clients to have complete clarity about the type of experience you offer and the real value they will receive. Because in boudoir sessions, you’re not just selling photographs… you’re selling self-esteem, confidence, and an experience that transforms the way they look at themselves in the mirror. That’s why, in addition to creating impactful images that connect with your ideal audience, it’s essential that you convey confidence, professionalism, and empathy at every step of the process: from the communication on your website to the way you conduct the session and deliver the final result.

Below, we will analyse in detail the main obstacles faced by photographers who want to specialise in boudoir photography and how to overcome them so that your schedule is no longer empty.

Your clients don’t really understand what a boudoir shoot entails

One of the biggest challenges of boudoir photography is that many potential clients do not know exactly what a boudoir shoot entails. They are attracted to the idea, they are curious… but they are not sure what is involved, how they should pose, what to wear, whether it is “too daring” for them or whether it suits their style. This lack of information leads to doubt, and doubt often translates into a missed opportunity.

If you want to increase the number of women who visit your website and become actual clients, you need to make it very easy for them to understand the experience. Remember that, for most of them, it will be the first time they have heard of this type of photo shoot and perhaps even the first time they have considered an intimate session for themselves.

This is where your photography website plays a key role: it must be your best tool for communication and building trust. And to achieve this, it is essential that you showcase:

• A careful selection of your best boudoir images.
• A diversity of body types, ages, and styles, so that everyone can feel represented.
• The artistic approach that characterises your work: sensual, elegant, subtle, daring…
• The most common aesthetic: locations, lighting, lingerie, styling…

The clearer and more visual your message is, the easier it will be for them to imagine themselves living the experience with you. When a woman sees herself reflected in your portfolio, the step towards booking becomes much shorter.

Many people confuse boudoir with overly explicit photography

Another common problem with some clients is confusing boudoir photography with erotic or full nude shoots. Although there are photographers who offer both types of sessions, it is essential to make it very clear that these are two completely different experiences. Boudoir photography seeks to highlight beauty, elegance and sensuality in a subtle way, while full nude photography has a much more explicit and artistic approach. Mixing both types of images without differentiating between them can cause confusion and mistrust among your potential clients.

Therefore, if you offer both services, it is essential to organise them clearly and separately on your website: a specific portfolio for boudoir and another for nude photography, clear descriptions of each type of session, and examples that reflect the style and experience of each.

Otherwise, many women who might be interested in a boudoir session will dismiss your service, simply because they cannot find the information presented clearly or because they fear that what you offer is too daring. Careful organisation of your website helps to build trust and confidence, making it easier for your clients to make the decision to book with peace of mind.

You offer boudoir photography for men, but you are unable to attract male clients

Boudoir shoots aimed at men are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who take care of their appearance and are looking for a sophisticated and elegant photographic experience. Couples boudoir sessions have also become established, allowing couples to preserve intimate, creative and very personal memories of each other. However, this type of audience can often be reluctant to contact a photographer if they do not clearly perceive that they specialise in male or couples boudoir. The lack of visual references and specific information can generate doubts or insecurity, causing potential clients to refrain from booking.

That’s why, as in other cases, your website plays a decisive role. Showing a selection of carefully curated, authentic and representative images of boudoir photography for men or couples not only conveys professionalism, but also helps interested parties identify with your work and feel confident about booking.

The clearer and more specific the information you share, the greater the volume of bookings and the easier it will be to attract this type of audience, which might otherwise go unnoticed. A good online presentation strategy can make the difference between an empty schedule and a calendar full of satisfied customers.

Discretion and immediacy are key to getting your clients to contact you

Another of the most common barriers faced by clients interested in a boudoir shoot is the need for speed and discretion when communicating with the photographer. Many of them value a quick, confidential and professional first contact, as this is an intimate experience that requires trust from the outset. But the importance of effective and comfortable communication does not end when the session is booked. Once booked, clients need to coordinate multiple details: wardrobe, make-up, hairstyling, location, décor and style of the session. In each of these steps, fluidity, clarity and speed of communication remain essential to make them feel secure and supported.

That’s why having a responsive, reliable, and well-organised communication system, whether through email, professional WhatsApp, clear forms or , or even a booking platform, can make the difference between an undecided client and a confirmed booking. When communication conveys security and confidence, many more women are encouraged to book a boudoir shoot, knowing that they will be supported throughout the process.

Fast, discreet and friendly service not only makes booking easier, but also enhances the overall experience, reinforcing the professional and empathetic perception of your service.

Keys to overcoming the most common problems when offering boudoir photography

 

When it comes to conveying confidence to your boudoir clients, there are two fundamental elements: showing them what their boudoir photo shoots will look like and offering a fast and completely discreet communication system. At Arcadina, we offer two solutions that greatly facilitate the management of this type of session.

The first is the ability to create as many web galleries and sub-galleries as you offer types of sessions, fully integrated into your photography page. This allows your visitors to immediately discover that you do boudoir shoots, appreciating the delicacy, elegance and sensuality conveyed by your images. Thanks to these galleries, potential clients can visualise the experience they will have, which generates confidence and increases the likelihood of them booking.

The second solution is the WhatsApp Business service, which allows you to answer your clients’ immediate questions quickly, discreetly and professionally. This channel not only facilitates initial contact, but can also be used once the session has been booked to coordinate details such as wardrobe, make-up, location and dates, or even to notify them that their private gallery is ready to view the images.

Thanks to these two tools, many of the issues that hinder the booking of boudoir shoots can be resolved simply and effectively.

 

Create an irresistible image gallery to showcase your boudoir shoots

 

 Boudoir image gallery

Thanks to the image galleries you can create on your photography website, you can organise and showcase your work in a much clearer, more professional and attractive way. Having a well-structured system not only improves the browsing experience, but also helps each type of client easily find the service they are looking for.

For example, if in addition to boudoir sessions you also offer children’s, family or couple shoots, it is essential to maintain a clear visual and separation between each type of work. Imagine that a mother interested in a family session comes across boudoir photographs in the same gallery: she will most likely feel confused or even uncomfortable. Conversely, a client interested in boudoir photography might perceive your website as less professional if it mixes both styles. Furthermore, within the boudoir photography section itself, it is highly recommended to organise your different styles or packages into sub-galleries. This will allow you to more clearly showcase the different types of photography you offer: classic boudoir, couples, male, pregnancy, themed, studio or outdoor. Not only does this make it easier to understand, but it also conveys order, specialisation and confidence.

A well-planned gallery system will ensure that your website displays your work coherently, highlights your personal style and, above all, helps your clients easily find the experience they want to have with you. Next, let’s look at three major advantages of using galleries and sub-galleries to showcase your boudoir photography and how they can help you sell more.

Showcase the experience: what a boudoir session can be like

Within your ideal client profile, you will find many women who are potentially interested in boudoir photography, but who do not yet know exactly what style of photography you do or whether they will identify with your approach. Some will prefer a more elegant and artistic style, others something more daring and sensual, and there will be those who are looking for a natural, intimate and emotional session.

To connect with all of them, it is essential to have a carefully curated, consistent and visually striking image gallery. Each photograph should convey your personal style and reflect the type of experience you offer. A well-thought-out selection not only showcases your talent, but also helps your future clients imagine themselves starring in their own images, creating an immediate and emotional connection.

In this regard, at Arcadina we offer you all the tools you need to highlight your work: you can choose from several gallery formats, design the structure that best suits your photographic style and allow your clients to view the images in full size, enjoying every detail to the fullest. And if you’re still not sure how to select the right photographs for your boudoir galleries, we recommend that you read the following article carefully, where we give you practical advice on how to create an irresistible visual presentation that is fully aligned with your personal brand.

>> 7+1 steps to creating a photography portfolio that attracts clients

And to create image galleries and sub-galleries on your website, just follow the steps in the following article from our help section.

>> Create a photo gallery

Highlight your personal style and showcase it in boudoir photography

Within the world of boudoir photography, there are multiple styles and ways to organise a session. Some photographers opt for a more classic and elegant approach, others prefer a natural and minimalist aesthetic, and there are also those who lean towards a more artistic, daring or cinematic style. Although each professional can advise their clients on how to recreate their ideal dressing room space, what really sets a boudoir photographer apart is their own style, that visual and emotional imprint that makes their images instantly recognisable.

In order for your future clients to identify and connect with your way of working, it is essential that they are able to see a carefully curated selection of your best boudoir photos. Your gallery should reflect not only the technical quality of your images, but also the atmosphere, tone and emotion you convey in each session. Showing a variety of poses, settings, lighting styles, and expressions will help each visitor find a reflection of what they are looking for and imagine themselves living that experience with you. In addition, nowadays, a large part of the visits to your website come from mobile devices, so it is very important to ensure that your boudoir galleries are displayed correctly and maintain their visual quality even on small screens.

If you want to know how to optimise your images and ensure that they display perfectly on any device, we recommend reading the following article in our help section.

>> Mobile version galleries

Expand your business opportunities by incorporating male boudoir photography

If your boudoir photography specialisation includes different types of shoots, such as classic dressing table sessions, artistic nudes, male boudoir, couples’ sessions, pre-wedding boudoir or pregnancy boudoir, it is essential that you organise your work into separate and clearly differentiated galleries. This way, each visitor can easily identify with the style or type of session that best suits their profile, avoiding confusion and conveying an image of order and professionalism.

This visual segmentation not only improves the user experience on your website, but also reinforces your positioning as a specialised photographer. Each gallery can become a powerful marketing tool, as it allows you to showcase the versatility of your work without mixing audiences or styles. In addition, creating different themed boudoir galleries can help you attract new customer profiles who may not have known that these types of sessions existed for them. For example, a man who discovers your male boudoir section or a couple who sees examples of joint sessions may feel inspired to contact you.

Finally, don’t forget that well-optimised image galleries are also an excellent way to improve your visibility on the internet. In a niche as specific as boudoir, showcasing variety and specialisation on your website will help you rank higher in search engines and differentiate yourself from the competition.

>> How to create sub-galleries

WhatsApp Business: the fastest and most discreet way to communicate with your boudoir clients

Another business solution that Arcadina offers to convey trust and professionalism to your boudoir clients is, without a doubt, the WhatsApp Business service. Thanks to this tool, when a client visits your website and explores your boudoir gallery, they will always see a visible and accessible WhatsApp icon, allowing them to contact you immediately. This communication channel is familiar, convenient and discreet, something that is especially valued in a type of intimate photography such as boudoir, where trust is key to encouraging clients to book.

Through WhatsApp Business, your potential clients will be able to quickly and securely resolve any queries about the session, wardrobe, make-up or any other details of the shoot. This type of direct communication not only facilitates interaction, but also reinforces the perception of professionalism and approachability, increasing the likelihood that visits to your website will turn into confirmed bookings.

In addition, once the session has been booked, this same channel can be used to coordinate details of the shoot, notify clients of dates, or communicate the delivery of the private gallery, always maintaining fluid and reliable contact with your clients.

Connect with your customers quickly, securely and discreetly with WhatsApp

Who doesn’t know about WhatsApp instant messaging these days? Although email remains one of the most widely used methods for business communications, many clients prefer the speed and proximity of WhatsApp, especially when it comes to resolving more personal queries or coordinating details for an intimate session such as boudoir photography.

Thanks to this online chat, you can communicate with your clients much more quickly, answer their initial questions, advise them on organising the session (wardrobe, make-up, location, photo style) and keep them informed about the progress of their private boudoir gallery once the session is over. This fast, direct, and discreet communication not only facilitates logistics, but also conveys confidence and professionalism, two fundamental elements in boudoir photography.

If you are already an Arcadina customer, don’t wait any longer to try the WhatsApp Business service on your website. You will see how your customers greatly appreciate the ease of communication and personalised attention that this channel offers them. And if you have any questions about how to set it up on your website, you can consult our help article, where we explain step by step how to implement it effectively.

>> Integrations – WhatsApp

8 boudoir photographers who stand out for their impeccable work and will help inspire you

Below, we would like to share with you the work of several prominent photographers who, among other types of sessions, specialise in boudoir photography. In these galleries, you will discover how each professional puts their personal stamp on each session, combining creativity, sensitivity and technique to achieve images that convey sensuality, femininity and elegance. Each photo is the result of careful planning, a defined style, and an approach designed to highlight the beauty and confidence of the models in a natural and sophisticated way.

These images are not only a showcase of talent, but also a source of inspiration for photographers looking to explore new ideas, compositions, and styles within boudoir photography. See how each session reflects the photographer’s personality and how the use of light, composition, decor, and poses can transform an intimate session into true visual art.

1# Vicente Estaban: “Enjoy a unique experience that will make you feel empowered and beautiful”

 

 vicenteesteban.com

We begin this compilation of photographers offering boudoir shoots with Vicente Esteban, a studio with a team of highly skilled professionals specialising in a wide variety of shoots: children’s photography (Christmas, communions, pregnancy, newborns, smash cake, children and families), portraits, corporate, advertising, couples, pets and, of course, boudoir photography.

On their website, you can discover their elegant and sophisticated style by exploring their boudoir image gallery, which reflects their attention to detail, sensitivity in dealing with models, and creativity in each composition. In addition, on their services page, you will find information about how they work, what types of sessions they offer, and how they ensure that each boudoir experience is unique and personalised.

2# Sara Alarcón Fotografía: “feminine and elegant images”

 

 saraalarconfotografia.com

Sara Alarcón, a photographer from Lleida, combines her talent for boudoir photography with a wide variety of family sessions: pregnancy, newborn, communions, families, children, smash cake and mum and me sessions, as well as pet photography.

In their boudoir shoots, Sara and Carla focus on highlighting the most natural and authentic side of women, always applying a touch of elegant and sophisticated sensuality. Their approach combines comfort, confidence and style, making each session a personal and memorable experience. In their boudoir image gallery, you can discover a representative sample of their work, where each photograph reflects elegance, delicacy and the unique personality of each model.

3# Fátima Sanz: “I photograph women through my female eyes”

 

 fatimasanz.es

Fátima Sanz, a photographer from Madrid, specialises in all kinds of fashion-related reports and expression through posing, including portfolios, editorial photography, self-portraits and personalised sessions for women.

On her website, you can explore her boudoir gallery, where Fátima highlights the sensuality, strength and personality of each woman, always interpreted through her own artistic vision. Her images combine subtle provocation and elegance, making each boudoir session a unique experience that reflects confidence, style and female empowerment.

4# Estudio boudoir: “photographs that hint without showing the obvious”

 

 estudioboudoir.es

Another boudoir photographer we would like to introduce you to is the boudoir studio formed by Estela and Raúl, a couple of photographers who, in addition to organising this type of session, specialise in other types of photography, such as advertising, fashion and weddings.

On their website, they not only present themselves as professionals, but you can also explore boudoir photography galleries, both individual and couples, where they manage to create suggestive and elegant images, hinting without showing explicitly. Their work stands out for its delicacy, subtle sensuality and careful composition, offering a unique style that conveys confidence and sophistication in every session.

5# Fotograma Vitoria: “a boudoir experience”

 

 fotogramavitoria.com

At Fotograma Vitoria, you will find a team of highly experienced photographers who specialise in a wide variety of sessions: weddings, children’s photography, pets, portfolios and boudoir shoots, both in images and video.

In the gallery on their website, you can enjoy a careful selection of boudoir photographs that hint at elegance, showing only the most refined, feminine and sophisticated side of women. Their style is characterised by sensitivity, attention to detail and a careful aesthetic, where each image conveys beauty, intimacy and class.

6# 2nphoto: “intimate and sensual boudoir sessions”

 

  2nphoto.es

The 2nphoto photography studio, located in Barcelona, specialises in children’s, maternity, wedding and boudoir photography, as well as offering training for photographers who wish to perfect their technique and style.

On their website, you will find a gallery dedicated exclusively to boudoir photography, where you can see how they conduct these types of sessions in their studio. Each image reflects their attention to lighting, composition, and naturalness, perfectly capturing the essence of the boudoir: elegance, subtlety, and sensuality treated with exquisite taste.

7# Maru Serra: “photographic reports that make you fall in love”

 

 maruserra.com

Maru is a talented photographer and friend who combines her work in children’s photography (communions, children) and fallera reports with her dedication to boudoir photography in Valencia. Her portfolio in this discipline stands out for its elegant black and white and for highlighting the more feminine and natural side of her clients, creating images that convey sensuality, delicacy and authenticity.

If you visit her website, you will see that, in addition to being an exceptional photographer, Maru also provides specialised training in boudoir photography, sharing her experience and techniques to help other photographers perfect this type of session.

8# Torres & Torres: “birthday sessions for adults”

 

 torresandtorres.com

We close this fantastic compilation of photographers who do boudoir shoots with Torres & Torres, a team of photographers from Cartagena specialising in children’s photography (Christmas, communions, pregnancy, newborns, smash cakes, christenings, birthdays and baby follow-ups) and, of course, boudoir photography.

In their boudoir sessions, they have managed to combine creativity and originality, even integrating a birthday session for adults into the boudoir photography aesthetic. The result is innovative, elegant work full of personality. If you want to discover how they combine these two ideas and appreciate their style, be sure to visit their boudoir image gallery on the website.

Extra tips for taking high-quality boudoir photography

 

As we have already mentioned, the work of boudoir photographers is based on creating a series of intimate and elegant images, usually of women, in a way that enhances their beauty and makes them feel much more sensual and self-confident. These photo shoots are usually done when clients feel good about themselves and want to have a different experience in front of the camera. However, most of them don’t know how to pose in front of the camera or are unsure about what type of clothing is most appropriate for the session. Hence the importance of the photographer knowing how to advise them, directing the shoot at all times with warmth and decisiveness, and conveying confidence and security to their clients. And although currently the majority of clients who request this type of session tend to be single women, there are now many men who want to go through this experience or even enjoy it as a couple.

To plan a photo shoot of this style, it is important to schedule a preliminary meeting with the model to decide on the style of the photographs and discuss possible ideas for the day of the shoot. To better organise this session, you can also take into account this short guide we have created at Arcadina with 10 simple steps to make your boudoir shoots a success.

1# Choose the most appropriate location for each boudoir session

Boudoir photography shoots are usually associated with indoor spaces, such as a hotel room with a certain aesthetic touch, a photography studio or even the model’s own home. In these spaces, you can play with different settings such as the bed, an armchair or simply using a plain background in the studio.

However, both boudoir photographers and models are increasingly choosing to take these exotic shoots outdoors, where femininity and sensuality blend more spontaneously with natural landscapes such as a forest, the bank of a stream or even the exterior of an Indian-style house.

Study possible locations, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the style your client wants to recreate, and check the type of lighting at the location you finally choose.

2# Check that your equipment is the most appropriate for this type of shoot

When preparing your photographic equipment for this type of portrait session, it is important to choose lenses that are as bright as possible, such as fixed focal length lenses with wide apertures (such as a 50mm f/1.8 or an 85mm f/1.4). These types of lenses will allow you to focus on the model and create a bokeh effect (or blurred background) with the rest of the decor.

If you are unable to take advantage of natural light, use soft lighting, for example, softboxes and reflectors to minimise shadows as much as possible.

And if you are organising the photo shoot in your studio or, for example, at the client’s home, where the decor may not be the most appropriate, you can use a neutral background placed next to the bed or an armchair to eliminate excess elements from the images.

3# Advise your clients on the importance of make-up and hairstyling

When planning the photo shoot with your client, you must tie up a number of loose ends beforehand so that there are no unpleasant surprises on the day of the boudoir shoot. The choice of make-up and hairstyle, together with the clothing, will be fundamental to the success of the photo shoot and will need to be carefully considered if you want your client to be pleasantly satisfied with the final result.

Depending on the type of look you want to enhance in the images, which will be determined by the model’s personality and the location of the shoot, you will need to decide on a specific makeup and hairstyle aesthetic.

This does not mean that you have to tell your clients exactly how to style their hair for the photo shoot, but you can guide them with recommendations by showing them some examples from other shoots you have done or even by looking at fashion and catwalk photos.

To make this easier for your clients while ensuring that the results are as expected, you can collaborate with several stylists.

4# Clothing and accessories must also be taken care of

As we mentioned in the previous section, the model’s appearance is essential for the session to be a success, and discussing the clothes she will wear in this shoot will also be very important to ensure that she likes the images. If she does not have a clear idea, you can do as you would with make-up and hairstyling and show your client part of your boudoir portfolio so that she can see what type of clothing she can wear and what will suit her best. Bear in mind that this type of intimate clothing must be in keeping with the aesthetics of the location where the photo shoot will take place.

At this point, it is most common to use fine lingerie, but it is not the only option. You can suggest other types of clothing depending on the style you want to give to the photo shoot, such as men’s shirts, lace robes, suspenders, more sporty underwear, etc.

Other elements that can be very useful in boudoir shoots are accessories that the model can interact with during the shoot, such as stiletto heels, long pearl necklaces, lipsticks, earrings, ties, hats, gloves, etc. The possibilities are almost endless.

5# Learn about decorating rooms for this type of boudoir photography

As part of your preliminary consultation service, you should also discuss the issue of space and decoration with your clients. If, for example, you agree to do the shoot in a hotel, you can provide your client with a list of hotels where you have already worked or where you know that the decoration of the rooms is in the style you are looking for.

If, on the other hand, you agree to do the session at home, it is best to visit the home beforehand to see the style and type of décor and suggest some adjustments.

And if you choose to take the photos both in your studio and outdoors in the countryside, having a series of props ready, such as a boa, a feather fan, cushions, an antique coat rack, a large mirror, a wooden chair, a top hat, etc., will give your session a much more refined touch. Ideally, you should not overuse these types of elements so that the model remains the star of the show.

When advising on these issues, avoid strong colours in the décor and accessories. A hotel room with large windows overlooking the city and a white duvet can be a great option for planning these shoots without too many complications.

6# If possible, use natural light to create a more intimate atmosphere

When choosing, if you can use the natural light of sunset with its soft, warm tones at just the right moment as it enters through the large window of the room, it will be much better than using artificial light, as you will be giving the boudoir photos an extra touch of warmth and romance.

But, as you might expect, you won’t always have large windows, and clients won’t always be able to come at that time of day. In those cases, as we mentioned in the section on preparing your equipment, softboxes and reflectors will be essential for simulating a sunset indoors so that the light is as high quality and indirect as possible.

7# Learn how to direct your models

For this type of session to have good results, especially if we are talking about clients who are not models and have no experience posing for the camera, it is best to try to build a relationship of trust with the model and set certain guidelines for posing so that everything goes according to plan on the day of the session.

To do this, it is essential that you meet with your client before the day of the shoot to give them a detailed explanation of how the session will unfold, whether there will be costume changes, etc. The idea is to give them as much information as possible so that they can come to the shoot feeling calm and relaxed.

When the day of the shoot arrives, try to start with simple poses that you can see your client is comfortable with. Then, little by little, as the minutes go by, you can try other more elaborate poses. For the latter, you can have a gallery prepared on your tablet so that the client knows what you are referring to in a much more graphic way.

And when it comes to being creative with this type of boudoir photography, try to take a series of shots that are a little different from what is expected, with some close- r shots of the hands, lips or, for example, highlighting the expression in her eyes as she looks out of the window.

8# Create creative and fun female photo shoots

It is clear that the most typical boudoir photo shoot is done by a woman, but nowadays all photo shoots are evolving along with people’s thinking, and offering a series of boudoir sessions that are different from what is expected can bring you pleasant surprises. Here are some examples of boudoir sessions that are somewhat different from the more traditional ones that you can promote on your photography website:

• Shoots with couples. This can be a variation on couple shoots or even pre-wedding shoots.
• Boudoir pregnancy shoots. If you already do maternity shoots, you can get started in this discipline by creating more sensual shoots for pregnant women.
• Male boudoir photography. These sessions are becoming a trend and are a great opportunity to break into a new market.
• Themed boudoir: in addition to creating a dressing table atmosphere, you can propose a theme that is in keeping with this type of sensual imagery.
• Water boudoir: you can organise these sessions by a swimming pool or by the sea. The results can be surprising.
• Etc.

9# Retouch your boudoir images

Once the boudoir photo shoot is over, it’s time to start the post-production process. In this type of image, where close-ups are often taken, minor retouching of the skin and correction of small imperfections are inevitable.

In these photos, retouching the eyes or lips can also be a common step in post-production, or even if the model opts for loose hair, giving it a brighter and more voluminous touch. In addition to the typical retouching of any type of portrait photography, such as contrast and tone adjustments, removal of imperfections, etc.

Also keep in mind that for all the photos you take, it is important to ask your clients for permission, but for this type of image, requesting prior authorisation for publication is essential.

10# Explain what boudoir sessions consist of on your website

For clients who are clear about what they want, this type of photo shoot is just what they need at this stage of their lives. However, there are other types of clients who want to do a session of this style but have their misgivings and may think that these types of images are too explicit.

To avoid any doubts about your work in these boudoir photo shoots, it is best to be careful about the type of images you include on your website and create a gallery with only boudoir photos. In addition, these photographs should be accompanied by a services page where you can explain to your future clients how this type of photo shoot works and answer their most immediate questions.

Finding information about this or even testimonials from other clients will reinforce their desire to try this type of photo shoot and you will get more bookings for this style.

Sell more boudoir shoots thanks to Arcadina’s business solutions

If your goal is to showcase your work and sell more boudoir shoots, it is essential to have a photography website that offers solutions tailored to your business. These include image galleries and sub-galleries, which allow you to showcase your best portfolio in an organised and attractive way, and the ability to respond immediately via WhatsApp integrated into your website, facilitating communication with your clients and building trust from the very first contact.

And if you are not yet one of the hundreds of photographers who already trust Arcadina’s business solutions, we invite you to try our services completely free of charge for 14 days. You will discover how our tools can help you optimise your website, improve your customers’ experience and increase your boudoir session bookings.

 

 

To conclude, we would like to share with you an interview with photographer Eugenio Piña from GNO Foto.

>> Eugenio Piña from GNO Foto talks to our team

And to conclude this article, we would like to ask you a question: do you know of any other Arcadina boudoir photographers that we should include in this list? We would love to hear about them in your comments.

 

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