Here is a slideshow of photos from Joanne's recent Boudoir session:
Boudoir photography - a client's perspective
Well, as hinted at yesterday, Joanne has kindly written a few words for me based on her experiences from her first ever boudoir photography shoot. I'm copying the message she sent me in below. Thank you Jo for your kind words and taking the time to write this for the site.
"My first boudoir shoot took place on Saturday 11th July, I had never done anything like it before and I was a little nervous to say the least!
I had done some preparation beforehand, looked at some poses I might want to try and got some underwear I thought might look sexy - after all, if I was having these shots done, then I wanted to be wearing something I didn't mind other people seeing! That morning, I made sure I wore loose fitting clothes so that there weren't any strap marks.
John and I talked at length about what sorts of things I was happy and unhappy about trying and we decided to start off with the towel pictures and then moved onto underwear shots, finishing with some voile drape shots!
It amazed me how quickly I forgot that I wasn't actually wearing very much and John being the ultimate professional, put me completely at ease. The longer the shoot went on, the more I wanted to try out!
I absolutely love the shots John has taken and I am so glad I made the decision to have the photos done. It was a brilliant session and I would completely recommend it to anyone. It's all about embracing your femininity and being proud of your body regardless of shape or size.
"My first boudoir shoot took place on Saturday 11th July, I had never done anything like it before and I was a little nervous to say the least!
I had done some preparation beforehand, looked at some poses I might want to try and got some underwear I thought might look sexy - after all, if I was having these shots done, then I wanted to be wearing something I didn't mind other people seeing! That morning, I made sure I wore loose fitting clothes so that there weren't any strap marks.
John and I talked at length about what sorts of things I was happy and unhappy about trying and we decided to start off with the towel pictures and then moved onto underwear shots, finishing with some voile drape shots!
It amazed me how quickly I forgot that I wasn't actually wearing very much and John being the ultimate professional, put me completely at ease. The longer the shoot went on, the more I wanted to try out!
I absolutely love the shots John has taken and I am so glad I made the decision to have the photos done. It was a brilliant session and I would completely recommend it to anyone. It's all about embracing your femininity and being proud of your body regardless of shape or size.
Thank you, John, for an amazing day and for making me look pretty hot - a testament to your photography skills!"
Joanne’s boudoir shoot
This weekend I photographed Joanne’s boudoir shoot. For one reason or another we’d had to reschedule a couple of times before the big day eventually came around. I arrived at her home in Hampshire and went about setting up my studio lighting and backdrops that we’d use during the shoot before moving to her bedroom for some of the rest of the sitting.
We spent the first quarter of an hour or so talking about the types of shots that Jo wanted me to capture and we had a flick through a ‘look book’ (a collection of boudoir style poses) I’d brought with me to give her some more ideas that we could try. Once that was done we looked over the outfits that she’d picked out for the photo shoot and worked out a bit of a shooting plan.
Jo had seen a shot that she wanted to try which was a backless shot with her wrapped loosely in a towel, taken from the rear. That was the first one I shot as it meant that she didn’t have any strap marks that would require extra editing after the shoot to remove them from the picture etc. Bear this things in mind if you are having similar shots in your own boudoir shoot as it can make life easier later on. We shot several different poses in this set up using both the light and dark backdrops.
Moving on from this first set up, Jo wanted some shots in a matching lingerie set that she’d got, so after getting changed into those, she tried a few practice poses before I started shooting again. I got another great selection of shots ranging from Jo standing, to her lying down and everything in betweenI Everything just seemed to flow brilliantly from shot to shot and Jo was able to try out ideas from the posing sheets I’d brought along with me too.
Moving on from this first set up, Jo wanted some shots in a matching lingerie set that she’d got, so after getting changed into those, she tried a few practice poses before I started shooting again. I got another great selection of shots ranging from Jo standing, to her lying down and everything in betweenI Everything just seemed to flow brilliantly from shot to shot and Jo was able to try out ideas from the posing sheets I’d brought along with me too.
Our third set up was Jo wearing her new basque and stockings, assisted at times by a red feather boa and elbow length black gloves! Jo has been having burlesque dancing lessons and wanted to try and shoot of few of the poses that she’d learnt during her course.
Leaving behind the studio set up for a while we moved upstairs to Jo’s bedroom boudoir and started work on the next set of shots. Starting with her sitting on the bed I got some ‘deep in thought’ shots, followed by a few shots of her sat on the window cill gazing out to the world beyond.
After getting shots from most flattering angles, we moved back to the studio area and took some more shots. As her confidence had built during the photo shoot, Jo was happy to try some shots using some voile drapes to give her some modesty instead of being completely nude in front of the camera. We managed to capture some very sensual and tasteful shots – the real essence of boudoir photography.
The shots I’ve included in this article are just a selection of those I took during the boudoir photo session. With several hundred photos taken during the shoot, this was carefully whittled down to a manageable 140. Only the finest shots made it through the initial sort which resulted in around 250 final shots with various post processing treatments applied. Of the final photos, a selection of these are going to be arranged into a photo book style album for Joanne to keep for herself and to look back on over the years to come.
I’d like to give Joanne a big thank you for allowing me to capture her at her best and for allowing me to use the photos in this post. I’m hoping that she will write up the experience from her perspective as a client for a follow up post to this – watch this space!
I’d like to give Joanne a big thank you for allowing me to capture her at her best and for allowing me to use the photos in this post. I’m hoping that she will write up the experience from her perspective as a client for a follow up post to this – watch this space!
If after reading this, you are interested in booking a boudoir photo shoot, please do get in touch.
What happens on the day?
On the day of your shoot you will meet with your photographer (John Wood) – either at your home or the chosen venue for the boudoir shoot. First of all we will sit down and get to know each other a bit, discuss any ideas you have had and look over any clippings from magazines or catalogues that you have collected in the run up to your shoot. This initial conversation is very important and will direct how the rest of the session will run its course.
If the boudior session is taking place in your home, I will have a look around to identify good locations for photos, taking into account space and availability of natural light etc.
I use the Nikon range of professional cameras and Elinchrom professional photographic lighting equipment combined with light modifying accessories. These enable me to achieve a stunning look to all of your photos. The careful placement of lighting, subtle camera angles and the direction of your photographer will be used to create your stunning images.
Once we have identified some areas to photograph you in and before we start the main boudoir shoot itself, we will take some test shots in position and wearing your normal 'everyday' clothes to hopefully get you relaxed, used to the camera and enable you to have a go at practising some poses. This should help build your confidence if you are not used to being in front of a camera.
We will then move on to the boudoir shoot itself. If you feel more comfortable, then please do bring along a robe or dressing gown to wear before we start taking the boudoir photos. We can position you for the poses we discussed or tried earlier before you de-robe and we will then start taking the photos. Throughout the shoot you will be able to immediately see the results as we try different poses, lighting and camera viewpoints. As your confidence grows we can move on to other outfits you have brought with you but it is totally your choice as to how much or little of yourself you want to reveal!
There is no limit to the number of photos that I take during a typical boudoir session and I don’t want you to feel rushed. I allow a couple of hours (sometimes more) for us to work together to build a great selection of photos.
After the shoot, I will make an initial sort and then start the post processing of your photos. I will apply a range of effects to your photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom software packages. Throughout, I will carefully check over all of your images and where necessary make minor cosmetic changes (removal of the odd blemish here or there) but not so many that you become unrecognisable!
Once the post processing has been done, I will create a slideshow of proofs for you on DVD that you will be able to watch on your television at home and in your own time. With the DVD I will also supply a set of contact sheets so you can note down the photos that you really like.
Your images will be available in a range of formats from prints (with optional framing), canvasses and acrylic wall art, through to beautiful photobook albums. At this stage, we will discuss what options are available to suit your requirements. Whatever you choose, I want you to be delighted with your pictures – that is my sole aim.
Finally, and very importantly, I want to assure you that I will treat your photos and details with complete professional confidentiality. None of your photos will ever appear on websites or in published promotional material without your authorised and signed permission. I realise that the photos may be of a very personal nature to you and your confidentiality is guaranteed.
If the boudior session is taking place in your home, I will have a look around to identify good locations for photos, taking into account space and availability of natural light etc.
I use the Nikon range of professional cameras and Elinchrom professional photographic lighting equipment combined with light modifying accessories. These enable me to achieve a stunning look to all of your photos. The careful placement of lighting, subtle camera angles and the direction of your photographer will be used to create your stunning images.
Once we have identified some areas to photograph you in and before we start the main boudoir shoot itself, we will take some test shots in position and wearing your normal 'everyday' clothes to hopefully get you relaxed, used to the camera and enable you to have a go at practising some poses. This should help build your confidence if you are not used to being in front of a camera.
We will then move on to the boudoir shoot itself. If you feel more comfortable, then please do bring along a robe or dressing gown to wear before we start taking the boudoir photos. We can position you for the poses we discussed or tried earlier before you de-robe and we will then start taking the photos. Throughout the shoot you will be able to immediately see the results as we try different poses, lighting and camera viewpoints. As your confidence grows we can move on to other outfits you have brought with you but it is totally your choice as to how much or little of yourself you want to reveal!
There is no limit to the number of photos that I take during a typical boudoir session and I don’t want you to feel rushed. I allow a couple of hours (sometimes more) for us to work together to build a great selection of photos.
After the shoot, I will make an initial sort and then start the post processing of your photos. I will apply a range of effects to your photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom software packages. Throughout, I will carefully check over all of your images and where necessary make minor cosmetic changes (removal of the odd blemish here or there) but not so many that you become unrecognisable!
Once the post processing has been done, I will create a slideshow of proofs for you on DVD that you will be able to watch on your television at home and in your own time. With the DVD I will also supply a set of contact sheets so you can note down the photos that you really like.
Your images will be available in a range of formats from prints (with optional framing), canvasses and acrylic wall art, through to beautiful photobook albums. At this stage, we will discuss what options are available to suit your requirements. Whatever you choose, I want you to be delighted with your pictures – that is my sole aim.
Finally, and very importantly, I want to assure you that I will treat your photos and details with complete professional confidentiality. None of your photos will ever appear on websites or in published promotional material without your authorised and signed permission. I realise that the photos may be of a very personal nature to you and your confidentiality is guaranteed.
What to bring with you
As previously mentioned in the ‘How to prepare post’, clients should aim to have a good mix of outfits with them on the day – it is better to bring along too many rather than too few!
Popular items that clients bring to a Boudoir photo shoot include:
- Matching underwear sets (bra and briefs)
- Basques
- Negligée or nightdresses
- Stockings – holdups and non-holdup (bring a few pairs in case of ladders / runs etc)
- Suspenders
- High heeled shoes and/or boots
- An oversized shirt – perhaps one of your husband’s or boyfriend’s
- A sports / team shirt of your partner’s favourite side
- Any other props / accessories you want to bring e.g long gloves, feather boas etc
The above is is not exhaustive and there may be some items on there that you may not feel happy being photographed wearing so please feel free to pick and choose as you wish. If you have some ideas in your own mind as to what you would like to wear then please discuss that with me – at the end of the day it is your photo shoot.
Clients may also wish to bring a robe or dressing gown with them to wear in the time we're not taking photographs such as when setting up poses before shots and discussing what you want to get from the photo shoot etc.
How to prepare
We want you to feel and look your best on the day of the photo shoot. So here are a few helpful hints:
1. Take care of any waxing/shaving in the sensitive areas (such as bikini line) at least the 2-3 day before to avoid any irritation or redness on the day.
2. Make sure you drink plenty of water 24 hrs before to avoid dehydration and looking tired.
3. Eat healthily and avoid fatty & salty foods, which can make you bloated in the run up to your shoot.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your photo shoot, it will make you puffy the following day and you won’t feel at your best.
5. Get a good night sleep the night before!
6. Practice, practice, practice….yes, in front of the mirror. You can also take a look at websites such as Victoria’s Secret or flip through lingerie catalogues to study poses and get ideas. Mark up your favourite pages and bring them with you to show us what looks you like the most.
7. Try to wear loose clothing before the shoot to help prevent marks showing on the skin.
8. Bring along plenty of outfits that you want to try on the day. Some things work better than others so it’s a good idea to have a good variety. See the ‘What to bring with you’ page for more info and ideas.
9. Allow yourself plenty of time – you don’t want to end up feeling rushed and that will help you with the last point…
10. Relax and enjoy yourself! It is my job to make sure you leave your session with a collection of stunning images that you’ll treasure forever.
1. Take care of any waxing/shaving in the sensitive areas (such as bikini line) at least the 2-3 day before to avoid any irritation or redness on the day.
2. Make sure you drink plenty of water 24 hrs before to avoid dehydration and looking tired.
3. Eat healthily and avoid fatty & salty foods, which can make you bloated in the run up to your shoot.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your photo shoot, it will make you puffy the following day and you won’t feel at your best.
5. Get a good night sleep the night before!
6. Practice, practice, practice….yes, in front of the mirror. You can also take a look at websites such as Victoria’s Secret or flip through lingerie catalogues to study poses and get ideas. Mark up your favourite pages and bring them with you to show us what looks you like the most.
7. Try to wear loose clothing before the shoot to help prevent marks showing on the skin.
8. Bring along plenty of outfits that you want to try on the day. Some things work better than others so it’s a good idea to have a good variety. See the ‘What to bring with you’ page for more info and ideas.
9. Allow yourself plenty of time – you don’t want to end up feeling rushed and that will help you with the last point…
10. Relax and enjoy yourself! It is my job to make sure you leave your session with a collection of stunning images that you’ll treasure forever.
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