Props to consider for a boudoir photoshoot

Boudoir photography is a type of photography that is typically done in a private setting and is an expression of personal taste and comfort levels. At Revealed, we see boudoir photography as the ultimate fun and empowering way to express your sensuality and get out of your comfort zone a little. 

While props are not necessary, they can be a great way to personalize the experience. This is your chance to express your personality. If you’re nervous, know that you’re in good hands. We’ve sure seen our fair share of creative propping, from the more racey, including leather zipper thongs, bondage rope, wipes, and blindfolds, to the tamer options, like books, glasses, and cooking utensils. 

Things to keep in mind

When choosing props for your boudoir shoot, remember a few things. First, consider the overall style of your shoot. Are you going for a classic, romantic look, or something more edgy and modern?

Second, think about the type of body shape your client has. Some props will work better for certain body types than others. For example, a client with a curvy figure might look great in a flowing gown, while a more slender one might look better in a more form-fitting dress.

Finally, choose props that are comfortable for your client to wear. The last thing you want is for your client to feel self-conscious or uncomfortable in front of the camera.

Here are some of the most popular boudoir props:

• Lingerie: Lingerie is a classic boudoir prop. It can be used to create different looks, from sexy and sultry to elegant and sophisticated.
• Stockings: Stockings are another great way to add a touch of sexiness to your boudoir shoot. They can be worn with or without heels and can be used to create various looks.
• Heels: Heels can help to elongate the legs and create a more glamorous look.
• Feathers: Feathers are a great way to add a touch of softness and romance to your boudoir shoot. They can be used to create a variety of looks, from ethereal and angelic to playful and flirty.
• Fur: Fur is another great way to add a touch of softness and romance to your boudoir shoot. It can be used to create a variety of looks, from luxurious and sophisticated to cozy and intimate.
• Flowers: Flowers are a beautiful way to add a touch of color and life to your boudoir shoot. They can be used to create a variety of looks, from romantic and whimsical to elegant and sophisticated.
• Candles: Candles can help to create a more intimate and romantic atmosphere for your boudoir shoot. They can also be used to create exciting lighting effects.
• Mirrors: Mirrors can be used to create a sense of depth and dimension in your boudoir photos. They can also be used to create interesting reflections and patterns.
• Bondage items: handcuffs, whips, ropes, and blindfolds are all welcome in the studio. 
• Sports swag: hats, jerseys, and socks are all popular props for boudoir pictures.  

When using props in your boudoir shoot, it is important to use them sparingly. Too many props can clutter the image and make it look busy. Instead, focus on using a few key props to create a cohesive and visually appealing look.

Propping can be a great way to add interest and creativity to your boudoir photography. By choosing the right props, you can create stunning images that will capture the beauty and sensuality of your client.

Mini Boudoir Session — Perfect for Valentine’s Day, or a simple a chance to treat yourself!

Bridal Boudoir…as much a treat for you as it is for him.

Congratulations to the newly engaged!  We’re so excited for you!

Boudoir is every grooms dream gift. Check one thing off your planning to-do list and reserve your session.

To learn more, visit our FAQ page or contact us here. 

What IS the Value of Boudoir Photography

In a world full of aspiring photographers and surplus of options, it’s hard not to wonder, what differentiates one boudoir photographer from another? Well first of all, let’s get this out of the way. Boudoir photography can range in pricing. Big time. In doing research, we’ve found packages going up all the way to $28,000 (yes, seriously! I mean, it did include a round trip ticket to Paris. Which doesn’t sound so bad to me) and on the flip side, others that started closer to mid hundreds.

So what makes one boudoir experience more valuable than another? We’ve thought a lot about this. Providing an incredible experience to our clients matters to us. A lot. Here are the things we take into account when pricing our packages.

Experience matters. You don’t just want someone with a nice camera, but someone who knows what to do with it.

Experience: Boudoir is an intimate and often, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s so important to have someone with plenty of experience. Having a great camera and nice location is great. But in the end, it’s what you do with that camera, in that location, and with that person that makes the difference. Understanding how to pose all sorts of body types matters. Knowing how to shape lighting to contour a figure, camouflage skin texture, and create a mood matters. Having an understanding of angles, lens choices, and camera settings matters.

Being in this field for the last six years, we’ve developed a deep understanding of how to make all women look their best. Not only that, but we’re always eagerly learning and pushing for more.

(Insider tip: Check out a variety of portfolios and a photographer’s instagram account to get a sense of their experience level).

Retouching is a fine art. It involves both taste and skill to make skin look naturally flawless.

Retouching: Have you ever seen a picture that just looks way over photoshopped? Like, the skin looks a bit plasticy? Yeah, I’m sure you all know what I’m talking about. We believe in approaching retouching on a much more micro level, versus using an all over blur filter. Keeping natural texture in skin, while removing blemishes, bruises, cellulite, red bumps, etc is a fine art. It takes a lot of practice and learning. We’ve taken many classes from master retouchers and processed thousands of images over the years that have brought us to a place of beautiful, natural results.

(Insider tip: Ask your photographer to share their philosophy and approach to retouching).

Feeling comfortable and confident to relax and really let go is invaluable.

The Vibe: This is a very subjective area when it comes to the value of a boudoir photoshoot. In our minds though, it’s one of the most important elements in our work. Imagine going to a session where the photographer makes you feel uncomfortable. Where you don’t feel like you can let your guard down. Where you question whether you should be there at all.

From the moment you reach out to us, we try to be encouraging, informative, and approachable. We want clients to feel like they’re among friends, ones who also happen to know exactly how to make them look amazing. At the same time, we want you to feel special. This day is all about you. From start to finish, we’re invested in giving you an experience you’ll cherish for years to come. It’s the little things that count…help selecting an outfit, interest in your vision, confidence in direction.

(Insider tip: Read client testimonials and schedule a phone call or in person consultation with the studio you’re interested in).

“Maggie and Kelly were SO comfortable to be around for this type of adventure! I had no qualms or hesitations because they made everything so easy! They put my outfits together and were so encouraging and made me feel beautiful! They told me what to do, how to stand, where to go – I didn’t have to think! Just followed their direction!”

Photographer’s work in a variety of locations. Choose one that not only wows, but feels professional.

Location: Boudoir photography is done in all sorts of places, from people’s homes to hotel rooms. Over the years, we’ve photographed in a variety of locations, but we love now having our own studio space. We’re able to cultivate the energy we want for our sessions, whereas when shooting in a hotel, you’re privy to elements you can’t control (artwork on the walls you can’t remove, small spaces that limit your range of shooting, and in general, the feeling that you’re in a hotel). There’s also something wonderful about knowing what to expect in the space you’re shooting in and the freedom to create your own scenes.

(Insider tip: Check out pictures of the studio on their website or instagram account, or ask the studio to describe where they shoot).

The little things that make a difference.

Other Considerations: All the factors above attribute to the value of the final package. When people ask why the session fee doesn’t include free digital files or products, it’s because it’s accounting for all the factors above as well as a few others–the time and investment it takes to be an accomplished photographer, the equipment costs to create beautiful imagery, the cost of the space rental, the staff you’re working with (talented and versatile makeup and hair stylists, a responsive and timely owner or studio manager), software for processing images, and even more.

We really believe a boudoir photoshoot is so much more than the pictures at the end of the day. It’s an investment in yourself. It’s taking the time to tap into your feminine and even sensual side. The goal is to not only leave you with gorgeous photos, but also a sense of self-actualization that you can take with you in your personal life. That is priceless.

WHAT BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY MEANS TO US

You might have heard about boudoir as a sexy gift for your special someone. But we see it as so much more. Boudoir is an empowering experience that can be incredibly transformative.

Everyone comes into the studio with insecurities. Everyone. It’s so normal and understandable. So hearing someone’s disbelief and joy in their pictures, well, that is what fills my heart to the brim. We could all use a little more self-love. Especially us ladies.

Why IS boudoir so empowering?

I’m sure to some people, what we’re doing at Revealed is something akin to glamour shots, but to us, boudoir photography is more than just taking pretty pictures. It’s about encouragement, healing, embracing the now. It’s about letting go of fear, self-criticism, and comparison and coming into the best version of yourself and no one else.

CHICAGO PRIVATE MAKEUP CLASS: EFFORTLESS GLOW 

Revealed makeup artists, Jaycie Kurfess and Emily Wolf teach how to create this look in five easy steps in a private makeup lesson at Revealed Studios on Nov. 18th, 2015 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Want to attend this Chicago private makeup class?  E-mail us at [email protected] to signup today!

bareMinerals

GLIMMER & GLOW™

First three to sign up will receive a five-piece radiant kit
($99.50 value)