Have You Considered Using Props for Your Boudoir Shoot?
Looking to spruce up your boudoir photoshoot? Props can be an easy way to bring some confidence and comfort to your session. From fluffy blankets and silk robes, to intricate jewelry and high-heeled shoes, incorporating props can offer a wide range of ways to express yourself through the shoot! Mahogany Boudoir by HAUS has everything you need to help make your session special and memorable. So why not use props to tell a story that’s one of a kind? With every prop you decide on, you’ll be one step closer to having a photo session that truly showcases your wildest dreams.
BEDROOM PROP IDEAS
Take bedroom eyes to the next level by incorporating bedroom props into your boudoir shoot.
You can take photographs on any bed if you dress it up with some vibrant pillows and throws in the background to make the shot more interesting. The bed offers the intimacy needed in boudoir photoshoots and is appropriate for many comfortable poses.
Silk robes or lingerie also look stunning against a backdrop of a bed, or you can opt for draped sheets à la Marilyn Monroe to create that sexy come-to-bed look.
If the shoot is taking place at the bride-to-be’s home, then this is an easy and accessible prop to incorporate and it adds a layer of familiarity and comfort too.
LINGERIE
This may seem like a pretty obvious item, but I get asked many times: “What sort of options should I bring?”
My top 4 suggestions are as follows:
Bra and underwear matching set - we adore a good lingerie set, and love it even more when it’s matching! This brings a sense of cohesiveness to the photos
Bodysuit - I cannot stress this one enough. I. LOVE. BODYSUITS. You can dress it up or wear it on its own. It’s one piece so you know you won’t lose that pesky thong or bralette. There are SO many options out there for bodysuits and they look amazing on all body types! If you don’t have one yet, I would highly suggest treating yourself with one.
Accessories - shoes/heels, stockings, jewelry, toys (yes, sex toys like blindfolds, handcuffs, vibrators, etc. FYI: this will be a completely informed and consensual process, and boundaries will be set prior to any photos being taken)
Birthday suit - OK, technically this isn’t a lingerie piece, but still. This is a glorious option and you can dress it up with jewelry or a gorgeous lace curtain draped around you! (Just ask me to bring it ;) )
Quick tips: refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothing prior to the session (this includes the hairband on your wrist!!!), cut off the tags on your lingerie, and try on all your items prior to the session!
FUR BLANKET
Sheets and blankets are classic boudoir photography props because they can be wrapped delicately or grabbed ferociously to change the tone of the photo. They’re also a great tool for strategically showing some skin without revealing full nudity. If it is made of fur, the blanket prop is elevated in comfort and significance.
JEWELRY PROP IDEAS
Jewelry is a great boudoir shoot prop. Not only are there so many kinds to choose from, but you can also play around with them.
You can drape a long-strand necklace of pearls and beads over the chest or run them over the lips. It’s a simple and cheap prop to incorporate for pulse-quickening results.
You can also go for chunky necklaces and earrings to highlight certain parts of the body or incorporate jewelry that’s going to be worn on the wedding day.
Satin Ties & Blind Folds
Satin Ties and Blind folds can be incredibly sexy. If you want to elevate your boudoir photos from beautiful to bombshell and aren’t afraid of stepping into your alter ego — this boudoir prop is totally fair game at HAUS.
EXPERIMENT WITH HEIGHT
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles in your boudoir shoot. This will not only make the image more interesting but also gives more options to choose from.
For instance, incorporate a flight of stairs. This will give you an opportunity to creatively play from different angles. Stairs are also ideal for sultry arched back poses or for making legs look longer.
You could also incorporate a chair into the shoot. The traditional legs-akimbo-chair-facing-backward pose is a classic, and it’s a strong image that will make any bride feel powerful and pretty!
CURTAINS OR DRAPES
Boudoir photos experiment with light, so the model doesn’t have to be completely visible in every shot.
To add an element of mystery, consider using curtains as a prop to create soft silhouettes with a bit more mystery. Posing in front of a window and shooting against the light that comes through creates a wonderfully subtle effect, and the contrast creates sensual outlines. The soft backlight also ensures a mesmerizing silhouette with only parts of the chest and face visible.
SEX TOYS
Always optional but encouraged for those who are comfortable. Adding sex toys as props can elevate the exoticness of your session. We allow our guests to interact in their natural environment, therefore we are ok if you use them for their intended purposes.
MIRROR
A mirror is a great prop choice. You can use any size of mirror in a boudoir shoot because you can lean against it or hold it up. It can keep the hands busy, and it gives alternate angles and views that aren’t achievable without the power of reflection.
CHAIR
You may think of a chair as a fixture rather than a prop. In boudoir, it is very much a prop. An antique chaise creates a sensual masterpiece. Straddling a wooden bar chair paints a picture of naughtiness.
HIGH HEELS
A silhouetted woman with fingers gracefully holding a pair of strappy heels wearing nothing but lingerie or a satin slip is top-tier sexy. It also makes it easy to keep the hands loose and elegant.
WINE GLASS
A wine glass might seem like an obvious choice for a boudoir prop. It isn’t just because the drink is often paired with dinner dates and close encounters on the couch. Wine glasses are also something that can stimulate movement. You can almost dance with the glass to get authentic and natural poses.
BOUQUET
A wildflower bouquet may tell a story of picking flowers in beautiful fields. A dozen red roses tell a vastly different story of loving gestures. Not only does a bouquet of flowers tell a story, but it can add a coordinated pop of color to your boudoir photography shoot.
Buy Antique Props to Give Your Boudoir Photos a Vintage Feel
Boudoir photography doesn’t always have to focus on the model’s lingerie. You might get better results if you tell a story using props that aren’t associated with the genre.
Antique telephones, cameras, books, and lamp holders can all complement the model’s outfit and the theme of your photoshoot. You’ll find all of these props for a good price in your local thrift store.
Instead of posing next to the props, the model can interact with them. She can act like she’s talking on the phone, reading a book, or looking at herself in the mirror.
What do you need for a boudoir photoshoot
Moisturize. Remember to moisturize your body, feet and of course your face. Glowing and hydrated skin is a must in any photoshoot!
If you’re the one doing the makeup, do it prior to arriving to the photoshoot, especially if you want it done properly which will take some time and won’t be away from the time planned for the photoshoot. If you’re not doing your makeup yourself, wash and moisturize your face before you arrive to the photoshoot.
Trim / wax your overgrown brows or other hair you do not want to show in the pictures. Everything can be edited after the photoshoot, but the less work there is, the less time it will consume the photographer to deliver the photos.
Manicure / pedicure if you’re into those. They bring effortless elegance to any photo and give a great final touch so you can be sure nothing is imperfect during the photoshoot.
Eat before you arrive, if possible. Yes, you might think it will make you look more bloated, but trust me, you do not want to perform or try to pose feeling good, when truthfully you’re hungry and not feeling well.
This one is important: wear loose clothes before you arrive. This way there will not be any strange lines from your bras, panties or socks on your skin.
Even if you don’t usually like to tan, having a nice healthy glow on your skin is definitely a plus. It will even out the tone of your skin and cover any redness or veins we all as humans have.