Our family photographer does boudoir shoots a couple of times a year. Every time she posted about offering them, I thought the same thing that most everyone else does – NO WAY!
Until last year.
I took the leap and decided to do a boudoir shoot.
In January 2017, I had just started on Jenny Craig and although I was down about 12 lbs, I still weighed 241 lbs.
I thought this would be a great gift for Tom on our 10th anniversary (together, not 10 years married) in February 2017.
What I learned was a boudoir shoot was more for me. Doing a boudoir shoot when I was fat and often felt ugly reminded me that I am a beautiful, sexy woman. Yes, I’m a busy mom that runs around like her head is cut off most days, but I’m also that beautiful woman. You don’t have to be one or the other.
Moms like to be sexy. *gasp*
There, I said it.
Now if you’re still thinking there’s no way you’d ever do this, stop that now. The reason I wanted to share my experience with a plus size boudoir shoot is that I’m so tired of seeing these beautiful women I know comment on facebook posts about boudoir photography saying how much they’d love to do it but… “I need to lose X lbs”.
The way I see it, the man that I sleep with every night loves me for me. He sees me every morning when I wake up, seen me carry two children, helped me shower after a c-section, helped me squat over the toilet after those c-sections, and a ton of other not-so-pretty moments. That’s real life and that’s love, ladies.
I want to share a few tips that are applicable to absolutely ANY size woman that is thinking about doing a boudoir session. I was going to give tips for the plus-size ladies like myself, but the truth is – no one is really 100% comfortable with their body, no matter their size.
Book a Photographer You’re Comfortable With
I’ve known our family photographer for about twenty years. She used to cheer with my stepsister and we went to the same middle and high schools. She has done our family photos for almost six years at this point.
For your boudoir session, you’ll likely be wearing skimpy clothes or lingerie, so you can take out some of the awkwardness of that just by knowing your photographer ahead of time.
Start a Secret Pinterest Board
I searched Pinterest for plus-size boudoir poses and pinned the ones that I really liked to my secret pin board. These women all looked beautiful and I wanted to try to recreate something like that for myself.
I showed these pictures to my photographer the day of my shoot and we made sure to work a few of them in.
Have Hair and Makeup Done Professionally
I’m not a makeup person. I keep things super basic with a little foundation, some powder, and gloss most days. Even if you think you can do your own makeup, I highly recommend having someone else do it. It could be a professional in a fancy salon, someone that does it from home, or just someone that knows their way around a makeup kit!
And if they ask if you want lashes, just say yes! Enjoy the pampering and while it may seem a little over-the-top, the pictures will look killer!
Wear Something That You’re Comfortable In
I wanted to wear lingerie, but I didn’t have any that fit. So… that meant a trip to Lane Bryant for some great plus-size lingerie that actually fit me. I found a bunch of pretty little things and tried them all on in the store to make sure I would be comfortable with what I was wearing.
Of course, boudoir photography does not have to mean you’re in skimpy lingerie. Want to wear an oversized tee and a pair of boy shorts? Do it!
Have Fun!
This is all about you! Have fun with it! If you’re having fun, it’ll definitely come through in the photos. If you’re feeling stiff and uncomfortable, that’s going to come through, too.
Bring a friend, have a glass of wine (or maybe do a shot), laugh, and just enjoy it.
Show Those Pics Off!
When you get your pictures back, show them off! If you need to take a minute, do that, but don’t get in your head too much. You’re probably going to immediately look for your flaws in your photos. The truth is – no one else is going to notice.
Show them to your husband, text them to a friend, post a few on social, but get them out there.
While we’d like to pretend that the opinion of others doesn’t matter, the support you’ll receive will make you feel amazing, friend!
Advice from Samantha Harter Photography, my photographer that took all of these photos:
- Be comfortable in your own body
- Remember they love you for you
- Wear something you feel comfortable in
The bottom line is have fun and be yourself!
If you’ve been thinking about doing a boudoir session, but don’t think you’re thin enough or pretty enough or whatever it is… you are! Seeing yourself as beautiful and sexy is unbelievably good for the soul. Put on your big girl panties (or don’t) and go rock what you got!
Your photos are so GORGEOUS! Thanks for the tips. I’ve always wanted to do a photoshoot like this. Maybe I’ll have to take the plunge!
Your photos turned out AMAZING!! So beautiful!
Stunning! A friend of mine is a photographer and has asked me to try boudoir photos for several years. I have been so scared to show such an intimate side of myself. I like the idea of being yourself with the idea of an oversized tee and boy shorts. That’s more my personality than pretty, feminine lingerie. I think it looks great — but it’s just not me. You’re an inspiration to just go do it!
This is something I would never have the confidence to do for myself, but these photo’s turned out absolutely beautiful!
RAWR!
Way to go lady! You look fierce and beautiful and I love your shots. I’ve always been curious about a boudoir session but always have some reason not to book one. No more excuses!
Your photos are so amazing and you are so gorgeous, I love your tips these is so helpful.
I love boudoir shoots. If I was ever going to try to be a professional photographer it would be for this! I love your tips. Choosing someone you are comfortable with is so important. And getting your hair and makeup done professionally is a huge boost in confidence. love how your pictures turned out!
Good for you! I take boudoir photos (mostly brides) and say all of these words to my clients!! I myself, have never listened to myself though ☺ ☺
OMG you look AMAZING! I’ve often thought about doing a shoot so I appreciate the tips. And the eyelashes – hell yes! I recently got into falsies and wow they make a HUGE difference!
I love your shots. You look fantastic. I’ve never done a boudoir shoot. I would definitely have to use a female photographer if I did one. I’ve done photo shoots for other purposes in the past, and I don’t think I would ever be comfortable doing a sexy shoot with a male photographer. But maybe…
Your photos turned out wonderfully. I’m so not a fan of being in front of the camera but I think it would be fun to do something like this.
this is gorgeousssssss!!!
Oh wow, your photos are gorgeous! I’ll admit that I’m one of those women who’d love to do this, but had let my nerves get the best of me. Now I’m seriously considering it!
OMG you go girl! I’ve always wanted to do one for my husband but two kids later, i’m still not ready!
Definitely great for a Valentine’s Day shoot! Your pictures came out beautiful. I have always wanted to do a shoot like this, but haven’t built up the guts. Thanks for your tips!
Love the photos. You look amazing and like you had fun during the shoot. I don’t know if I would ever do a boudoir shoot. Not because I would feel self-conscious but because my idea of lingerie is comfy pjs, lol.
Your photos really turned out so nice, and I totally agree about getting your hair and makeup done for the photo shoot — your hair looks lovely!!
I booked one last year and I have to say it was an awesome experience. It boosted my confidence, which I never expected. Definitely something that women should do for themselves.
I love this! Your photos are beautiful! I have always wanted to do one of these shoots but have never felt comfortable enough with my body. I do think it would be fun though!
What a fun post! I really would be nervous doing this myself but I love your confidence and you are sharing some great tips! This is certainly a bucket list item for me!