5 Tips on Booking a Couple Boudoir Session

So you wanna book a couple boudoir session.

That’s SO FREAKING AWESOME.

It is such an incredible experience. Maybe you’ve already turned to Pinterest for inspiration (alllll the moody vibes here) or started googling for photographers in your area. Let me guess, it’s a little overwhelming. It may even be hard to find someone who shoots couple boudoir. There’s a wide variety out there when it comes to boudoir so here are some tips no matter what your vision is for your shoot!

1. DEFINE YOUR LEVEL OF SPICY

What does that mean? Like I said, there’s a huge range of variety in the boudoir world but especially with couples. We talking lowkey in-home cuddle session to full out erotica. Knowing the vibe of what you want to capture will help you find a photographer that specializes in that vision.

I’m going to break down how I define levels of spicy as a couple boudoir photographer. In-home sessions are cozy photos around your house or a booked place. Maybe you plan a cute activity like mixing drinks, baking cookies or having a paint fight together. Loungewear or cozier lingerie are usually worn.

Usually a couple boudoir session encompasses a little bit of everything from making out to sexier lingerie to shower scenes. For my business, the cutoff is couple are required to wear some sort of bottoms during the shoot and no sexual acts are shot. Everything is implied and sensual AF.

Erotica is a beautiful incredible experience as well! I just don’t personally shoot it. This usually allows for sexual acts to be shot with whatever boundaries set in the photographer’s contract.

So know what level you’re looking for and find a photographer who specializes in it.

2. STYLE + PLAN FOR AN EXPERIENCE

Think of your session as a special date night. You put time into picking out the right venue, picking out the best outfit and deciding on what activities to do. So why should a couple boudoir session be any different?

Outfits are a big thing, for sure, and picking out lingerie + props is a fun activity you can do together! Side note: I wrote a blog post on what to bring for a shoot. Some couples get matching sets which is a cute option. If your photographer has studio, see what different set options they have. Ask if the photographer has a list of airbnbs they shoot in regularly for the best vibes to match your vision.

Water scenes are an amazing way to uplevel your experience! Shower + tub scenes are sexy AF. Florals, candles, and other accents like plants & tapestries can really bring a scene to life. Check for that attention to detail in a photographer’s portfolio.

This is an incredible experience with beautiful images to take home however you can also really enhance the memories through other senses! I always create a specific playlist for my sessions as well as encouraging them to wear scents that have meaning to them. So if you hear those songs or smell that scent, you’ll remember all the fun you had at your shoot and the images from it!

3. PORTFOLIO WORK MATTERS

When googling, pinteresting, instagram stalking a photographer, notice what’s in their portfolio. Do you see yourself reflected? Keep in mind that not everyone signs a model release so inquire if they’ve shot a specific body type, age, or skin tone if you don’t see it. They may not be able to show you images, but they can assure you they are comfortable shooting diversity of bodies.

For instance, I’ve worked with couples of all races and sexual orientations. I provide an all inclusive experience. I’m comfortable working with male, female, non-binary, trans, and skin tones of all hues. Not everyone signs a release, but each one has walked away with an incredible experience and beautiful images of themselves + their partner.

Editing + shooting style is something else to pay attention to in their portfolio. Do they work with lights/equipment or all natural or both? Lighting will give different looks to your images. So will editing. Bright + airy, dark + moody, warm, true-to-color, are all examples of editing styles. Personally, I shoot warm + moody. Lots of shadow play, warm tones, vibrant skin tones.

4. PERSONALITY + VIBES

My biggest tip is you gotta TRUST your photographer. And that starts way before you show up at your shoot and strip down. Are you more comfortable with a female or male photographer? Follow their social media, know their story, and then see how you vibe with them through communication.

Also understand the business model they use. Some photographers charge a session fee and then charge for prints/products/digitals. Others charge one fee for the session + digitals. There are variations but those are two main types of boudoir shoots offered out there. Currently I offer one session fee that includes your digitals with add-ons like professional hair + makeup, shower scenes, prints, etc. I am passionate about creating an experience for the two of you with stunning, bold, sensual photos to remember it by!

5. GO ALL IN YOUR COUPLE SESSION

Its okay to be nervous. Everyone is a little anxious when they book. Show up, trust the process. BE BLOWN AWAY. This is about YOU and YOUR LOVE. Nothing matters other than connecting with your partner in the moment. Make out, touch each other, grab those booties.

Don’t let nerves stop you from creating sparks.

Want to create some magic together? Book me right here