Boudoir Self-Portraits

Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
I've always been interested in such a project (despite the way I look, I'm actually rather vain), and have wondered if anyone else has made their own boudoir photos. If so, how did they turn out? Does anyone have advice on what or how to make these?
02/26/2011
  • Save Extra 50% On Sexobot Attachment
  • Upgrade Your Hands-Free Play!
  • Complete strap-on set for extra 15% off
  • Save 50% On Shower Nozzle With Enema Set
  • Enjoy 50% Off Selected Items
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
All promotions
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
I've always been interested in such a project (despite the way I look, I'm actually rather vain), and have wondered if anyone else has made their own boudoir photos. If so, how did they turn out? Does anyone have advice on what or how to make these?
I'd suggest doing it in a well lit room, for one thing. Indoor lighting, although it looks pretty bright, really isn't bright enough for photography unless you have a hell of a lot of it.

That said, do a few practice shots first to make sure all the light isn't coming from one direction. Shadows aren't a bad thing, but unidirectional light can make your photos look extremely contrasty - unless that is the look you're going for. You might need to set up a small light opposite the light source to fill in the shadows a bit and not make them so dark.

The last bit of advice is to have a hell of a lot of fun doing it. The more fun you have doing it, the better you will look. Be playful and daring, and you'll be more likely to enjoy the result.
02/26/2011
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
Lighting is most important, okay. Lots of light, too. Hm. No flash, though, as it throws the wrong kind of light (well, the flash never flattered me, anyway).

Kinda wish I could get a studio to do this. :}
02/27/2011
Contributor: Lucidity Lucidity
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
Lighting is most important, okay. Lots of light, too. Hm. No flash, though, as it throws the wrong kind of light (well, the flash never flattered me, anyway).

Kinda wish I could get a studio to do this. :}
Why not get some professional photos?
02/28/2011
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
Quote:
Originally posted by Lucidity
Why not get some professional photos?
Can't afford them. Professional photographers want $300+ per sitting. That includes their skills, digital manipulation, props, sets, time, and printing costs.

Let's just say, I could afford only the batteries for my camera.
02/28/2011
Contributor: Lucidity Lucidity
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
Can't afford them. Professional photographers want $300+ per sitting. That includes their skills, digital manipulation, props, sets, time, and printing costs.

Let's just say, I could afford only the batteries for my camera.
You might be able to find an amateur on craigslist willing to trade photos for portfolio pieces =] lots of art students do that.
03/03/2011
Contributor: liilii080 liilii080
I've always wanted to. I am definitely going to when I get married or my bf gets deployed again...whichever comes first (fingers crossed for married!) I had a friend get them done by a photographer at a local college and they turned out great. Maybe talk to your art department and see if anyone is offering to do them on the cheap.
03/03/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
Lighting is most important, okay. Lots of light, too. Hm. No flash, though, as it throws the wrong kind of light (well, the flash never flattered me, anyway).

Kinda wish I could get a studio to do this. :}
I don't like flash either (I don't even own one). The problem with most flashes is that they are mounted on the camera, which means the flash it going to be aimed right at your subject - in your case, right at you. Unless you diffuse that light, it will not only leave a bright spot on your skin in the resulting photo, but it will make your face flat and somewhat featureless. Flashes mounted to the side are far better, but also more expensive.

If there are a lot of windows in your bedroom, you can possibly get enough light (but not direct light) in your room to get a good photo, and the quality of the light would be superior to artificial lighting. You will probably still need to shoot with a relatively wide aperture, but you might want to do that anyway to isolate yourself from the background. If you hold perfectly still, you can get away with a longer shutter speed as well.

I could probably give you even more advice, but it would honestly depend on what exactly you were going for.
03/03/2011
Contributor: SexyTabby SexyTabby
I'm assuming you have a camera with a timer or remote possibilities. You definitely need a tripod. Use the auto focus since you won't be able to jump to see if your subject is in focus. Could also place a mirror near the tripod to see if you are positioned well for the picture. For lighting, morning light gives the softest balance, and is the most attractive. If you aren't using the on board flash then you have to create a way for light to brighten your facial features. Otherwise you could end up with raccoon eyes or half simply dark. With no funds the cheapest way to do it is just use cardboard and Reynolds foil (any foil really). Make sure it's posed to bounce the natural lighting back into your face to brighten your features.

It's true that photographers building their portfolios are cheaper but you seriously need to understand that in most places by law the photographs belong to the photographer to use and/or manipulate as they please and to post anywhere they please or even sell them to magazines, online, etc... Read everything carefully if you hire a photographer. Being a photographer I have several different contracts to serve both my own needs and the needs of the individuals I photograph. Which I use is case by case for every session. Just be aware of that.
03/03/2011
Contributor: M121212 M121212
Ooh this sounds like a fun project. Have you tried it out, Chilipepper?

I've done a bit of boudoir photography, but not with the intention of doing professional-quality shots. I just use my little point and shoot, and it's really fun ^.^
06/18/2011
Contributor: Wonderstruck Wonderstruck
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
I've always been interested in such a project (despite the way I look, I'm actually rather vain), and have wondered if anyone else has made their own boudoir photos. If so, how did they turn out? Does anyone have advice on what or how to make these?
I have been thinking about doing this..I haven't made my mind up yet though.
09/08/2012
Contributor: xgreatlovex xgreatlovex
Quote:
Originally posted by Chilipepper
I've always been interested in such a project (despite the way I look, I'm actually rather vain), and have wondered if anyone else has made their own boudoir photos. If so, how did they turn out? Does anyone have advice on what or how to make these?
why not consider a professional boudoir shoot? self timers can be difficult to look natural sexy and beautiful while running and posing
05/17/2013