From Outfits to Preparation, Follow This Guide for a Successful Couples Boudoir Shoot
Preparing outfits for one person can be challenging, so what more when there are two of you? We’re listing what a couple should consider wearing for a boudoir shoot as well as styling tips to help you prepare for your shoot.
Couple’s boudoir photography focuses on showing the intimacy between lovers. While I’m here to capture your love and connection, you should feel comfortable with your clothing choices. As a professional boudoir photographer, I guide clients to plan boudoir outfits that allow them to express their personality and vibe of their dream session.
Article Contents:
- What is Couples Boudoir?
- Reasons Why Couples Should Do Boudoir
- Outfit Ideas for a Couples Photoshoot
- Planning Your Couples Boudoir Shoot
What is Couples Boudoir?
A couple’s boudoir shoot is an intimate experience that captures the connection and feelings between you and your significant other. It’s a powerful way to capture photos that show the passion between two people. It celebrates a unique connection regardless of gender, age, sexuality, body type, or marital status.
A common question I get with couples boudoir is “what should I wear”?. It can be tough to choose outfits for yourself, let alone coordinating your outfits as a couple. If you are new to boudoir, here are some outfit ideas for couples boudoir.
Why Should Couples Do a Boudoir Shoot?
There are several reasons for individuals to do a boudoir shoot, including self-expression. While it’s not that much different for a couple’s session, there are distinct benefits to why couples should have a boudoir photoshoot.
Create a Special Atmosphere
For some people, a boudoir shoot may seem to be an unconventional way to take couples’ portraits. Meanwhile, other couples are more adventurous and willing to try a different approach to collecting pictures of themselves.
A boudoir photography shoot is a good opportunity to experience a sensual yet relaxed environment. The setup, mood, and music can ensure you enjoy each other’s company and pose confidently as you get lost in one another.
Focus on Each Other
Couples can get busy every day. There’s too much time spent on work, household chores, and other responsibilities. Sometimes, couples forget to allot time to focus on each other. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?!
Boudoir photography is about embracing your body and letting go of your inhibitions. In your session, your eyes and attention will focus on each other.
As your mind and body entangle, you won’t even remember someone photographing you kissing, hugging, or touching each other. It’s a great experience to showcase raw emotions as you pour your attention on one another.
Celebrate Special Moments
Celebrating an important moment is among the most popular reasons couples book boudoir photoshoots. It can be your birthday, engagement, or wedding anniversary.
It can also mean celebrating your growth as a couple. Perhaps you’ve reached a new level of understanding or closeness or maybe you simply want to reward yourselves.
Regardless, celebrating both the small and big wins in your life as a couple is an excellent opportunity to show your gratitude for your partner and your genuine happiness in boudoir photos.
Spice Things Up
A study shows that couples who engage in exciting activities have higher levels of romantic relationship excitement. This heightened relational satisfaction can last for months.
Boudoir photography is one of the most exciting things you can do as a couple. Particularly for couples who have been together for years, there are still many ways for you to rediscover the spark and spice things up.
Show Your Love and Capture Emotions
Showing your love as partners is the highlight of a boudoir photo shoot for couples. There’s no need to wait for a special occasion! Finding beauty in your love and showing those emotions in photos is more than enough.
It’s common for individuals to use boudoir images as gifts to their partners. Looking back at the pictures together helps you recall the fun experience of doing a boudoir shoot and being present in that moment. When you feature or showcase your boudoir photos, you’ll be reminded of the thrill and love of your relationship.
Outfit Ideas for a Couple’s Photoshoot
The simplest way to style a boudoir wardrobe for couples is to stick with casual clothing or bedroom-specific that you can easily find in your closet. However, you can also glam up using fancy clothes or complementary outfits to create more of a storyline.
The outfits you choose should help you bring out the vibe you two share. Think of it this way—dress like you’re going to the same party. Dress it up for a night-on-the-town vibe or dress it down for a casual homey vibe.
Keep It Simple and Casual
Simplicity is the key for couples to shine in boudoir photos. Closet staples such full button-up shirts allow you to grip something seductively or undress each other.
While your outfits will add texture and story to your images, the primary focus will be on your intimacy and connection. I recommend keeping clothes to a minimum. This will save you time preparing while ensuring your outfits won’t outshine your body language and facial expressions.
Complementary Outfits
Complementary outfits should help make couples look photographed as a whole. The clothing styles and colors shouldn’t clash. Instead, complimentary accents should help add texture and a bit of color to the scene.
For instance, wear pale blue lingerie while your partner has a white shirt. Another example is that both of you wear off-shoulder sweaters paired with lace underwear in contrasting colors.Try to avoid wearing the exact same color density so that there is separation between you two.
Fancy Clothes
A boudoir shoot doesn’t automatically mean you must wear highly revealing clothing. You can choose whatever theme you like for a session, including wearing fancy clothes. Luxury was boudoir photography’s concept in the 1920s and this is a great chance to have a themed shoot.
What Should Men Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot?
Men can wear black slacks with only a bow tie (Chippendale’s style!) or an unbuttoned white shirt. Meanwhile, the ladies can wear a deep-V or halter dress that highlights the collarbone. You can also pair this outfit with fishnet stockings and heels for a more seductive look.
Men typically end up going topless during a boudoir photoshoot, but we love layers of clothing so that we can peel back the layers of the onion. However, shirts, jeans, and boxer briefs are must-have clothing pieces for a couple’s boudoir session.
- Shirt: A tee shirt is an underrated clothing choice for a boudoir session, yet it’s one of the best things to play with a shirt. You can tug at it or pull it over your head for a seductive pose. Button-up shirt give great peeling back options for storyline.
- Jeans: Jeans can look incredibly hot on men when styled correctly. You can have a belt to play with or a zipper to strip down for a playful touch. Make sure they’re not too baggy.
- Boxer briefs: Research shows that tight-fitting garments lead to an increased sense of masculinity compared to baggy clothes that hide our body. Boxer shorts are baggy and won’t look flattering, whereas boxer briefs can highlight the buttocks and crotch. Boxer briefs also let you add a bit of a fun pattern or solid color for personality flair.
What Should Women Wear for a Boudoir Photoshoot?
There are many things women can wear for a couple’s boudoir photoshoot. Whether you already have these in your closet or want to shop for new clothes, these are wardrobe essentials for women during a boudoir session.
- Bra and panty set: A matching bra and underwear set is a staple among boudoir shoots. You may use a lace bralette or a bustier bra that would highlight your assets. You can pair it with high-waist underwear or cheeky undies (not thongs) that let us get a little peek of the roundness of your booty.
- Bodysuit: Bodysuits flatter every body type. This bold clothing can make you look dominating and sultry in your images. We love a bodysuit with support for cleavage.
- Silk nightdress: Silk clothes give off the ultimate bedroom vibe for a couple’s boudoir shoot. A silk nightdress adds a provocative texture to flatter your skin. Meanwhile, you can play with a silk robe as you tug at its string.
Check out this article for more ideas on boudoir outfits.
What Should Couples Not Wear in a Boudoir Session?
It’s best to avoid wearing completely matching or identical clothes from head to toe. This may work in a family portraits or life documentary, yet it can radiate a different vibe for boudoir photography.
Sexologist and relationship expert Dr. Nikki Goldstein says that harmonious dressing is a subconscious thing among couples. However, what’s a cause of concern is when one of you loses your sense of identity by trying to fit in through clothing. We want you to wear things that reflect your personality and sense of style.
Planning Your Couples Boudoir Shoot
Working with your photographer, you can plan your couples boudoir shoot. These considerations will help plan a shoot that will be truly special for your relationship, and have photos that will create lasting memories.
Photoshoot location
Typically, a bedroom or studio are typically the best locations for a couple’s boudoir session. However, you can also get creative and sensual in different places around the home, like the shower, kitchen or living room. For the more adventurous couple, you may also consider a secluded outdoor setting.
My boudoir photography studio in Kalamazoo is a safe space for couples to express themselves through pictures freely.
Boudoir poses for couples
Poses can be sexy, loving, or wholesome. Oftentimes, couples boudoir poses will include touching, caressing, cuddling, kissing and doing things you enjoy together. You’ll want to feel comfortable, yet confident with your poses. Couples can work together with their photographer to find the poses that will create amazing photos.
Choose a theme or activity
It’s fun to incorporate themes and activities that reflect your relationship. So round up the props or fun things to use in your shoot that tell me about the story of your relationship. I’ve done travel themes, punk rock albums, bowling, guitar and music, and more. We can have a lot of fun with this!
Using props for your couples boudoir session
Pillows, blankets, and even petals can make great props for boudoir photography for couples. These give off cozy and romantic vibes, especially if you’ll be mainly posing on a bed. We have lots of pillows and blankets in the studio for you. You may also consider masks for a steamy mysterious effect.
Common Questions
Here are a few common questions I get regarding couples boudoir sessions.
Can Couples Get Nude for a Boudoir Shoot?
You may consider going nude for a boudoir photoshoot only if you’re comfortable. There’s generally no need to get naked, which is why you must plan your outfits well.
How Should Couples Prepare for Their Photo Shoot?
Here’s everything you should do to prepare for your upcoming boudoir shoot:
- Drink plenty of water for the week leading up to the couples shoot – this will help with your skin.
- Try to get your hair done 3 days before your boudoir session maximum.
- Groom at least 3 days from your shoot. Wax or shave.
- Be sure to moisturize and exfoliate your skin. Wash your face and apply moisturizer.
- For a confidence booster, schedule a manicure a day or two before your couples boudoir shoot.
Final Thoughts for Your Couples Boudoir Photoshoot
A couple boudoir session is all about capturing the intimacy and celebrating your unique love story through photos.
For those that are new to boudoir, it’s completely natural to be nervous or shy in front of the camera. But once you get over the initial nervousness or anxiety and embrace the moment with your partner, that’s when the love and affection are captured.
Ready to get started? Reach out here. I work with couples in Kalamazoo and all over Western Michigan, including Grand Rapids.
