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8 ways to rock a boudoir photo shoot
Boudoir photos. They are the millennial trend that has average, ordinary women channeling their inner Victoria's Secret model for the camera in the name of art.
It's an intriguing concept. Which is why I recently jumped on the boudoir bandwagon myself. Me. A 37-year-old wife and mother to a toddler.
On the surface, the photos were my gift to my husband for his 40th birthday. But if I'm being truly honest, my decision to disrobe for the camera was as much about self-preservation and celebrating my body while everything was still pointing up.
I highly recommend the experience-and not just because it's a legitimate excuse to drink before noon while having your hair and makeup professionally done. But unless you have a stripper pole in your basement-and more power to you if you do-it's a definite step outside the typical comfort zone.
So, here I offer eight tips for making B-pics your bitch:
1. Take time beforehand to trim the lady garden.
Because nothing says, "I'm NOT ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille," like your two-year-old taking one look at your most prized bush and exclaiming, "Poop!"
2. Use a trusted photographer.
I used my wedding photographer, whom I've known for eight years and who has photographed everything from my engagement to multi-generational family sessions. So, it really wasn't awkward-until afterward when he said it might be hard to look my dad in the eye now that he's seen his daughter all but naked.
3. Check your modesty at the door.
Think of a boudoir photo shoot as going to the doctor-your photographer, by nature of his or her profession, has seen it all before. If you've given birth, you've got this in the bag. And if not...
4. Drink.
Because a couple glasses of wine can make all the difference between Oh jeez, I'm naked! and Hell yeah, I'm NEKKID!
5. Your sexy face is not sexy.
What you think is a hot little pout is actually an awkward grimace. So, ditch the Zoolander faces and be your natural self.
6. Don't take it too seriously.
Sure, I could have chosen to be mortified upon realizing my butt cheeks were stuck to that window pane. But instead, I just peeled my ass from the glass, cast a sultry glance at my photographer, and purred, "I'm ready to make love to zee camera."
7. Have fun!
I like to think God gave us songs like LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" specifically for boudoir photo shoots, and not as some sort of plague upon mankind. So, crank up the camp-this is a chance to let loose!
8. Just do
it.
Because to tap into the inherent sexuality of womanhood and (re)discover the beauty it contains is an image-affirming, soul-fulfilling experience.
And don't we all deserve that?
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Comments (23)
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Report Sat Sep 22, 2012 - 7:20 amcongrats on the gig here! Cracking up about the wine effect - sooooo true! (#4)Reply -
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Fri Sep 21, 2012 - 9:13 am
I look for reasons to have do a boudoir shoot. My poor husband doesn't even have a picture of me on his phone, but I sure as heck post them on my blog...I think I need to be diagnosed as a narcissist. It's a good thing I don't drink wine, I'd be running nekkid through the streets!Reply -
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Thu Sep 20, 2012 - 11:50 pm
Great post. Love the tips, especially 2 & 5.Reply -
1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Fri Sep 21, 2012 at 3:13 am
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Report Thu Sep 20, 2012 - 11:01 pmI'm not sure waxing off my lady-hair qualifies as tapping into "the inherent sexuality of womanhood." Other than that, I say, "Rock On!" (Am I showing my age if I say that the tune playing in my head for #7 is "I'm too sexy for my shirt"?)Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 11:40 pm
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Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 4:21 pm
I want to do this, and the idea terrifies me. I have always had screaming body-image issues, and there's a photographer who calls herself (something like) a Visual Therapist (she's also a psychologist) in NYC who does this for women with issues,and her work is amazing. It's also $2000 for a couple of sessions...but it might be worth it. 4 children and +75 pounds make the idea daunting, tho.Reply -
2 replies, Last reply by rootietoot on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:54 am
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Report Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 5:41 pmAll of this has got me considering being a Boudoir Photography Coach. Just to work with the ladies, get them their drinks, rub shoulders when needed. I'm sure it's wonderful work if you can get it. ~ TLJReply
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1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:33 am
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Report Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 6:39 pmI love that you did this. So I don't have to. xoReply
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1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:32 am
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Report Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 7:10 pmYou have definitely given me the courage to try this. I've thought about doing it for the past five years. I should've done it 5 years ago...I would've looked a lot better but I am what I am and my husband still seems pretty happy with it. So, who knows...maybe Santa will leave him a little something naughty this year under the tree?!Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:31 am
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Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 7:57 pm
This post killed me, Kristin! From the "Zoolander face" to the butt stuck on the window, I was laughing the whole way! You've totally inspired me too. As soon as I can find a local photographer with a LONG-angle lens, I'm in.Reply -
1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:28 am
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Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 7:57 pm
FUN. But the only trusted photographer I know is me. Might have to stick to my "only from this angle" sexting shots for now. I mean.. never mind. Drink, yay!Reply -
1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:26 am
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Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 8:05 pm
I had a friend take nude photos of me once and it was fun and they turned out pretty good. A female friend, I might add.Reply -
1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:23 am
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Report Wed Sep 19, 2012 - 9:01 pmI am laughing out loud over here. I am bookmarking this and saving your advice for when I do it next year. My shoot is already on the calendar (in my head) for next year. LOVE that you did this and your writing!!Reply
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1 reply, Last reply by SaidKristin on Thu Sep 20, 2012 at 4:22 am
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