Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Ideas
Coming up with a unique boudoir photo shoot idea is really important because it helps make sure the finished product feels special and right for you. Many boudoir photographers have a specific style or theme that translates through all of their work while others offer a variety of options to create a more personalized experience.
This blog post is perfect for anyone interested in booking a boudoir photo shoot but wants something more unique than the standard lingerie and bedroom theme. It also offers some great ideas for anyone who has already had a more traditional style boudoir photo shoot but is looking to mix things up for their second shoot.
As a full-time professional boudoir photographer in Edmonton, Alberta, I photograph many unique and beautiful people who love to get creative. I have explored dozens of unique boudoir photo shoot ideas and listed some of my absolute favourite ones here. If you like any of these ideas or have a unique concept you want to bring to life, please reach out. I am always eager to explore all the wonderful possibilities boudoir photography has to offer.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea#1: Blacklight
Blacklight boudoir is not only a unique choice for your upcoming photo shoot but there is so much you can do with it. For something clean and simple, UV lighting paired with white or bright neon fishnets adds an extra pop and dimension to your portraits.
Your photographer can use only blacklight for a dark moody look. Or, mix it with white light to keep skin tones from turning blue but still get that bright pop — like this stunning shot of one of my beautiful clients Veronica.
Or if you want something a little messier, you can add blacklight paint over the face and body like this eye-catching photo of Kayla.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea#2: Fantasy Theme
Fantasy-themed boudoir photoshoots are one of our favourite and most popular options. Thanks to the amazing hair and makeup team I work with, we can offer FX makeup to bring your ideas to life.
Your theme could be anything from a dark succubus to an iridescent fairy. The possibilities are truly endless. Maybe you have one word you want to build a theme from such as “butterflies” which could lead to a gorgeous session similar to the one shown below with Kaelyn. For this photo shoot, she wanted to focus on facial makeup as opposed to full body paint.
If you are feeling particularly wild you can go with full body paint like this unique photo shoot we did with Margo. We also incorporated black lights into this session as her theme of duality was brought out even more by one side of her paint being UV reactive and the other not.
Not all themes require body paint or even elaborate makeup. Sometimes, the theme is more about the set and costume design, like the pirate theme we created in this unique boudoir photo shoot with Bethany.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea#3: Foodoir
As a self-proclaimed food lover, this theme is near and dear to my heart.
Foodoir is a vastly creative theme that you can bring to life in so many ways. Tacos, whip cream, birthday cake, candy, fruity, and dark chocolate are just a few of the unique ideas I have photographed.
We could creatively use your favourite foods to cover your body like this fruity and sultry shot of Shayna!
Or would you be tempted by the irresistible bites like this unique chocolatey boudoir of Zabeth?
I love how different sets can be designed around food choices. For example, pizza would pair well with a cozy gamer vibe and grapes would pair perfectly with a baroque theme. Whatever your favourite food is, there are dozens of unique ways to express it through a boudoir photo shoot.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea #4: Shibari
Shibari is growing in popularity among many boudoir photographers. An important thing to keep in mind is that the person completing the tying should be a professional who has expertise in the safety and liabilities of shibari artistry. Dangers can be presented through emotional responses to being tied or physical damage from improper technique. When done in a safe environment, shibari can be a fun, exciting and totally unique boudoir photo shoot idea.
Some people prefer to add the tie on top of an existing outfit like this shot of Amanda below.
Others prefer the tie to be the entire outfit like this anonymous model.
A great shibari artist will also be able to offer options for ties that accentuate different places on your body based on your own requests. Not shown is the option for suspension where the tie is also used to suspend the model in the air.
Remember — this should only be done with professional tie artists and supervision.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea #5: Wet Set
Wet sets are either shot in a studio shower or created with a fake shower. You can have options between wetting your skin or just wetting a clear curtain or plexiglass for a droplet effect while still keeping yourself dry.
Once your skin is wet there is a lot of room for fun bodyscape shots like these photos of Matt shown below.
Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot Idea #6: Creative Lighting
The last unique photo shoot idea I want to suggest is actually my most popular booking add-on of the many options I offer. Creative lighting is a general term that covers two special types of lighting effects: Colored lights and cutout shapes.
Coloured lights involve one or more lights to create a dynamic look that could be dark and moody or light and airy depending on the colours used. Often times using two contrasting colours is the best way to bring this look to life — like this powerful red-and-blue-lit photo of Melissa.
Cutout shapes include specialized lighting equipment that comes with many different stencils to create fun lighting such as fake window light or this crescent moon shape shown on Erin’s back below.
Ready To Book Your Unique Boudoir Photo Shoot?
While those are six of my most popular unique boudoir photo shoot ideas, there are so many other creative things I have done with clients for their shoots. These concepts could be tailored in so many different ways depending on the person and their own creative inspiration.
Best Friends
30th/40+ Birthday
Couples
Nature
Flowers
Smokey/foggy
Want to express yourself creatively through boudoir but need help bringing your concept to life?
Booking a phone consultation with me is the perfect first step to getting the creative juices flowing. Many people can book the same theme and still have them turn out entirely different because you are unique in so many ways and your photos will always reflect who you are at your core. The more comfortable and authentic you are, the sexier you can be.
To explore some of the unique photo shoots I have done over the years, take a look at my portfolio. I also have a beautiful wardrobe with dozens of unique outfits and pieces that can spark your imagination for your own shoot.
The options for boudoir are absolutely endless and I am always excited to explore new and creative ways to feature the beauty of my clients. Contact me here or follow my photography on Instagram for more helpful tips.
