Wedding Blog
Boudoir pictures are all the rage nowadays. If you’ve never heard of them before, Boudoir photos (or For His Eyes Only photos) are probably the best gift you can give to your husband/fiance. Haha. They’re sexy photos of you, preferably taken by a professional photographer, and then given to your fiance privately around the wedding day.
Now, they’re not necessarily nude photos. In fact, most of the time they’re not. The illusion of being nude is more often provocative than actually seeing someone naked. You can dress up in whatever you feel most comfortable in, or whatever your fiance would like to see you in. For example, I’ve seen girls wear a jersey of their fiance’s favorite sports team. Most opt for tasteful lingerie and most girls don’t take pictures they wouldn’t be able to show their friends. People often use their own bedroom to shoot in, rent a hotel room, wake up early to shoot on the beach or shoot in their photographer’s studio.
I can imagine what a lot of girls are thinking (probably because I’ve thought it too). But you definitely don’t have to be uber thin or have a Victoria’s Secret body to do this. It’s your photographer’s job to accentuate your best features and downplay your….not so best features. 
Plus, even if you don’t think you’re sexy, your fiance thinks you’re perfect just the way you are.
A couple photographers who offer this option in Southern California are:
Skye Blu Photography
Jessica Claire (my wedding photographer who also had this FAQ about Boudoir up on her blog)
Ruettgers Photography
Heather Cantwell
Carol Sheridan Photography
Photojenics
Brooke Mayo
Jim Kennedy
Renee Broughton
I know I didn’t list all of the photographers that may offer this service. I just listed ones where I’ve seen actually pics from sessions. If you just ask your photographer, they’re probably willing to do this for you.
Is this something that you would consider doing for your fiance?
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All I think about is the Simpsons, when Homer had one done! I don’t think I’d do one, because I’m not comfortable with having pictures taken of me by someone, in the capacity they would be taken. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I’m shyyyyyy. 
I’d be all for Mr. Kiwi gettin’ em done!
Jessica Claire is your wedding photographer? wow! - i’m totally jealous!
If you have a decent digi cam w/ a timer function you can probably take a nice set on your own. You’ll have to take a ton more than you’d end up using, as many of them won’t end up the way you’d like them, but it’s definitely an inexpensive option.
*lol* I don’t think I would ever do this. I remember reading up on it before and thinking that is was quite a costly endeavor. I would rather spend the money on a more practical gift that he could use and enjoy on a daily basis like a nice watch, a flat screen tv, etc…
i would do this for an anniversary present even… but i’d try to do it myself, somehow… timers? it doesn’t need to be professional for him to be happy with it =)
Entertainment Tonight just did a story on this the other week~..i think you can basically just imagine it to be like a hot maxim cover for your FI/Husband~
Our photographer asked me about this too. My dad was at this meeting and was in complete shock and I don’t need to know mode! Haven’t decided what I will do, but probably would not be comfortable with it when it came down to it.
haha, i actually did this for my bf on a spur of the moment thing all thanks to my digicam and it’s lovely handy dandy self-timer. all he said was “whoa” when he opened the email.
they were all very tasteful and more along the lines of a maxim photospread. it was a lot of fun to do too. i like lovely surprises like that.
I think they’re fun and I’ve seen some gorgeous ones, but I don’t think it’s something I’d ever do. Combination of expense, shyness, and in the long run, I don’t know if they’re really the most meaningful gift I could give.
I might think about it if we ever have to spend a long period apart for work or something. But, I’d rather spend the money on some fancy lingerie and keep it real. On a different note, the other day my FI and I were out at a german pub and my FI mentioned that he would like to see me in a german barmaid outfit (the waitresses were wearing them). I couldn’t believe he thought it was sexy. I was just thinking about how bad I felt for the waitress for having to wear such silly costumes.
are there any photogs that offer this in new york?
I just asked my fiance what he thought about it all and he said he’d get pretty angry to know that I posed for someone else’s eyes. Ha. I think he’d be fine getting pics of me that I took myself…
aww shit, well the link doesn’t work so here is the previous link. click on “intime”
ok… this is getting annoying. http://www.xanga.com/canon20d he does all sorts of photography. very talented. i think he did mrs. ant’s shoot in jamaica and alot of the other readers as well.
I can totally vouch for the quality of Skye Blu (not for boudoir)
We just got our engagement pictures back from her and they look awesome. My fiance and I look like models! So I believe she could make anyone look HOT in boudoir pictures.
I would absolutely do this…in fact, I appreciate the post because it definitely gives me a great idea for a pre-wedding gift for my fiance. Just the confidence alone demonstrated by these photos is drop dead sexy.
Um…I was saying “nope” in response to Miss Hibiscus’ question in her blog: “Is this something you would consider doing for your fiance?”
Surely you didn’t think I was saying there were no photographers in New York who offered this service.
‘Cause that would just be…well, dumb.
wow!!! jessica claire is your photographer!!! your pic are gonna be gorgeous
i’m using Skyeblue to take my budoir shots for my hubby to be! I think it’s totally hot!
nope, not doing them.
i wouldn’t do it anyway, but i did once ask mr. lime anyway and even showed him samples on some of the listed photogs’ websites. he wasn’t too into it, especially after i told him how much they run.
for those of you doing it, i highly recommend getting them done professionally. i would never do the DIY route with a timer. pro photogs know how to pose you and capture certain angles. DIY could border on looking amateur-ish, trashy, IMO.
maybe once I’m in wedding shape, but definitely not before them. I can also see my fiance thinking they might be too expensive.
Absolutely yes! Capture yourself young, radiant, adn hot before the years start to wera you down! I agree with Miss Lime on going the pro route for a more tasteful, well-choreographed set of photos. I think I would do it for an anniversary rather than a wedding gift, though. There’s already so much going on in and around a wedding, plus he has the dress and bridal lingerie to goggle at. As an anniversary present, it would be so unexpected and exciting!
OOOHHH I despertly want to do them for Mr. Raspberry and give it to him (subliminally) on the morning of our wedding….
I am just nervous about finding a photographer I can trust.
hot idea! but I think I’d use them as an anniversary gift or some other sort of gift. I want something a bit more special for my wedding gift to him. but I’m SURE he’d like them! & I agree with Miss Kiwi! I’d looooove for him to get them done!
i’d be too shy to pose for someone… hehe but i’d love to do a high fashion style shoot!
I doubt I would EVER do this…I am far too self conscious to even THINK about doing something like that…even just having ME use a camera for them!
“for those of you doing it, i highly recommend getting them done professionally. i would never do the DIY route with a timer. pro photogs know how to pose you and capture certain angles. DIY could border on looking amateur-ish, trashy, IMO.”
If I weren’t so iffy about posting corset pictures on a wedding site, I’d show mine. You do have to know a little bit about lighting, and you do have to play around with the scenery (draping fabrics works well), and try different angles and such. In the end, though, it is possible to do on your own without it looking trashy. About half of the poses shown originally are very simple and something that could be easily replicated by yourself.
Then again, if you’re able to spend $500 on a wedding present then you probably wouldn’t consider a DIY present anyway.
hmm honest mistake. sorry about that weezer monkey. no need to get nasty. people do tend to make mistakes now and then.
That’s something I’d definitely consider doing, but I think I’d feel weird unless the photographer was female. He’d love it, I’m sure, and even if I were able to get over a male photographer, I don’t think he’d like the idea. Just the idea in general though I think is really cute & sexy!
Mine are already scheduled!! I am not giving these to FH as his wedding gift though (my photographer said that the book would take about 12 weeks to put together) so I am taking them in June (wedding is 07.07.07 - so I will be *fingers crossed* in tip top shape & nice & tan) and giving them to him for Xmas…Can’t wait!!
that’s a great idea…but i’d feel too weird getting a photo session by myself..a hahhaha
heck no - he’d be excited for a minute and probably never look at them again. i’ll be his wife and getting naked in person is more fun than pictures
Many years ago, I used to do photography professionally. Weddings were a mainstay of course.
I have done a couple dozen boudoir shoots, and most came out quite nice, and I believe that my subjects were pleasantly surprised at how sexy they can really look when photographed properly.
I am a male, and to my knowledge, I know of no raging battles that ensued as a result of women posing for my lens.
It’s so funny that I just found this site!
I just had my photos taken a few weeks ago, as a gift for fh for Valentine’s Day.
It was a lot of fun and the photos came out great.
My photographer put some on her blog (with my permission).
Feel free to check it out:
http://bluedaisyblog.blogspot.com/2007/02/one-sassy-valentine.html
I suggest to any girls/brides who are thinking about doing it: definitely go for it!
It will be great to look back on when I am old and wrinkled!
P.M.
This is an adorable idea! As a Valentine’s Day gift for my bf, me and my friend got some sexy boudoir photos done. I actually was too shy to pose nude by myself so i convinced my friend to pose with me, and let’s just say it was such a fun time! I felt great, and even though i was a little nervous doing this with a male photographer, they turned out wonderful and tasteful. Our (lucky) photographer eased our tension, made us feel comfortable and brought out our sultriness. The results were spectacular. my bf was pleasantly surprised. It was such a fun time I plan on doing it again soon!
Thanks soooo much for listing me as a photographer who does the boudoir shoots!! I love doing them, and I have always thought it is a great idea to give to your sugarbutt! There is a mistake with the original post though, and I wanted to let all the lovely ladies know that I am actually located in eastern North Carolina!
I took some boudoir pictures for my husband, than boyfriend, while he was over in Iraq, and he LOVED them!! i think they’re a great idea to show a different side of yourself to your man! It was just me, my digital camera and my sister. She was fine doing it because she knew he would like them and she knew i wanted them to turn out well, but we’re also really close.
Can you please list
Brooke Mayo Photography under the boudoir photographers in the North Carolina area?
Thanks
Brooke
I’m co-owner of a photography business in Southern California. My boyfriend is the photographer, I’m the graphic artist and do all of the image retouching, but I also do some photography from time to time. Weddings are our bread and butter, but boudoir photography is VERY popular and at the close of wedding season (October), we get booked up with boudoir sessions and it doesn’t let up until Valentine’s Day. And of course Bridal Boudoir sessions are booked all year round.
Many posters commented that they wouldn’t feel comfortable having sexy pictures taken by someone else. ALL of our boudoir clients are a little nervous (sometimes selfconcious) prior to the shoot…nervousness should be expected. But after meeting with Loren and myself, and understanding how the shoot will work (we explain everything thoroughly–communication is the key to trust), our clients can’t wait to get started! It never takes more than 10 or 15 minutes for our clients to relax and start having fun with the shoot. And by the end of the shoot, they feel like supermodels!
Every client we’ve ever worked with has offered nothing but praise: comments on how easy and comfortable the shoot was, and what a professional and courteous team we make. Our business thrives on referrals and repeat clientel, so we really appreciate such positive testimonials.
A lot of posters mentioned taking do-it-yourself photos with digital cameras on self timers…well, if you’re happy with that, then go for it!! It’s a fun way to experiment. But, if you really want professional, beautifully lit, artistic images, then don’t be afraid to consult a professional! Ask friends for referrals or spend some time doing a little Internet research. Find someone in your area that can offer you the style of images that you want within your price range and go with the photographer you feel most comfortable working with!
Preferrably you should choose a photographer who has professional gear, a private studio space to shoot at, a female assistant (if the photographer is a male), the ability to retouch images as needed so that you look your absolute best AND a valid business license and good rating at the Better Business Bureau!!
Also, if price is an issue, and you have a friend or 2 who are also contemplating getting boudoir photos, find a studio that offers group sessions. Group sessions generally cost less per person than individual sessions, making it an affordable and fun alternative. With my studio’s group sessions, each client gets approximately one hour in front of the camera. This can alleviate downtime and actually allow each client more time in front of the camera. While one woman is being photographed, another can be working on her hair or makeup, or can be changing her outfits. Another benefit: Besides being able to save some money, some women find group sessions to be easier on the nerves because there is safety in numbers.
TIP: There’s a growing trend of brides holding Boudoir Bridal Showers. If you’re a bride who is considering doing a bridal boudoir photography session, consider getting your closest and most outgoing friends together to have a boudoir picture party!
I have done these photos and am a very shy person. I did them for my husband who will be leaving for military school soon. I thought it would be better to let him have photos of me, instead of looking at magazines. Right?!? Also, my hair and makeup was done, they were tasteful. I also had recently endured a very traumatic tragedy of three of our four children dying in a tragic car accident. It was a huge self-esteem booster, and I will be doing it again while he is in Iraq. Highly recommended….definitely worth the initial awkwardness. If you or hubby has a problem, it might be better to get a female photographer.
My FI is a photographer (and a darn good one! http://www.jakfoto.com), and he’s done a few photo shoots like this for others (I’m fine with it - I act as assistant!) AND of me, but it’s funny… I think he actually enjoys it less because he’s so into the photography! And I don’t think he’d like to receive photos that were taken by someone else… silly boy would be jealous. Guess he’ll just get the real thing!
I enjoy shooting boudoir sessions, a full boudoir portfolio is on my site, too.
http://www.aprilgreer.com
we do pinup & studio. I have sessions available in Hollywood, May 3rd if anyone’s interested!
[...] Turns out, plenty of people do. [...]
My man (not FI/Hubby) is in the Navy and going away for 6 months. I have a friend that photographs for fun and thought it would be a great bday present for my man since he will be overseas. I had no idea my present had a name (bpics). I have found a ton of ideas through the links posted above and just wanted to thank all of you.
Well, I´m not a bride to be, pr even close (no boyfriend here) lol, but as an aspiring photographer, and a girl I should say that, I think it worths the price, those pictures will remain forever, the beauty, thhe strenght and the tenderness of a woman. I would highly recomend the girls from Woman Captured, they have this Girl Power with a Christian Touch (the human body is beautiful) that totally got my heart, plus I have checked plenty of other bodoir photogs, but their style is absolutelly classy and gorgeous, check them out girls! http://womancaptured.com/ plus is an all-girls team to pamper you.
I specialize in Boudoir and Glamour Nude photography. There seems to be a growing trend of brides that are giving their grooms this great gift. The feedback that I have received from the brides is fantastic!!! Read my blog and my website information and it may help you think about doing this special gift for your groom!
Mark
Casual Elegance Photography
Roswell, GA
My boudoir photographer is in NC and is amazing. The photos were elegant and classy. She made me feel like a super star!!
I loved that she is a female and it was very comfy being in front of her and her female assist in my skivvies! LOL!
http://www.coutureboudoir.com
I just did them- they were really empowering! The outfits and accessories DID add up, but we had a ball. MY DH didnt care about them though…. but I did show a few (tame/fully dressed/covered) ones to my guy friends who thought they were awesome!
I recommend it to you if you can afford it
great female photog if you’re in the Philly/South Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland areas:
boudoir is all she does, and her work is awesome!
i am doing one of these shoots in a month and i am so excited. my husband knows about it and he loves helping me pick out shot ideas and outfits. its a great gift for him and something we will both enjoy. 
I am a full time boudoir, glamour and pin up photographer. The girls love doing it as a gift for their future hubbies. I am busy all year long with girls doing it for a holiday, birthday, anniversary, wedding gift or just because. I understand for some people it is not a practical gift but for others their men LOVE IT! I get a lot of girls thanking me for the experience and their men to. No matter what you ladies get for your men I am sure they will love it, it is the thought that counts =)
There is a great boudoir photography studio in St. Louis, MO called “St. Louis Boudoir”. The website is:
http://www.stlboudoir.com
I know a couple of friends who have gone there and were very pleased with the results. They both spent somewhere around $400-$500. So, it wasn’t cheap…but you do get what you pay for.
Hair and makeup was included. And so was retouching…which is how models wind up looking like models. LOL
I am having this done for my hubby. I am shy, but most photographers are very good at making you feel very relaxed, and beautiful. If you shop around you can find many that will work with your budget also. Some will even come to your house to do them so you feel more comfortable, and can incorporate some of your own items and settings. I am doing mine for valentines day. Not only is it a gift for him, but it makes me feel really beautiful and sexy too! It’s really a self esteem booster!
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Mrs. Hibiscus, Orange County
Age and Occupation in 06: 25, Eyebal Doc
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Commerical Underwriter
Engagement Date: September 26, 2004
Wedding Date: July 7, 2007
Venue: Laguna Beach on the beach, reception on a yacht in Newport Beach
About Me: I'm an eyeball doc. Normal is boring. I'm a hat person and a cat person. I'm in love (so very very in love). I'm a dreamer. I want to change the world. Superheroes are my friends. Kindness is contagious. Music is in my heart. Carpe diem.
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