© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved
Since Mid November I've done several Boudoir Sessions. It has come to my attention that as the holidays get nearer the more requests I have for this type of photography. Beautiful women from everywhere... ranging from 20 something to 50 something want to do something different for that special someone in their life. Every woman wants to feel sexy and beautiful no matter what their age is. I consider myself pretty lucky when it comes to Boudoir Sessions most female clients prefer a female photographer for this type of sitting, and have expressed that in their initial phone call, up to the time there prints, albums, calendars, or any other material has been delivered. Remember... DO Not shoot this type of session for anyone under the age of 18, and always get a model release form for this or any type of portrait photography.
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Here are a few things you should know about shooting Boudoir Portraits:
When a model or client is changing clothes... and it doesn't matter whether they are putting on, or taking off, they should always be allowed their privacy. Everyone likes to be comfortable in their own space even when it means taking off clothing or wearing very little clothing for their session. So each and every time a garment change takes place they should have a private place to do so.
Always take a couple test shots. At first everyone is a bit stiff or nervous... take some test shots, show them to your client while letting them know what looks good and what they might want to change in their posing, or expression. As you talk to them and show them, they will start to trust you are there to make them look good... and they will become more and more comfortable.
Always compliment your client. While you are shooting your subject you should always express that they are doing a good job with comments like “Good” - “Cute” - “Very Sexy” after each click of the shutter. It will reassure her that she looks good, and that her photographs are going to be awesome!
You should never touch your client unless they ask you to. If and when she does ask, you should always try to be helpful with things like garter straps, buttons, stocking hooks, bra straps and shoe straps. In fact it would be even more helpful if you had an assistant, or suggest beforehand that she bring along a friend to help her out with such things. Which brings me to my next hint...
Boudoir sessions are fun in groups! It can be a bit tiresome for the photographer, but when you get a group of girl friends together for the same purpose they usually jump right in and have a wonderful time! They help each other with clothing, with posing, with expressions, and usually break out the wine and munchies to make it all a great experience!
Before you try to succeed in Boudoir Sessions be sure you have honed a few Photoshop skills. When all is said and done no one is perfect, but with a little blemish removal, skin softening, eye brightening and sharpening you can bring out the true beauty in anyone. I do not remove anything that isn't requested. Some women like their freckles... some don't. They will let you know. I do however remove stretch marks, and scars, unless they tell me otherwise (some women are proud of their stretch marks, although I haven't found many).
There you have it! Follow my advice for a successful Boudoir session and you'll not only get some great photographs but you'll have bunches of fun... and so will your clients!
Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy
All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.
Very good advice, Wendy! I never thought of actually asking people to bring a friend, but you are right: every time I have had a shoot with a model and a friend, the friend has helped with clothing etc. and the model has been more relaxed. Thanks for the tip!
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