5 Simple Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Boudoir Photoshoot | Best Boudoir Photography

Are you considering a boudoir photoshoot in New York? Great! This type of photo shoot is my absolute favorite and has become increasingly popular over the years, and with good reason. There are so many benefits to having boudoir photographs taken: they can be used as a form of self-expression, they can be a great way to boost your self-confidence, and they can make for a fun, unique experience.

But before you dive in, it’s a good idea to know what to expect and how to get the most out of your session. We’ve compiled 5 simple tips to help you get the most out of your boudoir photoshoot.

Introduction to Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing intimate and sensual moments, usually in a bedroom or private setting. It’s a fun way to capture yourself in a beautiful, flattering light by a professional photographer. Boudoir photography aims to create images that show off your unique personality and style in a sexy or sensual way. It is often used to celebrate milestones like an engagement, anniversary, or wedding and be used as a gift for a partner for a special occasion. My clients often have a boudoir shoot for themselves, just because!

Benefits of a Boudoir Photoshoot

It’s a great way to document a special moment in your life or to commemorate an important milestone. It can also be a fun experience to share with a partner. On a more personal level, a boudoir photoshoot can be a great way to boost your self-confidence and body image. The photos can be a reminder of how beautiful and strong you are, and can be a great source of inspiration.

Another great benefit of boudoir photography is that it can be a great way to experiment with your style and explore different sides of your personality. You can try out different poses and clothing to create images that are uniquely you.

What to Expect During a Boudoir Photoshoot

When you’re preparing for a boudoir photoshoot, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Bring a friend or partner if you feel more comfortable with someone else in the room. Keep in mind that at Brooklyn Boudoir, we are a womxn only space.

It’s also a good idea to prepare a few items that you can use to add interest and personality to your photos. This can include jewelry, accessories, props, and clothing. I will send you a prep guide after you are officially booked with tons of ideas of how to prepare for your shoot - what to bring, dos and don’t, beauty prep ideas and much more.

Finally, make sure to communicate openly with your boudoir photographer. Let them know what type of photos you’re looking for and your expectations. It’s important that with photography this intimate that you and your photographer are on the same page. A great photographer will be able to help you create the images you’re looking for.

5 Simple Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Boudoir Photoshoot

Now that you know what to expect during a boudoir photoshoot, let’s take a look at 5 simple tips to help you get the most out of your session.

Tip 1: Wear Something You Feel Comfortable In

The most important part of a boudoir photoshoot is feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Choose clothing that you feel comfortable wearing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different looks, but in general I feel that women look their best when they look and feel like themselves. No need for costumes or for wearing something you think you “should” wear. Not a high heels wearer? No problem! Bare feet look intimate, natural and sexy. More comfortable in a tank top than a a garter belt? Let’s go for that. There are no rules, except to feel like your best, most authentic self.

If you’re feeling self-conscious about showing too much skin, you can always add layers or accessories like jewelry. It’s all about finding the look that makes you feel the most confident and beautiful. You can be entirely covered up and still be sexy AF.

Tip 2: Bring Something Meaningful That Reflects Your Personality

While I don’t endorse using props in your photoshoot, wearing a piece of statement Jewlery or another meaningful accessory can add a personal touch to your photos. Engagement rings and wedding rings of course are great to feature, your wedding veil, even your wedding overskirt looks amazing on camera. A client recently brought in sentimental bracelets that she got for big life events, such as the birth of her kids. You’ll never regret capturing something special and meaningful to you.

Tip 3: Consider the types of photos you are attracted to.

A boudoir photoshoot is a great way to capture special moments in your life, so I ask you to consider what you are attracted to in this moment of your life. Do you like images that are light, soft and airy, or darker and moodier? Do you like images that are more “lifestyle” with beds and furniture, or more editorial shots using a backdrop? What level of “edge” are you hoping for? Do you prefer your face to be in the images, or are you looking for something more anonymous? These are all important to take into account.

A good photographer won’t expect you to know exactly what you are looking for, and will guide you through some questions and exercises to help get a better sense of your style. Creating a Pinterest board of photos you like is a great place to start.

Tip 4: Have Fun and Relax

It’s important to remember to have fun and relax during your boudoir photoshoot. Take the time to enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to laugh or be silly. This is a great way to capture genuine emotion and create beautiful, natural photos.

Your photographer will be able to help you feel comfortable and guide you through the session. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let them know if something doesn’t feel right. A professional photographer will always respect your comfort zones.

Tip 5: Connect With Your Photographer

Finally, it’s important to connect with your photographer. Boudoir photos are all about capturing genuine emotion and connection. Of course, you want to find someone whose style speaks to you. but also take the time to get to know your photographer and let them get to know you. A photograph is as much about the relationship between the photographer and client as anything else. Talk about your expectations and let them know what type of photos you’re looking for. A good photographer will be able to help you relax and create beautiful, natural photos. You may also want to find someone in the same stage of life as you are. For example, if you are over 50, you may not feel the most comfortable with a photographer in their 20s. Whoever you decide to use, remember, connection is key.

Finding a Boudoir Photographer in New York

Are you looking for a boudoir photographer in New York? There are many talented photographers in the area who specialize in boudoir photography. When choosing a photographer, make sure to look at their portfolio and find one who’s style matches your vision. You can also simply do an online search for photographers local to New York City.

It’s also a good idea to read reviews and ask for references. A good photographer will be able to help you create beautiful, natural photos that reflect your unique personality and style.

Boudoir photography is a great way to capture a special moment in your life and boost your self-confidence. Before your photoshoot, it’s a good idea to know what to expect and how to get the most out of the experience.

If you’re looking for a boudoir photographer in New York, make sure to do your research and find one whose style matches your vision. With the right photographer, you’ll be able to create beautiful photos that reflect your unique personality and style.

So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and book your boudoir photoshoot today. With these tips, you’ll be sure to get the most out of the experience and create beautiful, natural photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Questions about your shoot? Feel free to reach out and ask - I’m here to help!

5 Ways a Boudoir Shoot can Boost Your Body Image and Self-Esteem

The best part of being a boudoir photographer is connecting with women from all walks of life and watching them walk away from our shoots with a renewed sense of self-confidence and an extra little swagger in their step.

While it’s amazing to have beautiful photos of yourself that you love, those photos are really just the icing on the cake. A boudoir photoshoot is about you learning to love yourself, boosting your body confidence, growing your self-esteem and feeling empowered in your beauty & femininity. 

Why is increasing body image and self esteem  so important?  For starters, when you feel confident, you are less likely to second guess yourself, more likely to take risks and more open to going after what you really want. You will feel more self-assured as you take on whatever life throws at you, and find resilience when presented with life’s challenges.

Best of all, you can use your confidence to help lift up others, particularly young women. I personally try to always be an example of self-confidence for my daughters as well as my clients so they understand that they don’t need instagram filters or decorations on their bodies to be beautiful.

True beauty radiates from within, and I firmly believe that when you FEEL good, you will surely also look your best.

From start to finish, the Brooklyn Boudoir photoshoot experience is designed to help you reclaim your confidence, feel empowered, know yourself, and love yourself, on top of loving the photos that were taken of you.

But HOW does that actually happen, you ask?

Here are just a few ways that a boudoir session can help you embrace your body image and build your self-esteem:

1 - You will see yourself in a completely new light

Spending a day getting pampered and strutting your stuff is more than just a good time—it can completely change your self-image and help you to see yourself from a different perspective.

Through my lens, you will see just how beautiful you are, inclusive of any insecurities or so-called flaws. I always focus on what my clients love about themselves but also try to capture at least a few images of what they are insecure about. (Record Scratch!)

I can hear the collective gasp out there. 

Why would I do this, you ask? Because imagine how liberating it would feel to see a little dimple on the thigh or stretch marks on the tummy AND ALSO love that photo of yourself. 

We all have insecurities, but when you let yourself pause to notice your own beauty and the strength in your body, you just may begin to appreciate yourself a little bit more.

Plus, you’ll have those stunning images to look back at on days when you’re just not feeling your best self as a little reminder of how beautiful and badass you really are.

2 - You will show yourself a little love

I think we could all admit that we’re a little better at loving others than loving ourselves - women in particular! Mothers especially!!

Every single one of us deserves love, and you definitely deserve to love yourself. A boudoir session can help you feel more confident about the way you look and more comfortable in the skin you’re in. That’s a big deal!

As women, we are inundated with images and ideas of what we should and shouldn’t look like. Boudoir photos can help you push away all that talk and learn to better love yourself, exactly as you are.

I want my clients to treat themselves as they would treat a friend, rooting her on and telling her how amazing she is. It’s what I will do for you our entire shoot and it’s what I want you to do for yourself after you walk out of my studio.

My dream for all women is that we all stop wishing away our years, wishing to change our looks, wishing to be someone else and have the desire to be ourselves. 

3 - You can step outside your comfort zone

Think of the rush you get when you take the plunge on something you’ve always wanted to do… or something that you never thought you could do and then did. 

Like if you’ve ever gone skydiving, or as a kid, that first time you jumped off the highest diving board. A boudoir session takes you out of your normal, day-to-day life and shows you the boldness you may not get to see in your day to day grind. 

You will be amazed by what you just did. A recent client told me that she left her shoot wanting to tell everyone she walked by about her shoot, but then revelled in the secret to herself.

When you do something that you never thought you could do, when you accomplish something that seemed impossible, when you prove to yourself that YES, you CAN… well, what is more powerful than that?

4 - You’ll feel a sense of empowerment

It’s not about the male gaze, ladies.

I intentionally photograph the women in front of my lens from a female perspective.  It need not be sexual at all. Or if it IS sexual for you, it’s because you feel great expressing your sexuality. 

It’s a powerful thing to own that from a body image and self esteem standpoint.  It’s modern, and let’s face it, it’s fun!

You don’t need to gift these photos to a loved one. You can do it for YOURSELF, just because. Because you deserve it, because you own your sensuality, because no matter your age or where you are in your life you deserve to be seen, to love and celebrate yourself.

At risk of sounding like a Loreal commercial, you are worth it. 

5 - You get to Celebrate yourself and have fun!

When was the last time you did something just for you?  Took an afternoon alone, had a glass of wine, felt beautiful, didn’t rush yourself to school pickup or a zoom meeting or worry about tackling your never-ending to do list?

It’s not often I take a breather for myself but when I do… ahhh.  Just a few minutes of self-care where I can focus on myself goes a long way in centering myself, and lets me be a better mother, partner and photographer.

Of course, a boudoir shoot will not solve all of your body image and self esteem issues.  Only a lot of personal work and therapy can do that.  But I will say that some self-love and self-appreciation can go a long way in helping you build the confidence you need to make today better than yesterday. And so I will continue preaching - Do it and Do it for YOU. Your boudoir photoshoot will be something that is uniquely yours -  a risk that you were brave enough to take. 

Even if you feel unsure leading up to the shoot when you are in the moment, you will be amazed by the self esteem, confidence, and power that emanates from you, and when the photoshoot ends, and you see the results.  I suspect you will wonder why you ever doubted yourself in the first place.

xoxo, Stephanie

Are you looking to book a boudoir photoshoot in NYC? (ps I also travel)! Click below to learn more about the experience.