Working with models on boudoir photography can be a challenge. You could be presented with a seasoned model who is confident nude or someone who has never posed before but wants to give it a go. This means that you have to be able to deal with anything that is thrown at you.
As a male photographer, it must be noted that some women will just not want a man photographing them in their underwear or nude. This is just something you will have to deal with but even if someone is happy to go ahead you have to be extra careful to be professional and respectful at all times.
Giving a model clear directions is one of the best ways to make them feel confident in your abilities. A model without any directions will struggle unless they are trained professionals. Here are some tips on working with your model on boudoir photography.
1. Hair & Make Up
In boudoir photography the image is all about the model. This means that they need to be prepared – in fact a lot of boudoir photography is all about creating the look.
Clothing, hair and make up all need to be arranged. When photographing a client it can help if the model can do the hair and make up themselves otherwise get a professional to do it. If they can arrange this before you shoot, even better as it saves you the trouble of finding someone else to turn up on the day. However, if you have these skills then this is of course a big bonus.
Look at the types of hairstyles and make up that are in boudoir photography. Tell your model to try and replicate the looks and when you are taking pictures, make sure that you keep an eye on them – if the hair looks odd, if the lipstick needs to be reapplied, then say so – as a photographer it’s your job to be observant and make sure the pictures look professional.
2. Clothes
Boudoir photography can be clothed or nude. If clothed, underwear or lingerie works well – this is up to the model what they want to wear but do encourage them to wear something glamorous or something which looks fantastic on camera. An old grey bra just won’t cut it!
If they are happy to go nude or even topless, don’t leave them too exposed. Keep certain areas covered if necessary, use pillows, arms, props to keep the images classy.
In boudoir photography less is usually more so if you can keep things covered and expose less, then do – the point is that the images should be more teasing than all out obvious.
When offering boudoir photography make sure any images you take are approved by the client and get them to sign a model release if you want to use them on promotional material (including websites). Some people are not shy about these things; some people would not want anyone else to know.
These images are quite sensitive so you must be trustworthy and not show them to anyone else that the model has not approved of.
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