Come Hither
Boudoir photography is like flirting: it’s seductive, it’s cheeky, and it leaves you wanting more.
The magic of boudoir photography comes from what it doesn’t show you. It’s the wink-and-nudge of the photo world— alluring, mesmerizing, and provocative without revealing all. Pro boudoir photographer Monica Michelle (of White Rabbit Studios) shared her top tips for capturing your own sassy, sexy moments. It’s all about irresistible connection, so let your flirt flag fly!
For models Baby, you need your lovin’. We all have hang-ups about
our bodies, but this is no time to be a shrinking violet. Focus on the parts of your body you like to rock, and make those the centerpieces of your boudoir photos. According to Monica, “In the first thirty seconds of meeting me, [women] are going to tell me what they don’t like about their bodies. We’re going to focus on what you love. When I’m photographing someone, they’re the most beautiful thing in the world to me.”
Be a poser (and watch TMZ). Angles and lighting can
work magic, if you know how to work your body. “The best thing to do is look at TMZ, because they’ll show you that every woman will do the same pose. They kick one foot back and put all their weight there, then lean to the shoulder. They pull their hips away from the rib cage, which gives them a cut right down their stomach. They bring their chin up and over the shoulder, then connect with the camera,” says Monica.
Express yourself. Maybe I’ve watched too many episodes
of America’s Next Top Model, but there’s something about the ‘smize’ (smile with your eyes) that really works. Your expression—whether it’s sultry, coy, or mischievous—can make or break a photo. “The most important thing is expression, second light, posing third. If you don’t have the right expression, it doesn’t matter how pretty the photos is.”
Flirt. “When I talk about connection, that’s another word for
flirting,” says Monica. “When I’m shooting boudoir, I’m trying to get someone to flirt to me. We all flirt to our shoulder; it’s human nature, so you always get someone to flirt toward their shoulder.”
Photos by Monica Michelle / Model: Sarah Collins Hair & Makeup by Limón Salon FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Go for a gab fest. “When you’re shooting, it’s important to
never stop talking. When you stop talking, [the models] start doubting themselves. I will talk their ears off about what I think is beautiful about them; it’s never disingenuous, it’s exactly what I’m feeling. I try to give people exactly what I would want, which is just constant praise and telling them that what they’re doing is right.”
Let there be light. “Light can do anything for you. It can make
someone look bigger, make someone look evil, make someone look ethereal. I’m a big fan of backlighting; I love using shadows to accentuate [or hide] certain things in the body.”
Get connected. Establish an emotional connection with your
model. “Without that connection with camera to person, it’s just a photo. If you get that connection, it’s a memory, it’s something they get to hold onto. And with boudoir, it’s so special because we’re so many things to so many people—we’re moms, we’re wives, we’re sisters, we’re friends; this is the only space you have to be you. This is just your time, and [photographers] try to connect with who you are at that moment.” —kc
Hipstamatic Combos
Boudoir photography needs to conjure the right mood. We found some Hipstamatic lenses and films that gave us just the right soft, sensual tones—try these on for size, but don’t forget to experiment!
Warm, sepia tones are utterly luxurious. For lenses,
we fell in love with Lucas AB2, James M, Tejas, and Libatique 73. For films, we’re hooked on Claunch 72 Monochrome and Cano Cafenol.
See boudoir through rose-tinted glasses. Use romantic
pink tints. Lucifer is the ultimate aphrodisiac, and Susie is a retro dream in the right light. If you’re working with rich colors, try out the Watts lens or DC film to make them really pop.
Mystery is sexy, so add some shadow. There’s
the classic John S, as well as blackeys ultrachrome and the deliciously grainy US 1776.
Pro tip. When a shot is all about emotion, take the color out.
Color can be a distraction. —kc
