Does Boudoir Mean Naked Photography?

Boudoir is more of a theme than a set of rules for photography. The root of “Boudoir” comes from the french verb “Bouder” (to sulk) and later came to be a reference to a woman’s bedroom or dressing room. This was the 18th and 19th century, so perhaps those women were sulking about the restrictive corsets they had to wear. Maybe they were sad about the rapid societal change and horrific working conditions created by the industrial revolution? Most likely it was real sulking about having to choose which suitor they would spend their time with.

You’ll note that many modern boudoir images feature models in various stages of undress, but also in contemplative poses. There are a lot of shots with a mirror, prepping and and posing. Pulling stockings up or lowering a shoulder strap are also classic poses. The states of undress have become a much more defining feature of the photography.

Most people don’t like to focus on images with “sulking”; however, brooding and serious expressions are very desirable and look great on camera. The subdued facial expressions help to really make the imagery pop.

Boudoir can indeed feature nudity. Since the art of boudoir is structured around the theme of a woman’s bedroom and dressing and undressing, real life features nudity. Nudity can superheat a boudoir shoot. The human form is so beautiful and can really rock a shoot.

On the other hand, nudity isn’t a requirement for a boudoir shoot. If the model isn’t comfortable with nudity, there is no reason that a boudoir shoot can’t still be very erotic and sexy.

You should give this a try! I think this is something every woman should do. It’s daring, bold but at the same time extremely empowering.