8 Ways To Spice Up Your Boudoir

I want to thank our guest blogger Desiree Hayes. She is a very cool chick, and an awesome boudoir photographer from San Diego. Take a minute to check out her blog for more inspiration.

For me, the hardest part to boudoir is getting a “spicy” look from the client.  I mean, I’m a chick, I’m a stranger, and I have a big black box (camera) in front of my face while squinting my eye to see.  That’s not sexy at all.  Add in some nerves, which is totally normal, and the fact that most women are not used to posing their face and it’s even more difficult.  Here are some tricks I use and I hope they help you, too.

1. Glass of champagne. Trust me, it helps.  Just one though.

2. Get the laughs out first.  Everyone wants to laugh. It’s a nervous habit, they feel awkward at first.  Laughing breaks the ice.  Tell a funny story, joke, or scenario. Don’t forget to take a couple of laughing shots while you are at it.

3. Some clients have natural “sexy eye” built in but some don’t.  If they don’t, I give a scenario to explain the look I want.  For example I will say “Pretend a random guy at the bar just bought you a drink, what expression would you make?” If that scenario doesn’t work, try another.  What ever it takes to put them in a situation where they  give “the eye.” If that still doesn’t work, I suggest attempting to raise one brow. The look you make  when you are attempting to raise one brow is usually a pretty sexy one.

4. With couple boudoir, it’s a little easier to achieve “that spicy look.”  Their partner is already right there and the spicy expressions seem to come a little more naturally.  The “almost kiss” is also a great pose for couple boudoir to add some “spice.”

5. Ask the client to slightly open their mouth. If you look at any magazines with models, such as Victoria Secret, you notice slightly parted lips (the ones on your face!) in almost every image.  It helps relax the jaw line which makes the client appear more relaxed and adds a level of spice.

6. Boost their confidence.  Let’s face it, confidence IS sexy! Again some people have this built in but most don’t.  Clients get worried about their stretchmarks or their scar from 1992 or whatever it may be.  Remind them through out their session that they are “workin it.”  A little “That’s hot!” keeps encouraging them on.  Truthful compliments during the shoot are helpful too.  Don’t go overboard though, it comes off as creepy.

7. Vowel sounds.  Look in the mirror while saying the vowel sounds SLOWLY and watch your expression.  AAAAAH makes an innocent but sexy expression, OOOOOH and YOUUUU also gives a more sexy look.

8. Pay attention to sexy details.  The lace at the top of a thigh high, the way someone licks a lollipop, killer heels, whatever it may be.

Deisree Hayes San Diego Boudoir Photography