Let’s get a few things straight. Here are the top 10 boudoir myths and misconceptions – and the truth about what it’s really like to pose for boudoir.
Have you ever wondered what a boudoir shoot is really like?
Today we’re talking about the boudoir myths, fears and misconceptions behind the photography session that some might consider taboo.
Here’s the truth – and the lies – about the sexiest photo shoot at SchlickArt Studios.
10 Boudoir Myths & Misconceptions
1. I have to get naked.
When it comes to boudoir myths, this is a common one. The first rule of boudoir is the most important: You don’t have to do anything you’re not completely comfortable with. This is your shoot, and that means you decide how much you want to show, as well as the parts you prefer to keep hidden. If nudity isn’t your thing, then don’t do it simply because you think it’s what you’re “supposed” to do in boudoir.
2. I have to wear skimpy lingerie.
Boudoir is not about the lingerie – it’s about you! If strappy lingerie isn’t your thing, then there’s no reason to bring it to your boudoir shoot.
Plus, implied nudity is just as sexy as shedding it all. What’s implied nudity? It shows the moments right before you completely undress: a bra strap hanging off the shoulder, an unzipped pair of jeans, your favorite sweater and panties, his dress shirt. We’ve even had women do boudoir photo shoots in their workout clothes — because strength is sexy, too!
For boudoir ideas that have nothing to do with lingerie, check out this blog.
3. I don’t have anyone to give my images to.
Boudoir is not about the person you’re romantically involved with! We believe boudoir is for you first and foremost – not anyone else.
Why should boudoir be about you? Well, everyone has bits about themselves that they like and bits they don’t like. Boudoir is about the empowerment you feel when you decide to embrace it all. The point of boudoir is to be emotionally ready to enjoy it. You might even overcome a block or a fear, or see yourself in a completely new light.
When you go into it for the right reasons, a quality boudoir experience can help you feel comfortable in your own skin, and even help you find some self-acceptance. While we always work to accentuate the bits you like and flatter the bits you don’t like, we can prove you don’t have any bad bits. Just let us try!
4. I need to lose 15 pounds first.
Capturing your body at its most restricted weight is actually not ideal for boudoir. If you show up for your shoot after two weeks of binge dieting, or even two months of dedicated two-a-days at the gym, you won’t look like the authentic, everyday you. Yes, you might be the ultra-thin version of you, but if that’s not attainable on a consistent basis, you’re missing one of the amazing benefits of a boudoir shoot.
One of the best parts of having boudoir photos is the opportunity to look at your beautiful appearance when you’re feeling down or self-conscious. Whenever you need a little boost or some extra sass, you can pull out your images and have proof that you are damn sexy.
But if we’ve captured an unattainable version of you, you’ll look back at your photos and see yet another “perfect woman” who doesn’t feel like you anymore. And that’s not empowering – or at least not as empowering as it could be.
Give us a chance to show you how beautiful and sexy you are already, without changing anything about yourself. It will make the experience so much more powerful – now and forever.
5. Everyone will see my images.
If you don’t want a single soul, besides your photographer, to ever see your images, then honey, that’s exactly what we promise to do. We understand the level of trust it takes for you to open yourself up to this experience, especially since our boudoir photographer, Lindsay Schlick, has been through the process herself. That’s why we promise to honor your trust by following your wishes to the letter.
Yes, we share some of our boudoir images – but only when our clients give us verbal and written permission to share that specific image. If you want to keep your images private, then that’s exactly how they’ll stay for the rest of time. Brian won’t see them. Our staff won’t see them. It’s your little secret. 😉
6. Shooting boudoir will be awkward.
When you think of a photographer, you probably imagine someone shouting cheesy compliments at you and throwing around “Yes baby!” endearments like it’s a 1980s Playboy set. While we do love an encouraging catchphrase at SchlickArt, Lindsay is not going to make you feel like you’ve been caught in your underwear with six bright lights shining in your face and no clue what to do with yourself. In fact, she’s going to teach you how to look and feel like a model by showing you exactly how to do it first.
In any photography session, Lindsay starts by teaching you three simple little rules to help you feel more confident in front of the camera. Then she shows you how to get into each pose by demonstrating it herself, step by step. That means, not only will you look amazing, but you’ll also relax a little bit because she’s doing it with you.
That’s the amazing thing about shooting with Lindsay: She is ready and willing to act even sillier than you feel. She will do the poses first, make fun of herself and say anything to get a genuine smile out of you. While you might feel a little silly yelling “I’m soooooo sexy!” to a stranger with a camera, can it really be that bad if the stranger yells it first? She gives you absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about and everything to celebrate.
The real difference is Lindsay knows this is not about her; it’s about you. So she’ll be silly, real, open, patient – whatever you need – because she’s determined to make the experience of seeing how beautiful you are as fun and empowering as possible. And yes, we said FUN!
7. You have to be a model to look that good.
This misconception is rooted in the fear that we’re not pretty enough – something every woman grapples with at some point in her life. And of all the boudoir myths, this one breaks our hearts the most.
Why? This feeling of inadequacy lies at the bottom of every excuse and every fear when it comes to stepping in front of the camera. But, honey, we can promise you: You are absolutely gorgeous enough for SchlickArt Studios.
At the end of the day, we all feel less than, not enough, or imperfect in some way – often many. But that shouldn’t stop us from seeing and celebrating ourselves, from taking more than we think we deserve, from loving ourselves enough to do something simply because it feels good.
On the other side of this insidious lie is the most wonderful feeling of confidence – and the conviction that, yes, you are enough. So if this is the only thing stopping you from experiencing the joy of loving yourself, then let us show you just how beautiful you are.
8. Other people won’t approve.
First of all, let’s just reiterate that no one has to know but you, so it doesn’t matter what other people think because they’ll never even see the images. (Go back to #5 for a quick review.)
Second, and more importantly, boudoir isn’t about getting anyone’s approval. It’s about you and how you feel when you see how beautiful you really are. In fact, this process can actually be a lesson in letting go of that need for approval, especially if you decide that this photo shoot is for you.
9. I’m not photogenic.
Maybe you feel good about how you look in person, but every time you jump in front of a camera, you end up hating the way it captures you. So, naturally, you decide you’re “not photogenic.”
But here’s the thing. You’re not educated and trained to be a professional photographer. You can’t naturally read light like a human light meter. And you don’t know how to position each part of your body to bring out the best of each feature. Nor should you! You have your own expertise, and that’s the way it should be.
So when you’re used to seeing pictures taken by regular people, typically at a bad selfie angle ;), then of course you’re going to think you don’t photograph well! But the truth is, at SchlickArt Studios, everyone is photogenic because it has nothing to do with how you look – and everything to do with how the picture is being taken. If you haven’t experienced falling in love with a professional portrait of yourself, then run – don’t walk – to SchlickArt Studios.
10. I’m too shy.
The whole point of a boudoir photo shoot is to capture you and your unique beauty. So if you’re shy, then we’ll capture that, too! You do not have to be overtly sexy to be sexy. Sex appeal is as unique as you are, and that means a shy little “come hither” smirk in a low-cut sweater is just as sexy as full-body lingerie and a pose that bares it all. In fact, leaving something to the imagination can be even sexier – especially if it makes you feel confident.
While there’s nothing wrong with that sweet and sexy shyness, it’s also helpful to know that you will feel less shy by the end of the session. There’s no doubt about it. At SchlickArt, we leave nothing to chance, ensuring that you feel as good about your time in the studio as you do about the way you look. While you may walk into the studio feeling nervous and painfully shy, we promise you’ll walk out of the studio with a little extra swagger.
About Lindsay’s Photography for Women
When it comes to boudoir myths, Lindsay Schlick leads the charge in getting the truth out there. With the mind of a businesswoman and the heart of an adventurer, Lindsay began to conceive of a different kind of Santa Clarita photography business. In her vision, stepping in front of the camera could be an empowering experience that gave her clients more than just a photograph — it would give people a new way of seeing themselves. With an eye for seeing the beauty in life and in others, Lindsay could use the camera to spread beauty.
Boudoir Photography in Santa Clarita
SchlickArt’s boudoir style is as light, bright and beautiful as the smile on your face when you see your final images. (So check #9 off your list of boudoir myths.) We use natural light photography and stylized posing instruction, as well as an incredible selection of backdrops, lush furniture and gorgeous sets. Our images are retouched to perfection – making you look like you on your very best day. If you’re looking for boudoir in the Santa Clarita or Los Angeles areas, our 25 Days of SchlickArt Boudoir Sessions are the perfect way to capture how beautiful, sexy and confident you already are. So throw those boudoir myths out of your vocabulary, because this is Santa Clarita boudoir photography at its finest.
About SchlickArt Photography and Video
SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.