Boudoir Photography – London and Surrey

First it was Trash the Dress.  Now another US-inspired wedding industry phenomenon is gaining huge popularity in the UK: boudoir photography.

Boudoir photography is not strictly about weddings.  The reason that it is becoming so closely connected to the wedding industry is that many brides-to-be are fastening on to the idea that it makes an intruiging and surprising wedding or honeymoon gift for their new husband.  Some fine art for his and her eyes only.

So what is boudoir photography?  Put simply, it is artistic, beautiful images of a woman in her lingerie.  Not surprisingly, boudoir photography has its roots in French noir imagery (boudoir literally means “to pout”).  Whilst the photography is always about beautiful lingerie and sensuality, this theme is often conveyed through dark shadows, understatement and perhaps enigma.  The photography tends to suggest that the woman is very feminine, liberated and most importantly, fully in control.  Certainly, it is generally not about glamour, nudity, or even direct eroticism.

Perhaps the main reason why this genre of photography has become so closely associated with brides, is that ahead of the wedding day itself, boudoir photography offers the chance to build confidence in front of the camera and reaffirm that they can look great in photographs.  And in reality, the gift idea is great excuse for women to be adventurous and enjoy what is often marketed as a luxury experience.

In fact, the build-up to the boudoir shoot is seen as very much as part of the experience. First choosing your lingerie is seen as a sumptuous affair and on the day itself, some photographers even offer a shoot preceded by spa treatments as well as make-up.  The idea behind this is that it helps in relaxation and in placing the woman in the right positive frame of mind about herself.

The photography itself tends to be a continuation of the pampering theme. The best boudoir photographers are skilled at bringing out the best in women by using a subtle caress of light to create and intimate atmosphere – and careful posing to bring out the woman’s individuality.  The more relaxed and trusting the subject is, the better the results.  Results that aim to be treasured for a lifetime.

Checklist for Boudoir Photography

1. Does the style of the photography impress and excite you? Ask to see examples of previous work.
2. Rapport with the photographer is important. If booking with a large or national company, which photographer do you get?  Can you meet them beforehand and see their individual work?
3. How will your images be presented? The albums and other products on offer should ideally have a sumptuous, but personal and private feel to them.
4. Check the credentials of the photographer. Are they professionally qualified with the MPA or BIPP?
5. If it is a male photographer, will he be accompanied by a woman?
6. In what environment does the photography shoot take place?  A luxurious hotel suite may often more be attractive than a studio if the latter has a clinical and assembly-line feel to it.
7. What else is included as part of the experience? Some package include spa treatments and make-up, for example.

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