What Is Boudoir Photography? And Why Should You Try It?

In partnership with Rock Photography

While many of us have heard of boudoir, we may not really know what it is. And there's a lot of hype out there that can make you wary of exploring it further. So we met with Jodie from Rock Photography to find out what boudoir photography actually is and to dispel some of the myths that surround it.

It turns out a boudoir photoshoot is about so much more than the beautiful, intimate images that are the end product. It’s an experience that is designed to enable women - and men - to celebrate their beauty and strength by capturing a moment in time, leaving you feeling empowered and self confident.

Jodie shared insights into what a session looks like, giving behind the scenes tips and information on protocols and privacy. We've also got feedback from local women who were happy to share how they felt when they had a boudoir photoshoot. 

 

Image credit: Rock Photography

 

Dispelling The Myths.

Sometimes the best way to describe something is to start with what it’s not, so let’s dive straight in and dispel the common myths that surround a boudoir photoshoot. Boudoir is not exhibitionism and a boudoir session is not the same as a glamour shoot. The photos are not soft porn, they’re not naked imagery and they’re not for public consumption - unless you want them to be.

 

So What Is Boudoir Photography?

It’s an intimate photoshoot that captures sensual moments in a private session with just you and your photographer present, where you remain completely in control. It takes place in a comfortable and safe environment, typically a bedroom setting, which of course is where the word 'boudoir' comes from - originating in 18th century France, a boudoir was a safe and often luxurious space where women would retreat to when they wanted privacy, typically to dress or to sleep, or sometimes to enjoy the company of a friend or lover without interruptions or prying eyes. But don't get too distracted by the boudoir connotations - a boudoir photoshoot is so much more than a bedroom setting and lingerie! 

 

‘I had such a fun time on my photoshoot - Jodie was so supportive and made me feel comfortable the whole time. The experience was very empowering, and by the end I felt really good in my own skin. I fully recommend a boudoir shoot with Jodie - while the photos are of course the main event, the experience itself is fantastic!’

 

Image credit: Rock Photography

 

It’s A Celebration.

A boudoir photoshoot is, quite simply, a celebration of you! Whether you’re looking to commemorate a milestone event in your life or capture a special moment in time, the session is a unique experience that celebrates your confidence, your strength and your beauty. Some people choose to use the session to create a special gift for their partner, whilst others simply want to embrace their femininity. Whatever the reason or occasion, it's an opportunity to invest in yourself. It doesn’t have to be about anyone else - you are worth it. You'll gain so much from the experience and it's up to you to choose what you do with the pictures afterwards. You don’t have to put them on public display in your home - unless you want to, of course!

 

It’s All About Confidence.

It tends to be mainly women who sign up for boudoir but whatever your gender, a photoshoot is an empowering way to step out of your comfort zone and embark on a journey of self discovery.  It’s a safe way to embrace your body and let your individuality and unique beauty shine through. With the right photographer, a boudoir session can help you to feel more positive about your body image and more self confident. It is ultimately about so much more than the photos. It's an expression of self love that can help you to achieve a new level of acceptance of who you are, how you look, how you feel and how you express yourself. 

‘After doing multiple shoots, I have found a photographer that makes me feel so at ease and comfortable. Jodie always gives me the self love boost I need in these shoots. With the final images always coming out even better than expected!’

 

It’s A Private Experience.

Privacy and intimacy were key reasons for women having a boudoir back in 18th century France and both of these factors remain key components of a modern day boudoir session. It's a private appointment, where you set the boundaries have control throughout. Your photographer will talk you through the experience in advance, explaining what to expect on the day. They should also provide details upfront of how your images will be stored and reproduced after the session.

Jodie explained the steps she takes behind the scenes to ensure that any shots she takes will only be viewed by you - unless of course, you choose to share them. She has extensive protocols in place to ensure that your images are secure, with password protection at every level, and strict guidelines to prevent unauthorised access - she even has a separate hard drive for her Boudoir imagery to ensure it’s kept separate from her other work and her personal files. Her Boudoir social media comprises private groups, with checks and balances in place to make sure that only authentic followers have access to the imagery she shares - and nothing will be shared without your permission. And any Boudoir photos that are printed are sent off island and processed by a trusted business partner to prevent accidental exposure of your imagery to a friend of a friend who might know you - this is Guernsey after all! 

 

‘I absolutely loved working with Jodie. I have done boudoir before but this shoot was completely different. Jodie made me feel so comfortable even down to having a coffee and chat about life before the shoot day and the morning of. Thought this was lovely as we got to know each other a bit before my clothes came off! I would recommend her to anyone wanting to give it a go as the experience (and photos) could not have been better.’

 

Image credit: Rock Photography

 

It’s Whatever You Want It To Be. 

The session is yours, so what you wear and how you position yourself is absolutely your choice. Your photographer will provide styling guidance and will suggest poses and angles to enhance the session, but ultimately it’s all about you and you need to feel comfortable with the way things progress. Some people start off wearing a shirt or t-shirt, and move on from there to more revealing underwear shots. 

Jodie advises that since these are timeless photos, don’t go too wild on something that isn’t normally your go-to. Never worn red lipstick? Maybe don’t wear it the entire photoshoot. By all means bring it if you want to try it out, but you can do those photos last in case you don’t like the look. Same with hair. If you always wear it straight and down, but want to try a messy bun, give it a trial run beforehand to make sure you really like the look.

 

‘I had always debated having a photo shoot like this but never went for it, so when I saw Jodie posting some great photos of other gorgeous women doing them, I thought ‘why not?’ Jodie is a fabulous photographer - she made me feel comfortable and gave amazing compliments which helped me feel so at ease. It’s such a confidence boost to see all the final images. She doesn’t push you into anything and is always asking for your thoughts. If you ever debated doing it, go for it and message Jodie!’

 

Image credit: Rock Photography

 

So What Are You Waiting For?

If you would like to book a boudoir photoshoot or want to find out more you can contact Jodie here. She'll be happy to answer any of your questions and talk you through the process. 

 

About Rock Photography...

Born and raised in Guernsey, local girl Jodie (aka Jode - only her mum and the team here at The List call her Jodie!) had a keen interest in photography for years before taking the leap in 2021 and founding Rock Photography. Married with a little boy, Jodie has a busy life, which includes 'an unhealthy obsession with watching Friends' and a love of music, singing and playing saxophine and the flute. 

Jodie is passionate about making you feel comfortable with her as your photographer, whatever the occasion, so she will be her authentic self with you in any communications and in person. Her services include weddings, maternity and newborn shoots, portraits of both humans and doggies, photos for your business and, of course, boudoir sessions.