If you’re a photographer looking to explore the boudoir genre, you’re in the right place. Boudoir is more than just taking pictures. It’s about empowerment, confidence, and capturing raw, beautiful emotion.
It can feel a little intimidating at first, right? How do you make someone feel comfortable? What poses work best? How do you get that dreamy lighting?
Well, we went straight to the pros, talked to photographers who live and breathe boudoir, and pulled together their absolute best boudoir photo tips and tricks. So, get ready to elevate your boudoir game!
Tip #1 By Elizabeth Okoh
“How I make my clients look and feel more confident in their photos: Once they’re in the pose I’ve guided them into, I tell them to raise their chin up a little.
This raises their eyes above normal eye level, showing a glint in their eye and defiance which translates to confidence in the image and improves how they see themselves.
This is how I get so many people say – everyone on your page looks so confident, I wish I could feel the same!”
Check out more of Elizabeth’s work here: Elizabeth Okoh
Tip #2 By Siorna Ashby
“Before you start posing, try this: ask your client how they want to feel in the photo. Not how they want to look.
How they want to feel. Strong? Soft? Bold? Playful? It sounds simple, but it changes everything. That one question builds trust, shifts the power dynamic, and leads to images that feel real, not just posed.
Not really a hack. Just respect. It’s worked better than any lens or lighting trick I’ve ever tried.”
Check out more of Siorna’s work here: Siorna Ashby
Tip #3 By Kate Kirkman
“Don’t aim to be sexy—aim to feel something: The most powerful images don’t come from trying to look a certain way, but from allowing yourself to feel.
Whether it’s strength, softness, joy, or vulnerability, emotion brings authenticity to the frame.
When you connect to a feeling, your body responds naturally—your eyes, your hands, your posture all shift. That’s when the magic happens, and the images feel real and not forced.”
Check out more of Kate’s work here: Kate Kirkman | Instagram
Tip #4 By Nomi Ellenson
“Leading with connection: Making my clients feel safe and seen in the studio starts from the very first inquiry and continues through to the delivery of their images.
I always send a pre-session questionnaire that asks about their story, intentions for the session, and even their favorite music.
Referencing their answers helps the session flow naturally and ensures the experience—and the final photos—feel deeply personal and meaningful.”
Check out more of Nomi’s work here: Nomi Ellenson | Instagram
Tip #5 By Charles Mitri
“Pretend you’re someone else: When a client lacks confidence or is self-conscious about how they look, it will show in their images.
One trick I use that works like magic is I ask them to think of an actress, pop star, or model they idolize or admire. Let’s say they pick Kendall Jenner.
I then tell them I want them to pretend they’re Kendall Jenner. And say, “Okay, I want you to show me how Kendall Jenner would pose for this shot.” When you give women the freedom to pretend to be someone else, they’ll embody that person’s confidence, and you’ll see them transform before your eyes.”
Check out more of Charles’s work here: Charles Mitri
Tip #6 By Juliette & Fanny
“Customer service: Guide your model from head to toe and keep a light hearted tone. In our case, we are the first ever photography experience for our boudoir client.
Stepping in front of a lens for any occasion is already intimidating, but boudoir is even more vulnerable. People need kindness, encouragement, and definitely not to be left alone in front of the camera without direction.
We guarantee that their self-consciousness will skyrocket if so. Even if you aren’t sure about what your next idea will be, you have to constantly give posing prompts and encouragement. It could be as simple as correcting a posture.”
Check out more of their work here: Scandaleuse Photography
Tip #7 By Rob Anderman
“One of my favourite techniques is to sometimes ask my subject to turn their upper body away from the light source but turn their face slightly toward it.
This gives a softly illuminated face but importantly makes some shadow fall on the body, this contrast of light revealing shape and curves, creating a dymaic and beautiful shot.
In boudoir as in lots of photography, shadows are as crucial as light in producing an engaging image.”
Check out more of Rob’s work here: Rob Anderman | Instagram
Tip #8 By Evgenia Ribinik
“Lingerie is optional. Intention is not. Forget the outfit — focus on how she feels in it. Some of my most impactful boudoir images were taken in oversized blazers or simple sheets.
The power doesn’t come from the lace — it comes from the story she’s telling. A woman styled with confidence and photographed with purpose will always look beautiful, no matter what she’s wearing (or not wearing). The styling should highlight who she is, not distract from it.”
Check out more of Evgenia’s work here: Evgenia Ribinik | Instagram
Tip #9 By Stephanie Saujon
“My #1 trick for getting clients to look effortlessly relaxed and sexy is simple: have them breathe.
I always guide my clients to take slow, deep breaths — and to breathe through their mouths. This instantly makes them look more connected, grounded, and (bonus) way more sultry. It softens the face, relaxes the jaw, and gives the lips that slightly parted, come-hither look.
Trust me, it works every damn time.”
Check out more of Stephanie’s work here: Stephanie Saujon | Instagram
Tip #10 By Lauren Alexandra
“Posing with regard to hands is very important. No one knows what to do with their hands when they’re in front of a camera; it’s like we forget they exist! Poses and prompts that involve moving the hands or giving them a purpose help clients maintain a more natural hand position.
Have them put their hands in their hair, slowly touch from their face down to their thighs repeatedly, scrunch the fabric of their outfit, play with a strap in their lingerie or a bow on their underwear—there are so many things to do with hands to help them look natural!”
Check out more of Lauren’s work here: Lauren Alexandra | Instagram
Tip #11 By Jarrett Timmons
“Direct the vibe, not just the pose: Instead of micromanaging every arm and leg, guide your client emotionally. Say things like “think ‘I’m in control and I know it.’” or “imagine you’re waiting for someone who drives you wild.”
When the mood is right, the pose flows naturally; it shows up in the eyes, the hands, the breath. (Sometimes people crack up, but if you’re serious, they will be too.)
What’s more, I really believe in practicing the poses yourself. Get in front of a mirror, or better yet, do a self-shoot. If it doesn’t feel spicy to you, it probably won’t translate on camera either.”
Check out more of Jarrett’s work here: Jarrett Timmons
Tip #12 By Ayla Quellhorst
“Use Your Voice Like a Director, Not Just a Photographer: Your tone of voice is one of your strongest tools—and most photographers overlook it. If I want sultry softness, I drop my voice low and speak slowly.
If I want power and boldness, I get sharper, more playful, more direct. Clients mirror your energy, so shifting your tone mid-session can instantly change the mood of the image—without changing the pose. You’re not just giving direction; you’re shaping the emotion they feel in their body.”
Check out more of Ayla’s work here: Ayla Quellhorst
Tip #13 By Rodney Pedroza
“Guiding Clients Toward Freedom (Not Just Poses): As boudoir photographers, we’re not just capturing images—we’re facilitating a transformational experience. And one of the most powerful gifts we can give our clients isn’t just beautiful photos, but freedom.
Not freedom for them—freedom from themselves. At first glance, this might sound philosophical, but its impact on your sessions is practical and profound.”
Why This Mindset Changes Everything
Many clients arrive with insecurities, seeking validation through the lens. But our job isn’t
to give them confidence—it’s to help them recognize it was there all along.
- The Myth of “Flaws”: Clients fixate on perceived imperfections (weight, wrinkles,
etc.). Your role? Reframe the narrative. Use lighting, posing, and words to highlight
their strength, not “fixes.” - The Mirror Exercise: Before the shoot, encourage clients to stand in front of a
mirror, meet their own gaze, and say, “Thank you. I love you.” This isn’t fluff—it
dissolves self-judgment, making your job easier. - Language Matters: Swap “You look great!” (external validation) for “How do you
feel?” (internal awareness). The shift is subtle but seismic.
The Technical Meets the Emotional
Your lighting, composition, and direction should serve one goal: making the client feel seen.
- Posing: Avoid “hiding” flaws. Instead, guide clients into poses that feel natural to
them—authenticity translates to power. - Lighting: Use shadows sculpturally, not just to “slim.” Soft light caresses; hard light
dramatizes. Choose with intention. - The Decisive Moment: The shot where a client forgets to self-criticize? That’s the
keeper. Watch for laughter, exhales, unguarded glances.
The Real Work Happens Before the Shoot
- Pre-Session Consultations: Dig deeper than “What’s your vision?” Ask, “What do
you want to feel when you see these photos?” - Trust Over Tricks: No amount of retouching replaces the confidence forged when a
client truly believes in their own beauty.
The Reward
When clients see their photos and react not with “Do I look okay?” but with “That’s me?”—
you’ve done more than take a photo. You’ve held up a mirror to their wholeness.
And that’s the magic we’re really chasing.
Check out more of Rodney’s work here: Rodney Pedroza | Instagram
