Everything you need to know and stuff you didn’t even know you should know about male boudoir photography.
More and more men are finding the appeal in a male boudoir photography session. With the chance to look and feel great, plus photos that make you look like a subject ofGQ, can you blame them?
While we primarily photograph women, we’re always game to work with the opposite sex. It lets us exercise our creativity in different ways, directing for moodier expressions and stronger angles.
Can Men Do Boudoir Photography?
So often we hear men (and women) say, “No way, not me. Why would I ever do that?” Au contraire. You CAN and should. There are so many reasons to do a male boudoir photography session. Maybe you’re in prime physical condition and want a similar experience to this Mens fitness photography shoot or maybe you think the whole thing is a little silly and want to do a funny male boudoir photography session as a tongue-in-cheek gift to your significant other. That’s cool too.
In our humble opinion, we think it’s the perfect opportunity to push back against the notion men should always be tough, dirty, and unkempt and ladies are the only ones who get to indulge in some pampering.Well that’s no fun!
Male Boudoir Photography Ideas
You’re starting to get it, but still nervous.We understand!How about some male boudoir ideas?Think of the cover shoots of Gerad Butler or Denzel Washington. We want ALL men, not just artists or performers, to have the chance to get some kickass photos. You could do the classic Marky Mark black and white Calvin Klein ad (back before he went by Mark Wahlberg) in white boxer briefs. Or what about something like this more contemporary Armie Hammer photoshoot by Annie Leibovitz.Super sexy and he’s totally clothed guys!! Seriously, look how many clothes he has on!
Ok, so we realize those two are pretty steamy.How about someone more relatable?What about Jason Batemen going with the “messy, just got off work disheveled look“. Or Stranger Things’ David Harbour looking irresistibly approachable in a Moto jacket photoshoot. Could he be more charming?
Boudoir Photography for Men: Comfort First.
When it comes to boudoir photography for men, just know our work aligns closer to what you’d see in Details or Esquire vs. Boogie Nights. We’re happy to photograph you like a male model in an editorial spread or even a tasteful nude to capture your physique.We do not do full frontal or allow any sort of groping pictures.
Wanna know more? Check out these other popular links:
Empower yourself, book online with Maggie directly with your name and number and we’ll get back to you to schedule your session and answer any questions you might have.
When you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle, how do you find and maintain self-confidence on a daily basis?
Some women seem to be born with a sense of confidence. For others, it can feel elusive–appealing, but somehow out of reach. If you’re the latter, we feel you. We’ve been there and we want to help ya out.
We’ve met and photographed A LOT of women. Many of them were full of nerves when they came in to the studio, but left having crushed their shoot. So how did they manage to overcome those butterflies? And where did they find the courage to comfort their fears?
Maggie, owner of Revealed Studio, opens up and shares ways to gain and hold on to your self confidence.
Start with the Bunny Slope.
On the path to self-love, we often stop before we even start. The road ahead seems long and difficult. Instead of focusing on your “perfect self,” begin small. If we’re newbie skiers and went straight to the black diamonds, most of us would say “f-it!” as soon as we get off the chair lift. While there is no short cut to confidence, like skiing, there are definite ways to help you reach the top of the mountain.
80% Attitude. Your attitude is a powerful tool in supporting your effort. Starting with “I can’t” or “not me” is self-sabotaging. Give yourself the chance with affirmative statements: “I got this” and “today, this is me.” If that’s too much, “I’ll try” or “I’m willing to” is a step in the right direction.
True Friends. The law of attraction in physics states that “like attracts like.” Choose your tribe wisely. Unfortunately we’ve seen it more than we’d like: a client comes in with a friend, and instead being their cheerleader, the friend turns into someone more like a frenemy. They suck the good vibes right out of the air and not only is the client left feeling bad, but our whole team needs a big “shake it off” afterwards. Having a group of non-judgmental, positive friends will strengthen the foundation of your confidence, support it when it’s weak, and even help rebuild it when truly broken.
Reflect on the Source. Is your self confidence coming from the superficial? It’s ok to feel gratitude for your body and even your appearance, but at the same time it’s important to remember it’ll only get you so far (and it’s not the most sustainable longterm). What about feeling confident in how you’re taking care of yourself? Being good to your body and your mind—well that’s something to really feel proud about. Across the board, when you look at pyramids ranking the hierarchy of needs in humans from Oprah, to Tony Robbins, to the late American psychologist Abraham Maslow, all place your physical form at the base of the pyramid. But it’s not so important how that physical form looks, but rather how your health enables your best, fullest self.Reflect on the source. Is your confidence coming from the superficial? It’s ok to feel gratitude for your body and even your appearance, but at the same time, it’s important to remember: those surface things only get you so far (and they’re not the most sustainable longterm). What about feeling confident in how you’re taking care of yourself? Being good to your body and your mind? That’s something to really feel proud about. Across the board, when you look at pyramids ranking the hierarchy of needs in humans from Oprah, to Tony Robbins, to the late American psychologist Abraham Maslow, all of them physical form at the bottom of the pyramid. In other words, it’s not so important how that physical form looks, but rather how your health enables your best, fullest self.
Be Curious. It’s normal, and as a matter of fact, very common to be hard on yourself. On a daily basis we’re exposed to direct and indirect messages that can lead to self-doubt. Next time you feel that urge to cut yourself down rather than being judgmental, try being curious. For example, that’s interesting, every time I scan through instagram and see a woman with an awesome booty I start to spiral, committing to 100 squats a day till my flat butt grows an inch. What’s going on there? Is a bigger butt gonna make me happier? Is social media making me less secure? Try asking questions rather than immediately labeling yourself.
You are beautiful & Unique. Comparing is a self-defeating monster. When we measure our worth alongside others, we fail to recognize the million tiny factors that make each and every one of us wholly unique and valuable in our own way. Try the curiosity trick again when you get the urge to compare. In doing so, your mind will open up. And here’s the truth: behind so many perfect-looking photos, there’s a level of smoke and mirrors worthy of a Las Vegas performance — photoshopped figures, strict dieting that by clinical standards would be considered an eating disorder, and a desperate need for affirmation that leads to addiction.
Step-up and surprise yourself, our experience has shown that the person in the image IS that beautiful and wonderful and kind. And GREAT! The world needs more people like that. Remind yourself of your self worth and how beautiful you are – replace jealously with admiration, free your emotional space for an abundance of joy in your heart. Wanna know another word for joy? CONFIDENCE!
See what some of the women who joined us for our photo sessions, also known as self confidence shoots, have to say about their reviews on boudoir photography.
You can also see some of the shoots and read about these amazing, beautiful, and self confident women,
Empower yourself, book online with Maggie directly with your name and number and we’ll get back to you to schedule your session and answer any questions you might have.
Update your photo with a fresh new professional headshot today!
One Day Photoshoot Only!
Are you a business professional, comedian, muscian, artist, dancer, entrepreneur, blogger in the Chicago area? Then today is your day. Everybody wants to present their best selves to the world, what better way to achieve this then through a professional photography session at a reasonable price.
or call us direct at +1 773-273-9063 and reference this page.
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bumble…whatever the reason (we don’t judge), stand out with a new professional headshot today. Local Chicago photography studio in the heart of the city.
30 minute photography sessions
5 retouched high-res digital images
Aug. 5th, 2018
$199.00
Call Magie at +1 (773) 273-9063 or email her directly at info@revealed-studios.com and use ‘Professional Headshots in Chicago’ the subject line with your name and number and we’ll get back to you to schedule your session for the 5th of August 2018. You can also use our online form too – don’t wait book your professional headshots today!
We could give you so many more, but here’s six reasons to do a boudoir shoot. (#5 may surprise you…)
Affirm yourself.
You’ve heard it before. Boudoir is empowering. (Hell ya, it is.) But here’s another way of thinking about it. It’s affirming too. What if you let go of the “one day I’ll be this…” loop playing in your mind? Imagine the relief that comes when you stop trying to be something other than you are? What if you said, “I’m fine just the way I am.” It frees up so much mental space to live your life without a heavy, dripping cloud of self-doubt following you around.
Because you get a dose of celebrity treatment.
The fan. The hair and makeup. The wardrobe. The Beyonce treatment. Need we say more? Ok, we’ll say more. There just aren’t enough reasons in life to get dressed up and feel fancy. Even during a wedding, unless you’re the bride, your not the focus of the pampering. Having someone serve you is a treat. That treatment also including some super positive energy that touches you to the core, that’s an extra special experience. It’s not just feeling like you’re on set of a fashion shoot that makes it so magical. It’s being cheered by a team of people who see the best in you and are there to help you see it too.
When you’re old and gray, you’ll be glad you did a boudoir shoot.
I don’t know about you, but someday, if I’m lucky enough to reach my 80s, I want to be able to look back at a time in my life before gravity was so evident. Not that aging is a bad thing. We should all be so lucky to have the wisdom and strength that comes with a certain age. But when your body is past the point of wall squats, it’ll be nice to have a record from this time to look back.
Positive girl time.
We all need it. You know that feeling you get when you’re among your tribe. Your girls that make you feel supported. Who push you to be your best self and get you to laugh along the way. So many boudoir studio’s are full of women staff who are motivated by the same mission. This work attracts likeminded ladies. All joined together with the goal of building one another up.
Increased libido.
So we can’t exactly prove this one, but our gut tells us that you’ll feel extra sexy post shoot. Being in an environment where you are free and even encouraged to tap into your sexy side is liberating. Whether we like it our not, most average women today receive constant verbal and non-verbal messages telling them to look and act a certain way. Owning your sexuality is still pretty taboo unless you’re a (insert: stereotype here). It’s a shame that pleasure is looked at with so much judgement. Science backs it’s benefits (read “The surprising health benefits of sex” and “Orgasms for a better life: The surprising benefits of sexual pleasure” for proof). Boudoir can awaken your sensual energy. Nurture that energy after your session and you may find yourself experience more pleasure than ever before.
For the joy of challenging your body.
Here’s the thing, some of these poses will hurt. You’ve pushed back against slumped shoulders and your normal gait. The next day your back may be sore, your neck stiff. But it feels good in the same way a hard workout does. Remember those scenes from Sex and the City of Carrie strutting her stuff in her Manolo Blahniks? You too can have that moment. Hey, it may even help you to have more of those moments. The experience is a counter move to the status quo that we live out most days.
By now hopefully you’re with us and agree you need no other excuse to do a boudoir shoot beyond wanting to. If you’re still on the fence, you might be inspired by this gal and this one too. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Ready to take a step toward self-love? Give us a call at 773.273.9063 or visit our contact page.
When Ms B, spur of the moment decided to come with us to Montrose Harbor in Chicago for an Undone session at sunset, we were not prepared for all of the magic that was about to happen.
She felt unburdened and open. We had huge bursts of sunlight alongside spotty showers, which, aside from having to keep our cameras safe, might have been the most magical. Ms B leaned into the rain and danced (safely) along the rocks barefoot.
A portion of the profits from each Undone Session goes to endthebacklog.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the backlog of rape kits and reforming laws in each state to ensure that new kits are tested in a timely manner.
for more information on our Undone sessions email us at info@revealed-studios.com
Sunrise at the dunes in Michigan, along the lake, Ms L was able to let go and free herself a little bit more than her everyday life. It’s truly such a joy to be able to capture these moments as photographers, and give our clients a chance to come undone and see themselves this way.
Our only wish would be that it was warm enough all year long to shoot along the lake.
A portion of the profits from each Undone Session goes to endthebacklog.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the backlog of rape kits and to reform laws in each state to ensure that new kits are tested in a timely manner.
for more information on our Undone sessions email us at info@revealed-studios.com
Simple and tasteful. Fine art nude pictures with Ms. H.
Thanks to the world on social media, we met virtually and connected with this lovely lady below on Instagram a year ago. We talked about collaborating back in the summer, but the timing just didn’t work out. Finally, when the weather was really dragging in Chicago, the stars aligned and we reconnected for this session. Maybe it was the stars, maybe the fancy Instagram algorithm, but we all instantly hit it off. Good thing too, because by the end of the shoot, Hannah was wearing nothing but her undies for these gorgeous fine art nude pictures below.
Hannah’s a true pro. Like really. At six feet tall without shoes and Cameron Diazesque bone structure, she could be signed with just about any agency. When we asked why she wasn’t modeling professionally, she said there’d been opportunities, but she pushed back against the pressure to be an unhealthy level of thin. It’s hard to hear the unreasonable standards of beauty out there and we’re proud of her for rejecting them.
Thanks Hannah for inspiring us in more ways than one on this photo shoot. We can’t wait to share the many more pictures still waiting in our archives…Follow Hannah Patricia on Instagram and see more from her photography session on the Revealed Studios Chicago Boudoir Instagram board.
Unveiling Confidence: A Guide to Bridal Boudoir Outfits, Poses, and Photography Ideas
For many brides, posing in front of a camera wearing lingerie can be nerve-wracking. However, you can rest assured that you are not alone in this feeling. Our team of professionals working on your bridal boudoir shoot understands how important it is for you to feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.
It starts from the moment you reach out.
From the moment you step into our studio, you’ll be greeted by a group of compassionate and experienced women dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They aim to make you feel pampered and empowered while capturing your unique beauty through stunning photography. You can trust that you are in good hands and will walk away from your boudoir photo shoot feeling more confident and self-assured.
Prepping before your bridal boudoir session
With your wedding on the horizon, we know you probably have a million things on your mind. We want to ease your stress, so we’ve put together 10 tips for your boudoir bridal photography shoot to ease your nerves and increase your confidence.
10 Tips on how to feel confident during your bridal boudoir shoot
Tip 1: Choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with.
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with: Look for a photographer with experience in boudoir photography and whose style matches your preferences. We know how intimate a boudoir is, and trusting your photographer is a massive part of feeling confident about your pictures.
The first thing we do is schedule a phone call to talk through all your questions and let you know what to expect. You can hear our voices and get to know us a bit. We want to help you feel relaxed and prepared for the experience.
Tip 2: Plan ahead.
One way to feel more confident during a bridal boudoir shoot is to plan and set aside a few hours for the session. Doing this allows you to avoid feeling rushed and gives you enough time to relax and enjoy the experience.
During the shoot, allow yourself to fully embrace the moment and focus on enjoying yourself. Don’t worry about time or feeling like you must rush through poses or outfit changes. Having a few hours to work with can help you feel more comfortable and confident, ultimately leading to better photos.
Tip 3: Choose outfits that make you feel confident.
Bring a variety of outfits that you feel comfortable in and that make you feel beautiful. We have an article dedicated just to this topic that you can check out here: bridal boudoir outfits. This could include lingerie, robes, or other sexy clothing. Also, we welcome you to bring your veil, garter, and wedding shoes, as they are great accessories to evoke those wedding day feelings!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too many choices, start by limiting yourself to a black, a white, and a color option. Black is always sexy and timeless, and white is appropriate for the occasion.
If white is not your thing, blush or nude are always great alternative colors. A color choice will also offer a nice accent for variety in your photos. Consider a color that flatters your complexion. Not sure which one flatters your skin tone? Check out thisarticle to learn more.
Tip 4: Rock those heels.
Even if you’re not a heel kinda gal, we recommend wearing them for your bridal boudoir photos. Although they may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, heels create the look of elongating your legs, working your muscles, and lifting your booty. The effect is worth popping those heels on for a bit!
Our must-have list always includes a nude pump for all our boudoir sessions, and a black pump is a bonus. A simple stiletto heel is amazing, but if that’s not your jam, astrappy pump or ablock heel are great choices too.
Tip 5: Indulge in beauty appointments.
If there’s ever a time to pamper yourself, the months leading up to your wedding are it. With the day you say “I do” on the horizon, you’ve got the best excuse for extra self-care. We recommend a few specific services before your session to enhance your boudoir look:
Spray tan: If you’re in the Chicago area, our go-to spot for a beautiful, natural application isGlow Out in the West Loop. Their team is fantastic! Mention us; they’ll ensure you’re the perfect shade without any orange tones.
Mani/Pedi: Refresh your hands and feet with a mani and pedi. While we’re big fans of statement color and shape, we recommend sticking with a more subtle, elegant shape in case you ever change your mind about today’s nail trends.
Facial: A facial feels relaxing, and the process preps your skin for your makeup artist. You’ll be set for a flawless application on the day of your session. Tip: Please avoid harsh chemicals the week of your shoot; we recommend facial peels two weeks prior and hydra facials or micro-dermaplaning the week of.
Wax: If this is your usual beauty maintenance regime, go for it! But if not, stick to what you know works. It would be best if you had no adverse reactions before your photos.
Tip 6: Practice good self-care leading up to the shoot.
Practicing good self-care leading up to your bridal boudoir shoot is essential for feeling confident and ready for the day. Start by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Eating healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will also fuel your body to feel its best.
In addition to nourishing your body, ensure you get enough rest in the days leading up to your shoot. Try to get a solid night’s sleep before the shoot day to help you feel refreshed and ready to go.
Tip 7: Indulge in this mantra. “I’m in good hands.”
Sure, confidence can come from within, but experts have agreed that confidence results from your relationships and experiences. So, practice this mantra: “I’m in good hands.” We want you to remember that you are in good hands. You’ll be in a safe, judgment-free environment surrounded by a team of women whose primary goal is to help you feel supported.
Tip 8: Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, try practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help calm your nerves. We’re here to help you relax, as well. We’re going to pamper you as you deserve!
Once you arrive, we’ll help you make final decisions about your outfits if you hesitate about what to wear. We’ll then send you to hair and makeup, where a fantastic artist gets you glammed up. We choose to work with artists who are not only super talented but also have abundant positive energy. By the end of the application, you’ll look like the best, most refreshed version of yourself.
Tip 9: Bring a trusted friend or partner.
If you’re nervous, consider bringing someone you trust to the shoot. They’ll gladly offer support and encouragement throughout your boudoir photography journey.
Tip 10: Don’t be shy about talking to your photographer.
Don’t be afraid to communicate with your photographer throughout the shoot. Let us know if you feel uncomfortable or have any specific ideas or requests. It’s normal to have a few jitters as we start the session. We’ll start slowly, with plenty of coaching through simple pictures to warm you up.
And no worries! We’ll provide easy-to-follow directions as we guide you through multiple poses that enhance your beauty and confidence. And if you have any posing ideas, please share!
By following these 10 tips, you’ll be amazed at how confident and comfortable you are during your bridal boudoir shoot, flowing through the experience in a way that leaves you feeling exhilarated, like you climbed a mountain. A bridal boudoir photoshoot might be the release you didn’t even realize you needed before your wedding day.
Remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience!
How Ms. L got her groove back – forget your woes and have some fun.
The breakup, we’ve all been there at one time or another. You know, that place after a recent breakup where you feel just a bit salty. Even when the person’s great and there’s no bad blood between ya, sometimes you can’t help but wanna do something to feel good about yourself.
For some of us it means a fresh haircut (guilty) for others it’s a trip (guilty again). For Ms. L, after calling it quits with a recent beau, a boudoir photography session sounded fun and empowering.
We could not have vibed better with her. She felt like an instant friend. The energy in the studio, the light was extra glowy from a recent snowfall, and together we created some super exciting pictures. Afterwards she wrote:
“To the ultimate entourage and my new favorite girl tribe,
There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful I am for today’s shoot—not only are you amazingly talented women, but also some of the most empowering, fierce, and bad ass betches I’ve ever met! My heart is so full right now and I owe that all to you. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!! “
To see more sessions like this, check out here and here.
Looking for some amazing boudoir style inspo? Check out real client Ms. N’s boudoir session.
Ms. N delighted us when she unpacked her bag to reveal a pair of high-waisted bottoms, a simple navy bodysuit with the right amount of side exposure, and super fun fur jacket among other gorgeous pieces.
She was inspired by the seventies–wanting a bit of a throwback feel to her session. With an effortless beauty and understated demeanor, we kept the session pretty simple. We stripped the white comforter from the bed and put the mattress on the floor in one scene. In another, we turned the edison light bulb chandeliers on and set her loose against the railings of the loft after the sun had just set.
See all her photos for yourself, then for more inspiration, check out Ms. E’s edgy style and Ms. J’s vintage look.
After a recent divorce and cross country move, Ms. M reconnects with herself in an intimate boudoir photoshoot.
We immediately felt a click with Ms. M when on the morning of her boudoir photoshoot. She said things like, “I want the pictures to feel…” and talked about scenes versus poses and vibes versus looks. She was all about embodying a woman connecting with an intimate side of herself. Basically she spoke our language.
We eagerly embraced her vision, queuing into the energy she radiated. Rather than offering detailed steps like, “put your hand here and slowly raise the sides of your mouth for a half smile,” we took a more cinematic approach, coaching her more on a mindset instead.
It’s inspiring and invigorating to see someone lean into the experience so much. We also loved that she started her session with a non-traditional wardrobe piece–a simple black dress. It just goes to show alluring a woman can be while still completely dressed. If you love the look as much as us, check out here and here for to get your hands on your own LBD.
Chicago Wedding Photographer’s head to California for destination wedding in the dessert
You know us for our boudoir work, but every so often, Kelly and I will photograph a wedding.In December we headed to dreamy Palm Dessert, California to capture the nuptials of Jennifer and Todd.The wedding was so swoon-worthy, with the dusty colors of the dessert as a backdrop, a bride’s creative vision, and a surprise flash mob at the end. Needless to say, we were in heaven.
We’re extra grateful to Splash Magazine for featuring the wedding last week. Read how a playful tiff between Jennifer and Todd upon first meeting lead to a lifetime together via this link.
The details:
Bride’s gown: Anne Barge, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, 12 W. Maple; Bellabianca.com
Let’s go natural! Fresh-faced minis with Revealed Studios
Feel beautiful in your own skin with a fresh face mini portrait session. Come to the studio au natural (whatever that means for you) and we’ll take it from there. Whether you go completely bare-faced, put on your regular day-to-day makeup, or just a quick swipe of mascara- we’re here to make you look and feel gorgeous.
The Specifics–
When: 30-minute slots on Feb. 15th from 10 am-3 pm.
Where: The Coach House of 4553 N. Wolcott Ave.
Price: $99 deposit.
Only pay for the ones you love.
An online gallery will be posted within 72 hours where you can purchase digital files, prints, and other products.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I wear? Pants are optional because we’ll be focusing on your beautiful face. We do suggest wearing something simple on top like an oversized t-shirt, simple tank top, button-up shirt, or off the shoulder sweater. Something that has a looser neckline will give us more room to play.
2. Is this a boudoir session or a portrait session? Think of this as boudoir-(ish) portrait session. No heels, no backbends, no beds.
You’ll get to be you, which we promise is even better.
3. Can I wear makeup? Absolutely! Whatever fresh-faced means to you is great for us. In these pictures we have some gals skipped foundation altogether and let their natural texture show through. Others opted for a swipe of gloss and no mascara. Whatever makes you most comfortable works for us.
4. Do I get to choose my background? We’re keeping these simple and classic. You can choose from white or black, and depending on what you wear or the color of your hair, one option might make the most sense. If you’re unsure, just send us an email beforehand to info@revealed-studios.com.
5. What if I want more than 30 minutes? Whoa who! We’d love more time with you. Just reserve two slots at the time of booking.