Bringing Sexy Back

The art of the boudoir photo.

By Vané Broussard

Boudoir photography has always confused me...maybe because I'd never be daring enough to do it myself, maybe its the conceived notion of it, who knows!  But after doing some research, it seems like boudoir photography has become more and more popular as gifts for future husbands, and the taboo that was once there is gone.  I figured I'd investigate with one photographer who has built quite a name for herself in the boudoir photo arena...please welcome photographer (and my friend) Robin Roemer.







For me, boudoir had always conjured up images of feather boas, animal print rugs and fake fireplace backdrops. So, when I heard a few years ago that the trend of boudoir photography I had always associated with the 80's was making a comeback, I didn't believe it. As an editorial portrait and wedding photographer, this brand of imagery didn't exactly jive with the style of work I usually did. Around this time I had been asked to shoot a marketing campaign for a lingerie designer in New York.  I based my images around an old black and white photo I had found of my grandmother from when she was younger.  It had that classic and timeless feel that I wanted to convey in my own images. The lingerie shots were simple and soft and I began to use them to illustrate an editorial way of shooting intimate portraits.  As more photographers bring their talent and sophistication to boudoir, this style has evolved into a popular brand of portraiture with a sexy edge.  I renamed the boudoir side of my business Le Cadeau, which means "The Gift" in French.  Whether it's a gift for a significant other or a gift to yourself, at any age and for any body type, it's the confidence booster and out of your comfort zone experience that many women even deem therapeutic. Boudoir, first and foremost, is about feeling beautiful!

Choosing the right photographer for you!
There are many boudoir photographers today with distinctly unique perspectives. This means you get to decide what style suits you best! Check out the boudoir portfolios of a few photographers online, but keep an eye out for heavy unnatural posing or poor lighting, warning signs you should keep searching.  Take note of the feelings each photographer summons in you.  Once you've found someone's work you really connect with, I recommend not just emailing but taking the time to give the photographer a call! Getting to know a photographer over the phone or arranging an in-person meeting can ensure you're feel comfortable around this person. This type of intimate photography requires you connecting with and trusting your photographer.

Photography is an investment.
Great photographs come at a cost.  As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.  Don't expect that everyone who calls themselves a professional photographer have the same technical skills and creative eye.  If you're working within a budget, it is of course more than reasonable to price out different photographers but keep in mind that its better to spend more money on images you'll love than being thrifty and winding up with resulting images you shove under your bed to collect dust.



Preparing for a boudoir shoot.
So you've found your fabulous and comfortable-to-work-with photographer and now it's time for styling. So much of a successful boudoir shoot is styling because your wardrobe as well as your hair and make-up will determine the type of look you get.  If you have an extensive budget and a few hours to shop, I suggest you hire a lingerie personal shopper like Margaret Shrum of "The Lingerie Diet."  Margaret is based out of NYC and Miami and has an extensive history working in the lingerie industry and can help you find the best attire to flatter your body and style.

If there isn't enough room in your boudoir budget for your own personal shopper, I still suggest you get shopping!  When it come to buying sexy underthings, scouring the internet can be a giant waste of time. Go in person so you can try things on and get help from knowledgeable sales attendants. You should feel good in whatever you pick out but even so, you'll have to leave your practical cottons at the door. Think of it like any other kind of outfit for a special occasion.  If you're going to a formal event, you dress up!  If you're spending time and money on a professional photo shoot, even if you are in a state of undress, you should dress it up!  Don't get anything too busy or with too many colors.  Pay attention to how the garment moves.  Find something that is soft and flexible and fits you well.  I had a client once who wore a short silk white robe.  It was a simple but elegant choice! The images are some of my favorite to date.



If you are looking for stores to peruse, here are a few I recommend:

Best chains:
Victoria's Secret: This household name staple has a little something for everyone and the prices are really reasonable for the level of quality.
Agent Provocateur:  It's worth the trip just to see the set up of this store and use their unique dressing rooms!  If you need assistance, look for one of the sales staff wearing flirty 1940's attire.  Agent Provacatuer is funky and full of retro fun with locations in big cities all over the country and the world!

Best boutiques:
Journelle: This small-name boutique in New York City (new store in South Beach opening this November) has beautiful pieces ranging from affordable to pricey and a friendly staff.
Faire Frou-frou:  Los Angeles based shop with girlie flare owned by a mother-daughter team!

Best brand:
Elle MacPherson Intimates: This is a great quality at an affordable price brand.  Check your local stores to see if they carry Elle!

Best in couture:
La Perla: La Perla is so elegant and classic.  You might even spot a celebrity or two!  Check out which of their locations are nearest to you!
Kiki De Montparnasse:  Gorgeous store with stunning garments with locations in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas and Miami.

When in doubt, go simple. A nice long necklace is always fun because it gives you something to do with your hands, but don't worry about buying a million accessories. A cute pair of heels can work in a boudoir shoot, but sometimes barefoot can be the best 'cause it feels the most natural!

Make-up and hair for boudoir
Whether you're trying on a new persona (smoky-eyed seductress maybe?) or you just want to look like you on one of those golden days when you actually got over eight hours of sleep, make-up can add a level of professionalism and a hint of glamor to the boudoir photo shoot.  Even if you are all about au-natural, simple but flawless make-up is a lot harder to achieve than it looks.  If you can afford to, trust your face to a professional.

Unless you're going for dramatic flare or a vintage pin-up feel, make-up and hair styling for boudoir photography should not overpower your natural beauty.  Make-up artist Christina Natale explains why she likes doing make-up for boudoir: "Boudoir is not something that is rushed. It's simplistic beauty. Its about bringing out your pure, natural features."

Its ok to bring images to your make-up artist whether they be from a magazine or printed from a website if you have specific ideas about your look.  Work with someone who has experience doing beauty or wedding make-up.



Secure a comfortable setting
I always suggest to my clients that we do the photo shoot in their own homes. Not only is it nice to have a setting that reflects the person's taste, but more importantly, most people are a lot more comfortable in their underwear if they're in their own bedroom! Other options include classy hotels, some of which can rent you a room for the day, or a studio which works best for pin-up work, as its a bit more contrived and less natural.

The Result
If you are giving boudoir images as a gift, the best part of the experience can often be the resulting reaction!  I use a bag of sexy trickery in my packaging of boudoir prints (my secret!), which has the giftee delightfully confused when they open their gift.  I had a client who gave boudoir prints as a 25 year anniversary present to her husband and he was quite surprised to receive images of his wife looking, as he put it, "as beautiful as the day I married her".

Another very excited groom-to-be emailed me right away:  "Robin! When I told Laura that she is all I want as a wedding present, this is not what I was expecting, but I'm beside myself.  She looks absolutely stunning and sexy! Thank you, thank you!"

I've heard all the skeptics.  I used to be one.  And I've heard all the excuses.  "Give me a few months and I'll be in shape."  "I would do boudoir if I had someone to give the photos to."  I find that many in front of the lens seem to aspire to the same cookie-cutter image of perfection.  I'm lucky to be in a position as a photographer where I can enable women (and men!) to see that they're smokin' hot just the way they are!



I've had twentysomething clients and seventysomething clients, curvy and skinny, men and women, exhibitionists and super-shy introverts. The point of a sexy photograph for me is not to give someone an overly photo-shopped image of someone vaguely reminiscent of themselves, but to photograph someone in their best light.  I pay attention to angles and movement and photograph each person's unique beauty, from a really awesome smile to super-shiny hair that's fun to highlight.

And sometimes all it takes is a nice photograph to renew that innate sense of glamor and sex appeal that boosts your self-confidence. These images are at their best when we use natural light and a familiar setting, great hair and make-up, tasteful and elegant wardrobe .... but the best of the best? A woman being comfortable in her own body. There's nothing sexier.


Robin Roemer is a boudoir and portrait photographer based out of New York City.  Thanks so much for your tips Robin!