Boudoir photography is an amazing thing. I like to say it was born from the ashes of the 90s glamour photography fad. You know the ones, there are even memes floating around challenging people to google to find a glamour shot of someone with the same name! My definition of boudoir is classy, tasteful photos of women in various states of undress. It’s not “hey look what I got!!” it’s “hey, guess what I got” with a wink and a smile.
Boudoir is a celebration of women, which is why you see such a variance in the images of my work. Even with the same model, she’ll be in full lingerie for one session and a tank top & batman socks in another. I do this for multiple reasons. Firstly, everyone has a different comfort level. I’m not going to have someone who is totally uncomfortable with taking her clothes off for someone other than her spouse come in and get buck naked. She’ll be uncomfortable and even more nervous which affects the photos. We’ll do jeans & a bra, or a tank top and keep you covered! Each session is personalized to that woman’s level of comfort. Secondly, there are literally thousands of definitions of what sexy is. Mine? Confidence. So bring in lingerie, running shorts, whatever is YOUR sexy and we will rock it!
I love boudoir and seeing the change in women from when they walk in to the end of the session. Almost everyone is nervous. I had one lovely boudie tell me she thought it would be something she “suffered through” for her husband but she was elated at how much fun she had and she felt so much more confident! There are reviews on my Facebook page from women saying how much they enjoyed their session, that it was like being in the studio with a friend. I had one girl who came in who was super nervous. She was an absolute sweetheart and once she warmed up, we made some AMAZING images. She left with a swagger in her hips and on cloud nine. This is why I do this.
I’m frequently asked if I photograph women who aren’t a size 2. I don’t think I’ve ever actually photographed someone who WAS a size 2. It’s amazing what posing, lighting & wardrobe choices can do! And I do photograph women of all ages & sizes! I have photographed women in their 50s, moms with babies at home, girls with curves & girls without. Every woman is beautiful and I love having the opportunity to show it off!
How do boudoir sessions work? My sessions start with hair & make up done by a professional cosmetologist. Why is this so important to me? Jacy is not only amazing, she is certified to work with all the products & tools that really help show off that sexiness. Another huge consideration is that photoshoot hair & make up are different from day or even night makeup. She knows my editing workflow and works with me to make editing even more minimal, which in turns allows your photos to be finished sooner. After your pampering with Jacy, we discuss wardrobe and create the “looks” for your session. We’ll select an outfit, accessories like stockings, shoes, jewelry, and incorporate props with specific looks. Then the session begins! I’m a bit of a goofball so be prepared for some laughs! After your session, you’ll receive a sneak peek within a couple of days and your gallery within 2 weeks.
How does sharing your images work? Well, it’s up to you! You can opt to not have any photos shared at all. Your folder gets a NO SHARE added to it and they will stay on my computer and your gallery. You can allow me to share all of your images. You can say you want only the ones where you are not identifiable to be shared. You can opt for no social media or even no internet use, but allow print portfolio use. It’s totally up to YOU and YOUR comfort level!
If you’re considering boudoir, I really hope this blog post helps answer any questions you may have! If you still have questions, PLEASE feel free to email me and ask! I’d be glad to answer any questions you may have! You can use the contact page or email me directly at ashley@ashleyrescottphotography.com
Want to read about MY boudoir experiences? Check it out here!
i love that you are educating the public on what boudoir is and i learned a lot. being so modest, i don’t know if i will ever have this done, but i love the idea that women come out of a session feeling even more beautiful about themselves.
What great information about planning a boudoir session with you! I think it’s important that all ladies know how beautiful they are and that most boudoir clients are NOT “model size”.
I love how you customize boudoir sessions for each woman’s comfort level! I think that is so important when choosing a photographer!
I just love your definition of boudoir photography! “Hey, guess what I’ve got!” love it! Stafford, VA is lucky to have a great boudoir photographer like you in the area!
I think boudoir photography is amazing, and it makes client’s so much more comfortable when they know what to expect. This was a great article for anyone considering a boudoir session!
boudoir sessions are one of my favorite things to shoot- they are truly beautiful and really helps a woman be comfortable in her own skin! thanks so much for sharing!!
This is a great post to explain what boudoir is! So many people just picture Playboy spreads, but boudoir sessions can actually be therapy for women when they see that they do look beautiful even if they are not a size two! (And even those size twos need that too!)
I really like how you go through the process of a boudoir session. I think a lot of times people can get nervous just getting their photo taken in general, and having a boudoir session is way more personal, and I think knowing the process can put women at ease. Not to mention knowing there will be a hair and makeup person!! 🙂
Such a great post that shows off your level of professionalism and passion for boudoir sessions. Making your client comfortable is key, and it seems like you totally have that down! Your photos are gorgeous and I am betting you have made your clients (and their significant others!) very happy with your work!
This is great information for clients and potential clients!! Boudoir sessions are intimate enough that knowing what to expect throughout the whole thing makes it so comfortable for sessions.
Best post I have ever read. Great and informative.
Ashley Rescott, thanks so much for this amazing post. Every woman needs to read this. Very often are women too nervous to do Boudair shoots either because they’re insecure and not comfortable in their body or they’re ashamed of the intimacy. I love how you outlined the process step by step so women who have been afraid of doing this will now feel a little more comfortable. I can’t even imagine how many female lives you’ve impacted through your boudoir photography sessions. Not only do women get amazing pictures to flaunt the rest of their lives but they are forever changed as they leave the Boudoir session feeling better than ever about their body.