Can Someone Like Me Pull Off the Boudoir Look?

Do you have trepidation about a boudoir shoot because you don't feel like you're good enough? One question that keeps coming up is whether someone can pull off the boudoir look if they don't have a swimsuit-model-perfect body. I see women of all shapes and sizes. I've shot people who are just starting to feel comfortable in their own skin again after having kids, and I've shot extremely fit girls who work out three times a week. All of them can pull off boudoir beautifully because it's not about looking like someone else!

I remember my first boudoir photo session. I'm definitely not a swimsuit model. I'm just a regular person with clothes on, but with the right pose and the right angles my body looks much better than it does in everyday life. Not only can you pull off boudoir if you're not perfect, you'll also have fun putting together outfits that make your body look its best!

The main thing is just to embrace who you are. You'll be surprised by the result: no two boudoir shoots I've done have been alike, even when they're for the same person. What's more important than how your body looks is looking at your own body in new ways. A boudoir session will show you some interesting things about yourself: you might never have realized before that you look sexy in a certain outfit or underneath your arms are gorgeous!

I'm kind of tall, so I love to show off my legs. So if you have something--like a killer body part--that you're proud of, flaunt it! The trick is making it look like it's easy for you. Don't be shy about what makes your body different from someone else's; talk to the photographer beforehand and figure out how best to showcase all your assets.

For example, if you're short and curvy the boudoir look is all about putting focus on your neckline. You can do that by wearing something that creates a v-neck or by getting your hair out of the way. Or maybe just wear it up!

You can also take off more clothes to make yourself look taller. Wear heels. I once shot someone who said "I never wear heels because then I look even shorter" but with proper makeup she looked great in them and totally changed her mind.

All of these are technical aspects that you don't have to worry about when shooting boudoir, but think about what makes you comfortable and how to showcase your strengths before your session starts. And remember: there's no right way to look boudoir-ready, everyone has their own style.

I wouldn't, however, suggest getting into shape to do a boudoir shoot. I have done shoots for girls who asked me if they should lose weight or go on a diet for the shoot; my answer is always no! You don't need to lose any of your curves in order to be sexy. If you're genuinely unhappy with something about your body, then by all means change it: work out so you can feel strong and confident, not just for the sake of doing boudoir. The one time someone did book a session with me as motivation to get fit was not an enjoyable experience; she was worried about her "behind" and acted like she couldn't wait to get in front of the camera so we could get the shoot over with.

All of this is to say that you shouldn't let your self-confidence be limited by what you think is sexy or beautiful. Your boudoir session will show you how beautiful and confident you are, so don't worry about whether someone else thinks a particular part of your body looks good enough for boudoir! You're worth it, and just because a magazine says only the skinniest girls can look great in boudoir doesn't make it true.

And remember: there's no right way to look boudoir-ready, everyone has their own style. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to fun and glamorous outfits. After my own boudoir session, I felt great about my body and the way it looks. It was a fun experience that helped me feel sexy and love my look!