Boudoir FAQ's

Boudoir FAQ’s

What exactly is Boudoir Photography?

Boudoir photography originates from the French term “boudoir” meaning a woman’s bedroom or private sitting room, which is exactly what we recreate for you in our studio setting. So essentially it is sexy provocative photography of a woman in a bedroom setting. A boudoir session would feature you in a classy rich romantic setting, using a variety of props and various sexy lingerie outfits.

Why Book a Boudoir session?

Boudoir photography sessions are for women who wish to capture their personal beauty and create stunning sexy images for themselves, or for their loved one.

Many of my clients just want to celebrate their sexiness in stunning images, and capture that look for posterity.

Boudoir photography makes the perfect romantic gift for your loved one to share during special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and of course Valentine’s Day.

How old must I be?

You must be 18 years of age and be able to show proof of ID prior to your Photoshoot in order to do a Boudoir Photoshoot..

Who will photograph my boudoir session and be present during the shoot?

I will personally be your photographer.  If you want, you are welcome to bring a fun, outgoing friend to assist during the shoot – somebody whom you have fun with when you party – someone who brings the best out of you, and doesn’t judge you.

Who will see my boudoir photos?

I respect your privacy and handle your photographs with the utmost care and respect. Your privacy is guaranteed. Apart from myself and assistants on set (if any) no-one else will see your images without your consent. Your images will not be posted anywhere without your express written consent. I am very honored and appreciative of my many clients who have given me permission to be featured on my website and in my portfolio.

How do I prepare for my boudoir photography session?

Get a good night sleep before your shoot. Do not wear any tight fitting clothing when you arrive for your shoot. Any elastics, bra straps, belts, etc. will leave crimp marks on your skin. Arrive in a loose fitting gown or robe or anything that will not leave crimp marks in your skin. Eat a light meal before leaving to shoot. Avoid eating greasy foods and drink lots of water in the 24 hours prior to the shoot.

What makeup/hair do you recommend for a boudoir photography session?

I recommend that you use a professional makeup artists as they really understand how to apply makeup specifically to get he best out of you in your photos.  If you are doing your own makeup, apply your makeup as if you are going out to party at night – a touch more pronounced than normal. Do your hair before you leave for the shoot. Wear a button up shirt to avoid messing up the style or smudging any make up.
Be sure to Bring your makeup, or any hair goodies for small touch ups or changes!

What wardrobe should I bring to a boudoir photography session?

I suggest a minimum of 5 outfits, but actually prefer that you bring too much rather than too little. We will mix and match from your selection to create the perfect stylized shot. I recommend that you bring a variety of items such as sexy bra and panty sets, sexy sleep wear, thigh high stocking, bikinis, cocktail dresses, mini skirts, low-rise jeans, cute tops, and plenty of fun jewelry and accessories.  Personalize your shoot and get creative! Bring your boyfriend/ husband’s favorite sports shirt, work shirt & tie, or surprise him with that sexy nurse outfit he loves on you! Have all of your outfits clean, ironed, and packed so you’re ready to go. Arrive with your wardrobe in a roll-aboard suitcase and on hangers – I have a clothes rack and wardrobe area for you.

Are there any limits on what you shoot?

ABSOLUTELY! I will photograph lingerie, implied nude, semi- nude. Our style and photography is very beautiful and tasteful. I do not shoot explicit or adult content. I feel the female form should be worshiped and adored and I seek to flatter and complement the female form at every opportunity, providing you, my client, with images that you will treasure for life and show with pride.


I would love to be photographed in my own bedroom. Can you photograph me in my own house / bedroom / boudoir setting?

Yes I can, with pleasure. I do have an small additional charge for this as I need to transport equipment and spend time setting up lighting in your home, plus knock it down and pack it away at the end of the shoot. 

I have wanted to do this for so long, but I am so very nervous…

Absolutely everyone doing a boudoir photography session feels a little nervous, and yet excited prior to their photoshoot. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes for you to warm up in the beginning and before you know it you will be having a blast! By the end of the session I always hear from our clients “It was so easy and I had so much fun doing it! I wished I had done this years ago!”

But I don’t have a model’s body and I have obvious flaws…

 You don’t need the “perfect body” to look absolutely amazing in your photographs. It is my job is to bring out your best features, whether it’s your eyes, smile, or your beautiful long legs, and pose you just the right way. I am skilled at artfully draping the satin sheets, and carefully choosing the right wardrobe to complement your look.

Additionally I carefully place and adjust our studio lights to highlight your assets and diminish your weaknesses. And once these stunningly created images are captured, in our editing studio I take great care to enhance the overall image using tasteful and creative retouching and air brushing of your images, and ultimately you are assured of looking way more stunning in your images than you had ever imagined. Your partner will love this new sexy side of you!

I’m not a model and don’t know how to pose…

I will work with you advising you on how to move and posing you to accentuate your best features. It always helps to tear out images that you like or would like to recreate. We suggest practicing in the mirror and browsing through some of your favorite magazines to help you prepare. Searching the internet and bringing in magazine tear sheets will help us get a feel for the style and type of photography that you like best. I will do my best to recreate the images that you like.

If I have not answered all of your questions please feel free to contact me!
melissadepape@shaw.ca