Red lingerie, black lace, to provocative underwear. Those are what we usually see in boudoir photography. Is it something to give your love interest on Valentineʼs day? Why not.

Boudoir photography has gained a popular status among couples to singles. The wardrobe used is usually something sexy, skimpy, provocative, or even nothing at all. It can be called as implied nude, which is definitely PG-13. However, the main goals of it vary from teasing the viewers, to incorporating pin-up 60ʼs style artistry to your own personal picture.

For the advanced shooters, the concept itself can be too monotonous. Same color tones, same poses, and mood, itʼs too repetitive. So what we can do to level up the game? Here are some tips for you to try…

1. Shoot Outside

People relate the word boudoir photography as a womanʼs private chamber, closet, or bedroom. Not many of them are doing shoots in outdoor places. Although we have to pick a place where your model can be most comfortable at because boudoir shoots are very intimate and a solid trust is needed, it doesnʼt mean that we have to stick to the same old places again and again.

Have you heard of a private beach? A backyard with a swimming pool? New locations are exciting! Maintain a good atmosphere and avoid awkwardness by playing some music the model loves. Communicate the concept and know the modelʼs concerns/insecurities.

Show some videos, references, and inspiration images. Maybe Rihannaʼs lingerie shoot? This could be motivating. Some people are insecure about their big arms, small breasts, etc. Help them build their confidence because in the end everyone is beautiful and you want to show it in the pictures.

2. Fashion-Forward Styling

We should choose an outfit that makes the model feel good, confident, and most importantly…sexy. On the safe zone, we tend to see people keep using the same red silk slip, black lace corset, push-up bra, or even just a ribbon to cover the modelʼs body.

Why donʼt we incorporate the fashion trend to this wardrobe department? For example, we can put on a choker, to jazz up current 90ʼs vibe trend. If you want to go androgyny, create a sultry suspender styling look with nothing else underneath except a bowler hat as an accessory.

Color-wise, some people want to play it safe so they choose black and white because almost everyone looks great in these colors! And it suits every personality too. To switch this genre, we can try to use pastel hues and tones, with a wide range of soft pink, blue sky, to the peach color.

Now letʼs talk about the makeup department. Again, it will depend on the concept. Does the model want to be a 60ʼs pin-up girl a la Marilyn Monroe? Or sheʼd prefer a sexy smokey eye modern look? Consult this with the makeup and hair stylist to find what suit her best. Be creative and dare to explore, the sky is the limit!

3. Unique Detail Shots

Shoot closer and donʼt be afraid to play around with angles. In a photograph, we donʼt have to show everything in one frame. Sometimes, the true meaning is hiding in the details. Take a step-stool to shoot from above, when the model is lying down on her back. With one position, you could definitely get a minimum 20 different shots, as long as you are creative to move around.

Place the modelʼs hand at the back of her bra, and take a picture of her opening it. Take a booty shot, cleavage shot, or a close-up of her fingers opening her outfitʼs zipper. Detailed-shots like this are definitely more cheeky, sexy, and provocative!

4. Post-Production Creativity

Retouching styles depend widely from one photographer to another photographer. You can either go natural with minimal editing or high-end editorial-like airbrushed retouching. Aside from that, why donʼt we experiment with something more artistic? Make a collage, mixed media, create an illustration on top of your pictures.

Your models might have some insecurities of some parts of their bodies. And art definitely can be a solution for this. Take time to talk to each one of them and figure out what are might be. Remember, itʼs important to empower them with good body image perception.

Cellulite, scars, stretch marks, freckles, or tattoo are removable on post-production. Get to know the model to understand how they would want to present themselves.

Just like any other photography types, practice makes perfect for boudoir photography. If weʼre talking about gender, itʼs not a lie that a female model might be more comfortable with a female photographer for this session.

If youʼre the opposite sex of the subject, present yourself as a professional. Show your portfolio and gain trust with them. In the end, donʼt forget to have fun! Creativity lies beneath freedom to create.