What is Boudoir, and why should I book a session?

If you are wondering what exactly Boudoir is and why there is a whole style of photography for it, in this article I will summarise the term "Boudoir" and why you should schedule a Boudoir photoshoot!

Boudoir has become a very sought after form of photography that has been recognised as professional art as a way for one to feel empowered by oneself. So what exactly is Boudoir?

the history behind boudoir

Now let me briefly explain the origin behind the name Boudoir as It's important to know some of the history of the word for it to make sense. Well, for starters a Boudoir refers to a woman's dressing room, bedroom or private sitting room where one can feel vulnerable and express their sensuality with ones self, or welcome those intimate with them. The origin behind the word "Boudoir" was derived from the French verb "Bouder" which means pout/sulk. This was first acknowledged back in the late 18th century when upper class women needed a safe space where one could withdraw too and express emotion... to "sulk" if you will.

Now let's fast forward to the early 1920's where Artists like Albert Arthur Allen created masterpieces of elegantly posed naked women exemplifying 1920s beauty standards. During this era any form of nudity in images was illegal as photography was not yet acknowledged as a work of art. This is where the term "Boudoir Photography" First came to light and the nudist art movement was formed. Many photographs were of women in a Boudoir, posed nude or holding/wearing objects against a backdrop. Unfortunately during this time, Boudoir photography was really only appreciated by men as it was stigmatised for its sexual ideas behind the images. This soon lead to our 1940's Illustrations and images of pinup girls where women posed with props such as stockings, corsets, hats and mens ties.

Over the years Boudoir Photography has shifted societal norms and was soon acknowledged as an art form in the 1970's. This is when photography began to carve its way into magazines. Photographs of real women would be published rather than just illustrations which had encouraged Women to express themselves more freely and celebrate their femininity.

why would I book a boudoir photoshoot if it's still taboo?

In recent years, we have created boudoir as a way for women to celebrate their body and what makes them who they are that is beautiful. Despite Boudoir photography being solely for the artistic purpose and expression of female beauty standards, it is still often misunderstood by some as cultural taboo can be hard to shake off. Yet it's becoming increasingly more accepted for the art representation behind boudoir, rather than the stigma and sexual ideas behind it. Many plan to have a photoshoot as a gift for themselves or their partner, but when going into a Boudoir photoshoot you don't just leave with amazing photos, you have opened your mind to accepting yourself and learning to love the body you live in. You gain self confidence, learn what your self worth is, and overall just build the self esteem which helps you acknowledge that you need to love yourself so you can live the life you want to live.

You are doing this for YOU. There are many reasons one would have a Boudoir photoshoot, here I will give you my favourite examples I recommend to my clients!

Examples include:

1. Couples & Bridal

• Your partner loves you no matter what you wear, however imagine the look on their face when they see a collection of photos where you get to show off how sexy you look in that favourite outfit of yours with professional hair and makeup done!
  

• For couples looking to add a saucy collection to your private photo album so you can look back and reminisce decades down the line together!
  

• Use your engagement and lead up to your wedding day to rock your pre wedding body and celebrate your inner goddess!
  

• A perfect wedding or anniversary gift to each other.

2. make it a Girls Day out

Why not make it an event with your wild girlfriends?! Most Boudoir Photographers offer packages where food platters, light refreshments and alcoholic beverages will be on offer as part of the experience. You can all enjoy the fun and games, while each of you take turns at having your time in-front of the camera! You can also have your hair and makeup professionally styled as part of the process. The Ultimate Party gift pre going out partying! This could be for a Bachelorette party or Birthday Celebration!

3. celebrating a milestone

Have you recently reached a part of your life that needs celebrating? Boudoir photography is one of the most empowering experiences you can give yourself where you not only get to take home beautiful photos of yourself, but you learn to love you for who you are, or who you're about to become. What more of a reason do you need other than to celebrate yourself?

summary

All in all Boudoir photographers are here to support you on your self development journey into learning to love yourself. You will never feel 100% ready to do something outside your comfort zone, but we as your Boudoir Photographer will help make that into an experience you will look back on and cherish. Book a session today with your local Boudoir Photographer so you too can feel empowered by yourself!

Located in Canberra, Australia or surrounding region?

Book your session with Olivia Leigh Boudoir today!

Looking for a chance to win a FREE Boudoir Photoshoot here in Canberra?

Follow OliviaLeigh_Boudoir on Instagram, share my profile to your story (don't forget to tag olivialeigh_boudoir in your story) and then tag three friends on my most recent post through Instagram for a chance to win a photoshoot! Example photos of my work below!