“I want to shoot boudoir, but I have no studio!”

This one is for my photographer friends! It’s topic that I hear about all the time as a boudoir photographer; how to shoot boudoir if you don’t have a studio space. This is a topic that I see talked about a lot in my Facebook Group and that people ask me on a pretty regular basis. Well I’m super excited to tell you that not having studio space is not a problem for boudoir photography! Let’s break it down.

 

Places You Can Shoot Boudoir:

First up, let’s talk about the places you can do boudoir photography if you don’t have a studio. 

 

• Your master bedroom 
• A guest bedroom
• Your living room
• Dining room by a patio door
• A she shed in your backyard 
• An Airbnb 
• A hotel
• Your client’s home
• A studio that you rent hourly
• Outside (outdoor boudoir is totally a thing!)
• Your basement
• Beach

 

My overall biggest tip for finding a spot: literally anywhere with nice light.

 

What’s really important, though:

You may be reading this list and feeling intimidated about inviting your client into your home for boudoir or even to go to their house. Let me tell you guys, that is in your mind! The number one thing that you need to keep in mind with anything involving boudoir photography, is making your client feel amazing. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a massive studio or your guest room, the experience you serve them with is key. If you’re nervous about having your client in your guest room or basement, take some time before their session to really clean out that space, open windows, play some music and let it feel fresh again. Your client’s home is amazing because there is already a level of comfort for them there! 

 

A Starter Kit:

Ok now that we have a list to go off of, you may be wondering what to bring as far as props or a set up to these locations for your client. Here is my go-to list of items that can easily be packed up and moved from location to location. 

• Full or Queen size air mattress with an electric pump
• A sheet set in a light and neutral color like cream or white 
• A white duvet 
• A few pillows

This setup is under $150!  It’s not completely necessary, however it’s a great starter kit for boudoir photography that can easily be moved around. 

 

One Last Tip for My Boudoir Photographer Friends with No Studio Space

My final piece of advice is to use what you have. You can truly make your client feel gorgeous and amazing without a studio, a king bed with silk sheets, or a perfectly curated client wardrobe. Use what you have available and work it. If you have your backyard and a blanket, you can make it work! It’s important for you to have confidence in yourself and help serve that confidence to your client. Because at the end of the day, that’s all she wants! It’s to feel empowered and for you to show it to her through boudoir. 

 

-Emma

 

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