Outdoor Boudoir
When Marissa, the owner of Wonderland Photography posted a model call for a Springtime boudoir series, I knew I wanted to work with her and try this new experience. I loved her use of light and nature as a glorious backdrop. She is local to CT so anyone looking for boudoir or engagement, family, baby and wedding can check out her website. She does such an array of unique occasions and capturing it all so beautifully without a contrived, over processed feel.
An outdoor boudoir session sounded fun and very unique - more natural, subdued than a glamorous studio. I’ve only done two boudoir sessions, both were in studio and had months to work out and tone up. This time around was much less notice and I felt not as confident with my body. I kept thinking of what I wished was thinner or fuller until I realized these sessions were for me. I didn’t need to share them, I didn’t need to post them if I didn’t want to. I had to remember my own unique, beautiful form. Not beautiful like someone else, but in my own unique God given way. I breathed and just felt ready to be captured in the body I have now, no matter how I felt and continued on my journey to let go of decades worth of shaming & hating my physical form. I’m glad I breathed and let go - it was fun to laugh with Marissa and feel the whimsy of a chilly April evening surrounded by peach blossoms and the the softest promises of a summer soon. We were located at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield and she set up a pretty blanket with neutral and soft pastel pillows.
Springtime is my favorite season and I worked off the color palette of the pinks of the peach blossoms to curate my wardrobe. I went with pale pinks, baby blues and neutrals. Here are my personal tips, tricks & techniques along with photography from my session with Marissa which I hope inspires you!
Picking the Right Photographer and Setting Your Intention
I always seen boudoir as sensual over sexual. I knew it could be as glamorous or as soft and natural as you were seeking.
Finding the right photographer can seem daunting as there is so much information on Google. I often type in hashtags and look up photographers in my area on Instagram and see if their work aligns with both my aesthetic and my comfort level. I had followed Marissa for awhile and felt confident that we’d curate something soft, feminine, lovely and sensual. Since we were using the outside as a backdrop I knew I wouldn’t have the luxury of a studio and this would look more earthy and less contrived. Outdoor sessions come with it’s own issues like passersby / drivers and dealing with the elements. Think of what works for you.
Pinterest is a great tool to come up with poses, outfits and ideas.
If you are located in Connecticut, along with Wonderland Photography I have also heard great things about Glam Boudoir CT. If you know of any other photographers/studios in CT or your area, please drop them in the comments!
Do what makes you feel best the day of the shoot
I’d absolutely suggest not drinking the night before and getting plenty of sleep, hydrating and focusing on both your skincare routine and what feels best for your body. The week of - pedicures, manicures, spray tans, eyebrows, etc. can all help make you feel like the Queen of the day and one less thing to do day of shoot.
Some studios offer makeup and hair in their package - if yours does not, go with what makes you feel comfortable and works best for the outdoor location. I always think of a toned down, dewy look for outdoor boudoir sessions.
Clothing / Lingerie / Props
This goes back to setting your intentions and perimeters on what you are looking to capture. Whether it’s lingerie, dresses, corsets or anything in between - light, airy and lacy always works well in outdoor boudoir shoots.
In terms of your color palette work with your photographer on what would be best with the backdrop of nature. Since I did a springtime shoot, Marissa suggested pastels which I jumped at. I found a pink lingerie bodysuit at Marshalls for 12 dollars and a beautiful white and neutral set at ZarMi bra boutique. If you are in chillier weather, make sure to bring soft, warmer clothing in between clothing changes or location changes or the occasional break!
If you want to bring props think what works best for the session, the season and your intention behind the photography. What are you trying to capture? Books, flowers (faux or real), vintage handheld mirrors or vintage perfume bottles all could work well. Extra jewelry and hairpieces are always good to bring in case you want to add more dazzle and glamour!
Confidence is Key
Whether you are doing this for yourself or your partner, go in walking like you own it. I know it’s hard in today’s society feeling our best when we are told what is sexy, what is beautiful and what is not. Let go of all those constructs and remember to radiate your own light, your own unique beauty. Self affirmations, fun music on your way there can lighten your mood and soul and get you ready to feel confident and glowing.
