Weddingbee

[image via bbonline.com]

Spell it with me now, ladies. So what is this photography phenomenon? I think the definition on Skye Blu’s Boudoir site captures it best.

“Boudoir” literally translates to: a lady’s bedroom or private sitting room. However, when paired with the element of photography, it takes on an entirely different meaning. Boudoir photography celebrates the splendor and grace of the human form, by capturing curves and sensuality on film. These intimate photographs can range from fully clothed to tasteful nudes but always have a sense of allure and intense beauty…
[from skyebluboudoir.com]

My tips? Sorry, I don’t have too many since I haven’t done ‘em or researched *that* much beyond what I’ve gleaned from friends who have, and from reading messageboards. So here are a few secondhand ones:

1. Maintain some mystery. You don’t have to bare all if you don’t want to, and the best shots I’ve seen are very tasteful and just hint at what could be there.
2. Don’t stress too much about your bod. Yes, eat right and workout to get in the best shape possible you healthily can within the time you have, but don’t crash diet just for some pics. A talented photog will make you look sexy through the use of flattering angles and other tricks. The whole point is to flaunt what you’ve got and been given, after all.
3. You really do get what you pay for. If you can’t afford the best, I honestly think it’s best not to do it at all. There is a very fine line between classy/artsy and trashy, when it comes to photos as risque as these.
4. Check your contract very, very carefully. Who has the rights to the images? Does it protect you from your photographer using these photos without explicit consent from you? If it’s on film, do you get the negatives, and when?

Photographers whose work I’ve seen and might use, if I were to sit for a session. All are in the Southern California area, except the one noted. Warning: NSFW!

• http://www.skyebluboudoir.com/
• http://www.jimkennedyphotographers.com/index.html
  Some more of Jim Kennedy’s work can be found here:
  http://beautifulbride.us/carina/gallery/display.asp?BrideID=6&PictureGalleryID=207&GalleryID=2
• http://knsaber.com/intime/ [NY/NJ]
• http://www.tristalerit.com/
• http://www.ruettgers.com/

Common reasons to do it:

1. Wedding gift for your mister. You may want to wait until the wedding night to hand over the album, though ;).
2. A first anniversary gift. After all, that’s the “paper” anniversary.
3. For yourself, as much as for him. To boost your own self-image or celebrate your womanhood, whatever that might mean to you (see “The Vixen Boudoir” on Skye Blu’s site).

How much will these set you back, you ask? Sitting fees seem to start around $200 and hover around the $300-$350 range. Some photographers have a private studio, others require you to rent a hotel room or otherwise figure out a private location and cover any costs. Then there’s the hair and makeup. You definitely need something a little heavier and more glam than your everyday wear. You also need something(s) to wear/not wear (although you could definitely work with what you have). Lastly, there’s the matter of prints, albums, negatives, and images on disc. When all is said and done, the total costs seem to hover around $700-$1000.

So there you have it, ladies. Yet another thing you never knew before this whole crazy wedding planning thing but now might just have to have. I know what you’re thinking, now. “Will the lime be doing this?” Well, a girl’s gotta maintain some mystery, after all.

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