Photographer's Tips for Sexy Boudoir Photographs

A fellow photographer asked me why the nude images he was taking of models weren't selling. What was wrong with them? After looking at several examples and talking with him I realized that he believed that since the woman was beautiful he just had to take the picture and they would be sexy automatically. They were boring almost clinical looking pictures of naked, albeit beautiful, women. The opposite side of this problem is the photographer or model that thinks an image needs to be graphic or explicit to be sexy. There is a fine balance between not doing enough and trying too hard. Boudoir photography is all about looking effortlessly sexy and feminine.

These 5 tips should help you find that balance when posing your boudoir clients.

1. Expression

Take a look in any men's magazine. The models are making eye contact. And they aren't staring blankly into the camera lens! Have your model tilt her chin down a touch or shoot from a slightly higher angle to open up her eyes and ask her to give her best "come hither" expression. Slightly parted lips can be sexy. But don't discount smiles. Men love to see their girl smiling, especially if they are the one making her smile.

2. Wardrobe

This one isn't as tricky as it sounds. Remember you don't have to have fancy lingerie or costumes. It can be as simple as a pair of panties or his shirt and tie. It can even just be jeans and a soft sweater. Don't make your model feel like she needs to show everything to be sexy. In fact, in my studio I don't shoot nudity. I feel implied nudity is far more sensual and mysterious. Showing a glimpse of skin can be more exciting than you may think. However, if your client does want nude images, keep it classy. Boudoir photography is not pornography. Keep in mind that your images should showcase her femininity and the graceful lines of her body.

3. Lighting

There are many different ways of lighting your model. They can all be effective if used correctly. Window lighting can give a candid (almost voyeuristic) feeling. It's intimate and beautiful. But it can create harsh shadows. So have a reflector handy. Studio lighting can be used many different ways from moody and dark to light and airy. Light can be used to highlight features you want to show off and disguise areas your model may not love.

4. Posing

Good solid posing skills to flatter your model are a great place to start. To add sex appeal you will want to pay attention to the details. What are her hands doing? They can add interest to the image by having her play with straps or pieces of her clothing. Pose her to look as if she is adjusting her stockings or bra straps or as if she is taking her clothes off or pulling her jeans or panties down. She can also put her hands in her hair or fingers near her lips. Just make sure these poses don't look too forced or cheesy. Feet can also make a difference. Have her point her toes or cross her ankles. Never pose your model with her feet flat on the ground whether she is sitting, standing or even laying down with her knees bent. Point those toes.

5. Attitude

Confidence is sexy. I have a quote on my blog by Sophia Loren that says, "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." It's true. If your model is uncomfortable or self-conscious it will show in her pictures. It is your job as a photographer to make her feel comfortable and let her know how stunning she is and how her photos are going to look very sexy. Never tell her she is doing something wrong and never criticize her, especially her body or how she is posing. Be patient. It will pay off when she sees her finished images and is excited about them.