Do I Need to Know How to Pose for Boudoir Photos?
Absolutely not.
In fact, I'd be a little concerned if you showed up at your boudoir photoshoot already knowing exactly what to do.
Unless you've spent a lot of time practicing lingerie poses in front of your bedroom mirror, there's a very good chance you have no idea how to pose for boudoir photos.
And that's completely fine. Knowing how to pose is my job.
You don't need modeling experience
Most people who book a boudoir session with me are not professional models.
They're women who want beautiful photographs of themselves.
Maybe you've never had professional photos taken before. Maybe you hate having your picture taken. Maybe the last time someone photographed you professionally, you were wearing a cap and gown at graduation.
You don't need any experience! I will direct you through the entire shoot, from the first pose to the last. And I’ll model most of them for you too so you know exactly what I’m looking for.
I'll tell you where to put your hands, what to do with your legs, where to look, how to position your body and how to move from one pose into the next.
You don't have to think about anything.
But what if I'm really awkward?
Honestly, most people feel awkward at first.
You're standing half-naked in front of a camera while someone tells you to arch your back and look over your shoulder. Of course it feels a little weird.
The trick is that a pose doesn't have to feel natural to photograph naturally. There are lots of tiny adjustments that make a huge difference in a photograph. I might ask you to shift your weight, point your toes, move your chin, turn your shoulders or change the position of your hands.
Those little adjustments can completely change the way an image looks. And I'll guide you through them as we go.
I will not just say, "Okay, pose!"
This is an important one.
If your photographer puts you in front of the camera and says, "Okay, give me sexy," and then waits for you to figure it out...
Run.
You shouldn't have to figure out what your photographer wants from you. During your boudoir session, I'll give you specific direction. Instead of: "Do something sexy." You'll hear something more like:
"Put your hand here. Turn your hips toward me. Now look over your shoulder. Hold that. Perfect."
Much easier. You don't have to be creative on demand while wearing a bra and trying not to fall off a bed.
What if I don't know what looks good on me?
That's also my job.
You see yourself in the mirror from a very limited number of angles. I spend my days looking at people through a camera and understanding how small changes in positioning affect the final photograph.
Sometimes the pose that feels the strangest produces your favorite image. Sometimes something you were convinced would look amazing just... doesn't. That's why we try things.
I'll adjust poses based on your body, your comfort level and the look we're going for. There's no single "perfect boudoir pose" that works for everyone, although almost everyone loves my shot laying on the floor infront of the windows.
Do you teach different poses for different body types?
Yes.
Every body is different, and posing isn't one-size-fits-all.
The way I pose someone with a fuller bust may be different from the way I pose someone with a smaller bust. The way I pose a tall person may be different from someone who's petite.
Your proportions, flexibility, comfort level and the type of image we're creating all influence how I'll direct you.
That's one reason I don't believe you should have to come to a boudoir session with a list of poses you found on Pinterest and expect to recreate every single one.
Bring inspiration if you have it. I love seeing what you like, but let me adapt those ideas to you.
What if I have a specific pose I want?
Absolutely bring it. If you've seen a photograph you love, show me.
Maybe there's a particular pose you've always wanted to try. Maybe you've seen an image on my website that you want to recreate. Maybe you have an idea that's a little outside the box. I'm happy to work with you!
Just keep in mind that what looks great on one person may need to be adjusted for another person's body or flexibility. That's where having an experienced boudoir photographer comes in.
The most important thing you can do
There's really only one thing I need you to bring to your boudoir photoshoot:
Trust me.
You don't need to know how to pose.
You don't need to know which angle is your best.
You don't need to know where to put your hands.
You don't need to know how to move.
And you definitely don't need to spend the night before your session practicing your "come hither" face.
I'll guide you through all of it.
Your only job is to show up, relax, listen to my direction and have some fun.
And if a pose feels uncomfortable, tell me. If you don't like something, we'll change it. If you love something, we'll do more of it.
By the end of your session, you'll probably be much more comfortable in front of the camera than you were when you walked in.
And you'll have a whole gallery of photographs that prove you actually knew what you were doing all along.
Ready to try it?
Backroom Boudoir is a Los Angeles boudoir photography studio serving Los Angeles, LA County and surrounding Southern California areas.
You don't need modeling experience. You don't need to know how to pose. And you don't need to feel confident before you book.
I'll show you what to do.