Wedding boudoir is getting more and more popular as it is a perfect gift for the bride or for her partner. Read our ten ideas to learn how to shoot stunning bridal boudoir photography. [ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]
1. Bridal Boudoir Photography Using Props that Fit the Wedding’s Theme
Almost every wedding has a theme, color or certain objects that appear everywhere at the celebration. Ask the bride about her wedding’s theme and prepare matching props. You can include the wedding’s official colors or the type of flowers they chose. If the wedding takes place on a beach, you can add props like seashells or bottles filled with sand.
2. Include Wedding Accessories
A boudoir shoot can mimic a bride’s preparation for the big day. Include wedding accessories like the veil, a tiara or the wedding lingerie. You can also use pearls and the wedding shoes to make it feel more authentic.
3. Ask the Bride to Bring Her Wedding Night Lingerie
A bridal boudoir photo shoot is a perfect opportunity for capturing the wedding night lingerie. Brides often buy an expensive and unique lingerie set to impress their husbands. But there is a slim chance that the couple starts taking photos to eternalise the beautiful lingerie. A bridal boudoir session can serve as a session focusing on the special lingerie. And the final photos can make an amazing wedding gift or birthday gift for the groom.
4. Shoot Outdoors to Make the Photos More Exciting
You don’t have to limit the location of the boudoir shoot to indoors. Go and take photos outdoors, on a balcony or at the beach. You can make the photos more personal if you choose a location that has a special meaning for the couple. For example, the spot where they got engaged. Or if your client likes hiking, take photos in a forest.
5. Go for Themed Boudoir Photos to Make it More Unique
Many people feel awkward and shy when they have to undress in front of the camera. But they start acting confident when they dress up as someone else. Choose a theme and use costumes and matching props for the bridal boudoir session. For example, you can choose to dress the bride as a pin-up girl and use vintage props. Or dress her as the groom’s favourite female action character.
6. Shoot at the Bride’s Home for More Personal Boudoir Photos
Shooting in a studio can make boudoir photos look too artificial. Discuss with the bride if she is happy to do the boudoir session at her home. This way, the photos will look more personal and cosy. And the bride will feel much more comfortable at her own home. You can also tell a story when shooting boudoir at a home setting. You can capture the bride imitating doing chores in sexy lingerie. This way, your photos are saying that she might become a wife taking care of their home but she will keep being sexy for her husband.
7. Include the Groom for Couple’s Wedding Boudoir
Including the groom can make the bride feel more comfortable and create an intimate experience for the couple. You don’t have to turn the whole boudoir shoot into a couple’s session. But you can include the groom in some photos. Or he can also be included by only being present at the boudoir shoot. You can direct the bride to look at her partner while posing. Her facial expression and posture will look much more natural. You can also let them flirt if during the boudoir shoot to create a playful atmosphere.
8. Use Simple Props to Keep the Focus on the Bride
Brides often prepare their appearance for the wedding for months. They exercise more, go on a diet and get a haircut. Many brides look their best for their wedding. And they want to commemorate this state of their body. So it’s a smart idea to focus on the bride’s appearance, and do not go overboard with photography props. Use simple props like bed sheets or pillows. You can also use everyday objects such as a mug or a book. This way, you can create a casual atmosphere in which the bride’s beauty will be a highlight.
9. Focus on Details to Add Mystery
Do not limit yourself to full-body boudoir photos. Focus on details like the bride’s face or certain body parts. Ask your client what her favourite body part is and highlight that area in your photography. Or take close-ups of the lingerie’s delicate texture and pattern.
10. Use Props that Belong to the Groom
The bridal boudoir session is about the bride, but the groom can be still in her mind. Use props that remind the viewer of the groom’s presence. The bride can wear a man’s shirt. Or you can leave half-empty whiskey glass on the table and a tie on the bed. But you can also ask the bride if there are specific items that remind her of the groom and prepare them for the photoshoot.
Conclusion
Bridal boudoir photography can have various purposes. It can be a self-esteem boost for the bride. Or it can be a gift for the groom. Or a nice memory from the wedding preparation period. In any case, it is always a special experience for the bride, allowing some ‘me-time’ during the hectic wedding preparation process. Besides using the ten tips above, ensure to get to know what your client expects from the photoshoot. As a photographer, your task is not only to take photos. But also to provide an unforgettable experience to the bride. Be sure to get to know your clients and use open communication to make them satisfied with your work. Learn how to develop a successful portrait photography business with Profit from Portraits!
