This will be a Two Part Blog Series!
You must want to make your subject or client beautiful!
Women, men and they/them come in all shapes and sizes and you have to treat them equally. I have been photographing women for a long time. We all have our insecurities! It is your job to bring out those special qualities in your subject, in addition to their sexy side. Think of how you would want to be portrayed or even photographed in lingerie!
2. Make your photography skills a priority.
Your photography skills, in terms of the right lighting equipment, camera lens, and post-production practices. How to pose your subject. Know what type of light source, reflectors or modifiers, and camera lens works the best for boudoir images.
Softboxes, window lighting, shooting through a variety of modifiers-even white curtains can make a difference in a successful set of images. Try window light as a back light-it is so gorgeous. Use side shadows to slim your client’s figure.
You do not want a camera lens that is so wide it makes your subject look like they grew in width during your shoot. Know what lens works best for small spaces and head to toe shots you may need. Practice posing with friends or family if not comfortable with directing and posing. Your client will be looking to you and listening to you for not just posing guidance but confidence building.
3. Hire the best makeup and hairstylist possible.
Your team is such a big reflection on you and your boudoir business. You want a creative team that is professional and can do good work. You can always do a test shoot with new talent if you are not sure or want to see how you work together.
Your subject is not only looking for a great photographer but a professional makeup artist that can make her up in a way she may not do every day. Great makeup artists and hairstylists will save you a ton of time in post-production as well. I work with a group of talent that is so good I hardly have to do any retouching on the make-up or hairstyles. But I have had some talent that was lazy or inexperienced. I had to spend much more time in post-production fixing their mistakes.
4. Directing and posing.
You are your client’s cheerleader with boudoir photography. Your tone of voice, the words you choose, and how relaxed you are making a BIG difference with photographing anyone in their lingerie. Have music on that makes them feel sexy.
Use words that your client can understand when directing. Show them what you mean-get on the floor-push your hip out-whatever it takes to get the pose you need to make that fabulous photograph.
Your client may have personal space boundaries-remember to talk to them if you have to come in close and move hair or a bra strap. Talk to your client while photographing-” I’m photographing from the waist up or from the tush to the toes.” Know your camera angles. Try to shoot different sides of your client or pay attention to their wishes. I have had a few clients who prefer their right or left side or no nudity.
There are a variety of posing guides in print or video that may help you, if needed. Doing research ahead of time will help you feel more confident.
5. Keep your client/subject engaged and have fun!
Your client may not be familiar with photoshoots, strobe lighting, and posing, let alone being semi-nude in front of a stranger. It takes a lot of energy to be a model! Keep your subject engaged, especially in the eyes. The eyes say everything. Ask questions about your subject or choose a topic that interests them.
Tell them they are doing great while shooting. Be their cheerleader. Laugh. Smile. Be genuine. Make sure they are hydrated. Take breaks, if need be. Give good advice when it comes to lingerie and props. Some of my new boudoir clients were ready to go home after a half-hour! While others wanted to shoot for hours. Show them a few images now and then. and be sure to thank them after the shoot!
All images (c)Lisa Ramsay Photography