Wedding boudoir photography is getting more and more popular. It is a perfect gift for the bride or their partner.
Boudoir photography is about celebrating sensuality and giving your client a self-esteem boost. And what would be a better occasion to make a woman feel appreciated and confident than when they become a bride?
Read our 10 ideas to learn how to shoot stunning bridal boudoir photography. It’s the perfect opportunity to offer a niche photoshoot before or after a bride’s special wedding day.
Almost every wedding has a theme, color, or certain objects that appear everywhere at the celebration. Ask the bride about her wedding’s theme and prepare matching props.
You can include the wedding’s official colors or the type of flowers they chose. If the wedding occurs on a beach, you can add props like seashells or sand-filled bottles.
A boudoir shoot can mimic a bride’s preparation for the big day. Include wedding accessories like the veil or a tiara. You can also use pearls and wedding shoes to make it feel more authentic.
A bridal boudoir photoshoot is a perfect opportunity for photos with wedding night lingerie. Brides often buy expensive and unique lingerie sets to impress their partners. But chances are slim that the couple take photos of their own to capture the beautiful lingerie.
A bridal boudoir session can serve as a session focusing on the special lingerie. And the final photos can make an amazing wedding gift or birthday gift for the bride’s groom or partner.
You don’t have to limit the location of the boudoir shoot to indoors. Take photos outdoors, on a balcony, or at the beach.
You can make the photos more personal if you choose a location with a special meaning for the couple. It could be the spot where they got engaged. Or, if your client likes hiking, maybe take photos in a forest.
Many people feel awkward and shy when they undress in front of the camera. But they start acting confident when they dress up as someone else.
Choose a theme and use costumes and matching props for the bridal boudoir session. For example, you can ask the bride to dress as a pin-up girl and use vintage or DIY props. Or dress her as their partner’s favorite female action character.
Shooting in a studio can make boudoir photos look too artificial. Discuss with the bride if she is happy to do the boudoir session at home. This way, the photos will look more personal and cozy. And the bride will feel much more comfortable at her own home.
You can also tell a story when shooting boudoir photos in a home setting. You can capture the bride preparing for the wedding or relaxing in sexy lingerie. Incorporate personal details or favorite locations within the house.
Including the groom or partner can make the bride feel more comfortable and create an intimate experience for the couple. You don’t have to turn the whole boudoir shoot into a couple’s boudoir session. But you can include the groom or partner in some photos.
Or they can also be included by only being present at the boudoir shoot. You can direct the bride to look at their partner while posing. Her facial expression and posture will look much more natural. You can also let them flirt during the boudoir shoot to create a playful atmosphere.
Brides often prepare their appearance for the wedding for months. They may exercise more, go on a diet, or get a haircut. Many brides look their best for their wedding. And they want to commemorate this state of their body.
So, it’s smart to focus on the bride’s appearance and not go overboard with photography props. Use simple portrait props like bed sheets or pillows.
You can also use everyday objects such as a mug or a book. This way, you can create a casual atmosphere where the bride’s beauty will be highlighted.
Do not limit yourself to full-body boudoir photos. Focus on details like the bride’s face or certain body parts.
Ask your client about her favorite body part and highlight that area in your photography. Or take close-ups of the lingerie’s delicate texture and pattern.
The bridal boudoir session is about the bride, but the groom or partner can still be on her mind. Use props that remind the viewer of the groom or partner’s presence.
The bride can wear the groom’s or partner’s dress shirt. Or you can leave a half-empty whiskey glass or bottle of wine on the table and a tie on the bed.
Ask the bride if there are specific items that remind her of the groom or partner and prepare them for the photoshoot.
Bridal boudoir photography can have various purposes. It can be a self-esteem boost for the bride. It can be a gift for the groom or partner. Or it can be a nice memory from the wedding preparation period.
It is always a special experience for the bride, allowing some “me-time” during the hectic wedding preparation process. Besides using the 10 tips above, get to know what your client expects from the photoshoot.
As a photographer, your task is not only to take photos. But also to provide an unforgettable experience for the bride. Be sure to get to know your clients and use open communication to satisfy them with your work.
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