How Do You Even Pronounce Boudoir Photography…And What Exactly Is It?

HOW DO YOU EVEN PRONOUNCE BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY…AND WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

As a boudoir photographer, I get a lot of questions from women about the experience and how everything works. This is expected as boudoir photography isn’t something most people do on a regular basis.

I’ve found that boudoir photography can be a misunderstood genre, but I’ve also found many people struggle to actually pronounce it properly.

If I’m being 100% honest, I shot boudoir for several years before I realized that I was actually mispronouncing it. That being said, I will never be offended or laugh at you if you say it wrong in front of me. This is a no judgement zone.

SO HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE “BOUDOIR”?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably genuinely curious so I’ll clear up any confusion here and now.

The English pronunciation of boudoir is “boo-dwaar”.

For the nerdy gals out there (like me), the etymology is from the French word “boudoir” which means quite literally “lady’s dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room”.

SO WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Boudoir photography is intimate photos taken within that private space of a woman’s “boudoir”. This is why often lingerie or various forms of undress are worn within the genre. It’s meant to represent you in the privacy of your own space wearing essentially only your skin.

I strive to capture this intimate, sensual, and private side of you during your boudoir experience. I love for your photos to feel like you rolled out of bed on a lazy Saturday morning.

These photos should look like you and feel like you. They should show you how beautiful you are in a private state. They should celebrate the body you have right now and show you how beautiful you are in your own skin.

WHO IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY FOR?

The cool thing about boudoir photography is that it’s meant for everyone – meaning you don’t need to be a model for boudoir to be an incredible and transformative experience.

It’s about exploring a hidden side of yourself and learning to love your body just the way you are. Often, the ladies I photograph are doing a session as a gift for their husbands or grooms, but this is not always the case. Some women choose to do a boudoir session as a gift to themselves to boost their confidence and help them learn to love and accept their bodies.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM A BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?

At Rosewood Boudoir, I take care of everything from sending prep tips and information, to having a hair & makeup artist ready for you, to posing you from your fingers to your toes during the session, to hosting a next day reveal party, to creating a custom album full of your stunning images.

I believe in a full service approach to boudoir that allows you to have the easiest and most uplifting experience possible.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO A BOUDOIR SESSION?

This is really up to you and your preferences.

I recommend teddys/bodysuits with a thong or cheeky cut. Bra and panty sets with thong or cheeky cuts are also great. I also recommend bringing some robes, sweaters, or button downs for a bit of variety.

If you’re curious on this point, I have a lot of blog posts dedicated to this topic that you’re welcome to peruse.