Boudoir Basics

[Austin Greene]

Well, I knew this day would come. I've had my first boudoir shoot request.

Here I am, with a shoot on Saturday afternoon. No studio, just her apartment, which I have yet to see outside of two photos. We've spoke a fair bit about what outfits she'll try (some babydolls, motocross stuff of her boyfriend's, etc), but I haven't actually seen them whatsoever. The shots I feel most confident about are the tasteful nudes we plan on doing (wrapped up in sheets, possibly body sculpting, etc).

So guys and gals, let's see what tips you've got! Right now I'll be armed with the 70-200 (if I've got space), the 85mm f/1.8, and the 17-40. I'll be bringing two shoot through umbrellas (43" and 33"), and a reflector. The model is buying white sheets for her bed, I've got a red couch in the living room, and possibly some natural light coming in through a window. That pretty much sums it up!

Now you've got as much information as I do! What do you think? I'm honestly not too concerned about it, I feel confident that I can adapt (main concern is space and posing), but I always appreciate veteran advice in the face of unfamiliarity.

Best,
Austin

 

[JoeW]

First, soft light is your friend. If you can shoot early in the morning or at sunset or on a cloudy day and in a room with a window, that's a plus. Bring reflectors (like a giant piece of foam core--that kind of reflector). Bring a scrim. You want nice soft light that flatters the skin, that hides acne scars, that creates a lovely mood.

Second, you're not shooting a lingerie catalog, you're trying to create the right atmosphere. So "hide" the lingerie. Have your model peeking out from under sheets, peering around a bedroom door, wearing a man's dress shirt, trying on a suit jacket. Provide just a glimpse of lace.

Third, have her cut the tags out of her lingerie. Many lingerie tags are long and white so they stand out--they grab the eye. And that's a problem if the lingerie is black or some other color than white.

Fourth, you'll be shooting at her place. Pros....instant access to makeup and all clothes. Cons....tons of clutter. Figure on spending at least an hour before your lens cap comes off in removing distracting objects (bedside lamp and alarm clock, putting windex on a bedroom window, hiding trash can, switching the sheets to something that is a better backdrop, removing a picture off the wall that will create glare).

Fifth, make sure she has a prop for her hands or to hold in some shots. If she's an inexperienced model she won't know what to do with her hands. A rose...a champagne flute. Go to some sight like ModelSociety or ModelMayhem and print out some sample poses you want to try.

Sixth, have her put on a small crucifix on a thin chain. Believe it or not, it's like a neon light flashing down to the model's cleavage--very effective. A strand of fake pearls ($1 at the dollar store) is also a nice prop.

Last of all, don't tell her to "look sexy" or "think of your boyfriend" b/c she'll just look like she has a stomach ache. Tell her to "look like you have a secret--you know something and I don't" or tell her to look shy, to turn away just a bit. And the expression needs to come from not just her face but her body posture too.

 

[manaheim]

^ that was fascinating. I've never had to do this, and I doubt I ever will get a chance (wife), but I love reading about the methods.

 

[Steve5D]

I've been asked to do a nude shoot for a friend at the end of the summer (she wants to be tan and, she insists, lose ten pounds).

Having never done such a shoot, JoeW's answer is great. I especially liked the "she'll just look like she has a stomach ache" part...

 

[kathyt]

I've been asked to do a nude shoot for a friend at the end of the summer (she wants to be tan and, she insists, lose ten pounds).

Having never done such a shoot, JoeW's answer is great. I especially liked the "she'll just look like she has a stomach ache" part...

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

 

[runnah]

Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

I have a rattle can of primer, same thing?

 

[Steve5D]

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

Kathy, do you have examples of both you can link to? My friend seems pretty resolved that she'll be tanned when we do this. If there's a compelling argument against tanning that I can show her, that would be helpful...

 

[Designer]

Go for some dramatic lighting.

 

[kathyt]

First, soft light is your friend. If you can shoot early in the morning or at sunset or on a cloudy day and in a room with a window, that's a plus. Bring reflectors (like a giant piece of foam core--that kind of reflector). Bring a scrim. You want nice soft light that flatters the skin, that hides acne scars, that creates a lovely mood.

Second, you're not shooting a lingerie catalog, you're trying to create the right atmosphere. So "hide" the lingerie. Have your model peeking out from under sheets, peering around a bedroom door, wearing a man's dress shirt, trying on a suit jacket. Provide just a glimpse of lace.

Third, have her cut the tags out of her lingerie. Many lingerie tags are long and white so they stand out--they grab the eye. And that's a problem if the lingerie is black or some other color than white.

Fourth, you'll be shooting at her place. Pros....instant access to makeup and all clothes. Cons....tons of clutter. Figure on spending at least an hour before your lens cap comes off in removing distracting objects (bedside lamp and alarm clock, putting windex on a bedroom window, hiding trash can, switching the sheets to something that is a better backdrop, removing a picture off the wall that will create glare).

Fifth, make sure she has a prop for her hands or to hold in some shots. If she's an inexperienced model she won't know what to do with her hands. A rose...a champagne flute. Go to some sight like ModelSociety or ModelMayhem and print out some sample poses you want to try.

Sixth, have her put on a small crucifix on a thin chain. Believe it or not, it's like a neon light flashing down to the model's cleavage--very effective. A strand of fake pearls ($1 at the dollar store) is also a nice prop.

Last of all, don't tell her to "look sexy" or "think of your boyfriend" b/c she'll just look like she has a stomach ache. Tell her to "look like you have a secret--you know something and I don't" or tell her to look shy, to turn away just a bit. And the expression needs to come from not just her face but her body posture too.

Posing, professional hair/makeup, and lighting are the 3 top things that I think are key to boudoir. Well...plus knowing how to shoot is a plus as well. Pinterest is a great tool. I have a great boudoir board.

 

[kathyt]

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

Kathy, do you have examples of both you can link to? My friend seems pretty resolved that she'll be tanned when we do this. If there's a compelling argument against tanning that I can show her, that would be helpful...

Let me see what I can dig up.

 

[kathyt]

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

Kathy, do you have examples of both you can link to? My friend seems pretty resolved that she'll be tanned when we do this. If there's a compelling argument against tanning that I can show her, that would be helpful...

Well, put it this way. If you tan in the sun you get tan lines, or if you tan in a tanning bed you end up with looking unnatural and with lighter patches under your arms and under your butt cheeks. Also any pressure points are usually lighter from a tanning bed. Since we have the luxury of airbrush makeup pre-boudoir, and photoshop, I tell my clients the lay off the tanning beds.

 

[tirediron]

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

Kathy, do you have examples of both you can link to? My friend seems pretty resolved that she'll be tanned when we do this. If there's a compelling argument against tanning that I can show her, that would be helpful...

Let me see what I can dig up.

You said 'nude' Steve, not necessarily the same thing as boudoir. I prefer untanned skin for boudoir, but nude can be different, especially if the person wants a beach theme or something similar.

 

[runnah]

I usually recommend that they don't tan. Looks better on camera. Airbrushed makeup looks amazing with boudoir.

Kathy, do you have examples of both you can link to? My friend seems pretty resolved that she'll be tanned when we do this. If there's a compelling argument against tanning that I can show her, that would be helpful...

 

[Steve5D]

Well, put it this way. If you tan in the sun you get tan lines...

Actually, this particular woman would not be burdened by tan lines.

That's just how she rolls...

 

[JerryVenz]

Some good advice from JoeW. However I STRONGLY suggest that you have a FEMALE ASSISTANT on set at all times--especially since the session is being done in her apartment and not at a place of business.

And It's not just the legal/liability issue it's just better to RELAX HER and it really takes a lot of pressure off YOU as well!

When we do these sessions my wife is always there for these reasons and most importantly she is there as my model HANDLER. She poses the model and that usually requires that she demonstrate the pose. She also is the one that TOUCHES the model (NOT ME!) to get the hands and feet just right, the hair where it should be, and the adjustment of the model's clothes.

This will free you to be creative!