Adequate forethought and pre-planning does go a long way in ensuring that your boudoir photography session goes as well as you would like it to.

Accordingly in this article, we share vital boudoir photography tips in the form of 12 boudoir photography dos and don’ts that boudoir photographers like you must know.

#1 Think through your boudoir photo session theme

Most boudoir photography sessions have a particular theme. It is vital that you think through it adequately, planning for its vital steps and requirements in advance. Doing so will go a long way in ensuring that your boudoir photo session goes well.

 

#2 Discuss the shoot with your models and ensure their comfort

Once you’ve thought through the theme of your boudoir photography session, it is imperative that you discuss it with your models and ensure their comfort.

At no stage should they feel uncomfortable with the proceedings of the shoot, otherwise it will never go off well.

 

#3 Checklist of all items required and distribution of their responsibilities

In a timely manner, do ensure you have a checklist of all the items that you require. This includes the photographic equipment that you need, along with clothes and/or props that your models require.

Alongside, distribute the responsibilities for these among yourself, your models, and associates/team members, if any.

 

#4 Recce of the Photo Shoot Location

Often, boudoir photo shoots are held in studios hired specially for the occasion. Both you and the model(s) are likely to land up there only on the day of the shoot.

If possible, it would be beneficial if you did a recce of the photo shoot location prior to the shoot, say a day before. That will prevent the occurrence of any last moment surprises.

 

#5 Loose clothes for your models

Make sure your models do not come to the boudoir shoot in tight clothes. Such clothes invariably leave an impression on their bodies that could adversely affect the results of your shoot.

 

#6 Ensure your models are hydrated

Your boudoir photography shoot results come out best when your models are glowing. For that, you need to ensure that they are adequately hydrated.

Mind you, this is true not only during the shoot but also much before; your models must prepare for the boudoir shoot by keeping themselves hydrated well in advance.

 

 

#7 Your models must avoid tanning

Tanning prior to the shoot, both natural and artificial, should be avoided. Otherwise, your models will have tan lines on them.

Remember to instruct your models on avoiding spray tan as well since it tends to come off, leaving patches of oddly coloured skin.

 

#8 Adequate outfits for your models

Closely linked to point #1 in this listing of boudoir photography tips where we advised on planning adequately in advance, a crucial initiative on the part of professional boudoir photographers like yourself would be to ensure you have adequate outfits for your models.

While pinpointing an exact figure may not always be appropriate (a lot depends on the dynamics of the shoot), having at least 3 to 4 outfits would be imperative.

 

 

#9 Well groomed models

This is elementary for seasoned boudoir photographers yet requires mentioning anyway.

Prior to the shoot, ensure that your models are well groomed; instances include being waxed or shaved (as required), manicures and pedicures done, hair coloured (if needed), and so on. Only hands also play an important role while it comes to boudoir photography. Make sure you get proper hand poses.

 

 

#10 Ensure everyone is adequately rested before the shoot

Both boudoir photographers like you and boudoir models must have a good night’s sleep prior to the shoot, for it to come off well.

Remember that tiredness if any will easily reflect in the results of your shoot.

 

#11 Creativity and spontaneity

While prior planning is clearly the need of the hour, at the same time, it is important that you and the models do not lose your creativity and spontaneity.

Remember that boudoir photography shoots are meant to be a lot of fun. So, central to our boudoir photography tips would be to get creative and come up with edgy boudoir photos that stand out.

 

#12 Do not hesitate with post-production editing and effects

Once you are done with your boudoir photography shoot, do not hesitate to touch up your photos and edit them with effects for maximal impact.

Remember that there are tons of tools out there to help you on this. For example you can try these 15 free photoshop actions especially created for boudoir photos.

Hoping you will find these do’s and don’ts useful and can help you for your next shoot. Let us know your experiences by commenting below.