Why I’m In Favor of Wedding Boudoir Photography
Today we’re branching out of my normal wheelhouse and talking photography — boudoir photography, to be specific. I want to talk a little about a few myths about the practice and why I think that it is far more than racy photos or anything else its detractors might call it. And, why I recommend it to my wedding clients as more than just a present to their significant others.
Model: Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Myth 1: I have to be at the right weight, skin condition, mental space, relationship status, stage in life etc., etc, etc. to do a boudoir session.
Truth: You are perfect the way you are. Of course, we all have things we can work on, but if we put our lives on hold until we reach whatever goal that is, we end up always hoping for something else to come in the future. We end up missing out on the time we have now to celebrate who we are now. Boudoir celebrates the beauty of now. Who we are, in this moment, the strengths and the flaws.
Model: Pittsburgh Wedding Dance; Lingerie: LovelyinLace; Photographer: Jenn Marie Wedding Photographer, Fine Art Wedding Workshop styled by Bespoke & Beloved Events
Model: Hortencia Ramos; Lingerie: LovelyinLace; Photographer: Jenn Marie Wedding Photographer, Fine Art Wedding Workshop styled by Bespoke & Beloved Events
Models: Vincent Harris and Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Myth 2: I have to show off all of my body, even the parts that I’m sensitive about or think aren’t my best features.
Truth: Absolutely not. There is much more to boudoir than full body photos. And as with any other type of photography, sometimes detail shots are the most arresting. But, I encourage you to trust your photographer and have a few photos taken that include those parts you find troubling. You might be surprised and pleased how they look through the camera lens.
Model: Pittsburgh Wedding Dance; Lingerie: LovelyinLace; Photographer: Jenn Marie Wedding Photographer, Fine Art Wedding Workshop styled by Bespoke & Beloved Events
Models: Vincent Harris and Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Myth 3: You have to identify as a certain gender.
Truth: Boudoir photography is for everyone - men, women, queer, non-confirming, whatever you identify as, celebrate your strength, sexuality, and good looks through photography.
Model: Vincent Harris; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Myth 4: I have to wear revealing clothes or pose naked to do boudoir photography.
Truth: You can wear whatever you are comfortable wearing for your photos. I’ve had photos done nude and I’ve had them taken when I was wearing a button down shirt. It’s all about capturing you, not what you are wearing. You can wear as little as you like, or as much as you like.
Model: Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Taylor Marie Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Model: Bespoke & Beloved Events; Photographer: Sophia Joel Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Model: Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Sophia Joel Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
All of this to say that boudoir photography is very personal and all about you. Have your photos taken when, where, how, and even with whomever you chose. (I love couples boudoir photography!)
Model: Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography and Vincent Harris; Photographer: Sophia Joel Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Models: Vincent Harris and Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Models: Vincent Harris and Hannah Rae/Sun Rae Photography; Photographer: Kaitlin Mace Photography at KMP Retreats Desert Boudoir Workshop
Your wedding is the perfect time to take the plunge and bare it all (literally or figuratively) for the camera. And not just as a gift for your significant other, but for yourself. Celebrate yourself and your beauty, inner and outer, at a time in your life when you are feeling exceptionally loved and wonderful, by having some amazing photos taken while you look and feel sassy. Of course, share them with your significant other. But, have them taken for you, as a gift to yourself to remember this phase of your life.
Model: Hortencia Ramos; Lingerie: LovelyinLace; Photographer: Jenn Marie Wedding Photographer, Fine Art Wedding Workshop styled by Bespoke & Beloved Events
Should you decide that wedding boudoir is for you — and I hope you will — my advice is to find a photographer who you feel comfortable with and have fun. Here are a few of my favorite photographers and their thoughts on why you should book a wedding boudoir session.
Taylor Raine Boudoir - Greensburg, PA
“Boudoir photos are so much more than a gift for your future spouse, they are a gift FOR YOU. Your love already adores you, but what they really want, is for you to see yourself the way they see you everyday. We often put our own wants and needs behind everyone else, especially when we’re about to get married. Celebrating such an exciting time in your life with a boudoir session allows you to take a break from all of the wedding planning stress and fully focus on YOU for a day. (Or you can alleviate some of that stress by having Dara help you to plan your wedding-just saying!)
At the end of the day, a boudoir session is about celebrating where you are right now in life. It’s about celebrating your body, your vulnerability, and your beauty (both inside and out). Years from now, you’ll pull out your boudoir album and you’ll be able to remember exactly how strong and beautiful you felt in this moment. Regardless of whether or not you have someone to do boudoir photos for, you deserve to be celebrated right now. You are worth it.”
Kaitlin Mace Photography - Rolla, Missouri
“I believe that wedding boudoir is important because it makes such a great gift for your partner. It encompasses who you were and what you looked like in the months leading up to your wedding, that glow of excitement and nervousness shining bright, for you and your partner to look back at in the years to come! Plus— it makes you feel so empowered!”
Mariah Treiber Photography - Pittsburgh, PA
“Ok, so you’ve never had your photo taken before professionally, or maybe only a few times, so why boudoir!? I know it can be super intimidating, but it’ll totally be worth it. You’re getting married! It’s time to celebrate YOU, and to feel empowered in your own beautiful. So let’s sip some bubbly, jam to your favorite playlist, and capture you during this time in your life when you feel the happiest and most beautiful.”
Jamie Leonard Photography - Youngwood, PA
“There is always a reason to put off scheduling a photo session. Maybe you’d like your hair to be longer or you’re not quite satisfied with the number on the scale. There is no time like the present to set aside your insecurities and love yourself. A wedding is a great reason for a boudoir session - but I promise they benefit you through raising your confidence level and your self love more than they will ever benefit your SO. <3”
Jenn Marie Wedding Photography - Chicago, Illinois
“Long gone are the days of ‘wearing something scantily clad’. A bridal boudoir session is all about ROMANCE, being creative, having fun, and make your biggest fairytale dreams come to life! Take the preconceived notions of boudoir, open the window, and let them fly away! What we are going to create together will be much more grand – think floral crowns, bridal gowns, bouquets, wedding day details like stationery, soft detailed images of your engagement ring – Bridal Boudoir is all about the art of subtle suggestion!
A bridal boudoir session can make you feel empowered, and much like an engagement photo shoot it also has the bonus of getting you to feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day, it can also be used as a wedding day gift for your fiance. It’s a great way to commemorate where you are right now in your life, and to capture your confidence!”
If you’ve had a boudoir session, and love to hear about your experience. And if you are still thinking about it, please let me know if I can answer any questions for you. You can always reach me in the comments, on the socials or through the contact button at the top of the page.