Why A Boudoir Photo Shoot Makes The Best Gift

Boudoir photography gained true momentum in the 1970s when people started using prints as a wedding gift for their partner. However, over the years, that tradition has faded and boudoir has experienced a boom in popularity as an act of personal empowerment and self-love.

Not only has the driving motivation for booking a boudoir photo shoot changed but the end product has evolved as well. The digital era has changed our relationship with photography. What used to be traditionally a print medium (i.e. albums and wall art) has now transformed as more people are seeking and expecting digital products.

With so much change over the years, you might be wondering if boudoir photos still make a good gift. And if so, should you give them as print products or is everything fully digital now? As a full-time Edmonton boudoir photographer, I want to share some insights so you can decide if giving traditional print products from a boudoir photo shoot makes sense for you.

Boudoir Photo Shoot as a Gift to a Partner

Although boudoir has gained some serious momentum as a self-love gift, I often see people purchase it as a gift to their partner. They will add clothing or themes that have special meaning for their loved one, along with a personal flare. One of my favourite examples of this is a Fantasy Session Kirsten did of a Great Fairy from the Zelda games. She enjoyed watching her partner play and wanted to bring the theme to life in her shoot. 

She took home a gorgeous folio box of her images along with wall art. Even though it was a gift for her partner, seeing the images on her wall every day reminds her of how empowered and excited she felt during the experience. 

While people often think of boudoir photos as needing to be in very revealing clothing or sexualized, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable being yourself. In fact, there is a wide range of things you can wear to a boudoir photo shoot that includes everything from just a bed sheet to a robe or oversized shirt. Your partner will appreciate the gesture no matter what and the photos will shine even brighter when they can tell you feel totally empowered in whatever you choose to wear. 

Boudoir Photo Shoot as a Gift to Yourself

No matter the intention behind booking a boudoir photo shoot, you should always end up feeling like it was just as much a gift to you as it was for someone else. Especially when you book with a luxury photographer who offers a completely-guided and empowering experience. From helping you pick out the perfect outfits or theme to professional posing guidance and high-end edits to the final photos based on your preferences — booking a professional can make all the difference. 

Some of my clients book a photo shoot as a gift for themselves because every step is taken care of which ends up making the experience feel relaxing. Others see it as an opportunity to ask for exactly what they want and have their photo shoot vision brought to life.

I have even seen Edmonton entrepreneurs incorporate their businesses into their sessions so that they can use their photos as content — as Michelle did with this gorgeous session. It was an empowering experience and she left with a ton of photos to create compelling content for her small business.

Why Would I Get a Print Product From My Boudoir Photo Shoot?

Many of my clients choose a print package because my collections come with amazing print discounts! But some wonder if they will want a print product. 

From my experience, people who purchase a digital-only package often end up wanting to add on a print product once they see their photos. Boudoir shoots often end up feeling incredibly impactful and meaningful to clients and they want a physical reminder of how truly badass they are.

After all, when we only purchase digital photos after a shoot, the chances of looking back at our photos significantly decrease.

My client Zabeth is a wonderful example of this. She has gotten wall art from every session she has booked and loves the daily reminder of the powerful woman she is. 

Is a Boudoir Photo Shoot Really As Empowering As They Say?

How you feel after a boudoir photo shoot often depends on the type of person you are. For people who are very comfortable in front of the camera and get photos taken often, a boudoir shoot will certainly be exciting but it might not feel as empowering as it would for someone else. 

Most of the people who book a photo shoot with me feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of the camera and want the guidance of an expert. Sometimes they have had a bad experience in the past or have no experience with photography at all. So when they experience a luxury boudoir photo session they leave feeling empowered and amazed by the experience. 

My client Tabitha says it best:

“I debated booking a boudoir shoot for quite some time. I thought I needed to lose weight or have a bunch of lingerie and I just made all the excuses. I'm so glad I bit the bullet. Stephanie is so professional and any nerves I felt were quickly put away. I felt so comfortable and confident. My photos are amazing. I'm so giddy from my session and the boost to my mental health and self-esteem is really priceless. I feel like every person should do this for themselves. She had so many wardrobe options to choose from, all sizes and styles, her sets were fun and creative. We had so many options and I really can't say enough amazing things. I'll be booking again for sure!!”

Tabitha decided to purchase a physical album from her photo session. That way she could commemorate the experience and keep it with her forever instead of ordering digitals she knew she would eventually lose in a folder somewhere on her computer. 

Obviously, the needs of each person will vary. This is why I have created flexible product packages so there is something for everyone. But I always encourage my clients to not forget about the power of owning beautiful physical prints of your photos.

It is one of the best ways to honour and make sure the memories of your experience stay special forever. 

I offer luxury Canadian-made albums with a wide range of cover choices. I also have popular folio box print sets that are the perfect middle ground of a store-away print that can also be displayed on a shelf. And if you are looking for something to hang on your walls at home, my acrylic canvas wall art is sleek and simple, and the perfect decor for any home. 

Also Read: Photography Pricing: How To Compare Photographer Costs

Ready To Book a Boudoir Photo Shoot?

Do you have someone in your life you want to buy a boudoir photo session for or are you considering one for yourself? I offer flexible payment plans and gift cards you can purchase online. 

Not sure if a boudoir photo shoot is right for you? Booking a phone consultation to discuss ideas can be empowering as well. When you bring everything to the conversation including what excites and scares you about a boudoir session, we can create a truly unique experience customized for you.

That is the magic of stepping outside your comfort zone and valuing the amazing person you are. Because you truly are a work of art.