Tag Archives: Boudoir Photography

Finding Beauty in the Female Form Through Boudoir Photos

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It’s not difficult finding beauty and meaning in the female form. In my last post I provided a few differences between male and female boudoir photography. As I recently had two sessions, each with a woman, it got me to thinking about how a good boudoir photographer captures a female subject:

1. Show off the things that make her body different from a man’s – namely curves. Think of the classic hourglass shape. Create dynamic poses by having the model twist her shoulders off-axis from her hips to highlight these curves. This is a more dramatic version of the classical contrapposto pose used by artists for over 2000 years.

2. If you’re after a provocative pose, ask the model to keep her back straight pull her shoulder blades together a little. This will accentuate her breasts and bottom.

3. The number of ways to light the female nude is without limit, but in general you want to use very soft light to accent the softness of her curves. You can light high-key, where everything is evenly lit, or you can light low-key, where the light comes from one side and is more dramatic. If you want to be very dramatic, use the backlight as the only light source.

As with all photography, female boudoir photography is an art form; there are no fixed rules or boundaries. Curious what your boudoir photos might look like? Contact me to schedule a session!

Men vs. Women Boudoir Photography

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I recently had the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite clients (let’s call him “Frank”) for the third time. When he initially contacted me last year to find out if I do male boudoir shoots, he told me he wanted to feel like a GQ model; he wanted to feel highly desirable, be directed into poses and get the compliments he imagines female models get. Of course, I was happy to oblige.

What brought Frank to Mistress J? Growing up, Frank never felt very sexy. He had recently lost a lot of weight and wanted to shed his vanilla engineer exterior to release his inner Fabio.

Why Mistress J? Unlike other photographers that do male nude photography, the Mistress J studio was tastefully lit with attention to set design, lighting, colors and ambiance. In this most recent session, Frank was lean and fit. He wanted photos that would show off his toned arms and torso, so we did a lot of nudes and semi-nudes. The tasteful lighting of the Mistress J studio really helped emphasize the body parts he wanted to highlight.

I handle every single photo shoot the same way. We start with an in-depth discussion about the types of photos the client wants, what they’re planning to wear (or not wear), and the furniture and props they want to use. We also discuss perceived trouble spots, what they want to hide and areas they want to play up.

Are men and women really that different? There are a few major differences I tend to see between men and women boudoir shoots:

  • Men crave interaction more than women. Many men want Mistress J to be part of the scene. Although this is extra, having her in the scene means more talking, directing, obeying commands, posing, touching and encouragement.
  • Men and women have different lighting preferences. In every session I’ve had with a male subject, they want the lights on. Women, on the other hand, generally want the lights off, with the exception of the studio lights. They want that intimate space – a shell or bubble where they can slowly unwind and, like an onion, peel the layers off and expose their beauty.

No matter who the subject is, during each session, I start to notice things. I see the beauty of the hair, a curve in the body, or the way the light falls across the torso or defines the arms. When I see their beauty, I tell them. It helps them feel more comfortable and confident, so they can leave feeling good about themselves.

Although the execution may be slightly different, the final goal is the same: To leave each client feeling sexy and special, and to get some kick ass photos.

Corsets vs. Bustier: What’s the difference?

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Both corsets and bustiers can be great styles for a boudoir photo shoot. But what’s the difference? And which do you want to bring along to your session? It all comes down to personal preference.

Corsets were developed thousands of years ago to shape a woman’s torso. These close-fitted boned undergarments can extend from above or below the bust to the hips, and give a binding effect to flatten the waistline. A corset that covers the chest is designated as “over-bust.”

Bustiers are sleeveless tops that start at the bust and go down to the waist. Form-fitting and fashionable, bustiers can be worn as lingerie or outer clothing. Some bustiers have garters attached, and the modern designs have thin, lacy straps.

Despite their similarities, the main difference between corsets and bustiers is that the corset doesn’t always cover a woman’s breasts. It all really comes down to personal preference. Personally, I like steel-boned corsets for the restriction, compression and posture & figure enhancing.

Want to invest in a corset or bustier of your own? Here are a couple of local shops to check out:

Boudoir Photography: Not Just for Ladies Anymore

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If you look at a box of briefs or a calendar of sexy, half-clad cowboys, you are looking at close relatives of the male boudoir photograph. That’s good to know, because as most guys are not highly paid underwear models, to get a similarly stunning, yet private picture of themselves, the smart thing to do is go to a boudoir photography studio. Men are changing the face of boudoir shots!

Sometimes called “beefcake” or “dudoir” this is a specialty area of photography, where men can get the same rewarding, self-expressed experience that women have enjoyed for quite awhile. Here are tips to prepare men for a boudoir photo shoot, and what you should expect at Mistress J’s Boudoir Photography Studio.

First, identify your target audience. Is this a gift for a lover, wife, or partner? What do you want your picture to express? Do you want to capture a moment just for yourself? Need a sexy shot for a modeling portfolio?

Next, identify your best features. Admit you have fabulous biceps or an outrageously firm butt; this is the time to celebrate it! Is it your glorious eyes smoldering over powerful shoulders? Decide what parts of yourself you are willing to share with the camera, and we’ll build from there. Boudoir photography is not only for “beautiful people.” A great boudoir photographer can make men look powerful, sexy and hot, whether they think they are or not.

Are you into the outdoors? Are you an athlete? Do you love leather? We can build a shoot around your hobbies or fetishes. Feel free to bring special props that add to the uniqueness of your shoot. Another thing people don’t think about regarding this specialized photography is that very sexy results can be achieved with varying amounts of clothing or coverings. Boudoir photography is NOT pornography, although many boudoir photographers foray into tasteful (and edgier) nudes. You choose your “dress scale.”

Mistress J provides a relaxed atmosphere where your self-expression flourishes with guidance, not judgment. We recommend at least one phone conversation prior to your shoot to review your objectives and discuss studio set up. Your scheduled in-studio shoot includes plenty of time to ease you into the groove, and allow yourself to become immersed in this very personal experience.

Fun Excuses to Invest in That Boudoir Photo Shoot

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Have you always wanted to have boudoir pictures taken but haven’t quite come up with the perfect excuse? Here are a few fun reasons to invest in that boudoir photo shoot:

  • The pictures make great gifts! They are a perfect way to commemorate your upcoming anniversary, celebrate your engagement/wedding or say “happy birthday!” or “happy holidays!” to that special someone.
  • Boudoir photos can make time stand still. Do you want this moment in your life to last a lifetime? Commemorate your new relationship with individual or couples photos that express your love and attraction towards each other.
  • They can help you empower yourself. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, boudoir photos can be a fantastic affirmation of how sexy and beautiful you really are.

What are other reasons you recommend investing in a boudoir photo shoot? I’d love to hear what inspired you!

Creating the Perfectly Sexy Facial Expression

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As I’ve said before, a sexy photo is more than what you wear and how you pose. Your facial expression matters, too!

To make your boudoir session as successful as possible, look through magazines and websites to find expressions you like. When you find a few you like, go to a mirror and practice mimicking what you see. Pay attention to how it feels to make the expression, so you aren’t dependent on looking at yourself during your boudoir photo shoot.

Once you get to your session, don’t be afraid to try your practiced expressions, or even try something totally different. That expression that feels a little bit silly might end up looking erotic or suggestive to the camera.

Remember not to worry about how your expression looks to the photographer – I promise I will never laugh! Instead, I’ll offer suggestions to help you take your expression from cute and pretty to sultry and seductive.

Men vs. Women: How Boudoir Shots Differ

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Everyone wants to look sexy. As a boudoir photographer, I get to be reminded regularly of just how beautiful and sensual the human body is! I also love the diversity of sexual expression that comes into my studio, which is one of the many reasons I enjoy photographing both men and women.

So how does boudoir photography differ between men and women?

 
I would say men want to convey confidence and sexual prowess, although this comes across in many different ways depending on the man. Men generally focus on the overall appearance of being desirable as opposed to the smaller like hair and nails.

Women, on the other hand, usually want to look picture perfect, like we see in magazines. They generally want to be glamorous and sexy – the way they wish they could look every day if it weren’t for taking care of everything from errands and housework to kids, pets and work.

As a boudoir photographer, I work with each client to establish their goals of the session and make sure their pictures turn out the way they had in mind. Of course, a few basic tips before the session always help, too! How can I show you off at your sexiest? Contact Jeanine Brown Photography today for a complimentary consultation!