Boudoir Tips From Your Boudoir Photographer!
by Head of Photography, Neill Menneer
Boudoir Tip No. 1
You may be nervous now but… Boudoir Photo shoots are fun!
The boudoir shoot is always a lot of fun. At Divine Divas we say the whole experience is like ‘dressing-up’ for grown-ups! You can bring any props you like which express your, or your partners, interests. We have had riding crops, fishing rods, golf clubs, firemen’s outfits and a whole range from the ridiculous to the bizarre (tractor exhaust?!). The boudoir photoshoot is an opportunity to unleash your imagination and just enjoy the moment.
Boudoir Tip No. 2
Nerves are normal for Boudoir Photo Shoots
If you’re excited or nervous don’t worry, that is entirely normal. Try and focus on the excitement end of that spectrum because of course this is not something you do every day. Or ever before! Or ever again maybe! It is a jump into the unknown but that’s a good thing and occasionally being out of your comfort zone is healthy and life affirming. From our point of view we will look after you and ensure we make you feel as comfortable as possible. We are (dare I say it!) a wonderful friendly team who only have your best interests at heart and we all contribute to giving you a great time and creating the best photos of yourself you are ever likely to see.
Boudoir Tip No. 3
Remember, we know our Boudoir Photography tips and tricks!
We all have bits about ourselves we do not like. Very, very few people are blessed with a ‘perfect’ body - whatever that is! All the pictures you see on our web site are from clients exactly like you ie normal people. Never models. Our business thrives on offering our clients the same kind of makeover that used to be the sole preserve of models. Great makeup, elegant sets and creative subtle lighting. To say nothing of the great Boudoir photography tips and tricks as well! We will maximise your special features and minimise the bits you don’t like (tummies being the no 1 offender!)
Boudoir Tip No. 4
We know the Boudoir posing tips, so you don’t have to! We’ll guide you.
You don’t need to know how to pose. Posing is more complicated that it looks! As Boudoir photographers we spend hours reviewing and practising poses. We know all the best Boudoir posing tips so you don’t have to! How to stand, how to look, where to look, when to let go; these are all skills that we do not expect you to have. We will guide you every step of the way.
Boudoir Tip No. 5
Savour having the spotlight on you in your Boudoir shoot…
You will look gorgeous. That’s a promise! For years models have been put on a pedestal but the reality is anyone can be enhanced and their inner beauty revealed in the same way. Digital photography has helped and companies like ours who have been in the industry for years now have the skills to offer this expertise to you. If you’ve ‘never had a good picture taken of yourself’ that is about to change!
Just consider this - most pictures are taken by amateurs who are not considering or even wanting to consider the beauty of the whole moment. Backgrounds are ignored, composition and lighting are not considered etc. The majority of pictures of yourself are taken in groups when people are generally ‘mucking about’ or have another agenda. For many years I was the worst offender for ‘pulling faces’ in an attempt to be funny! People are often caught on camera whilst talking (or even worse when they are eating!). None of these are good scenarios for making the best of yourself. At DD you spend over an hour exclusively with the photographer whose only brief is to make you look amazing. This dedication (and dare I say it - focus!) makes a big difference! Self consciousness normally happens when we are in groups but at DD there is none of this apparent judgement from others. You will find that you are much less self conscious or embarrassed than you imagine. The ‘model’ and photographer have a job to do and that is solely to bring out your best features and make you feel gorgeous. That mutually beneficial collaboration happens also to be a lot of fun. The total focus and attention on yourself is nowadays a rarity and an experience to be savoured!
Boudoir Tip No. 6
Worried about being in your lingerie in front of a stranger… it’s a context thing!
Regarding the fear of ‘prancing about’ in your lingerie in front of a stranger don’t worry. It’s a context thing. No one really minds doing the same thing on a beach in front of thousands of strangers! Furthermore the Divine Divas experience and environment is totally non-critical or judgemental. We know you will look elegant, sexy and gorgeous. It’s warmer here than a British beach as well!
Boudoir Tip No. 7
For the 'unphotogenic' people out there...
At DD you spend over an hour exclusively with the photographer whose only brief is to make you look amazing. This dedication makes a big difference! Self consciousness normally happens when we are in groups but at DD there is none of this apparent judgement from others. You will find that you are much less self conscious or embarrassed than you imagine. The ‘model’ and photographer have a job to do and that is solely to bring out your best features and make you feel gorgeous. That mutually beneficial collaboration happens also to be a lot of fun. The total focus and attention on yourself is nowadays a rarity and an experience to be savoured!
Boudoir Tip No. 8
For the people who think they could never look that good...
One other thing! Why do our clients look so much better than they imagine they could look. Why do the before and after images look so transformative? Is it just retouching?
No. We do very little retouching in fact. Preparation of the hair and makeup obviously make a difference and our professional makeup artists are fabulous at subtly applying the right colours and enhancing some features with eye liners etc. However the real secret lies in the Boudoir posing and lighting. Most people are only used to seeing their mirror image. We look at ourselves in the mirror every day and even the photographs taken by our friends and family are essentially the same view. These images are taken straight on with us standing looking to camera. Normally with horrid lighting. At DD we change this point of view significantly. Very few pictures will be taken looking at the camera and instead you will be asked to lie down or turn away from the camera. We will capture photos in other words that reflect much more accurately how other people see us. This ultimately is why we sometimes do not recognise ourselves in the DD images. And why these images and the beauty they express or reveal better reflect how others see us especially our partners! If I could have a pound for the times we have heard from clients that their partners think their gorgeous but they can’t see it and don’t feel beautiful. Let us show you (the camera never lies!) how gorgeous you really are.
Any questions about Boudoir? Message and ask! Or join our Divine Divas Girls Group where you'll find lots of tips and advice from an amazing network of women