Preparing for a Boudoir Photo Session: Expert Tips and Advice | Bree Hanan Photography

The content in this blog post first appeared in my monthly newsletter in April of 2024. Sign up here for first access to more content like this!

Hi Friend!

Happy April! Is it just me, or did March fly by? I’ve been loving the warm weather we’ve been having, and I have a few very exciting things coming up in April that I’m looking forward to – a newborn photo session, a formal event with my husband’s work, and several birthdays including my niece’s ninth birthday. My husband and I always try to do something really special with her for her birthday – last year we took her to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. This year we are planning to take her on a camping trip, which I’m very excited for. I loved camping as a kid and I really hope she loves it too!

But I digress. 

This month’s newsletter couldn’t be further from the topic of a nine-year-old’s birthday party if I’d tried. Today we are going to talk all about boudoir photography sessions; we’ll go over what a boudoir session is, why you should schedule one, how to prep, what to expect, and your freebie this month comes with a little bonus, but you have to read all the way to the end of this newsletter to get it! 

What is a boudoir photo session?

The word “boudoir” technically means “a woman’s bedroom or private room”, but in the case of boudoir photography what it really means is an intimate photo session. This can mean different things to different people; boudoir session outfits for women can range from wearing one of your partner’s button down shirts paired with full coverage lacy panties to wearing a matching set of sexy lingerie to only being covered up by a bed sheet in bed or by soap bubbles in a bathtub. The possibilities are quite literally endless, and being able to talk openly with your photographer about what you want your photos to look like is so so important. 

Boudoir sessions of men are definitely less popular than they are of women, but they are on the rise. Boudoir sessions can also be of a couple, and can be a really special way to document your love and the season of life you’re in. 

Why should I schedule a boudoir photo session? 

First and foremost, scheduling a boudoir session should always be your choice and something that you actually want to do and that you are comfortable doing. These photos are more for you than they are for anyone else, and you have no obligation to share your images with anyone if you don’t want to. That being said, many people book boudoir sessions so that they can gift those photos to their partner – for a wedding, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day present. Maternity boudoir sessions are also very popular.  

A lot of times when we look in the mirror, we only see our flaws (and yes, I’m guilty of this, too). As a photographer, my goal with every single session I shoot is to help you see your own beauty, and that is especially true with boudoir sessions. These sessions can be incredibly empowering, and I always want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the session and I hope that when you receive your gallery you will be able to see how beautiful you are on the inside and on the outside.

How do I prep for my boudoir photo session?

In the weeks leading up to your session, don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer during their business hours with any questions or concerns you have. You most likely have never gone through a boudoir session before, and knowing what to expect will help you feel much more comfortable in what can be a vulnerable and intimate environment. Also, letting your photographer know ahead of time what your comfort level is can help us make sure you are comfortable at all times during your session. 

Something that helps me immensely is when my clients create a Pinterest board of the vision they have for their session. Searching “boudoir inspiration” on Pinterest will help you visualize several different options for location and outfits. By sending this to your photographer, you will help them help you achieve the photos of your dreams!  

When choosing what you will wear for your boudoir session, always consult with your photographer. They are the experts when it comes to what photographs well in the lighting at your session location and what colors would work best in that space. Several photographers also have a client closet for you to access if you wish. 

I also always advise my clients to treat your boudoir session like a date (with yourself). Pamper yourself by taking a relaxing bath before your session, getting your nails, hair, and/or makeup done, and buying yourself some flowers. Whatever it takes to help you feel relaxed and confident for your session. 

What can I expect from my boudoir photo session? 

I personally start all my boudoir sessions by sitting down to have a casual chat before we start shooting. I want you to feel comfortable with me before you take your clothes off, especially if this is the first time we are meeting. Once we’re both comfortable, I will leave you alone while you get into the outfit you have chosen. When you’re ready, I’ll come back in and start to pose you. Boudoir sessions are a little more posed than most of the other sessions I offer, but I always want to keep you as comfortable as possible. If there’s ever anything that you do or don’t want to try, be sure to let your photographer know! We love experimenting and having fun during sessions. I usually also play music to get us both in the zone to relax and have fun. 

Printing your photos

Whether your boudoir photos are just for you or you plan to share them with your partner, a luxury photo album or high quality prints are the perfect ways to display your photos. Click here to view my prints and albums pricing page. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s blog post and that it has inspired you to book your own boudoir session! Due to the sensitive nature of boudoir photography, I have chosen not to include any boudoir photos in this blog post, but if you sign up for my newsletter, you will gain access to a private boudoir gallery as well as a boudoir style guide. If you’re interested in booking me to photograph your boudoir session, click here to send me an inquiry!

*If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!

I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a couples/intimate wedding/elopement photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!

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