8 tips for doing a DIY boudoir photoshoot

So you want to take some boudoir photos for your SO—or maybe just for your sweet self. Boudoir photography is an incredible way to show yourself some love, and give your confidence a little (or a big) pick-me-up. Plus, you’ll 100% have something to show for it once you’re done: delicious, seductive, and unique photographic evidence of your luscious body and soul. 

That said, if stripping down to lingerie (or less) in front of a stranger isn’t for you, and/or you’re on a budget and can’t afford a pro, then setting up a DIY boudoir shoot may be just what the goddess ordered! 

Consider the following 8 tips and tricks for taking gorgeous and titillating at-home boudoir photos!

1. Equipment, shmequipment

While a DSLR camera and a helpful friend/partner might take your boudoir photos to the next level, all you really need to do a kick ass DIY shoot is your phone (iPhone cameras are best, though, let's face it), and a little inspiration! Hot tip: be sure to give your lens a good wipe beforehand. Although a tripod and remote control are unnecessary, they save you the trouble of propping your phone up with furniture and/or books, or setting the timer and rushing back to strike a pose. This tripod is affordable, comes with a ring light, and a remote! Just make sure the remote stays hidden, of course. Post shoot, you might use a free app like Snapseed to edit your photos if needed.

2. Choose the right backdrop

When it comes to location, simple works just fine. Your bedroom, a sofa, a tub, or even somewhere outside can all work spectacularly. Just be sure to choose somewhere you feel comfortable posing with abandon, baby. White bedsheets/pillows/curtains tend to be a great choice for a clean, minimalist look. No matter what location you land on, always be sure that there are no unsavory or distracting objects in the background. The focus should be you, not a box of condoms, or your history textbook, nam sayin’?

3. To wear, or not to wear?

Your outfit can be whatever you want it to be. While sexy lingerie, jewelry, and/or high heels can be fantastic additions to any boudoir photoshoot, you can and should wear anything that makes you feel truly sexy no matter how unconventional your choices may be (men's underwear or cravat, anyone?). Because when you feel truly sexy, you’re more at ease, you’re more yourself, and this will 100% shine through in any and all photos you capture. You can always also go nude if that's how you feel most comfortable, or you can experiment with wearing bedsheets or blankets. Do you.

4. Props to you

Choosing the right props can make your DIY boudoir photo sesh that much more striking. Props can help you to create the atmosphere you want, whether that’s relaxed, playful, bold, seductive, defiant—or all of the above. You might harness the power of pillows, mirrors, feathers, chairs, fuzzy pink handcuffs, teddy bears, flowers, strange hats. But remember—less is usually more. In other words, be selective. Any props you do add to the mix should accentuate you. 

5. Get lit

Buying expensive lights is unnecessary. If you want to experiment with darkness and warm colored light (always flattering), you might like a few candles and see where the night takes you. Otherwise, natural daylight can work wonders! For the best natural and soft lighting, get close to a window. If the light is too bright or direct, try diffusing it with a white/translucent sheet or curtain. The direction of your light source also matters. To emphasize the shape of your beautiful body, take advantage of backlighting. Front lighting can make minor blemishes less noticeable. To emphasize your facial features, you might turn your face to one side.

6. Face it

When it comes to your facial expressions, just be you; be natural. Since this is easier said than done, you might try relaxing your mouth, and keeping it slightly ajar rather than tightly closed. Stretching your chin upward or to the side can create a more flattering jawline. If you’re into makeup and know how to use it (or you have a friend who fits this description), go to town—although not at all necessary, makeup done right can do away with unwanted shininess, dullness, dark circles, etc. 

7. Strike a pose

Your poses are everything! Never be afraid to get creative. That said, here are a few hawt AF poses that are easy to pull off and tend to work really well in the proverbial boudoir:

- Belly down: lay on your belly, lift your legs, and run your fingers through your hair. You may have to position the camera above eye level to get your whole body in! 

- Legs in the sky: this will make anyone’s legs look long and shapely. You might keep your legs straight up or bend one. Your hands might meanwhile play in your hair or rest idly on your bosom.

- Resting on your heels: this one’s great for drawing attention to your epic ass. Simply kneel and rest your weight on your heels, gazing coyly into the lens from over top of your shoulder.

- Sidelines: lay on your side and lean on one arm while stretching out your legs for days, one leg on top of the other, to better highlight your voluptuousness.

- From up above: keep your chin up and your back well arched as you look to the camera suspended above you. This overhead pose draws attention to your chest and legs. What a dish.

- Overarching: with legs bent and feet pointing skyward, lay down and arch your back like your body’s a bridge to bliss. You might also stretch your arms above your head for extra effect.

8. The delight’s in the details

There is no rule that says you're limited to full-body photos. By focusing on select details, you hold the power to focus a viewer’s attention on the curve of your neck, your slightly parted lips, the lace hem of your bralette, or the small of your back.

While it’s a lot easier to relax into a shoot in the privacy of your own space then in a professional photographer’s studio, if you’re unaccustomed to being in the boudoir spotlight, so to speak, getting comfortable is easily half the battle. Get into the mood by dancing to music that turns you on, or by getting weird or goofy—whatever it is you need. Invariably, the best captures will be the ones where you’re enjoying (and therefore fully inhabiting) the moment. When all is said and done, if you choose to share your photos with a partner, you might print them out for a scrapbook style gift, share ‘em via private digital album, or possibly even text them one by one when you’re apart.

Whatever you do, have fun, you bold creatrix, you. <3