Redefining Boudoir Photography Beyond the Bedroom

WITH LAURA DARK

Boudoir photography has traditionally been associated with intimate bedroom settings, invoking a sense of privacy, warmth, and personal allure. However, the art of boudoir photography does not need to be confined to this one aesthetic or physical space. In fact, when boudoir photography transcends the bedroom, it can open doors to new creative possibilities, expressiveness, and client satisfaction.

Shooting outside the bedroom allows for a wider range of backdrops, textures, and environments, providing photographers with endless possibilities to express artistic vision. Whether in a studio, an elegant hotel room, or even outdoors, the atmosphere can be carefully chosen to reflect the personality and comfort of the client. Different lighting techniques, props, and settings can lead to a more unique, tailored experience. This creative freedom makes each session distinctive and memorable, as it breaks away from the cliché of white sheets and dim lighting.

THE FIRST SETUP

In the first in-studio setting, I have utilized BackgroundTown’s Rococo Gold Wall in a 10x10 Ultra Cloth. In the Rococo Gold Wall set we have used a red Rococo couch and red lamp. This allows the model to have a place to change up from standing to sitting and laying poses without being a traditional bed. With this set I used a simple 2 light setup of two Westcott FJ400s. My key light is camera right and set high above the models head. My fill light is behind the camera and had a 42” shoot through white umbrella pointed right at the model. My key is set at F6 and my fill light is set at F4.5 and is about 12 feet from the subject. This fills in the shadows without blasting light onto the background and model.

Rococo Gold Wall

Brown Backdrop for Photography
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THE SECOND SETUP

In the second set, I used BackgroundTown’s Lonely Room in a 10x12 Ultra Cloth. With this setup I used my Westcott FJ400 again, but with a heavy sidelight to match the light in the background, which appears camera right and looks like it’s coming from a window. I used a Westcott 3 x 4 softbox with a grid for my key and only light in this set. This allowed me to match the shadows in the background and keep the set looking realistic.

Lonely Room

Brown and Tan Weathered Backdrop for Photography
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Embracing Creative Freedom in Boudoir Photography

Boudoir photography, at its core, is about celebrating the client’s essence, confidence, and personal journey. While the bedroom scene offers a classic backdrop, it is by no means the only one capable of achieving this. By stepping outside the bedroom, photographers can offer a richer, more personalized experience that caters to diverse tastes and comfort levels. With a focus on empowerment, creativity, and individuality, boudoir photography can truly flourish in any setting—breaking free from tradition to create compelling, timeless images.

Learn more about Laura Dark on Instagram, Facebook, and her website.