What is & What is Not Boudoir Photography|Austin Houston Dallas
Creating Boudoir Images...What is and what is not boudoir photography?
What comes to your mind when you think about the term Boudoir photography? If you have followed any of my previous blog postings, you know that I have been advocating for a change to how people think about glamour and boudoir photography. (See: Glamour and Boudoir Photography...The Changing style of these misunderstood genre Part 1)
I feel that a misunderstanding of what boudoir photography is keeps some women from ever considering having their portrait taken in this manner. Boudoir photography is empowering and liberating and it is my hope that a better understanding of what it is, and what it is not, will allow more women to seek out the opportunity to be photographed thusly.
Richard von Trapp is a boudoir and glamour photographer in Central Texas who is creating evocative and elegant images that connect you to your glamour, and allow you to fall in love with yourself.
Elegant and evocative boudoir photography has been created for decades, and is being increasingly regarded as an art form that is worth being noticed. It is being featured with increasing frequency at internationally recognized professional photography conferences and seminars, and a considerable amount of very good to exquisite examples can be found online in search results.
Classy Boudoir
A well crafted boudoir image provides an immense opportunity for a woman to explore her beauty, grace, sexiness and glamour. No matter what your body type, a professionally produced image will bring out a side of you that you have not seen in a long time, or perhaps one that you never imagined existed.
I do feel, however, that anyone who is new to the genre may feel uncomfortable when they search online for examples of boudoir photos. It is so easy to be confused by the variety of images that will be returned in a search for "boudoir" as to what boudoir photography really is.
Sexy Boudoir
One will find a wide variety of photographs lumped into the genre of boudoir. Images of a woman in either lingerie, partially nude or nude, and taken in almost any setting will be referred to as boudoir. I find this to be confusing and potentially off-putting at worst, and inelegant at best. The "boudoir" by its very definition is a ladies' sitting room, parlor, dressing room or bedroom. As such, I am discontented with an image of a woman in lingerie who is photographed out of doors as being called boudoir. Out of simplicity or expediency by some photographer and lay-public, it has become common to call this example…boudoir. I choose to classify such an example as lingerie glamour or sexy glamour, but not boudoir.
I find it more desirable to sub-classify such images for clarity and ease of helping my clients to describe and decide on what look and feel of imagery they are wishing to create. This is my breakdown and classification for the variations of boudoir photography.
Classic Boudoir. Photographs taken in the setting of the classical definition of boudoir. Featuring the subject getting ready such as doing hair, make-up etc. She may be dressing, dressed, undressing, or undressed. She may be wearing clothes, in her lingerie or nude/partly nude. Her attitude, pose and expression are not overtly sexual in its styling.
Classic Boudoir
Classic Boudoir
Classic Boudoir
Classic Boudoir
Classy Boudoir. Can be similar to the above example, but without clear reference to the boudoir as a setting (such as on a living room sofa) but is still indoors. This category has a greater number of possibilities since it is free from the limits of the definition of the boudoir, however, follows somewhat closely the idea of not being overtly sexy. Playful, however, is more often classified into this category.
Classy Boudoir
Classy Boudoir
Classy Boudoir
Classy Boudoir
Classy Boudoir
Sexy Boudoir. Images taken in a setting much as above but with emphasis on sexiness and playfulness as depicted by the choice of pose or body position, clothing, or communicated through the expression given by the subject. In this category I also include the choice of locations other than the boudoir, which may even add some degree of eroticism to the impression given by the image.
Sexy Boudoir
Sexy Boudoir
Sexy Boudoir
Sexy Boudoir
Bridal Boudoir. A wonderful variation to the Classy Boudoir style is Bridal Boudoir. Often sought by brides-to-be as a wedding present for their groom, the bridal boudoir album truly makes for a lovely gift. They are much like the classy boudoir images, but will include the wedding veil/white lingerie. In fact, many of the same poses that we love for classy boudoir will be used for bridal boudoir.
Details of Love v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2014. Bridal Boudoir. Beautifully emotive Wedding Boudoir Photograph taken in the Classy Style. This is a great gift for your groom.
Bridal Boudoir
Bridal Boudoir
Bridal Glamour v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2014.Beautifully emotive Wedding Boudoir Photograph taken in the Classy Style.
Bridal Boudoir
Lingerie Glamour.
Images of a woman wearing lingerie, or where the model is partly nude, overtly sexy, or evocative which don't meet the definition of boudoir as above, I classify in other ways. Most often I consider these as Lingerie Glamour, Sexy Glamour, or Fashion Glamour, but not Boudoir. I feel that the following image can fall into both the sexy boudoir and lingerie glamour category.
Lingerie Glamour/Sexy Boudoir
Lingerie Glamour
Leggy in Blue by Von Trapp Photography 2019.Our leggy beauty traveled with us to England to create this alluring image in the Lake District.
Model: Kat
Lingerie Glamour
At Sea by Von Trapp Photography 2014.Sexy lingerie glamour photograph.
Lingeria Glamour
Fire and Ice v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2018.Commissioned photo shoot with author/publisher J.M. Buckler.
Lingerie Glamour
Fashion/Lingerie Glamour
By breaking down the images into these categories I find that it is easier to communicate with clients about the styling, mood, pose, setting, expression, wardrobe, and feeling being communicated to the viewer. In this way, it is also possible to introduce the newcomer and would be model to the glamorous world of boudoir photography.
When you consider a boudoir photographer and their work, look for a photographer who is producing a style that fits your vision and desire. If you find one who has an interesting style but who may not have examples of their work that fit into a subcategory which you desire, contact them directly to discuss your thoughts. Often a photographer's online portfolio for boudoir will be limited in the variety of examples shown because clients may not wish to be featured online.
How the artist styles their images in terms of lighting, coloring, sharpness, and setting should also be considered. It is often the hallmark of their style and can be seen throughout their body of work. Some artists may have a variety of looks to their works, others will create a singular signature style. Let's look at how a style can be described in terms of lighting.
Natural Light. This refers to the light created in nature, i.e. sun, moon and stars. This light can produce beautiful results, but is extremely limiting. It has to be there at the time of shooting, and it is constantly changing. When available in the right location (light from a north facing window when indoors is the best), or at the best time of the day (sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon to sunset), incredible results can be obtained. The image below is an example of the use of natural light.
Classy Boudoir (Natural Light)
North light will produce soft, evenly lit images. It is often used to produce a romantic look to the photograph. Morning light too is soft and cool in its color, which is not the case with the warm color to late afternoon light. Generally, afternoon light is not as soft as north or morning light, but allows for the creation of warm ethereal images as the photographer shoots into the light coming from behind the subject. The glow of the light coming from behind the model and into the lens creates a flair of light which reduces the sharpness of the subject, creating the ethereal feeling.
Afternoon light can also be used to create sharply contrasted images that are fashion magazine like with an edgy look. Long sharp shadows with crisp warm light is the hallmark of photos made at this time of day.
Classy Boudoir using a vintage nightgown and bullet bra lingerie. (Natural Light, late afternoon light)
Woman At The Palazzo Window v.2 by Von Trapp Photography 2015.(From the series: Woman At The Palazzo Window)
This intently evocative image of Nicole at one of the windows overlooking the Palazzo's courtyard, emotes sensuality and mystery, yet hints at vulnerability. Image from the Venice Model/HMU: uNicoleorn
Lingerie Glamour (Soft Natural Light)
Magnificent View by Von Trapp Photography 2015.>Our luscious model Jessica enjoys a morning coffee and the exquisitely sensual feeling of the sea breeze caressing her bare skin.
Lingerie Glamour (Soft Natural Light)
Lace In Nature v.1b by Von Trapp Photography 2014Sexy Glamour Lingerie Photography
Our model takes a sexy strool taken in nature in the lovely fall Texas weather.
Lingerie Glamour (Natural Light, Sunlight)
Available Light. This is any and all light that is available at a location, but which is not provided by the photographer, such as room lighting as well as natural lighting. This too can afford the artist unique and interesting opportunities to create beautiful images. It is also limiting in several ways. A suitable location has to be found with the right available lighting. If shooting in color, the various "temperatures" of the lights on location must be considered and possibility balanced with each other. All light has its own color temperature, resulting in a range of tones from warm to cold. Combining different color temperatures can be used for artistic effect, but can also create a displeasing mishmash to the look of the image. The ability to control the light, although slightly better than natural light, is still limited to what is present and how it can be turned on and off. The image below shows the effect of differing color temperatures of light. Seen in the corner, near the window, is the warm yellowish color of incandescent lighting from the boudoir table. In this image, the temperature of that light has been partially balanced with the cooler outdoor light coming in from the window. I chose to keep some of the incandescent light's warmth to work with the color of the vanity table to create a visual point of contrast and interest.
In this image, both sunlight and room light were used to light the model. Three different color temperatures needed to be balanced to create this image.
Kill Shot v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2017.Watching Marista "jam up" during a sexy photo shoot in Cyprus. ("Jam Up" = Shooting Well in Pool Slang).
Models: Marista and Anna Reis.
Lingerie Glamour/Fashion Editorial (Available Light)
This available light capture was made using the 3 different room lights at this location.
Studio Strobes and Speedlights. This is the choice for most commercial photographic work. It gives the artist significant to total control over the light. The color temperature, intensity, and direction of the light can be finely tuned and by this method, the artist is said to be able to shape the light.
The capture above is an example of the use of two speed lights. One in a soft box light modifier to produce a soft frontal light, and one bare speed light placed behind the model to create the flare.
The next two images are created with studio strobes at an outdoor location. The first one during daytime, and the second at night.
Fashion/Lingerie Glamour
In The Night v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2017.Kat strides elegantly along a Venice canal under a streetlight. Von Trapp Photography's fashion shoot in La Serenissima.
Model/HMU: Kat Alexis
Fashion/Lingerie Glamour
Classic Boudoir
This image is a wonderful example of how studio strobes can be used to create a magazine-quality looking boudoir image. A white umbrella was used to provide the soft light on our model's face and body, while using the harsh light of a second strobe to provide the striking highlights on her hair, neck, and shoulder.
See the following three posts for examples of how light can be shaped using these tools.
Light's Beautiful Curves…Using light and shadows to create glamour.
Creating Glamour…Using the elements of glamour to create striking images.
Lexi v.1 by Von Trapp Photography 2014.Boudoir shoot with the yummy Lexi who creates a classic pose for us.
Classy Boudoir
In the image above, two strobes are again used to create this boudoir image. One strobe along with a soft box was used as the main light to light the subject. A second strobe with a gobo (material of some kind which is placed between a light source and the subject) of foil with irregular shaped holes was used to create the light and shadows on the wall, which adds additional interest to the photograph.
Sexy Boudoir/ Lingerie Glamour
No matter what your vision or wish for a boudoir photo might be, it will best be served by a professional photographer experienced in this field. You will be best served if you first do your "homework" on the genre of boudoir, by looking at lots of examples of fine quality images. Consider your choice of photographers carefully by studying their body of work. If you find one whose work touches you, give them a call. Also don't limit yourself by not considering an artist who in not in your ares, many photographers are willing to travel. You as well can find it incredibly exciting and fruitful to setup a destination shoot with a photo-artist. Dream big!
If you are thinking about having a boudoir or glamour session, let us at Von Trapp Photography excite you with how we can create a work of art with you as the subject. We will put you in touch with your beauty and glamour. Contact us today.
Comments
Jeff
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i watch you on Deviant art and i saw your link.,.. i came here, read this, and i whole heartidly agree with your sentiment on the nature of boudoir, glamor, and sensuality. it is something to be celebrated. it shows freedom, strength, passion, dedication, fun, and the model's power as a gorgeous person.
i have been advocating for the mainstreaming and understanding of such sensuality for most of my life. i made my first pinup at age 12, after seeing my favorite pinup artist, Olivia.. it was for my best friend's birthday, and i have been hooked ever since. i have loved such classic and modern pinup artists as olivia de berardinis, and alberto vargas. i am interested in, and love, newer erotica artists such as Calm (who i follow on Patreon), Natalie Krimsuch, Noomi Roomi, and Frida Castelli. and i am interested in the newer glamor/pinup artists/comic book artists that have some pinup and some boudiour elements. some are (but are in no way limited to) joseph micheal linsner who created the character "dawn" who is a "pinup goddess" (and he annually comes out with many a dawn pinup issue each year that i collect, which i would recommenced highly if you want inspiration) and michael turner who created the iconic "witchblade" (amongst others). they have wonderful story telling on their side in so many ways, and show the power of women in strength, playfulness, and allure. and there are many more. i do art that skates back and forth over the line between erotica and boudior, it dances there, so i can show people (mostly women, but men too) having passionate and exciting times, and looking beautiful, both together and alone. i do it to send a message. it should be embraced not erased. it shows us at both our strongest and most vulnerable. both rawest and most innocent. it is a very good thing, if consensual (that is one of my only rules, along with the intent to portray the excitement of it all, not to get other people off to orgasm) and i hope to show enough people that it is positive, once understood, and should be accepted and celebrated.. not reviled, shunned, and destroyed. it is beauty to me. sheer, utter, and bold beauty.
you do a wonderful job with your works, and are sending a wonderful message. i love your galleries and will continue to be a fan to all who bring sensuality to the web.. keep the beauty flowing. you continue to inspire and i will continue to admire, and i will continue to learn more about what other artists and photographers see their, and your, sexy works evolve to become.
all my best,
Luc'ien Olivier II
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