Hello! Here's some helpful boudoir tips and tricks you can incorporate into your next (or first!) boudoir session. For clients and photographers alike, trying out different poses and ideas can get you into a great flow and start you on the path to adding more and more creativity into every session. If you’re in the Seattle area, don’t hesitate to reach out to me to start planning your session! I would be honored to walk you through the process and create the beautiful session of your dreams.

NO. 1

Laying down

Lay down poses can be difficult, but the key is support! Add a small firm pillow (or rolled up towel) under the back to give support and shape to the body. Prop the legs up onto a wall or bedframe, point the toes, and voila! So cute!

NO. 2

Show off

Loving stretches can keep the body relaxed and limber while also showing off strength and creating interesting shapes.

NO. 3

Variety

Work together to find the perfect outfits for the session. Clients: Now is the time to treat yourself to a gorgeous lingerie set, a silk robe, or anything else that makes you feel good!

NO. 4

Add a mirror

All sides are your "best side"! Photographers: play with depth of field!

NO. 5

Jump in the tub

Choose to wear a bathing suit or go nude, either way, bubbles are always fun!

NO. 6

Have fun!

Photographers: Keep things fun by playing music during the shoot, and making sure the client has water, snacks and everything they need to be comfortable. They're not a mannequin! Give breaks when needed. Dance breaks are also encouraged 🥰

NO. 7

Breathe

Photographers: if you're finding your client holding their breath or looking a bit stiff, tell them to take a deep breath and snap the photo right as they breathe out. Perfection.

NO. 8

Dance

Show movement! Get creative! Play with your hands! Photographers: You can even set your shutter speed a bit lower to get a sultry blur

NO. 9

Nude

Every body tells a story, and boudoir photos can tell that chapter. Sometimes a client wants nude photos to document their body before/during/after pregnancy, before/after mastectomy, before/after tattoos, weight loss/gain... or just so they can look back on today photos when they're older and say "Damn I was hot!". Decide before the shoot if this is an option, and remember to always respect each other's boundaries.

NO. 10

Find your light

Whether window or artificial light, I'm a big fan of soft light. Photographers: tell your client to turn their face towards the light and you're guaranteed a gorgeous soft portrait.

Stay tuned for more tips! And be sure to let me know what you think, you can find me on Instagram @courtneymartinart (photographers! I’m on Patreon teaching EVERYTHING I know about photography, clients, editing and more! www.patreon.com/courtneymartinart

-Courtney