Three Tips Planning A Boudoir Session

This is definitely different than my normal couples + wedding sessions but there are times I just need to get my creativity out. I have had the idea of a bohemian boudoir session outdoor somewhere in an open field for months. As Rain and I were planning her session I gave her some Pinterest inspiration that I had for a bohemian boudoir session outdoors. She totally took my ideas and made them come to life. She showed up to our session with a soccer bag full of outfits and was ready to make some magic.

I had been tossing the idea back and forth whether or not I should blog this session due to boudoir sometimes having the wrong connotation. I wanted to break the mold of boudoir with this bohemian boudoir session. My final decision in blogging this bohemian boudoir was the response I got from Instagram . I got so many messages about my thought process planning this bohemian boudoir session and how I made Rain feel comfortable throughout the session. I thought what a better platform than my own blog to break the mold of a “traditional” wedding photographer and normalize boudoir.

Location, Outfit, Strike A Pose. 

1. Location: I had the vision of a bohemian boudoir session that was carefree and whimsical. I chose this wild land area in the hills of Temecula because of the range it offers. Plus it is off the beaten path so my client would feel comfortable. I also love the texture all the blonde grass, dried wild flowers, and trees offer to the images.
2. Outfits: My client showed up with probably 6+ outfits and I narrowed it down to 3 plus fully nude. My client was great at picking pieces that fit my vision from the references I showed her. I decided on the final outfits on how they would coordinate with the location, how well they would move, and how the colors would pop against the backdrop. I choose the skirt, for example, because of the movement it offered to the final product. They are considered “un-traditional” outfits for boudoir but I wanted to break the mold. Boudoir doesn’t always have to mean lingerie or bedroom. You can be sexy and sensual while also being fully clothed.
3. Poses: This question is a little more difficult to answer. My posing style is much different than other photographer’s. I typically lead my clients with directives and give them something to do.  Here are some general tips I use for posing. I will be creating a blog post in the future specifically for posing:
   • Give them something to do. If I am not asking them to do a movement, I will ask them to think of something that evokes genuine emotion from them.
   • When my client is doing something I love, I let them know and will ask them to hold it or re-do it for me.
   • If a prompt isn’t working or if something needs to be altered, I will usually try the prompt again and ask them specifically to change something.
     • An example would be: “I want you to walk towards me. Okay. I am loving that! This time as your walking towards me, I want you to play with your hair.”

Another question I got several times was how did I make my client comfortable. This one is huge not just for boudoir but for all my sessions. My sessions are interactive and evoke emotions. My clients must feel comfortable with me. I asked my client, Rain, what exactly made her feel comfortable and her response was: “you were very personable and you helped with posing. You are just a super easy person to talk to in general!” *Insert blushing smile face here*. I communicate with my clients every step of the way planning their session so by the time their session comes it feels like we already know each other. Also, during their session, I am asking them questions about themselves. I honestly believe it comes down to communication. I discussed my ideas with Rain beforehand. We were on the same page with what my expectations were and I respected Rain’s comfort level.

Things this session taught me: Embrace the unexpected. Be spontaneous. Think outside the box.

Kyrsten Ashlay Photography is a Dallas Based Destination Wedding Photographer specializing in romantic, genuine, raw imagery for wildly in love couples.  You can also visit my website for more Dallas weddings! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day in Dallas or  the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, I’d love to hear from you! Or have you seen enough and want to book this DFW Wedding Photographer for your upcoming wedding or event?! Send me a note and let me treat you to coffee – can’t wait to connect!