What are boudoir pictures?

You’ve probably heard of boudoir photography before, but you may not be clear on the details. You have a feeling that it’s vaguely sexual in nature, but you don’t know anything else about it.

Or perhaps you understand what boudoir photography is, but you feel like it’s something you could never do in a million years. After all, you’re no model, and your body has seen better days — right?

Wrong!

I’d like to explain exactly what boudoir photography is, including a brief history of how it came about. And then I’ll let you know what and who boudoir photography is for and why booking a session might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Table of Contents

• What Is Boudoir Photography, Anyway?
• What Is the Point of Boudoir Photography?
• Who Is Boudoir Photography For?
• What Boudoir Photography Is Not
• What Is Boudoir Photography to You? Make Your NYC Boudoir Photography Dreams Come True With Evgenia Ribinik

What Is Boudoir Photography, Anyway?

Boudoir is a French word and traditionally refers to a woman’s private sitting room or bedroom. These days, it not only means a sacred and sensual space, but also an increasingly-popular style of photography.

Boudoir photography is an intimate experience meant to capture your true self, either in sensual lingerie or even nude. It’s telling your story in front of the camera without a bunch of props to hide behind.

The simplest definition of boudoir photography is taking pictures of a woman in a bedroom or bedroom-like setting. But it’s so much more than that.

It’s a way to celebrate sensuality, special occasions, and anything else you may want to commemorate with beautiful and powerful photos.

When and How Did Boudoir Photography Become a Thing?

Most people agree that the origins of modern boudoir photography began in the 1920s when artists such as American Albert Arthur Allen began a more widespread practice of photographing women in the nude (despite it being illegal at the time).

While many frowned upon this practice and saw it as smut, Allen and others knew they were creating masterpieces that celebrated the female form.

The 1940s ushered in World War 2 and the era of pin-up girls like Betty Grable. These photographs were more accepted and seen as a way to provide some cheer for the troops overseas. 

In the 1970s, as photography became a more popular art form, pictures of women became more prevalent in popular culture and the idea of boudoir photography began to gain acceptance. But there were still those who viewed it as a form of pornography.

Since then, public opinion has gradually changed, and in the last decade specifically, the popularity of boudoir photography has exploded.

What Is the Point of Boudoir Photography?

Yes, you’ll come away from a boudoir photography session with gorgeous images that you’ll get to keep for a lifetime. But that’s not the whole point. It’s more of an experience to help you feel good.

As women, we can often be critical of ourselves and may hide behind layers to portray ourselves as something someone else expects us to be. Boudoir photography strips the layers away and offers the opportunity to get in front of a camera and be the real you. 

A great professional photographer will help you see that you are remarkable. Everyone has beauty in them, you just have to show it — and I know exactly how to bring it out of you. 

You’ll feel amazing by the end of the session, and when you see the images you’ll know how other people see you as well. That’s just part of what makes boudoir photography so worth it.

Boudoir photography is a way to conquer:

• Body positivity
• Empowerment; and
• Getting out of your comfort zone

 

You’ll see the photos and realize (if you haven’t already) that you’re amazing and strong. You’re still standing, no matter what you and your body have been through.

Let’s get into some of the specific reasons people choose to book a boudoir photography session.

Boost Your Self-Confidence

Many things happen in life that can make us feel bad about ourselves. Maybe you’ve just gone through a breakup, lost your job, or experienced some other sort of trauma. For anything that brings you down, boudoir photography can help lift you back up.

Experiencing the way you can pose and move in front of the camera and seeing those images come to life will help you understand what a confident and special creature you are.

Commemorate a Significant Life Event

I have lots of clients who book boudoir photography sessions to mark a big event in their lives. Whether you are …

• Getting married
• Getting divorced
• Graduating from college
• Recovering from a disease or surgery
• Expecting a baby; or
• Mourning a loss

 

… boudoir is a great way to make the most of every circumstance and to help you feel in control of any life event.

Even if your reason for doing the shoot starts as a negative one, my ultimate goal is to give you a positive experience. I want you to walk away knowing that you can conquer any situation and say, “I’m truly amazing, and here are the images to prove it.”

Enhance Your Romantic Relationship

Do you feel like your love life needs a little boost? A sexy photoshoot could be just the thing to get you going.

Whether you’re having the photos done as a gift for your partner or to help find your own sensuality, boudoir photography can help take things to the next level.

Celebrate Motherhood

Whether it’s your pregnant body or your postpartum body, celebrating making a human is a great thing. When you take maternity or postpartum boudoir photos, you’re showcasing the true power of your own body.

Boudoir is the perfect way to capture and remember this special time in your life.

Feel Empowered

Feeling sexy? Own it! There’s no one better than yourself to help you feel empowered and confident. Boudoir is the best way to see yourself the way others see you.

Who Is Boudoir Photography For?

I can’t think of anyone that boudoir photography is not for, but let’s look at some of the specific categories of clients I shoot.

Brides and Bridal Parties

Bridal party boudoir is a fantastic and fun way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with your closest friends while creating everlasting memories and documenting your beauty at a specific point in time.

Some brides choose to book these sessions as part of a bachelorette weekend and then present their girlfriends with keepsake photos as bridesmaids’ gifts.

Make sure you get some solo shots to gift your betrothed on your wedding day and get him excited for the wedding night!

Couples

You may not have even known that couples boudoir is a thing. This exciting way to commemorate your love is a great approach to capturing the intimate connection between you and your partner.

LGBTQ+

When most people think of boudoir photography, they probably picture a heterosexual, cisgender woman in front of the camera. And while that’s a lot of what I do, it’s not all of it.

These sessions are for everyone. Whether you’re a gay couple celebrating your love, a drag queen celebrating your fierceness, or a gender-neutral person celebrating the true nature of who you are, your photos will be stunning.

Cancer Survivors

Beating cancer is a hard-fought battle, and it’s something to be celebrated. Many survivors of cancer and other diseases book boudoir photography sessions to show how they made it to the other side.

One of my clients survived thyroid cancer, then found out she carries the breast cancer gene that makes her likelihood of getting the disease higher. Because she has three young children and wants to be around for them, she has decided to have a double mastectomy.

Rather than feeling sad and defeated about it, she wants to document the whole process through boudoir photography. She is taking charge of her body and her mindset.

Pregnant Women

Lots of women do maternity shoots, but boudoir maternity is a fun and sexy twist for your session. Show how incredible and strong your body is before you bring a new life into the world.

Literally Almost Everyone

Boudoir photography is for adults of all ages and body types. If you’re someone who thinks you’ll enjoy this experience, boudoir is for you.

And even if you’re not sure about the whole thing, trust me — once you try it, you’ll be wondering what took you so long to book your session.

What Boudoir Photography Is Not

 

It’s NOT Just for Models

You don’t have to wait until you’re in perfect shape to book your boudoir session. First of all, for most of us that day of “perfection” will never come. And secondly, your photo shoot will help you realize that your body is already ideal.

You don’t need to be a makeup artist or hair expert and you don’t have to know how to pose. I will take care of everything and bring out the best of you in each photo. I even have lingerie you can use during the shoot.

It’s NOT Meant To Be Stressful

It’s normal to feel a little shy or hesitant, but boudoir photography should never be stressful. 

No need to worry, just buy a couple of fun and sexy pieces of lingerie and let me handle the rest. By the end of the shoot, you’ll be having the time of your life.

It’s NOT All About Sex

Boudoir photography is not pornography. It’s all about expressing empowerment, confidence, and self-love.

What Is Boudoir Photography to You? Make Your NYC Boudoir Photography Dreams Come True With Evgenia Ribinik

There are many styles of boudoir photography out there these days. So if you’re ready to sign up for a boudoir session, look at the portfolios of several different photographers and choose a style that resonates with you.

If you look at my sensual, dramatic, and even dreamlike boudoir photos and could see yourself standing in front of my camera, contact me today to book a session.

If you’re still unsure whether you’re ready for a full boudoir shoot, I also offer mini-sessions. This is a great way to dip your toe in the water and make sure you love the experience and the results before committing to a full shoot.

Whether you’re a cancer survivor, a couple, a mom, or a person who is ready to fully embrace their body, boudoir photography is for you. Say yes to boudoir today.