What is Boudoir Photography?

When asked where does the term “boudoir ” come from most people refer to the word bedroom, as it is often said that boudoir is French for bedroom.  In fact this is only partly true, the origins of the word stem back from the word “pout” or “sulk”.   It is said that when a lady needed to sulk or pout she should go to her private room or bedroom which was then referred as her “pouting room” or “sulking place”.

Boudoir photography is nothing knew and it has its roots in history that goes back hundreds, maybe thousands of years.  If you were to look back in history there has always been tastefully done paintings of women is various states of undress.   Almost all of the old master painters admired the human form and tried to depict that on canvas in flattering detail.  These paintings were usually commissioned work and hence were expensive, luxury gifts for the very wealthy and these paintings are still prized possessions today.   Many years ago I used to live in Paris and like many new visitors to that wonderful city I would frequently spend time visiting the amazing Louvre Museum viewing as many of these old masters as time allowed. 

With the invention of the camera, the photographic process and then mass production printing, photographs and pictures of women in various states of undress became more widely available.   The ‘pinups’ girls have been around since the early 1900′s and as the century evolved the photographs became more risqué.  By the 1950s, models were posing in skimpier clothing, smaller bathing suits, lacy lingerie or partially nude.  During the major wars of the century, World War II, the Korean War and of course the Vietnam War it was not un common for solders to receive pinup photographs of their wives or girlfriends to remind them of their loved ones back at home. 

Today boudoir photography is about creating beautiful, intimate, tasteful and empowering fine art photographs.  Boudoir photographs allow you to express your sensuality, your sexuality, your beauty and most importantly your individuality.  Although these photographs are often taken with clients in lingerie or partially nude, boudoir photography is all about attitude and very little to do with your clothing, your figure or your age.

If you are interested in learning more and possibly joining us for your own boudoir session come and check us out.