One of my brides did take the plunge and had boudoir pictures taken of herself for her fiance. See below for thoughts from the bride and from the photographer who took the lovely pictures!
From Bride Alex:
I got the idea to do the boudoir photo shoot after going to a bridal expo, and my married friend told me she did them, and showed me her photos. I contacted Angie to see if she did them, since I had worked with her for the engagement shoot, and would be working with her soon for the wedding. She did them, so she set up the time and place. She set up getting a hair and make-up person, and the hotel where we did the photos.
Leading up to doing the shoot, not going to lie, I was really nervous. I am not the most confident person, but I figured it didn't matter what I looked like really, it was more about capturing this time in mine and Brian's life because when would I be this age getting married to him ever again?! Brian picked out the lingerie for the shoot. I figured that was a good way to give him some input, and build the anticipation. I brought quite a few options to the shoot; lingerie, a sheer robe, Brian's shirt, a skirt, stockings, a bathing suit, my veil, black heels, shoes for the wedding, and a corset from the renaissance festival that he loves.
The day of the shoot getting my hair and make-up done, and the mimosa beforehand definitely helped give me some courage and helped me to have fun. We did some more 'bridal' photos, in a white robe, white lingerie, and some with my veil. Then we did some others mixing and matching some of the other pieces I brought. Some of the photos and outfits were more for me, while some were more for him. And I think that is really important if you do boudoir photos. They are just as much for you, as they are for your man (or woman for that matter). You will be able to look back on those photos are remember when you had the courage to have that much fun and be that free. I had so much fun doing the shoot, and loved how the photos turned out. I really loved the variety of photos that there turned out to be. Angie let me pick the photos for the album, and I gave it to Brian before the wedding, since I had gotten my gift from him beforehand. He loved them, and said the ones where I looked happy he loved the most. I would tell anyone who is thinking about doing boudoir photos, and is hesitant to just do them. You will have a blast, and you will always be able to look back on how amazing you looked (because no matter what, you will look amazing :) ).
From Angie, the photographer:
What if someone told you that modeling in a boudoir photo shoot
would be one of the most empowering experiences you could ever do for yourself…
Would you believe them? The
majority of women would probably laugh at the idea or say something like “My
body is NOT ready for something like this!”
or “I want to lose weight and work out first.”
or just simply “I am not happy with my body.” Yes there are some women who wouldn’t
think twice and are all for it. I’ve
seen both types of women.
I am a
photographer who specializes in engagements and weddings. I often have my brides request a boudoir
session as a gift for their future groom.
This is a great way to incorporate elements such as your veil, your
wedding shoes and your bridal lingerie.
When my brides express this interest I tell them that scheduling it
around their hair and make up trial is a great idea. This way they will see what their wedding
look will look like in pictures, and you get to make good use of the
trial.
So how do you prepare for a photo shoot that puts you in a
vulnerable state?
First off, any insecurities you have about your body share them
with your photographer. I used to tell
people not to worry, that they were beautiful despite their insecurities. While I believe this statement, I also feel
like it’s important to know what your client is uncomfortable with
before you ask them to bare it all. It’s
just as equally important is to ask them what they LOVE about their body. This way you can focus on their strengths and
be aware of their insecurities. Think
about this and talk it over with your photographer prior to your shoot.
Then comes the question of what to wear! It’s actually simpler than you’d
imagine. I usually suggest 2-4
outfits. Think about comfort. If you are in a relationship, grab one of
your guys’ button ups or t-shirt or tie. One of my favorite looks is an oversized
sweater falling off of one shoulder. It’s
simple yet sexy. You don’t
need to go spend hundreds of dollars on new lingerie…unless of course
that’s what you want to do.
A matching bra and panty set is always a hit and if you want to step
outside the box think about a corset.
Statement jewelry is always a good idea to include as well as heels or
boots. I suggest going through things
you already own and getting creative with it.
You can make just about anything sexy!
When your photo shoot begins always start with the outfit you are
most comfortable in. This will help
loosen you up and ease into the session.
If you pick a good photographer, they will tell you exactly what to
do. I guide my clients and also read
their natural movements. By the time you
are ready for your outfit change you will be ready to really work it.
My biggest piece of advice as a photographer is to have fun with
it. This is your time to show your sexy
and sultry side. These don’t
have to be for a man, they can be for you! I’d say about 1/2 of
my boudoir clients do it because they just want to feel beautiful. And let me tell you, I am always hearing
things like, “I felt amazing, it was such an empowering experience!”,
“I can’t believe how comfortable I felt!”,
“Thank you for helping me feel sexy.”
So what are you waiting for?! There’s no excuse,
because everyone is beautiful.
Be your own kind of beautiful.
“Beauty to me, is about being comfortable in your own
skin.
That or a kick-ass red lipstick!”-
Gwyneth Paltrow
Thank you Alex and Angie for sharing!!!
Photographer, Angie of Frozen in Time Photography
