17 Unique Boudoir Theme Ideas

17 Unique Boudoir Theme Ideas

Maybe you have already done a boudoir session, or maybe you just want something totally unique and different. I have some very unique boudoir theme ideas that are sure to get your creative juices flowing. If there is one thing I love, it’s trying out new things. If you like what you see here, make sure to reach out by filing the contact form at the bottom of this page.

1. Film Noir

2. Maternity

If you are planning on having a child, this is a must. There is nothing else that compares to this session. Make sure to reach out around the very beginning of your second trimester. We do book out far in advance and you want to insure that we will have availability in that sweet spot. Check out our page that talks about the baby bump.

3. Bring your honey for a couples session

4. Food

5. Erotic

Erotic sessions are stepping out of the box, or maybe into one. I guess it all depends on your vision. Regardless of what you might want to do, these session are handled with the utmost respect and consent. If you are curious about how they go please reach out. Be sure to read this brief explanation of erotica.

6. Outdoors

Outdoor scenes are a lot of fun, and definitely require planning. We do offer a couple of destination shoots though out the year. If something like the desert, a beach or a tropical waterfall is floating around, reach out and ask when and where we will be.

7. Themed

8, In the Sheets

9. Body silhouette

10. Poolside

11. Light Play

Light play is the newest edition of super creative and abstract photography. I am really digging it. This does require an extra level of patience, but in the end it truly does feel like a painting.

12. After Dark

These are the perfect session for that individual who wants a super moody and alternative edgy style. We tend to offer these in the winter months.

13. Shower scene

14. Angel Wings

15. Vntage Playboy

16. Calendar

Picking your themes based on the month is a great way to get more ideas.

17. Fine Art Nudes

7 Key Tips for Beautiful Plus Size Boudoir Photos and 5 Flattering Poses

All these empowered women slayed their boudoir photo session

 Tip #1: Above all else, do this for YOU!

This is your time to feel beautiful, sensuous, and confident. Whether you are doing this for yourself, or as a gift for someone special, make sure that you are doing it for YOU first and foremost. The better you feel about yourself, the more amazing your photos will be! This session goes beyond the studio. When you embrace this as a celebration of you, it will elevate your confidence. When that feeling of confidence is steaming off your chest your partner is going to see that, and I promise that is the best gift of all. This seeps into other parts of your life as well. I have legit had women tell me the confidence this session brought them courage to go for a better job and ask for more money. This actually happened in 2022. Watching her face tell me her story was the most moving and powerful feeling. To see a woman who felt life was on the rocks and then 4 weeks later slay her interview and land a position 3 times better is all the proof I need to know this is more about you than anyone else. In the blog Boudoir Builds Self Esteem for Real I talk about things that have actually happened.

 Tip #2: Choosing the Type of Session and Style

There are many different types of boudoir sessions, and it's important to choose the right one for you. If you're not sure what you want, ask your photographer for recommendations. There are three main types of boudoir sessions: traditional, glamour, and artistic.

Traditional boudoir is more intimate and sensual, while glamour is more about showing off your saucy side. Artistic boudoir is a mix of both, and is a great option if you're not sure what you want. Whichever type of session you choose, make sure it's something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Tip #3: Choosing a Body Positive Boudoir Photographer

If you're considering a boudoir photo shoot, it's important to find a professional who is body positive. You should feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, and the artist capturing you should make you feel like the elegant, gorgeous person that you are. Look for a photographer who celebrates all types of bodies and who will make you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Tip #4: Choosing Lingerie & Outfits for Your Curvy Boudoir Session !

One of the most important aspects of preparing for your photo session is choosing the right lingerie and outfits. The right lingerie will not only make you feel empowered and confident, but it will also flatter your figure and highlight your best assets. When choosing intimate pieces for your boudoir session, keep in mind that less is often more. A simple, elegant bra and panty set or a lacy teddy can be much more effective than a flashy, over-the-top outfit. If you're not sure what to choose, consult with your photographer or ask for advice from a friend who's familiar with boudoir photography.

Tip #5: Hair, Waxing & Nail Appointments – No Spray Tanning!

It’s important to make sure your hair, waxing and nails are all done before your photo session. You want to look your best, and that includes having everything looking neat and tidy. However, don’t go overboard with the spray tanning! A little bit of color is fine, but you don’t want to look like you’ve been dipped in a vat of orange paint.

Book that nail appointment, and if you are curious what my go to nail colors are check out my blog post, 5 Best Nail Colors for your Boudoir Session.

Trim up the hedges ;) Unless you are au natural, I highly recommend trimming your front and yes even your backyard. You can go the lawnmower route, but if you plan ahead, go for the professional experience of a wax or sugaring.

I personally go for a sugar every 6 weeks, and it was the best choice for my life. I go see Aly at Sugar Plum in Bellevue. She is AMAZING and works with all bodies and individuals.

 Tip #6: Eat Before!

The morning session, make sure to eat something! You don't want to be feeling faint or dizzy during your shoot. Eat a protein rich breakfast. Also bring a little snack or light meal will do the trick and help you feel your best.

 Tip #7: Show Up with a Sense of Adventure

When you show up for your session, be sure to bring a sense of adventure! This is the time to try something new and have some fun. Be open to trying new poses and experimenting with different looks. Your photographer will guide you along the way and help you capture some amazing images. Still curious about how I pose curvy women? Go to this blog post on how I pose plus size .

What Should I Wear for My Saucy Photoshoot?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to wear for your boudoir experience. First, you want to choose something that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Second, you want to choose something that flatters your figure, and pick things that hug you gently. This means, no babydolls and no spanx. The babydoll is essentially the mumu of lingerie. I don't want you in a tent and I don't want you to be so confined you cannot move. Lastly, you want to choose something that is comfortable to wear. What is in-between piece of lingerie that is perfect? It is the bodysuit! Trust me on this one. It is my job to elongate you and show off your curves on the right places.

With those things in mind, here are a few suggestions for what to wear for your saucy photoshoot:

A form-fitting dress or top and bottom combo. This will show off your curves and give you a sexy, confident look.

A lacy lingerie set. This will accentuate your curves and make you feel like a sultry goddess.

A flowing robe that we use as a prop. This will drape over your curves in a flattering way and make you feel both comfortable and beautiful.

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure it makes you feel sexy and confident.That is the most important thing! If you have any questions

This is a safe place where bold women come, where self-love is encouraged, nurtured and celebrated. In this studio we bring out your inner goddess and allow you to indulge in some well-deserved self-love. Every body is beautiful and it is a good thing to show body. Embrace your curves.

The most important thing to remember is choosing a professional boudoir photographer whose studio is a safe place for all different body types to embrace their contours. 

Best Non Lingerie Items for a Boudoir Session

Here are 10 of the best non lingerie items for your intimate boudoir photo shoot

1. Slouchy Sweater

2. Cape with hood or robe

3. White Tank Top

4. Petticoat skirt

5. Party dress

6. Jackets

7. Just you in the nude

What if lingerie is not my jam?

Feeling beautiful doesn’t not require lingerie. You can totally celebrate your body and be modest at the same time. To take the bedroom out of boudoir, I call these beauty sessions.

A beauty session is one that celebrates your beauty and your body while being showcased in your favorite attire. Celebrate and express yourself how you want to.

3 Best Tips for your Boudoir Session

When you come in for a boudoir session with us, we will help guide you so you feel prepared. I also know we all have super busy lives and sometimes we just cannot accomplish every task we set out to do. If you find that life takes over and you show up with nothing, these three tips are are going to be your savior and hopefully only a day or two of preparation.

You might be surprised to find out, but none of these tips require lingerie to be purchased or really any money to be spent. All of these tips are self care that can be done at home.

1. REST - get a good nights sleep, stay away from alcohol the night before your session. A solid 7-8 hours sleep will provide you with a fresh well rested face.

2. Hydrate - Drink lots. of water in the days leading up to your session. Take a bath, moisturize your skin. Especially if you are prone to dry skin make sure you do these simple things to help you skin look supple and fresh.

3. Manicure - This doesn’t have to be fancy at all. You don’t even have to do polish. Of course I recommend that you treat yourself to the salon, but not required. You can do a simple home manicure. Make sure your nails are clean and even. I incorporate your hands a lot and you don’t want to have jagged ripped nails. If you are curious about nail colors check out my blog article on manicure ideas.

The Importance of Using a Makeup Artist During Your Boudoir Session

The Importance of Using a Makeup Artist During Your Boudoir Session, and how to get the exact look YOU want:

Communication is Imperative

 This article was written with the Makeup Artist in mind - communicating to the Photographer, how to make sessions a positive experience, but we find that the client can also help make their end-vision, a masterpiece, but knowing the back-end-behind-the-scenes-goings-on, of how YOUR final images, HAPPEN!

 Communicating your creative vision to the makeup artist before the shoot is vital. You think this one would be a no brainer, but you’d be surprised. Let’s start out with the obvious thing here first: no one is a mind reader. Keeping a chain of communication between the entire creative team working on a shoot is essential. This includes mood boards, pinterest and wardrobe. Please keep in mind hair styles are dependent on what they have to start with. This allows the makeup artist to come prepared with everything they need for the shoot. We have to lug around a lot of stuff, and if we can lighten our load, it helps us tremendously. It also keeps us organized. If we have a solid idea of what each look will be on each model, we’ll be more prepared and will move more quickly through each look.

 Harmony is everything. Sometimes a shoot is just a photographer, a model, and a makeup artist. Sometimes a shoot is a photographer, photographer’s assistant, makeup artist, hair stylist, makeup artist’s assistant, art director, editor, stylist, and an army of models. Shoots can range from anything in between these two and more depending on the shoot, the client, the purpose of the shoot, and the budget. It’s important to have all the moving parts working towards one goal. If everyone is confused, things won’t run smoothly and the shoot will be stressful, forced, and limited in time. Communication is the key to keep everything fun, friendly, and productive.

Be Patient:

Don’t rush the Makeup Artist. Yes, we’re used to working under pressure, but I’ve worked on shoots where I haven’t even taken out my brushes yet and the photographer is asking me if I’m done. This is another case where communication is key. If we know how many looks we need to get done in one day of shooting, we’ll have a better idea of what looks we can realistically complete in the time frame given and whether or not we need to bring an assistant. Also, plan to have the MUA and styling team come very early to set up their stations and get ready. If you’re rushing and putting major pressure on the MUA, you might make things take longer since we’ll be stressed or scrambling.

5 BEST NAIL COLORS FOR BOUDOIR SESSIONS

When you book a boudoir shoot with us at the Seattle Boudoir & Co., we are sure you would want to look your best from head to toe. You have your designer lingerie ready and your sassy attitude on point, but what about your nails?

Though I want this session to be about you and not your nails, manicured nails will only add to the beauty to your boudoir photos. Dark nail polish can look dirty and be distracting in photographs. So, choose the best one to look your best. Here are my top five choices for your nails.

My Top Five Choices For Nails

French Manicure

This is such a classic look. You can’t go wrong with a classic french manicure. It goes with everything! It can be finished with a clear polish to add a hint of shine under the lights. Nude nail polish is also a neutral and subtle choice that is ideal for boudoir shoots.

Any Soft Pink

If your goal is a soft and dreamy photoshoot, shades of light pink will be your go-to choice. Light pink won’t jump out in contrast and remains neutral in all light. My personal favorite soft pink is Bubble Bath by OPI

Golds and Silvers

Gold and Silvers are a great way to bring bling without being overstated. Glittery nails are perfect for a more playful or glamorous photoshoot. I love gold sparkles around the holidays.

Red

Red is a classic bold color that is a great choice for a retro or edgy look. Red tends to pop quite vividly in photos. So, if you are wearing white or pastels, it will act as an eye-catching contrast and will definitely suit your inner wild.

Natural Look

Maybe you are not into manicures at all and you want a natural look, which is totally fine. You can still get a manicure with clear gel. Your nails will be shaped, buffed, edges filed and cuticles removed.

Nails Do Matter

I would suggest you to stay away from black, almost black, and electric or fluorescent colors. While they are fun, they are the least versatile. I want you to have two or three cohesive looks, so pick something that will look good with all your outfits. Consider the colors that you normally wear, the outfits you have chosen, and then think of a color that will be cohesive with all of them.

Let’s say you have a white lacy teddy, a purple velvet bodysuit and a black leather jacket with black bra and black boots. If you pick something dark it might go well with the black and even the purple, but might throw off the soft and elegant vibe of white. Pick any of the options above and it would flow well throughout all sets.

If you are not used to getting your nails done this will be a nice treat. Be sure to get them done about 2-3 days before your session. You want the redness around your cuticles to subside but you don't want any wear on the polish to occur so 2-3 days is a good time. Personally, I rarely get a manicure. Instead, I opt for the shellac or gel and I know it will hold the longest. You too can try this.

Once you are done beautifying your nails, just sit back and relax. Stay calm and reserve that energy for an exciting boudoir session. To be ready with some poses, you can look up our Instagram and Facebook.

DESIGNER LINGERIE— IS IT WORTH IT?

When booking us for a boudoir photography session at Seattle Boudoir & Co., you might want to shop some of your own lingerie. But many of us have never felt the need to buy designer lingerie or undergarments before this, so it is quite likely that you might get confused about the brands and the fits. Moreover, you might be unsure if designer lingerie is worth spending your money on.

As a boudoir photographer, who has bought lots of designer lingerie for her Clients Wardrobe at Seattle Boudoir & Co. and seen them adorning it in hundreds of her sessions, I can say without any hesitation that DESIGNER LINGERIE IS TOTALLY WORTH IT.

GET FITTED AT A BOUTIQUE

If you have never invested in designer lingerie, I would suggest starting small. If you have never had a good quality bra, I suggest going to a boutique and being fitted. From personal experience — being fitted into the right size after being in the wrong size my whole life really changed my perspective and my posture. You will learn a lot about your body and feel much more confident about yourself. All of a sudden you would realize that good lingerie would fit better.

I learned that many designer lingerie is offered according to bra sizes as opposed to XS-XL. Designer lingerie is made differently keeping all body shapes in mind. It can be custom-made and would justify all the money you spend on it.

Have a look at some of my favorite designer lingerie brands!

MY FAVORITE 5 DESIGNER LINGERIE BRANDS

1. BORDELLE

My favorite and most amazing line of designer lingerie is Bordelle. I drool a little and fantasize about it. You can try a few pieces of this line.

This is an expensive option so sometimes I prefer indulging in my other favorites which are a little more economic.

2. ADINA REAY

Adina Reay has a wonderful selection for the busty topped women. One day I saw the most beautiful teddy by her and it was my mission to have it. It was still a bit on the indulgent side. After a great hunt I found one on sale. It was worth the wait.

3. FLEUR DU MAL

Fleur du Mal is my other favorite line. I love the colors they offer in their designer pieces.

4. HONEY BIRDETTE

Another amazing site with high-quality lingerie, accessories, and toys is Honey Birdette. They also offer some daring accessories... Wink Wink.

5. PLAYFUL PROMISES

If you are looking for a variety of high-end lingerie lines with a vintage feel hop over to Playful promises. Playful promises offers luxury lingerie in plus sizes. Gabi Fresh in collaboration with playful promises, is another fantastic designer line for all the curvy gals.

BUY IN ADVANCE

Once you have decided to buy designer lingerie for yourself before your boudoir shoot with us, make sure to plan in advance, leaving you with enough time for shipping. You are not going to get a 2 day delivery on these, so plan for up to six weeks.

If you don’t have that time then hop over to my other blog — Last-Minute Boudoir Solutions. Also, if you are in Seattle and would like to stop by a boutique that offers some of the lines mentioned above I highly recommend stopping by Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique.

Featured Vendors

Bordelle

Adina Reay

Fleur Du Mal

Honey Birdette

Playful Promises

Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique

LAST MINUTE BOUDOIR SOLUTIONS

Did your Boudoir Photography session just sneak up on you? Wasn’t it just last week you booked it? Oh wait, or was it 12 weeks ago? Yes, time flies! The sweet piece you ordered from Playful Promises will not make it in time and you don’t have the time to make it to the mall. Even Victoria’s Secret will not ship in time.

DON’T PANIC AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH! We at Seattle Boudoir & Co., have you covered. I love to solve your last-minute problems. Having been a wedding photographer for 15 years, I had to be resourceful and think of quick solutions for last-minute challenges. The practice continues even with my boudoir session clients.

So here I am going to give you some last-minute boudoir solutions.

GET YOUR LACY LINGERIE FROM HERE

You are running short of time but still want to buy something of your own, then I have some really useful links for you. I am sure you will find something here to suit your taste.

Here we go!

Order this Bodysuit Teddy from Amazon. I am sure you’ll love it. This lacy number suits all body types and looks good on almost everyone. You can get one of the colors in just a couple of days or sooner. Make sure you select a color that is prime. All colors are not classified under prime

Get this Long Lace Robe for yourself. This great piece complements almost everything.

You can buy this Velvet Teddy Bodysuit. It has a great sweetheart line. You can get it in a color of your choice. It is also available in animal prints.

This package of Fishnet Stockings can change your boudoir game, because they will add to your sassy attitude and make you look sensual as ever.

DIG THROUGH YOUR CLOSET

Maybe you are indecisive about what to buy or you just do not want to hurry in spending money and buying something at the last minute. Give us a BIG SMILE because we have a solution for you too.

Just dig through your closet!

Do you have a long white button-down? Or maybe your spouse has one which you can grab. You can even borrow it from a friend. This is always a great idea for a very classic shot.

Do you have any bodysuits at all? They don’t have to be lingerie, but just need to be form-fitting.

What about a blazer and a hat? As a boudoir photographer, I can assure you, this combination is quite saucy.

You can just make a quick visit to Target and pick up a pair of no seam nude-colored thongs. They work great for boudoir shoots.

USE OUR AMAZING CLIENT WARDROBE

You do not need to worry or think about canceling your session just because you couldn’t arrange for some good lingerie. WE ARE HERE TO YOUR RESCUE! You can simply pick up an outfit of your choice from our Client Wardrobe before the shoot. But, do let me know before your session so that I can make sure that your size is fully stocked at the studio.

We have solutions to all of your problems. So chin up ladies! Get ready for a great, sensual photoshoot with us. To get good ideas on posing, you can follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest.

Featured Vendors

Playful Promises

Victoria’s Secret

Amazon

Target

LINGERIE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE? HERE’S WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD

You have been wanting to get a boudoir photography session done for yourself, but what takes you two steps back is the idea of having to wear lingerie. It’s simply is out of your comfort zone and a big no-no for you.

If that is the case, then we have GOOD NEWS for you! There’s no rule stating you need to wear lingerie for your boudoir session. You have the option of ‘Just the Sheets’ or a ‘White Sheet Session’.

WE HELP YOU PICK MOST FLATTERING OUTFITS

Believe it or not, a lot of women who walk through our doors at the Seattle Boudoir & Co. have never worn lingerie. Some women have, but there are many who straight up say, "I have never worn anything like this before and would never wear this at home." That’s absolutely fine!

For those, who are not used to wearing lingerie, I am here to help! If you want to try out the Client Wardrobe or take my styling advice, I am very familiar with the different body shapes/types and can guide you towards pieces that are going to fit and flatter you the best. When it comes to choosing the pieces you want to wear for your shoot, I will help pick out the best options for you as well.

In the end, every single one of our clients ends up absolutely falling in love with the way they look in our pieces. Just as they should! During your boudoir session, we always set aside about 30-45 minutes for you to try on and select your wardrobe. I have key pieces in every size, and I stock a variety of styles and colors in each size. All of my clients receive a copy of the Wardrobe Guide prior to their session with shopping tips and suggestions.

If you'd like to explore purchasing your own wardrobe, I would say, lingerie shopping can be very overwhelming and frankly deflating for a newbie. We say skip it for your first session, and stick to using the Client Wardrobe! We do suggest you screenshot some of the images you find on our Facebook/Instagram or our website of outfits you like so that I can pull similar items for you on your session day.

WHITE SHEETS ARE ALL YOU NEED

The majority of the images portray women in lingerie, but please don't think for one second that you have to wear that for your session too. We have had lots of women bring in what we consider an 'Out of the Box' wardrobe for their shoots.

Other options include, ‘Just the Sheets’ or ‘White Sheet Session’. In these sessions, you use sheets to cover yourself in various ways. It is simple and elegant. You can wear simple undergarments, just bottoms, or nothing at all. This is a comfy option for you. Imagine lying comfortably on a mattress, covered in a white sheet, while we photograph you.

Bring a jacket (denim, leather or blazer), a white button-down, tie, suspenders, short shorts, ripped up jeans, tank tops, slouchy sweater, or absolutely nothing at all. Whatever you feel best in, we will photograph you wearing.

Now that the doubt about lingerie is out, book us right away and get set for a great boudoir session with us!

Featured Vendors

Hair and Makeup Artists

Kat St John Kelsey Rae Knoll

Jessica Rockwell