You have come to the right place!

Hello and welcome to the new and improved boudoir photography network’s first blog post. This site was developed to help women easily find talented boudoir photographers across the country and around the world. Each and every photographer listed has been screened and approved to join the network based on their incredible talent. If you are looking for pin-up, vintage, glamour or sexy boudoir photos for women, men or couples, you have come to the right place. Search through our listings and find a photographer who fits your style. The easy to navigate galleries make it simple to find what you’re looking for.

To view a photographer’s sample gallery, just click on a photo twice to scroll through their images. You never even have to leave the Boudoir Photography Network site! Once you find a photographer you are interested in, you can then visit their site to further investigate their work. This method makes it very easy to check out many photographers in a short period of time. No more hunting around on the internet going from one site to another trying to find amazing boudoir. It’s all at your fingertips on the Boudoir Photography Network! Whether you are looking for boudoir photographers in the United States, Canada or around the world you will be able to find one near you quickly and easily.

If you are a boudoir photographer and would like your site considered for inclusion on the Boudoir Photography Network, please contact the site administrator. Listings are currently free! This site does not accept all photographers; you must meet a certain level of quality before becoming a member.

The site has grown quickly from a simple link back site I began in an attempt to drive my personal ranking on Google higher a few months ago, to the site you see today. I’m sure it will grow, change and improve even more in the future. I’m looking forward to it becoming a strong community and hope you all find it useful.

    A few ideas from Stacie Frazier  for getting the most out of your boudoir session.

More than any other type of photography session, boudoir can be the most nerve-wracking for clients, and understandably so.  Because of  the amount of work involved in a boudoir shoot  for the photographer and the high quality of the products offered to clients,  it can be pretty costly too. You want to be sure you are as prepared as possible to alleviate nerves and to get the most bang for your buck out of your session. Stacie has some great tips for makeing sure you get the very best images from your shoot.

Find a photographer who you are comfortable with. This is very important. Be sure to do your research. Most photographers have blogs and facebook fanpages where you can study not only their work but their personalities to be sure they are a good fit for you. When looking at their work, pay attention to consistency in the look and feel of their photographs and also make sure they are featuring shoots with real women and not models. The photographer needs to showcase that they can make any woman look amazing in photographs, not just models who need no direction with posing or expressions. It’s important for your photographer to be able to work with all body types and understand how to flatter everyone individually using the right mix of lighting, posing and photoshop retouching techniques.

Find lingerie that makes you feel sexy. Make sure you try it on before your shoot to be sure it fits properly. You want to feel good about yourself in your pictures so stick to apparel that flatters your body type. If your tummy area is a concern, try a corset. If you are self-conscious about a  less-than-ample bosom, try bras with extra padding or ruffles on top. You don’t have to show absolutely everything to get a sexy image! Sometimes just an exposed shoulder peeking out from behind the sheets can be really seductive. Also, think outside of the box a little – you don’t have to only wear lingerie. Try a barely-buttoned cardigan with pearls and lacy boyshorts or a sheer, textured (lace) top or dress over a delicate bra and panty set. Be sure to remove those pesky inside tags from inside of your lingerie so they don’t detract from the outfit.

Another idea to get the most out of your boudoir session in regards to wardrobe styling is to bring a cute dress or a pair of jeans with a sexy top to wear as one of your ‘looks’ so you could show off those pictures to anyone, even on your facebook page if you are uncomfortable with showing the ones of you in lingerie to anyone other than your guy. Trust me, you are going to want to show off your images!

If you don’t have the option of keeping the makeup artist or hairstylist around during your shoot and adding on additional different styling options there are a few things you can do on your own to give you more variation in your pictures. Have the hairstylist do your hair in an updo that can easily be taken down later in the shoot. Request that the makeup artist do a light/medium lipstick then you can replace it with your own bright red lipstick towards the end of the shoot.

If your photographer shoots in luxury hotel suites, ask if you can arrange for the hotel yourself. This will give you the whole suite to yourself for the entire night. You will already be dolled up after your photo session and can enjoy a romantic evening with your sweetie afterwards (tell him you got the suite for him without letting him know about the shoot beforehand and then surprise him on a later date with the images from your shoot) or invite your friends over for some glamorous fun!

Hope these ideas for maximizing your boudoir session help you with what should be one of the most amazing experiences of your life…a celebration of you as your most beautiful and confident self! Just remember to do your research and come prepared for lots of fun!

If you are looking for a boudoir photographer in the Las Vegas area check out Stacie’s  website ! She is also a member of the Boudoir Photography Network.

By Jennifer DeVore, Certified Professional Photographer

www.peekromancephotography.com

 Our society is filled with images of beautiful women. They are on TV and film, on billboards, in magazines and on the Internet. Even walking through the mall, you’ll notice sexy photos of models in store windows. They are just about everywhere. The images in the media can be intimidating for some women. The girls on the big screen are gorgeous bombshells that have been primped and preened to perfection by a team of stylists, make-up artists and personal trainers. Sometimes, these perfected images can lead to body image and self-esteem issues as regular girls and women strive to live up to this idea of beauty and perfection. The thing is that every woman has the potential to look just as beautiful and glamorous as the women in media. The opportunity exits through boudoir photography. Boudoir photos can be a fun-filled, pampering experience for any woman, but they also make a great gift for the man in your life.

 What is Boudoir Photography?

 Boudoir is a French word that translates into a woman’s private sitting room, dressing room or bedroom. So, boudoir photography is a private session that reveals a woman’s sensual beauty. With the right photographer, the sessions can be fun and girly, sweet and sexy and depict a little bit about your personality and relationship.

 Boudoir Has Changed

 In the ‘80’s and ‘90’s boudoir photographers gained a reputation for being cheesy and “over the top”. Well, all that has changed! Today, with the right photographer, boudoir photography can be contemporary, classy and fresh. The style now is for images that look like they came from the cover of Vogue or W magazine instead of a men’s magazine. Women are looking for a photographer that can emulate these stylish images and make them look their best. Today’s contemporary photographers are using flattering poses, glamorous and sometimes dramatic lighting as well as hair and make-up artists to offer these images to their clients.

 Who Should Do It?

 Brides are loving boudoir! Brides are looking for a creative and unique gift to give her fiancé on their wedding eve. Imagine the groom’s surprise as he opens a box featuring a classy, stylish album of photographs of a sexy woman as his pre-wedding gift…and that woman is his bride-to-be!

Often though, boudoir clients are single or already married women looking for a confidence boost. For a photographer, there is nothing better than helping a woman rediscover her inner and outer beauty through portraits.

Military wives are also embracing boudoir photography as a way to stay romantically connected to their man serving overseas. Some boudoir photographers may offer military discounts or special packages for wives of deployed servicemen. There can’t be a better way to keep your soldier motivated than with romantic and classy photos of his beautiful wife!

 How Is It Presented?

There are many different ways to package and present boudoir images. Canvas wall portraits for the bedroom or a discreet album are just a few. There are even many different album styles including matted art books and magazine style layout flushmount albums. Some photographers will also offer slideshows as an add-on item.

Body Image

It’s probably safe to say that all women have a part of their body that they wish they could change as well as a few that they love. It is the job of the photographer to highlight each woman’s best features while minimizing her least favorite. With flattering poses and lighting, every woman can look her best and overcome any body image issues while seeing herself in a new way. Every woman deserves to see herself and have her fiancé, husband or loved one see her at her best too.

 Whether you are a size 2 or 20 does not matter. Every woman is beautiful and can capture that beauty and give it as a gift to her man or even herself.

 Modesty

 Each woman and even each photographer has a different comfort level with nudity. Some photographers create fine-art nudes as boudoir; some photographers keep the sessions more modest with less or no nudity. Boudoir photography is an art form and there will be a wide range of styles. Be sure to choose a photographer whose work reflects your style and personality and who you are comfortable with.

Privacy

By federal law, photographers own the rights to any images that they create. However, if you would prefer to keep your images private, a professional will allow you to either opt-in or opt-out of a model release. If you do not want your photographer to use the images on their website, marketing materials or any other use, be sure to check the paperwork before you sign so you can maintain your privacy if you wish.

Having a boudoir photography session is a great way to boost your self-confidence and add some spice to your life. Many women think that having sexy photographs taken is only an option if you are model-thin with a perfect body. However, getting professional images made with the right posing, lighting, and digital retouching should not only be reserved for celebrities. Your photographer will be able to emphasize your best aspects and minimize any areas of your body that are not your favorite. All women can be captured beautifully no matter their age, shape, or size. Getting boudoir photographs done is a great way to feel sexy, celebrate your body, and see yourself in a whole new light.

The motivation behind boudoir photography is to make every woman feel wonderful about herself. Each woman has true beauty inside of her, and it is the photographer’s job to bring it out. Dressing up in cute lingerie outfits and having attention lavished on you can be an excellent way to get in touch with your sexy side.

Loosening up and being in front of the camera, along with viewing the final images will allow you to see yourself in a new way. Looking as stunning as a model will be a huge boost to your self-esteem and after your session you will leave the studio feeling gorgeous and empowered. It is such a fun and liberating experience!

Give yourself the gift of indulgence, starting from professional hair styling and make-up to the lasting memories of fabulous boudoir photos. Many women choose to have boudoir photographs taken just for themselves, or as a surprise for their boyfriends or husbands — it is a great way to ensure that your man remembers you at your sexiest.

Book a boudoir photo session and you too can experience a boost in your own self-confidence.

Erica Tait photographs boudoir sessions regularly in Western Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver), Winnipeg, Toronto, and the greater Washington DC Metropolitan area. For her latest work, please visit http://www.taitboudoir.com/blog

Boudoir doesn’t  have only one look.  There are many different styles  that fall under the catagory of Boudoir, everything from sweet and sexy to the more daring and provocative.    It’s important that you find a photographer you can relate to.  You have to be able to tell them exactly what you want without being shy about it. You don’t want to find out the day of your session that your photographer doesn’t want to do topless or bottomless photos if that is what you are looking for.   I usually come right out and ask my girls if they want any nude shots. If they say yes, I ask them how much they are comfortable showing and how provocative they want to be.  Being a boudoir photographer is a unique profession.

There are also many sub-categories of boudoir: Pin-up, retro, glamour, artistic nudes and even couples sessions, where the couple is photographed interacting in provocative ways.  Guys are  getting into the act with “doudoir” sessions.  Doudoir is not a proper word but one that has been coined to describe a type of shoot.  No one knew what to call this new phenomenon so somebody came up with the obvious, doudoir, and it stuck.  Every photographer is familiar with the term by now. It has managed to find its way into the urban dictionary with this tongue in cheek description:  ;-)

“The male version of ladies boudoir photographic sessions, minus the lace stockings and lingerie (usually). These sessions have little to do with nudity, but more the seductive nature of the masculine form.”

Guys out there that want doudoir photos taken, keep in mind that not all photographers are comfortable shooting these sessions. So when you call or email ask them right up front if they photograph males. Use the term doudoir, they may smile a bit to them selves but they will immediately understand what you are looking for. The photographers might ask a few more questions to make sure it will be a comfortable experience for both parties. Yes we female photographers get some strange requests and we need to make sure you are not one of “those guys”.

 Below are a few examples of the different styles of boudoir.  The first few are pin-up examples by Robert Alvarado, one of my favorite photographers. If you have never seen his work do yourself a favor and look him up on the internet.  Robert isn’t only a talented artist, he is a nice guy too. ; -)

The softer traditional look most associate with boudoir. www.robinowen.com

These photos by Arny Gunn  push the limits of what we would consider boudoir. Yes Arny is right there on the edge but there is definitely a market for his type of work for the more daring client.

I hope this post has answered some of your questions about what boudoir is. Don’t be afraid to talk with photographers about what you are looking for in a shoot. Remember  they usually don’t post their more risqué photos online but that doesn’t mean they don’t shoot them.

Post by: Robin Owen

Critsey Rowe’s Couture Boudoir  workshop information

From about the moment I shrieked ‘Yes!’ as my adoring fiancé got down on one knee, my brain has morphed from sane and reasonably put together to a romanticized mush of incessant wedding planning. Scouring through endless bridal magazines and websites, my first order of duty has been to find the perfect photographer to document our journey into husband and wife. A photographer myself, this has been no easy feat as I have picked apart and cast away every professional photographer out there. I needed someone who was equal parts inventive, professional and friendly, ready to take on and become an integral asset of this momentous event. This is when I stumbled upon Philbrick Photography, hiding somewhere in my heap of magazines. The full-page ad of a bride and groom nestled into a cliff, surrounded by fog and rock, was alluring enough to make me rip out the page and study the image. I loved its composition, idea, color, everything. It was more than a traditional wedding image of some couple; this was a work of art of this couple, and exactly what I was looking for.

After browsing the photographer’s site and confirming this was our guy, we were completely overwhelmed and thrilled at the amount of options that lay before us. Engagement sessions, day after sessions, of course the wedding day… I wanted everything. Perhaps the most enticing session, and I’m sure my fiancé would be quick to agree, was the boudoir session. French for ‘bedroom’, or more specifically ‘a lady’s private bedroom/sitting room’, boudoir photography showcases the female (or male) form in its most sensual state. Because sensuality and sexuality are merely ideas, there are literally no limitations to how one could go about this sort of photography. A must have for our wedding collection, and convenient that my fiancé’s birthday was approaching, I decided to surprise him with a collection of intimate photos of his bride-to-be.

Grabbing my best friend, we hit the most logical place to prepare for the shoot: Victoria’s Secret. Lacy, satiny, frilly, shear, whatever it was I was looking for, I would find everything necessary amongst the tables and racks and drawers of this lingerie paradise. The giant black and white portraits of the impossibly gorgeous models peaked out from every corner of the store, actually inspiring different ideas I wanted for my own glamour shoot.  I don’t think anyone quite does romantic and sexy like Victoria’s Secret, so I began to lock away their photos in my mind as I threw armfuls of underwear into my bag. After some trial and error in the dressing room, I walked out of the mall, two pink striped bags in hand, beaming from my indulgent shopping spree. Keeping this all a secret from my fiancé was torturous- my initial instinct when I arrived home was to prance around in my new collection of bras and underwear, revealing his birthday surprise and getting some immediate satisfaction out of him. Knowing his shock would be worth it in the end, my pink bags resided in obscurity, hidden in the trunk of my car.

As my day grew closer, the photographer and I were constantly emailing back and forth with different ideas we had for the images. I sent him picture after picture of different poses I wanted to try and lighting I wanted to work with, until together we built up the visual vocabulary we would use to acquire the look I wanted. As I stated before, being sexual is completely interpretive, which is why this type of photography is so appealing to me. Nothing is more personal or intimate than what you and your partner deem sexual, so to completely tailor this photo shoot to my liking was very exciting. It was also very important for me to get to know the photographer as much as possible beforehand, simply so I wasn’t showing up at some stranger’s house and whipping my clothing off.

The day of the shoot, I loaded my car up with makeup, hair products, high heels and lingerie, and off I went to sit (or rather lay) in front of a camera all day. Dragging along my best friend for support, we headed out at 6 a.m. for the three-hour ride to New Hampshire. There was no time limit for our day together, so I wanted to make sure I took advantage of every waking hour possible.

When I arrived at the photographer’s house, I was guided upstairs to my own personal dressing room and bathroom. The dressing room was a museum of various props and costumes to cater to virtually any taste out there- masks, corsets and fur coats to name just a few. I slipped into my first outfit, fumbled with the garter and knee-highs for about ten minutes (who really wears those things?), and ascended downstairs to a well-lit living room to begin my day. Nervous for approximately thirty seconds, I was immediately put at ease with the professionalism my photographer maintained and the knowledge about photography he exuded. Having my best friend continually by my side helped immensely, as she was able to help with any wardrobe or hair issues, kept me laughing, and most importantly kept me well fed with grapes all day. Ah, the life of a model.

Throughout the day, the photographer and I collaborated on ideas we had and brought our earlier conversations to life. I never felt posed or awkward; the day was more about him documenting me than it was going through a series of static motions. With each wardrobe change, I was simply instructed to sprawl out on the couch, or stand against a wall, and the photographer would kind of let me do my own thing from there. This worked well for us both, and looking over the images now, I am pleased with how effortless everything looks. My favorites are the ones where he caught me giggling about something off camera; again this is where the best friend came in handy. For anyone out there researching wedding photographers, I really think there is no better way to get to know your photographer than to do a boudoir session. You will learn their personal style, whether it is traditional, photojournalistic or a mix, and I personally think this is more effective than flipping through images set to cheesy music on your computer screen. Can you really go wrong? New underwear, working relationship with the wedding photographer, and best of all an incredibly unique, romantic gift for your significant other. The photos really turned out beautifully; my photographer was flawless in his lighting, composition and post-process of his work. I am very eagerly counting down the days until I can present this to my fiancé… just a bit worried about how I will top this gift in birthdays to come.

10 Ways to Improve Your Boudoir Photography

How to Improve Your Boduoir Photography, an amazing book  for only $10!?   See what others like Stacie Fraizer and Neil van Niekerk are saying about it! Click the link above and get your copy today!

TESTIMONIALS

“Ed Verosky’s book – Ten Ways to Improve Your Boudoir Photography – is a solid introduction to Boudoir Photography. Beautifully illustrated, with so many tips and so much advice, it is a bargain! Boudoir Divas, watch out! There is someone hot on your trail with a great e-Book on Boudoir Photography.” – Neil van NieKerk (Weddings/Portraits Expert)

“If you have an interest in shooting boudoir style photography, then this [10 Ways to Improve Your Boudoir Photography Now] is an absolute must-buy book. With boudoir becoming such a popular trend, many photographers are wanting to learn more, but the only books available on this specialized niche are either outdated or incredibly expensive. Ed’s e-book is within anyone’s budget and offers lots of valuable information. From the beginner to the pro, you are bound to learn something new and find some inspiration from this book.” – Stacie Frazier (Haute Shots™ Boudoir Photography of Las Vegas)

Have you ever wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes of a real boudoir shoot?

Couture Boudoir from imagevideo-austria on Vimeo.

Vintage clothing options for pin-up photo shoots.    www.revampvintage.com