Boudoir

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Looking for tips/advice for finding a boudoir photographer - the shots will eventually be a surporise present for my fiance. Is there anything in particular to look out for when looking for a local photograper/studio?Anything that woulkd be a 'flag' to avoid? Is a ballpark cost (UK) I should be looking to pay? So I know what I'm asking for, does everyone have the same definition of 'boudoir'? I'm not especially shy but want to keep it the right side of tasteful -and basically make sure everything is legit etc. I'd be lying if I said I'm not aprehensive so the more I know up-front the better so any general pointers would be appreciated.
 
it seems to be a field that women photographers excell at.
If were you I would definitely go to a photographer who specialises in Boudoir and makeover photography and has the necessary make up and hair back up.
There is almost certainly one in any big town.
 
It's not an area I've worked in, but to me, the obvious starting point would be to find local people offering the service in the same way you would a wedding or portrait photographer. Check their website, make sure the example pictures were taken by them and that they show the subjects in the way you would be happy to be shown. You may also want to find out if they hire a makeup artist too, or whether you will be responsible for that side, and also whether you can bring a chaperone. Then check reviews of customers to see if they had a good experience or if they felt uncomfortable.

BTW welcome to TP. :)
 
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ancient_mariner said:
It's not an area I've worked in, but to me, the obvious starting point would be to find local people offering the service in the same way you would a wedding or portrait photographer. Check their website, make sure the example pictures were taken by them and that they show the subjects in the way you would be happy to be shown. You may also want to find out if they hire a makeup artist too, or whether you will be responsible for that side, and also whether you can bring a chaperone. Then check reviews of customers to see if they had a good experience or if they felt uncomfortable.

BTW welcome to TP. :)
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Thanks & yeah that makes sense. The photographer we've booked for the wedding actually does boudoir. It's a shame becasue he's great but I think it would be a bit weird for me on wedding day if I used him for this. I guess the approach is the same though like you say. Thanks.
 
A lot of people, including photographers, confuse "boudoir" with "readers wives" style photography. Beware.
There is a lot of difference between warm glamour and tarty neo-porn.
 
Yes, boudoir should provide a sense of eager anticipation and promise, rather than an anatomy lesson.
 
I've been looking at some local options. One thing I'd rather know before talking to anyone -
Terrywoodenpic said:
A lot of people, including photographers, confuse "boudoir" with "readers wives" style photography. Beware.
There is a lot of difference between warm glamour and tarty neo-porn.
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I've been looking at some local options - everything looks reassuringly tasteful. I'm assuming boudoir by defition mean no actual nudity? So when I say I'm looking for that, we'll be on the same wavelength? t looks that way from their websites? Obvisously I'll have this conversation with them in the end but I'd feel better armed with some basics.
 
cloud80 said:
I'm assuming boudoir by definition mean no actual nudity?
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Not absolutely, but typically the subject would be wearing nice undies or otherwise be covering herself as though discovered in her private chamber. There may be a suggestion of invitation to intimacy, but not a graphic display. Nudity is not the idea, and one might see more on display at the beach than in a typical boudoir shot.

A question worth asking is whether your partner will find this kind of picture something you know they'll treasure; or indeed if you think it will be a happy reminder for you of the time before you were married. If the answer is obviously yes then by all means go ahead and do it, but if you're really not sure - and I get a sense of hesitancy from you - then it may be worth thinking twice before committing. Worth remembering that you, as the customer also have a say about what kind of pictures you want, and should not find yourself in a position of 'modelling' for someone.
 
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Roughly which region are you in? I might have a couple of ideas.

For example, if you are around Oxford. you want to talk to @Headless Lois, whose studio specialises in boudoir.
 
Oh that's a bit far for me. athanks though. North/North East England and recommendations very much welcome.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Not absolutely, but typically the subject would be wearing nice undies or otherwise be covering herself as though discovered in her private chamber. There may be a suggestion of invitation to intimacy, but not a graphic display. Nudity is not the idea, and one might see more on display at the beach than in a typical boudoir shot.

A question worth asking is whether your partner will find this kind of picture something you know they'll treasure; or indeed if you think it will be a happy reminder for you of the time before you were married. If the answer is obviously yes then by all means go ahead and do it, but if you're really not sure - and I get a sense of hesitancy from you - then it may be worth thinking twice before committing. Worth remembering that you, as the customer also have a say about what kind of pictures you want, and should not find yourself in a position of 'modelling' for someone.
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Thanks. I think he'll appreciate it. One thing I'm unsure about now I've looked into it a bit though - how you describe it is exactly what I had in mind but on another forum (not photography related) there's a few discussions about 'topless or not'. Is that strictly part of 'boudoir' (and they just don't put those on their websites to protect the clients in the shots) or would that be straying into something different?
 
cloud80 said:
Thanks. I think he'll appreciate it. One thing I'm unsure about now I've looked into it a bit though - how you describe it is exactly what I had in mind but on another forum (not photography related) there's a few discussions about 'topless or not'. Is that strictly part of 'boudoir' (and they just don't put those on their websites to protect the clients in the shots) or would that be straying into something different?
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You're the client, so it's your choice entirely.
 
Garry Edwards said:
You're the client, so it's your choice entirely.
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Exactly this.

The thing is, some people are very comfortable with public nudity or even having sex with strangers, while others are not at all. If you don't want topless shots then no-one should pressure you into doing them, but if that were a red line then I would suggest bringing it up at the time of booking to ensure there is no misunderstanding or unpleasantness in the studio. You are the customer and not a model *for* the photographer.
 
cloud80 said:
I've been looking at some local options. One thing I'd rather know before talking to anyone -

I've been looking at some local options - everything looks reassuringly tasteful. I'm assuming boudoir by defition mean no actual nudity? So when I say I'm looking for that, we'll be on the same wavelength? t looks that way from their websites? Obvisously I'll have this conversation with them in the end but I'd feel better armed with some basics.
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The is certainly some thing that you need to make clear before the shoot. As the line between nude and covered is not absolute.
Some shots might involve no clothes but use other coverings. Others might only seem to be so. The skill of the photographer is Illusion.
One thing is certain is that the photographer has seen everything many times before.

I worked in a specialist nude and pinup studio for six months in the 50's seeing all that skin every day, was like eating spaghetti for every meal, and a complete turn off.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Exactly this.

The thing is, some people are very comfortable with public nudity or even having sex with strangers, while others are not at all. If you don't want topless shots then no-one should pressure you into doing them, but if that were a red line then I would suggest bringing it up at the time of booking to ensure there is no misunderstanding or unpleasantness in the studio. You are the customer and not a model *for* the photographer.
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I hadn't considered topless before looking into it seriously but if they ask when call to book at least now I know it's not a red flag. The difference between the advice here (from people that know what they're talking about) and the other forum (not a photography one) is huge and much apppreciated!
 
Terrywoodenpic said:
As the line between nude and covered is not absolute.
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This can’t be emphasised enough.

And the sensible approach is to simply be upfront about it. Also you need to be comfortable with the fact the photographer will likely have seen more of you than appears in the photos, especially in any ‘implied nude’ situations.
 
Phil V said:
This can’t be emphasised enough.

And the sensible approach is to simply be upfront about it. Also you need to be comfortable with the fact the photographer will likely have seen more of you than appears in the photos, especially in any ‘implied nude’ situations.
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Thanks....so someone on a wedding planning form suggested 'implied' as a compromise instead of going full-on topless but that would be pointless as far as the actual shoot is concerned.
 
cloud80 said:
Thanks....so someone on a wedding planning form suggested 'implied' as a compromise instead of going full-on topless but that would be pointless as far as the actual shoot is concerned.
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Well you could be v careful and ask the photographer to avert their eyes etc, but really you should feel absolutely comfortable otherwise it’ll affect the pictures.

Implied just means no visible clothing, but also no actual nudity, so the pic wouldn’t show your breasts, or a bra - but you have to remember you’ll be constantly changing poses, rearranging whatever is covering you etc.

Personally I think female photographers make this a more comfortable situation, and many females specialise in boudoir for that reason.
 
Any photographer specialising in boudoir, will have no difficulty making you comfortable during the shoot.
It is what they do after all. Your choice is between a male or female photographer. But you also must find one that can produce what you want. If it is what you want go for it. You will never again be younger and better looking than you are now.
 
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