Are Boudoir Shoots Awkward? Here’s Why They Aren’t!
We understand your initial nerves.
It never fails when we first talk to our Adore Girls at booking or when they arrive for their session; one of the first things she says is, “I’m so nervous”. Our response is always the same, “We totally get it, and those nerves are 100% normal! You will feel your nerves go away as soon as we start shooting. We also understand that it doesn’t feel like that in this very moment, but without fail, our girls always end their day by telling us how much more fun and not scary their sessions were than they had expected.”
The question, "Are boudoir shoots awkward?" is common, but we can assure you that the experience is far more enjoyable and empowering than you might think. Here are a few REAL Google reviews from past Adore Girls who can vouch for what you are reading right now:
“I cannot say enough good things about my experience with the Adore Girls. From the moment I arrived I felt incredibly comfortable and at ease. Lindsey took my pictures and it was way more fun than I could have imagined.”
“Although I was extremely nervous at first, The Adore Girls made everything so easy and relaxing. One of the best experiences I have ever had, and look forward to doing it again soon!”
“As a first timer, I was a little nervous, but Jamie and Lindsey put me at ease and the photos came out amazing. I would recommend them to anyone interested boudoir and can’t wait to come back!”
Are Boudoir Shoots Awkward? 5 Common Misconceptions
Common Concerns and Misconceptions around Boudoir Photo Shoots that we hear the most are:
“I don’t know how to pose.”
“I’m not skinny enough”
“I’m too old”
“I don’t have anyone to share my images with.”
“I never like pictures of myself.”
Do any of those resonate with you? We have heard it all over the course of 12+ years of being in the business of intimate portrait photography. So, let’s break these down and help put your mind at ease with the truth behind the most common misconceptions about our boudoir sessions.
Misconception Number 1: Posing
We don’t expect any woman who comes into our studio to “know how to pose”. It’s our job to show you and coach you into each and every pose during your photo shoot. Posing is an art, and we know how to not just show you how to do it, but we take pride in knowing exactly how to pose different body types and the right poses for the type of wardrobe you are wearing. We get into the pose first and then continue to coach you as you get into the pose.
We have tricks up our sleeve on how to create shapes in your body as well as what to do with your face. We tell you where to look, to drop or raise your chin, pull your shoulders back, and point your toes, to relax your fingers, down to exactly how and where to put your hand in your hair so it looks perfectly “messy”. If you think it looks natural, then we have done our job. If you think that “naturally happened”, you would be wrong; it is all intentionally set up. Understanding The Purpose of Boudoir Photography will help you feel even more at ease and appreciate the beauty of this experience.
Misconception Number 2: Your Size Matters
At our studio a person’s body size is not a factor in deciding who is worthy of a photo shoot. We have photographed every shape and size of woman. From curvy and plus size, to the self-proclaimed “tiny-tushy” or small-chested. It’s also our job to highlight your favorite features and to your surprise, show you what everyone else sees.
We will help you to fall in love with your entire body and even impress you when you see images of the parts that you may not love now but will be after you see your images. Time and time again we hear, “OMG, I can’t believe that is me!” or “I can’t believe that is my butt!”. Like I said above, so much of this comes from expert posing and our many years of experience.
Misconception Number 3: Age
Do you think you’re too old for boudoir photos? Did someone tell you there is an age limit, or is that just a misconception you have in your head? We have photographed women from ages 21 and 60+. The most common age group ranges from 35-55 in our studio. Do you find that statistic shocking? The truth here is that most of us would have loved to have documented our 25-year-old bodies, but in hindsight, at that young age, we weren’t thinking much about our “future selves”, and let’s be honest, money is also a deciding factor when choosing a luxury boudoir studio.
Because we often work with a more “mature” age group, the women who choose our studio have had children, or have a few self-proclaimed “extra pounds”, stretch marks, or scars. All the things that make up real women. Women who have lived lives with their own, unique journeys.
Sometimes women ask us to edit out certain scars, most commonly scars from breast augmentations, c-sections, tummy tucks, or even skin-removal scars from weight loss surgeries. At times, women ask us to not edit certain scars out because the scars have meaning to them, and help to tell their story. The point here is, age is just a number, no one can determine when a shoot is right for you, except, YOU.
Misconception Number 4: No One to Share The Images With
This is one we hear the most when we are just casually meeting new women, and the question, “What do you do for a living?” is asked. Of course, we will answer with, “We are boudoir photographers,” and sometimes we even hear, still in 2024, “What’s that?”. With a laugh and a smirk, we explain what it is, and more times than I’d like to count, we get the response, “Oh, I would love to do that, but I have no one to give the pictures to.”
Now let me lay some more truth on ya; our favorite client is the Adore Girl, who is here to do this strictly for herself. But why is that, you may be asking? If I am being totally transparent, it’s simple because you are here for yourself. You have picked out your wardrobe based on what you like. You are having a personalized photo experience based on yourself. You are here to have fun, to prove to yourself that you are brave and bold enough to do it, because you enjoy feeling beautiful and sexy, or because you are ready to finally see yourself as beautiful and sexy.
That’s not to say that this isn’t for the brides-to-be or that you can’t make a spicy anniversary gift for your 25th wedding anniversary, but even our girls who are making gifts for someone else will often, and sometimes quietly admit that this sexy photo shoot is just as much for themselves as it is for their partners. Jamie & I call that “Two birds, one stone.”
Misconception Number 5: Not Photogenic
If you are the type of woman who has never loved pictures of herself, you are not alone. We hear this All. The. Time. Literally, all the time. We are told, “I hated my wedding photos”, “I never take selfies”, “I avoid my picture being taken at all costs”, and everything in between. You may be reading that and thinking to yourself, “Uhhhh, but yet these people book expensive photo shoots where they aren’t even wearing clothes?” Say what? Yep, it’s true; we hear it all the time.
The women who say this have obviously read our Google reviews from real women, are in our private Facebook group, follow us on Instagram, or get our emails, and they have decided to take the plunge and book the shoot. They may still be reluctant to book their session, but never, in the end, do they regret it. Remember how I said we hear, “OMG, I can’t believe that’s me?” all the time? Yep, those are our Adore Girls who normally hate having their picture taken.
Everyone is photogenic; it’s just a matter of working with pros who have mastered their specific genre of photography. People don’t hire us for family photos or their weddings, and for good reason. We are masters of what WE DO: boudoir photography, which makes women feel glamorous, confident, worthy, gorgeous, and safe while not wearing much clothing if anything at all. You are photogenic, and we are here to prove it.
Conclusion
Boudoir photography isn't just about capturing sexy images; it's about embracing your unique beauty and stepping out of your comfort zone. Yes, it's natural to feel nervous at first, but the experience is far from awkward. At our studio, we understand your concerns, whether it's about posing, body image, age, or even who you'll share the images with. We've worked with women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, and our goal is always the same—to make you feel confident, empowered, and beautiful.
Every step of the way, we're here to guide you, ensuring that you not only love your photos but also enjoy the experience of creating them. Remember, this experience is as much for you as it is for anyone else, if not more. Are you ready to push yourself out of your comfort zone and become an Adore Girl? Contact us here for all the info, available dates and details…and get ready to have some fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Choose outfits you feel confident in, but don't be scared to push yourself out of your comfort zone, too.
Bring
a variety of
options—think of different colors, textures, and styles to mix it up. We will help you decide what will look best with your shape and also our sets.
Don't forget we have tons of high heels and other accessories that we can add to your session. Angel wings to add with your lingerie, oversized white button-up shirts that pair well with just a pair of panties, tanks, and tees for the wet sets, and a few robes that look great over your wardrobe or with nothing under them, too.
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Get plenty of rest the night before so you feel fresh and energized. Skip alcohol to reduce puffiness.
Avoid wearing tight clothing to your session to prevent marks on your skin.
If your nerves are getting to you, read our google reviews to help put your mind at ease.
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Yes, it's best to bring your own outfits that you feel comfortable and beautiful in.
Our studio may have a few accessories or wardrobe pieces, but bringing your own ensures a personal touch.
Consider coordinating your outfits with the mood you want for your photos. Do you want to sift, light and airy or seductive, dark and moody?
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Your privacy is our priority—your photos will only be shared with your consent. There is never any pressure to sign our model release.
We often have clients sign a model release if they wish to allow us to share select images. When the model release is signed, we do not use your name, tag you on social media, and keep your name out of your digital file number. This ensures no one can ever Google you, and your images show up online.
If you prefer to keep your images private, they will remain completely confidential.
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Sessions typically last 2-3 hours, including time for discussing wardrobe, hair, makeup, pose coaching, and outfit changes.
We take our time to ensure you're comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
The exact length can vary depending on the number of outfits you have in your photo shoot.
XOXO,
Lindsey & Jamie
The Adore Girls
