At the moment, as I am quite hyped up on caffeine, I’m finding looking at vintage/pin-up and boudoir pictures irresistible. I want to be in a vintage shoot and almost as much I want to buy a bunch of furniture and photograph people with fake eyelashes (you are confused, and that’s okay. I’m in possession of a lot of false eyelashes for the purpose of reviewing them).
Is anyone reading EAD planning to do a boudoir shoot? Or have you? I’d like to see more inspirational vintage shots. I’m more interested in cute/sweet/coy/sexy than lots-o-skin in your face. Pretty versus vamped up. Not to mention I don’t have a pin-up sized chest. I have a cute yellow bathing suit I’d like pictures in & I love dresses. Of course, stockings and cute little lingerie pieces are a necessity as well.
I love vintage hair but I don’t think I want to look that different from real life on my wedding day. So I feel like a separate vintage shoot would be fun. With nothing that would shock people I know. Thoughts? I will throw in loads of pictures incase you are lacking inspiration or haven’t seen boudoir before. I’ve been an assistant for a few sessions and it’s fun. Plus, the photos turn out just gorgeous.
If you are considering boudoir, vintage or not, and don’t know where to start, look to the internet and magazines. As far as finding a photographer, most photographers are willing (and even excited!) to do a boudoir session. So if you already have a wedding photographer and feel comfortable with them, they are a great option. You don’t have to go to someone who specializes in boudoir, though it does sound fun to go to a session and get your hair and makeup done professionally and sort through their various costumes and props to put something together. If you want a hair and makeup person to be included in the session your photographer probably knows stylists they can call, just ask.
As far as inspiration, find out what your guy likes (if you are doing this for him). We had someone come in with a maxim her husband had kept around for a while, he obviously liked the pictures in it, and it’s a lot easier to style a shot if you have something to go by. As far as how racy to go, you probably know what your husband likes but I’d think you want to be flirting with these pictures as opposed to bordering on pornography.
I love how classy those pictures are! The vintage look really makes a difference. I’ve been looking at different photographers’ portfolios that do “boudoir” sessions, and it really surprises me how many look like flat-out porn shoots. How do you find the ones that will make you feel comfortable and beautiful, without trying to make you look like Jenna Jameson?
Clare Richardson’s most recent blog post: Bridal Portrait Location Ideas Part 2: Clear Lake Area
I would love to see a post on where to get good boudoir props such as the feathered fans, various hairpieces, long necklaces, jewelry that pops….etc… I set up a boudoir shoot with my photographer only to win one with another one, so now I’m doing two! I have all the typical type vs type of lingerie but I’d love to do something a little different with the makeup, hair, clothes & props for at least one of the shoots. I’ve done some online research for photo ideas. Care to share any tips?
I did a boudoir shoot and had a large print and book made as a wedding gift to my FH…only 13 more days until I can finally give it to him! While mine is a bit more skin than cute pin-up style outfits, it turned out SO classy and we mostly used a gorgeous, metallic blue sheet placed ever-so-perfectly to hide the not-so-wonderful spots on my body. I have to say, it was a HUGE ego booster and I have showed my close girlfriends and they all couldn’t believe I’d be so brave to bare all. I love how they turned out…I will definitely do a maternity shoot with the same photographer and hopefully another boudoir shoot in a few years! If anyone is interested in seeing the photos, let me know. :)
@ clare: I think the important thing is to find a photographer with a style you like, and if you prefer classy, look for a photographer who does classy portraits & weddings, you aren’t necessarily looking for someone with a boudoir portfolio. And, bring in pictures of things you like from the get-go to get a feel for whether the photographer will meet your needs.
kelly’s most recent blog post: Wedding Dress- The Result
I love the vintage twist with these photos. I love etsy and ebay for photo props! A vintage prop adds so much style to the shoot. Definatly worth investing in!
Where can I find that wallpaper in those photos?????? It is beautiful.
Great post and the vintage style is always a classic. Finding and booking a boudoir photographer is important to getting the style of photos you want. It is a specialty and just because someone shoots great weddings does not mean they will shoot great boudoir. It takes a lot of time and energy for a client to do a shoot so choosing the right person to photograph you will be a good thing in the end.