It’s a given that your partner will be blown away when they first see you on your wedding day, whether it’s at the top of the aisle or in a special first-look beforehand. But a new style of intimate bridal photography is on the rise and it’s called ‘boudoir photography.’
As the name suggests, bridal boudoir photography focuses on the sexy and sensual without being overtly sexual, from tasteful pictures of the bride dressed beautiful lingerie to pictures of the couple sharing some intimate casual time together.
It’s as much a gift for you as it is for them,” says Aga Druchniak, studio director at Avalon Studios.
“Bridal boudoir photography is a unique opportunity to capture your individual seductive beauty through tasteful, intimate photos. It is also a treasured experience to create timeless images that will remind you and your partner about the passion surrounding your relationship before your wedding.”
The five-year-old Adelaide-based business boasts an all-female team of make-up artists, stylists, hairdressers and photographers, who are experts in making brides look and feel gorgeous in front of the camera.
“The shoots are lots of fun and a great opportunity to take a break from all the stress that comes from planning a wedding,” explains Aga. “It is your chance to express your personality and your sensuality, to try on your cheeky and sexy outfits, all while feeling like a million bucks.”
But what if you’re a little shy, and not entirely sure how you would feel stripping down to your knickers in front of the camera? Here are a few tips to help you out with your shoot.
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with
When it comes to choosing the right photographer for your boudoir shoot, it’s important to do some research. So, check out different photographers’ portfolios online and have a look at their social media accounts to get a feel for their style.
You’ll also want to figure out whether you prefer to work with a male or female photographer, given the intimate nature of the images you’ll be taking. The preference here is entirely personal, but Avalon does find that many women are more comfortable knowing they have an all-female team.
Once you’ve narrowed your options down to a few, take the time to meet the photographers in person. Of course, the ultimate aim is to work with someone who will produce gorgeous shots, but it’s also important that you find someone you can have great rapport with, and feel comfortable around. After all, the last thing you want is to feel awkward while posing in your underwear in front of a photographer who you actually don’t really like!
Create a mood board
As you start to think about what kind of shoot you’d like, there are many different options. Dark and moody? Cheeky and flirty? Maybe you’d prefer something in black and white or full technicolour? Aga suggests creating a mood board of the kind of shots you love so you can give your photographer a clear idea of the vibe you’re after.
Do some beauty prep beforehand
While some boudoir photography studios will have hair and make-up artists on hand to help you out, Aga suggests doing some preparation in the lead-up to your shoot.
This includes getting a manicure and pedicure and drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. If you want to get waxed, it’s best to have it done a few days beforehand to avoid any redness on the day of the shoot. Aga says spray tanning is also best done a few days in advance, just in case there’s any patchiness.
Consider the outfits you’d like to wear
“Be creative with your outfit choices and styling. The more variety the better!” says Aga, who also suggests paying attention to the little things that can make all the difference, such as the style of lingerie you wear, the suspender belts and even the kinds of heels you bring along.
“Those finer details can create a lot of character in each image,” she says.
Depending on the kind of shoot you book, you may have the choice of four or five clothing changes. Most bridal boudoir sessions usually require a white or cream lingerie set and accessories to match, such as a veil, pearls, suspender belts, stockings and a fake flower bouquet.
Having said that, keep in mind that you don’t have to be limited to lingerie ensembles. Aga suggests the following outfits to mix things up:
- Your partner’s white shirts and ties – because business meets boudoir is always sexy.
- Loose jumpers, knits or cardigans – these can be great for a softer, different look.
- A sporting jersey to really personalise the experience – especially if it’s from a team your partner follows.
Relax and be comfy in your own skin
While being the star of a sexy photo shoot isn’t something that happens every day, it’s important to trust your photographer, who will be an expert in finding flattering angles and making people look beautiful, whatever shape or size they are. Don’t worry if you’re not a supermodel – they will gently give you direction on the day and help you find your best pose.
“Be comfortable in your own body. This will show in your images. I’m sure many photographers would agree, this is the most important factor of all,” advises Aga.
“Don’t think for one minute that this is awkward for your photographer. It’s just another workday for her or him. Enjoy yourself and just have fun.”
