What is Boudoir Photography?

Definition of Boudoir Photography

So, what is boudoir photography? It is a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects. It is distinct from glamour and art nude photography as it is more suggestive rather than explicit. It produces images not intended to be seen by a wide audience. So, boudoir photos make a great gift for your husband or partner, and once you start your shoot with our team, you can confidently answer what boudoir photography is.

Everything You Need to Know About Boudoir Photography

What is The History of Boudoir Photography?

Artists have been creating boudoir work for centuries. The female form has been a theme of photography since as early as 1840, with early erotic images, such as French postcards, appearing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

So, what is boudoir photography in 2024? In simple terms, it is intimate photography. A boudoir photography session is designed to make you feel sexy without being too over the top!

If you still are unsure about what boudoir photography is, our team at Revealed Studios will explore it here.

Q: What boudoir outfits should I bring to wear?

A: Bring 4 to 5 outfits that make you feel beautiful; we will help you narrow them down. We work with lingerie sets, stockings, garters, white dress shirts, sportswear, and heels. Check out our What’s Boudoir Photography or Chicago Boudoir galleries for inspiration.

We recommend black or nude pumps. If you are bosomy (above a D cup), a bra that provides lift and support for those laying down pictures is a must. We also recommend bringing at least one classic, sexy piece to the shoot. Add something sparkly, classy, or feathery. Whatever you need to feel sexy! But most importantly, stay true to yourself, and you will have a great boudoir session.

Q: What kind of hair and make-up styling should I expect?

A: We work with talented make-up artists specializing in natural yet glamorous hair and make-up. We aim to match the make-up and looks we provide to your skin shape and personality and what complement your features. We will make sure your boudoir portraits look amazing!

Q: What is the price range of a boudoir photo session?

A: The shoot itself costs $299, but with a product, on average, our client spends between $1,000-$2,500 for their experience. This includes professional hair and make-up, complimentary champagne, a three-hour photoshoot with three looks, an in-studio image reveal, and a product or digital purchase of choice.

Q: Do digital files come with the session?

A: Digital files are not complimentary with your session. We believe that options are never a bad thing, so we price the session to cover just that. Along with printed products, we also have digital file packages (web resolution or high resolution) available for purchase.

Q: What is your privacy policy?

A: Your privacy is important to us. We will never use your images in our marketing, online or in print, without first having your permission. In most cases, clients prefer to keep their images private!

Q: Should I “prep” my hair before arriving at the shoot?

A: Because no hair type is the same, there is no set of rules, though we always recommend clean and dry hair. If your scalp tends to be naturally oily, come with it washed and blow-dried. If you have curls, just come with them dry—we will work with them from there.

Q: How about my skin?

Great question! Try to drink lots of water the week before your shoot. If you have a pimple, just leave it. We love Cetaphil for normal skin, Olay Total Effects for aging skin, and Philosophy’s Hope in a Jar for sensitive skin types.

Remember, we offer hair and make-up included, so you will look your best.

Q: I hate having my photo taken. What do you suggest I do to help me relax?

A: Don’t fret; you don’t have to be a model to take boudoir photos. The only thing we ask is that you stay hydrated and get some sleep the night before. Our professional photographers and stunning boudoir studio will get you in the mood, so fret not if having your pic taken makes you nervous. Our boudoir photographers will be sure to get you feeling as glamorous as possible! What’s boudoir photography if it doesn’t make you feel amazing?

We also offer a private dressing room to our models at all of our boudoir shoots, so you can select the right outfit for your shoot with no pressure!

Q: Can I bring a friend to the boudoir studio’s photo shoot?

A: What’s boudoir photography if you can’t share it with friends? We totally understand a friend can be a source of comfort when you’re feeling a bit nervous; plus, it’s fun to have a friend around while getting pampered. But when it comes time to take your photos, we ask that it be you and our team only. We promise, by this point, we’ll feel like an old friend anyway, and you will feel comfortable in front of the camera!

Q: Am I going to look like someone put my head on another person’s body?

A: At Revealed, we’re all about embracing the skin you’re in. With everything we do on the day of your boudoir photo sessions (lighting, angles, make-up, posing, etc.), you’ll hardly need any Photoshop to look the best version of yourself.

When it comes to answering, ‘What is boudoir photography?’ it’s not about making you look different!

Q: What happens after the boudoir photo session?

A: We schedule a viewing within ten days of your boudoir experience, where you will be able to see your boudoir photo shoot images. 

Don’t see an answer to your boudoir question? We are happy to answer any questions you may have during any stage of your boudoir experience with our team! We love it when people contact us about Chicago boudoir photography, so email us at [email protected] or contact us directly here about booking a session!