So, What Is the Purpose of a Boudoir Photograph, and Why Do So Many Miss the Mark?

Boudoir photographs have a single overarching purpose: sexual arousal. They can be pretty, or glamorous, or well-lit, or taken in an exotic setting, but if they don’t arouse the intended viewer—her lover—then they missed the mark. And it doesn’t make a lot of difference whether that mark was missed by a little or a lot, because the grading system here is pass or fail.

So why do so many boudoir photographs miss the mark? Because the photographers fail to discover the source of arousal: the look, the action, the stance, the clothing, the fantasy, the fetish, etc., that will turn on the client’s lover. Instead, they take the fallback position: standard makeup, lingerie, and poses. This can work quite effectively for models, and even for a few private boudoir clients, but for the others, the majority, it’s a recipe for a pasted-on look that sticks throughout the shoot—a look that highlights her fear, insecurity, and uncertainty.

There are a couple of reasons why photographers might choose this fallback position: their fee structure will not support additional effort; or they’re uncomfortable asking sexual questions. The fee structure issue is most often seen when dealing with shopping mall glamour studios. Because of their pricing and staffing, they have no option other than a formulaic approach.

But what about those sexual questions? Many photographers find it difficult to ask them. They find it far easier to ask what lingerie outfits she brought rather than what turns on her lover or suggesting provocative photoshoot themes or actions.

So, what to do, where to start?

(1) Understand that what makes a boudoir client sexy is doing something that will arouse her lover. What she’s wearing (clothing or makeup) is important only to the extent it enhances that arousal and never detracts from it.

(2) With that in mind, prepare a storyboard of suggested themes or actions (include sample images). Ask your client which of these themes or actions are most likely to have the desired effect on her lover. Not sure what to include on the story board? Don’t hold back: You’ll be surprised at what a client will choose when given the opportunity.

Want some ideas?

• pulling down a pair panties
• unbuttoning a blouse in front of a mirror
• lifting up a skirt
• removing or putting on a tight pair of jeans
• sitting on the edge of counter wearing a dress that’s hiked up
• bending over to lace up boots
• taking a shower wearing just a t-shirt
• walking up a flight of stairs (as in this image)
• getting hosed down while wearing a thin summer dress
• falling out of a deep cut dress
• touching oneself in front of a mirror
• frolicking on the bed
• standing in a doorway with the bed in the background
• riding the arm of an over-stuffed chair
• taking a shower or getting undressed while being watched through a window or a partially closed door
• having hair brushed by another (unidentifiable) woman

The list is endless, really. The key point here is that good boudoir photography should include some real-life sexuality that resonates with both the client and her lover.

(3) Now, use the client’s responses to the storyboard to select and prioritize the scenes for the photo shoot.

(4) Next, select clothing for each scene that enhances the desired result. Some will be more effective with lingerie, others with street clothes.

(5) Finish up the storyboard by choosing music to focus her feelings in each scene.

(6) Assure the client that instead of having to stand still and pose, she’ll be acting out these scenes while you shoot them—far easier for the client, and as a result, far better images from the shoot.

I’ll pick up right here in a future article on the photo shoot itself. But to wrap up for now, remember that the overarching purpose of boudoir photography is the sexual arousal of the client’s lover. If it doesn’t turn him on, it was all a waste of time.

Today’s image: Woman in Doorway.
Lighting: Open doorway with medium gold reflector; and one monolight left of bed, bounced off ceiling to illuminate background.

Comments

[Ed Verosky]

Will,

The article about the purpose of the Boudoir Photograph is very enlightening. I'm immediately going to implement my own approach to what you suggest. I know for a fact this won't apply to all of my clients, but I'm sure it will apply to many of them. My weekend links list will feature a link to your post.

Thanks for what you do,

Ed Verosky

[WillT]

Thank you for the kind words, Ed.

We use this approach with everyone, and we've never had a potential client get upset or insulted at the more suggestive scenes. That said, my initial storyboard of possible scenes always includes a variety of standard studio-style poses against a black background.

As I wrote in my article: You'll be surprised by what they choose.

Will

[Endless Boudoir]

Great post! Totally hit on the fact that the photographer and client must be comfortable. It's about having a fun session!