Boudoir Photography – Boost Your Self-Esteem!

Since I started doing Boudoir photography I’ve been trying to explain to friends of mine and other women why they should have a boudoir shoot of their own done. Some people, who don’t really like their photo being taken, don’t see the point and tend to have narrow-minded views on boudoir photography and the people who do boudoir shoots, and they just don’t get it. Here I hope to enlighten and open people’s minds.

Firstly, what is Boudoir photography?

“A boudoir… is a lady’s private bedroom, sitting room or dressing room. The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning “to be sulky” or boudeur, meaning “sulky”” – Wikipedia.

As an article from theweek.com explains, “The word boudoir dates back to the Victorian era when it referred to a lady’s private rooms, which she used for dressing or bathing. By extension, boudoir photography describes shots that capture a woman simulating such private activities. The photos show women in lingerie, or without lingerie, posing coyly or provocatively. Brides, who represent the bulk of boudoir clients, “often bring veils, garters, and wedding night lingerie, but their future spouses’ favorite sports jerseys or work shirts are also popular,” says Ruiz at The Daily. In the past several years, and especially with the recent explosion of daily deal sites like Groupon, boudoir photography has become increasingly popular.”

The other day my Auntie said “Is boudoir photography like soft porn?”  – The answer is No! There appears to be a general lack of exposure of true boudoir to most women. Boudoir Photography may be distinguished from other photography genres such as glamour photography, fine art nude photography and erotic photography because it’s more elegant, classy and like a piece of art. Nudity is implied rather than explicit. It’s not about getting undressed, but rather getting ready to show off your best self. It’s a combination of things that make it essentially the complete opposite of porn.

Why do a boudoir shoot?

Boudoir shoots are a celebration of beauty, sexiness and sexuality, and are a whole lot of fun! It’s empowering for women. A lot of boudoir shoots are booked by women as a present to their partners – either as a wedding gift, or special occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines Day, pregnancy, weight loss or other form of body change, or for service men or women overseas. But most importantly, you don’t have to do a boudoir shoot for someone, do it for you. It doesn’t matter what age, shape or size you are – there are clever ways of hiding the bits you don’t want to see, and flattering poses to make you look and feel amazing! My job isn’t just to create beautiful images, it’s to boost your confidence and improve your self-image.

You don’t need a special occasion to book a boudoir photoshoot, it’s an occasion in itself! It’s 4 hours of being pampered and made to feel wonderful, and to top it all off you get some stunning images of yourself that you never thought could look that amazing! Some women put off doing a boudoir photoshoot because they see it as a luxury that they can’t afford… I’m so pleased that I did one for myself with another photographer because not only do the pictures cheer me up when I’m feeling frumpy, but captured that point in my life, which wouldn’t be the same a few years later, and I see that as being totally worth it. I will probably do another shoot for myself in another 5-10 years to capture that point in my life (and probably different hairstyle!).

The boudoir photographs you see in my portfolio have all had permission to be shown by my clients – I always ask and would never post any images of my clients anywhere without prior consent.

Boudoir shoots by Ginny Marsh Photography start from just £340 including a full hair and makeover, and can be done in your own home or in Hotel de Vie in Farnham. Please get in touch for prices and availability – info@ginnymarsh.co.uk

If you’ve already decided to book your boudoir shoot or would like more information, please see my other blog: Boudoir Photoshoots – What to expect and what (not!) to wear