Having a boudoir business that is staying ahead of the trends takes a constant creative approach. It also requires a deep passion for appreciating art and always looking at new ways of seeing things.

Trends make us think, trends inspire and motivate our creativity, and trends create a “hive mind” so we know how to connect with one another.

I always like to look back on boudoir trends I have covered and conquered in the past year and see how they compare to what really speaks to all of my amazing boudoir clients now. In 2018, we were trending cozy clothes and natural looks but in 2020 there was a much more edgy and erotic shift in what my sessions are looking like now.

I’m excited to share my new top 5 boudoir trends for 2020 & 2021!

 

1. Spicing Things up with Couples Boudoir

The most notable trend of the last few years: Couples Boudoir. What began as a slow burning trend in 2020 grew into a full blown trend that won’t go away anytime soon. And if you take into account the events that have happened the past two years, it can only make sense why couples would seek out an opportunity to share something so intimate with one another. After life had stopped, it was important for couples to keep themselves invested in each other. Couples want to spice things up, give one another something to talk about, laugh about, fantasize about!

But couples boudoir goes much deeper than the image of two people half-naked, intertwined with one another. It’s a deeper level of intimacy that couples don’t realize they have to face until they are both practically naked, behind the camera. But even with the trepidation they face, the second they look at each other, they’re reminded of why they wanted to do this and how.

2. The Good Old S&M

The thought that initially comes to people’s mind when talking about this trend is Rhianna’s song “S&M”. And it can be! In fact, I’ve noticed many more women wanting to be in touch with their kinkier, erotic side that they normally wouldn’t be comfortable with admitting out loud.

What I love most about S&M themed boudoir shoots is the fearlessness that comes out from my clients. They ooze sex and exude a confidence that they didn’t even know they had. I think S&M is an important trend to explore as you’re able to tap into some deeper desires you have, because saying it out loud and participating in the act in front of others gives the model recurrence that she’s not crazy, she’s just unconventional.

S&M draws focus to the woman’s best assets with a kick of habanero. It’s not raunchy, but it does challenge the viewers perception of the scene and pushes the model out of her comfort zone. Think of 50 shades of Gray, except we’re all having a good time! So if whips, chains, blind-folds, and paddles excite you, then this is a trend you should jump on while it’s hot.

3. Getting Wet Has Never Been More Sexy

This trend gets a lot of women feeling like Denise Richards from “Wild Things”. It’s easy to take a nice picture of yourself, but have you ever shot yourself completely drenched in the shower, nude, and with a full face of make-up on? If you haven’t then you’re missing out. The un-smeared make-up mixed with a racy scene in the water will be reminiscent of the waterproof make-up that was designed for classic Hollywood star, Esther Williams. There’s something about being wet that wakes up this primal part of ourselves. Being naked, dripping water from your curves, and suggestively posing gives ourselves an intimate spotlight on our bodies and minds. But what I also love seeing is my clients posing on or in bathtubs, wading in the water, surrounded by flower petals. Incorporation of a prop, such as a bathtub, can take your boudoir session to the next level!

4. Boudoir in the Nature

While being wet and exploring S&M gets us in touch with a more carnal side of ourselves, a boudoir trend that I noticed women have especially loved this year was shooting outdoors. Whether you’re on the balcony bent over the rail, lounging in a chair surrounded by succulents, or shooting on location while you straddle your car, the LA sunset shining in the background, the outdoors let’s us find ourselves in a more grounded scene, literally and figuratively. There’s so much that the women and I explore in these outdoor scenes. We can keep it classy and clean, make it boho with rich colors, or we can get dirty and daring. Whatever we set the stakes at, we can create it.

5. Fine Art Black and White

This boudoir trend just makes sense. There is nothing more poetic and classic than a high-contrast, black-and-white photograph. When I send out my clients orders, I ALWAYS make sure to include a black-and-white option of their original colored photograph. I also have to give credit to my clients for seeking out certain stylized, monochromatic images to replicate in their boudoir sessions. It’s such an inspiration to see their vision and make that come to life.

I believe black-and-white images are a staple to any photographers portfolio, because a black-and-white photo is timeless. Sometimes you get just the right amount of light and shadow to create a sexy silhouette or some rim light that highlights the edges and curves of the model.

No matter what trend you decide to go with, I’m here to make this scene and experience unique to you. And trust me, no two sessions are ever the same. While I may bring my own expertise with shooting, posing, and styling to my sessions, my clients deserve a lot of credit for their curiosities that they want to jump into. Interested in exploring your darkest desires? The wet’n’wild style of Denise Richards? The timeless classics in black-and-white? Book your shoot with me and we can be passionately curious together!

I’m excited to see what new and exciting boudoir trends will show up in 2022, and which ones from this year will carry over into next year. I love staying up to date with what’s happening in the photography industry and staying inspired by looking at new fashion and editorial trends.  After 10 years of shooting boudoir photography I still get as excited as I did from day 1.

I am a FOREVER student and will be searching for new ways on how to make my clients experience better, creative and more artistic. I am constantly creating new sets, buying new props, trying out new lights, getting inspired from other artist, testing with models, taking art classes.

I want to be one step ahead for my clients and creating art that special and unique to them.

Looking for new ways to explore beauty and boudoir in moody sensual ways is constantly on my mind, even if it’s as simple as patterns and fabrics.

Something I hear all the time from my clients is, “your work is so different, artistic and I haven’t found anything else out there like you.” Tell me more!  I LOVE hearing this! It means I’m on the right path and something I’m doing is working!

I can’t tell you how amazing that feels!  I worked a long time to get to where I am, I’m beyond ecstatic to have the AMAZING clients I do. That validation means whatever I’m doing, just keep doing it!

And how about you, have you thought about booking your boudoir session?

Let’s create something unforgettable together!

The question often goes unasked, especially for those embarking on their first foray into this captivating world of boudoir photography. Most individuals find themselves immersed in introspection, searching for their reasons to step into the studio and undergo a transformative experience. Some view it as a testament of love, while others see it as a declaration of boldness and empowerment. Then there are those who simply desire to be treated like royalty, relishing the pampering that life sometimes necessitates.

But once the “why” is firmly etched in their minds, the logistical considerations come into play. The realization dawns that they will need to shed not only their clothing but also their inhibitions for another’s lens. It becomes crystal clear that boudoir photography, despite being a trendy pursuit, is far from frivolous. The intensity of the experience can be uncomfortable for many.

So, here are some invaluable tips from a seasoned photographer with over a decade and a half of experience for all prospective intimate photography aficionados considering this journey.

The key, my friend, is to establish a deep bond and a profound respect and liking for your chosen photographer. Everything hinges on this selection. Don’t just love the art; love the artist behind it. Intimate art is alive, dynamic, and deeply personal. You can buy a masterpiece from a gallery without concerning yourself with the painter’s personality or soul. It doesn’t really matter because you’re acquiring the end product of the creative process. However, in the world of boudoir photography, you are an integral part of the creative endeavor. Those glamorous shots adorning websites might not manifest in reality if you don’t hold genuine affection for the artist responsible.

In short, don’t fixate on a photographer without having that face-to-face consultation. Opt for a skilled professional you genuinely enjoy working with over a maestro who leaves you uneasy. Start on the right foot, and the rest will likely follow suit.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the importance of laying it all on the table during your boudoir photography consultation. Give your meeting a mere 15 minutes and challenge yourself to candidly share your fantasies with your chosen photographer. If you can’t muster the courage, if you feel hesitant or shy, it might be a sign that you’re not in sync with the photographer’s personality. In such cases, it’s best to keep searching for alternatives.

Building a connection with your photographer is vital, and social media can help bridge the gap. Consider inviting her to a private Pinterest board to collaboratively envision the session. The decisions you make regarding décor, clothing, makeup, and ambiance will provide a clear indication of how the actual shoot will unfold.

If you find yourselves at an impasse in the virtual realm, there’s a strong possibility that the shoot may turn into a stage for subtle power struggles. In such situations, it’s best to look elsewhere – you wouldn’t want to taint your special day with negativity.

I could lecture you endlessly on how to select a boudoir photographer with whom you feel comfortable. However, at the end of the day, your intuition should not be underestimated. When your gut feeling tells you that someone is the right fit, trust it. Rationality can only guide you so far.

With warmth and wisdom, Marisa Leigh

 

What it you like most about yourself?

Your eyes, your lips, your sculpted legs? It’s easy to pick one thing that you like. It’s probably just as easy to pick something you don’t like. Your special blend of flaws and best features are what makes your body unique, but when you’re celebrating beauty you can embrace the uniqueness without focusing on the negatives.

 

The Sweet Spot: Every Woman Has One

Every woman has a sweet spot. She’ll have at least one fiery look, one extraordinary angle, one sultry position that would melt the heart of any man. Boudoir photography is the art of focusing on that sweet spot, and drawing it out for you or that special someone to see in all of its radiant glory. 

Your Body is a Dream 

Just look at you, you’re incredible! And your photographs should represent that. The best professional Boudoir photographers are masters at using the perfect combinations of professional lighting, composition, and angle positioning to highlight their clients’ best features. 

When it comes to showing off your body the right way, it’s the subtleties that matter. A brush of shadow here, a strategically placed bit of cloth there, or a slightly altered positioning can take a photo from “blah” to “wow.” The magic is in the details. 

 

Photographs Designed to Build Confidence 

Without exception, you should leave a Boudoir session feeling sexy and confident. I design my sessions to empower women and to help them realize the beauty that already exists inside of each one of them. As a Boudoir Photographer, my job isn’t to create beauty, but to capture it at its best. 

When my clients see their photographs, I want them to be amazed by themselves. The best way to do this is by focusing on their best features and deemphasizing their less favorable ones. Here are a few tips on how you can do it too. 

Focus on Angles 

Many people strongly believe that the camera adds ten pounds to a subject. This isn’t really true. Bad positioning adds ten pounds. Successfully accentuating feminine lines and curves and deemphasizing problem areas depends entirely on how you position your client. Do it well, and no matter what their body type, you can make them look fabulous.

 

The Power of a Good Light

There’s nothing worse than a badly placed shadow on a beautiful subject. Use light which flatters your client, makes her look softer and more elegant and removes possibilities for unfortunate dark spots. Directional lighting tends to work best, as straight on lighting will make your subject look larger and make the photograph less evocative. 

 

Use the Secret Weapon: Composition 

If you’ve angled your subject beautifully, and she’s lit well, you can still get into trouble if you don’t compose the image properly. Plus. boudoir photography is supposed to be intimate, don’t be afraid to get closer to your subject, or at least make use of a lens with a longer focal length.

Ultimately, every woman has a sweet spot, and as Boudoir photographers, it’s our duty to not only find it but to artfully feature it in our images so that our clients can be proud. Beauty should be a source of confidence, not anxiety, and if our boudoir sessions can help women feel more confident about their bodies, then we are doing our jobs the right way. 

 

Some photographers say that your facial expression is the most important part of the boudoir photo. And while we agree that your face can make or break the picture, there is so much more at play.

Your body language, lighting, outfits…to name a few.

And in some photos, all those things can take the spotlight.

That’s right, your face doesn’t have to be the center of the attention (and let’s face it, it hardly is ;)). In fact, it doesn’t even have to be in the photo at all. Which some of our clients prefer.

 

Faceless boudoir photos can help you keep the element of secrecy

One of the most notable points refers to faceless boudoir portraits, where a woman’s body is the focal point of the image, and her identity is kept a secret. For obvious reasons, some women don’t feel comfortable with being identifiable in the photos, especially if they allowed for the final images to be shared in our portfolio.

But beyond that, faceless photos can serve as a clever way to spark some interest in your loved one. There’s something alluring about keeping your identity hidden, and letting their fantasies go wild.

It’s all about creating tasteful boudoir photography

Although it may not seem so, there’s a well-defined difference between being artistic and being inappropriate when it comes to boudoir photography. It’s important for your photographer to pay attention to the boundary lines. 

When the face isn’t the focal point, your body is, and it’s important to remember that tasteful boudoir photos create much bigger impact than inappropriate (and way too obvious) images ever will.

But how do you create timeless, beautiful boudoir images without including your face?

 

Here are some tips to remember so that you can create tasteful faceless images: 

1. Boudoir is meant to be suggestive, not overt.
   Implied nudity is much more sensual, which is one of the reasons that lingerie is so popular.
2. The magic is in the details
   A single aspect of a woman’s body like sexy shoes, the curve of her hips, the line of her bust, can tell an interesting story. It’s the little details that make you fabulous.
3. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with
   Respecting the wishes and privacy of boudoir clients is an integral part in creating beautiful boudoir photographs that are both classy and timeless. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and ask to see the preview of what your photographer’s working on!
   

 

When I made my first $2000 it changed my life forever and I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how difficult I made it in my mind, now it’s just another day.

How did this take me so long? How could I have undervaluing myself for so many years and why didn’t my fancy art degree teach me how to do this before I graduated?

Learning to value and sell my art was invaluable to me finally thriving instead of just barely surviving. I could finally taste freedom in the career I’ve worked so hard for.

I’m going to tell you exactly how I arrived here.

Being an ultimate sales machine selling $2000 and up

Because you are reading this I know you want it,  you want it bad. You’re hungry for knowledge and you are willing to do whatever you possibly can to make a good living doing what you love.

The first year I attended PPA’s imagecon my world was blown. I was attending portrait workshops where these photographers were averaging $3000 to $7000 in portrait sales.

I was having a hard time believing it but after the 3rd or 4th course in sales, my eyes began to sparkle. I knew my work was good,  I knew what I was doing was not working, so what did I have to lose?! I was selling myself short by putting up client galleries online and just waiting for a sale. It was a total waste of time, energy and resources, and always left me confused and mad.

As an artist, it’s sometimes incredibly difficult not to see the word “sales” as somehow dirty. We’ve grown up seeing salespeople as slippery and dishonest and these stereotypes have made it hard for us to earn our keep. But I will tell you a secret: it’s absolutely possible to be completely authentic in your work and you can make a killing doing it.

How?

By understanding what it means to price for profit!

 

How should you price for profit?

Like many of you, I didn’t know where to start. What is my work worth? What will people really pay for it? The questions follow like, am I really worth that? Will I go out of business and down the rabbit hole we go.  

There are so many photographers out there that clearly have no idea what they are doing. They are selling their time, and their products at a price that will eventually put them out of business.

You have no idea if they are operating for an actual profit, or whether they’ll be in business in 5 yeas, so don’t try and compete with other people’s prices.

 

Being a professional photographer is expensive.

Not only do we need to have top-notch tools, software and gear to run our business, we need to set money aside for marketing, promotions, social media, education, bookkeeping, and the list goes on and on….

First things first. What does it cost you to run your photography business? Maybe you are a part-time photographer and you want to pro, maybe you’re at the beginning, and maybe you’re an editorial or commercial photographer that wants to switch things up.

 

So how do you set your prices?

That depends on a lot of factors, so that’s a question I can’t answer, but I can advise you to price your rates and packages for the life you want and not the one you have.

Don’t compete with price, compete with value. PPA is the leader in the research and benchmarks to what makes a profitable studio.
I would highly suggest to check the in depth report as it help deeper solidify the questions you have.
Without going to deep into numbers I’d like to suggest a guideline to getting started.

What is your revenue goal for the year? If it’s $200,000 What do you want to pay yourself?

My goal is to take 50% of my gross home.

Let’s say I can do 100 shoots a year, each session would need to be $2000 for me to hit my mark.

 

How valuable is your time?

How long does it take you to retouch and design an album? You need to make sure you are accounting for that time. 

If my goal is $200,000 and I work 46 weeks out of the year at 40 hours a week my time would need to be valued at $108 an hour to make a profit. (It’s important to factor in everything. The phone calls, emails, shoot, travel, reveal, retouching, and packaging, shipping.)

• If my time is valued at $108 an hour and each client is at least 15 hours of my time. Each client would need to be valued at  $1620 without a product to hit my goal. 
• An album costs me $100 and with a cog (cost of goods) of 25%, = $400 for an album.
• If I am to add $1620 time +  $300 product = 104 clients a year is the goal.

Many people often wonder why an 8×10 is so expensive. Why are you charging $75 and up for an 8×10 when the actual cost of it is $2.  If you factor the time it takes to retouch, print, archive, package, and deliver this print is well over an hour, so again it comes back to what your goals are, the value you place on your time is and what your cogs (cost of goods sold) are.

 

The difference between value & price

When you are selling a luxury product at a high ticket price you want to build as much value as you can. You are selling to the emotional part of the brain. It’s very important to understand your client’s needs and how is your photo going to make them feel. 

Before every sales meeting, I do a slight retouch on over 100 images. I do this because I know from experience that many clients will say no to an image because they don’t like something about how they look. Over the years I’ve developed an eye for what to fix and what to leave.

This took some time and many years of retouching to get the look I have today, but I promise you, if you take the time little by improving your images before the sales meeting you will see your sales jump. It’s a small investment in your time to make a BIG impact on them.

 

Recognize the importance of your brand

What makes you as a photographer stand out? Why should people choose you over your competition? Talent alone won’t get you anywhere, you have to first convince people that you’re worth the investment. This involves creating a beautiful and strong website so potential clients can find you, polishing your portfolio so that your work will wow clients who visit your website, and handling all the legal aspects of your business.

The world is filled with photographers, and clients want someone with a solid reputation, someone they can trust.

 

Sell the Experience

One of the most magical things about Boudoir Photography is that most women go into it thinking that they’re doing it to create a gift for a special someone, but if it’s done well, they’ll leave having had a truly empowering experience that they’ll remember forever.

When marketing boudoir photography don’t just focus on the photos themselves. Instead, talk up the entire experience. Create tiered packages with sumptuous goodies at each level like champagne and mani/pedis. Every girl loves to be pampered, so make the experience too good to refuse, and you’ll see your sales increase exponentially.

The consultation 

It’s imperative that I get people on the phone as quick a possible. I want to walk them through the process, paint a picture, and create trust and build excitement before anyone else can. I want to be the first one to the race, prepped and ready. I know that if I can get them on the phone, and I’m within their budget, I will book them. In the beginning I had a script of all the things I wanted to cover, but now it just flows.

Planting The Seed

You need to be educating your clients about price from the moment they come in contact with you. I overeducate my clients. I don’t want there to be any confusing about how much I charge, so not only do I go over with them on the phone, I send them my rate card once they contact me, then again before the sales reveal. If a client does not know your pricing from the get go, they will not be spending $2000.

Managing expectations from the beginning will build trust and make you the bigger sale. Not being clear, and transparent upfront will leave you with an awkward conversation, which you want to avoid at all costs. Even with the amount of info I send there are always people who don’t read and like to assume they’ll just get what they want, but if I’ve sent the info multiple times, they really have no excuse and I cannot be blamed for their ignorance.

Make sure they know that the presentation will be the time they decide on what photos they want to purchase. Assure them how easy and fun it is and that you will be guiding them the whole way through. I make sure to let my perspective client know that there is no pressure. I only thing important to me is that they end up with photos they love and can’t live without.

Be OCD with Editing 

It’s a sad truth that you won’t be judged for your best photo, but for your worst. Edit your photos boldly, and even more importantly, eliminate the B roll.  From a 2-4 hour session, you can pretty much expect that you’ll have at least 50-100 quality photos. One bad apple ruins the bunch, and because women can be extremely self conscience just get rid of  what you know she won’t like.

If your clients ending up liking more than 50% of all the photos you show them, your are winning and your clients will be leaving that sales meeting singing your praises.

Make it Personal 

The most important thing that you can do is care about your client. From the first phone call to the presentation of the images, make her feel like her needs are the most important thing in the world. This is especially true when it comes to the presentation/reveal of the photos.
Make a gorgeous slideshow of all the best photos from the day, set it to music, and show them off to her. In the age of online shopping and lack of personal touch, this extra effort will leave a deep impression on your clients, and they’re more likely to buy more.

During the presentation, make sure you have samples on hand. Something about holding a real example of an object creates an emotional connection between the client and the product. If they can see it, feel it, know what it’s for, they’re more likely to buy it.

Exceed Expectations 

Consider the details and do more than what’s expected. For you these images might be an afternoon session and then several hours of editing, but for your clients they mean so much more than that. These pictures could potentially be something which they’ll look at fondly for the rest of their lives.