Denver Boudoir Photographer | Tips for your Boudoir Session

BY HENNESSY PHOTO CO | DENVER BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

Ready to get sultry? Most women aren’t right away – and that’s normal! If you’re feeling nervous, not sure what to expect, and maybe even intimidated, I want you to know that you’re not alone, but also that this process is going to be fun as hell and empowering AF, and I can’t wait to be by your side! I’m here as your Denver boudoir photographer to answer your most pressing questions, and give you some tips and tricks to absolutely rock your session! We do things a little differently around here; editorial boudoir focused on posing and your sexy from a female gaze perspective, with a filmy, vintage twist.

What is a boudoir photography session like and why would I want to do this?

The biggest question I get from most folks – what the hell even is this? Boudoir photography is intimate, creative, sultry, and leans very fine art if done well, and most specifically, is an artform that’s meant to be flattering, fun, and empowering. There’s a misconception that your session is going to lean into porn (and I’ll be honest, a lot of male-point-of-view photographers, even who are women, will photograph in a manner that’s just to be used to give to a partner), and just be stark-nude images – but this couldn’t be further from the truth! Your Denver boudoir photographer (hi, me) should know how to read your body cues (and that includes when you’re nervous or feeling uncomfortable), will pose you in a way that feels natural, will give you guidance on what to wear/bring, and set you up for success. Your session will include a mix of casual and intimate poses, both with full clothing, lingerie or other undergarments, or leaning nude (never required, and only if you feel comfortable).

My favorite part of boudoir photography is seeing my clients light up, and as a Denver boudoir photographer I’ve focused on honing my craft into something truly creative and empowering for you. Throughout your session, you will have the opportunity to express yourself in ways you normally wouldn’t, and see yourself in a light that you don’t see very often – and this allows for such an empowering experience! You’re going to leave your session feeling beautiful, confident, strong, and hopefully a little more connected to yourself… and that’s why you want to do this. These images are sometimes given as a gift to your partner, but I want you to remember that boudoir is always, first and foremost, a gift to YOU.

I’m not feeling the cutest or my best right now. Is my body type welcome? Should I still have these photos taken?

Girl, YES. The purpose of boudoir is not to look perfect, but we’re going to make damn-sure you look and feel damn-good. In the meantime, you’re going to have the opportunity to re-connect with your body in ways you haven’t before, and you deserve that experience.

I am someone who personally has struggled with both weight and disordered eating struggles in the past, and I can assure you that all bodies are welcome here. My business puts souls first – and the goal of boudoir is to ensure your soul is shining by the end of your session. I have worked with all body types, sizes, and skin tones, and my goal is to ensure you are comfortable and feel confident throughout your entire session!

I’m worried about privacy. Will you share my images with others?

Never without your permission. Once you receive your gallery, you will have the opportunity to select any images you feel comfortable with me sharing and if that is none, that’s absolutely okay. You’ll never feel pressure on my end to share any images, and they will never be shared without your permission. Any images you see on my website, this blog, social media or otherwise are photos that have been cleared to share by that client!

The women in your boudoir photos look like models – and there’s no way I can look like that. What if I don’t know how to pose?

That’s exactly why you’re hiring a professional. For the record, no gal walks into their boudoir session feeling like a model, but hopefully you walk out feeling just that! I am here to adjust you, guide you, pose you, instruct you, and educate you throughout your session, and my first priority is that you look – AND FEEL – good as hell throughout your entire session.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! While there is nothing like a one-on-one boudoir experience, I absolutely encourage you to bring someone with if that will make you feel more comfortable!

What should I do with these photos? Should I have them printed?

Remember, boudoir is a gift for YOU. I’ve had women print an image to hang in their home (yes, queen), or women who have had a book made to look through when they’re feeling less-than-fucking-fabulous to hype them back up, or, of course, a lot of women have had prints or albums made as a gift for their partner. Whatever your choice, remember to get creative!

When it comes to printing your images, I recommend that you take great care in considering where to complete this. You do receive a full print release with your package, which means you do have the opportunity to print wherever you choose. Considering these are intimate photos, Walmart / Walgreens may not be the best choice – consider that anyone and everyone could be working that counter, and possibly even Snapchatting these images to their friends. Your gallery comes via a personal password protect website, and inside your gallery is an option to print directly through me – directly through a professional photography print lab that will handle your images with sensitivity, privacy, and care.

I’m ready to do the damn thing! How do I book with you?

FUCK YES! I cannot wait for you to experience boudoir, and to be your personal hype gal that will provide you dope photos to boot! First, take a look at my boudoir photography pricing guidelines here. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which package you’re fully considering yet, I am here to help guide you through this process! When you’re ready, shoot me a message by completing my portrait contact form here. I’ll reach out by email from there, and we can talk through any questions you might have!

Tips & Tricks for your Session

I could NOT be more excited that you’re considering boudoir, and I can’t wait to set your soul on fire. Boudoir can feel intimidating and scary at first, but you’re going to leave your session feeling empowered AF and I can’t wait! In order to help prepare you so you know exactly what to expect, I’ve outlined some tips ahead of time below! If you need anything at all leading up to your session, you know where to find me!

• Variation will give you options so that you don’t have to stress! Boudoir timelines for boudoir outfit changes are as follows: 1 hour session about 1-2 outfit changes, 2 hour sessions 3+ outfit changes (but remember that outfit change time does cut into your shooting time, so make sure to save these for your favorites!). I recommend bringing one of each, if you have it & would feel comfortable wearing: 1.  A one piece set / bodysuit / teddy / slip dress or nighty, 2. Two piece (bra/panty, high-waisted skirt + bra, garter belt + stockings), 3. A cover up / wrap, shawl, off-the-shoulder shirt, button up shirt (or maybe something of your partner’s?), 4. If getting married, your wedding veil, or items sentimental to the wedding that you’d feel comfortable incorporating (some other ideas are shoes, jewelry, garter, etc) 5. Something you feel beautiful & comfortable in 6. Enough options so that, on day-of, if you decide to change your mind–you have options to pick from that you’ll feel comfortable in
• Boudoir includes both far away & close up detail shots; if it makes you feel more comfortable, planning a mani-pedi a few days beforehand may help to not stress about close up shots; be mindful if waxing to do at least two days ahead of time, as anything too close to your session date could cause redness or blotchiness. Lotion will be your friend on your session date!
• Stretch that morning or before your session!!! Ya girl is not kidding. Believe it or not, boudoir can be hard work! There will be lots of back bending and stretching involved during your session, and stretching beforehand can make these a lot easier and help with muscle soreness later! And don’t worry, I’ll never pose you in a way that feels uncomfortable to you, but I do want to set you up for success!
• Don’t forget accessories! Be sure to clean your ring, and load up on any necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hats, fishnets, or shoes that you want to bring with!
• General “don’t’s” – short & flowy babydoll dresses (may make you look rounder than your shape because of uneven movement, or eliminate your shape overall!), corsets that restrict movement, busy patterns or neon colors.
• IF YOU ARE RECEIVING HAIR AND MAKEUP SERVICE: Please come prepared with a clean, dry face, and remember to arrive early; it is imperative that our hair and makeup timeline runs as planned to ensure your session begins on time!
• Think of a song that makes you feel like a bad ass babe… and make sure you’re ready to tell me what it is when you arrive!
• And remember, boudoir is collaborative! Unlike your wedding photos, engagement, or even a portrait session, boudoir is purely unique to YOU and YOUR NEEDS in that way that I can only know and direct so much throughout this session! This means that while I’m going to pour my creative energy into this session, direct you so that you never feel lost, and provide an inclusive space and hella energy for you, there is no one that knows you better than you – and I want you to feel empowered to take charge during our session, too! You are more than welcome to pinterest ideas & bring them with you, and if you have something special you want to incorporate that feels “out of the norm”, unique to you, unique to your relationship, or makes you feel empowered (whether that be an object, outfit, song, etc), I’M IN – speak up, because I want this to be everything you dreamed of!

You are beautiful. You are loved. You deserve this. It can be as dialed-up sexy as you want, or as subtle as you’d like; remember that this is a gift for YOU.