You’ve probably heard of boudoir photography or a boudoir photo shoot before — but do you really know where it came from and what it means today?
I wrote this article to clear up one of the most common questions women have when they first come across the term boudoir. Over time, the word has been widely used (and sometimes misused), but there’s still a beautiful meaning behind it.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The origin of the word boudoir
- The emergence of boudoir photography
- What a boudoir photoshoot really is
So, come with me — I’ll tell you all the details.
From the French, Boudoir
The word boudoir comes from French and was used to describe a private room belonging to women of high society or royalty.
The boudoir was separate from the bedroom and served as a personal space where women could sew, have private conversations, spend time with their lovers, get ready after a bath, or host intimate gatherings with friends.
It’s décor followed the French aesthetic style of each historical era — often romantic, ornate, and elegant.
The Emergence of Boudoir Photography
As we saw, the term boudoir was borrowed from French to define a style of intimate feminine photography.
The first records of a boudoir photo shoot, as we know them today, date back to the 1920s. Many took place in the women’s own bedrooms, featuring lingerie, dressing tables, and personal objects.
Over time, boudoir photography also began to be done in studios, with décor inspired by the traditional French boudoir style.
Personally, I love — and completely agree with — the idea of creating sets in the studio, much like the famous 1920s photographer Albert Arthur Allen used to do.
When you know how to design an aesthetically pleasing and well-crafted set, the possibilities for creating a boudoir photo shoot in the studio are endless. I often work this way, and each session ends up having a unique and exclusive aesthetic.
So, What Exactly Is a Boudoir Photo Shoot?
Today, the term boudoir photo shoot refers to an intimate or sensual portrait session designed for women.
For a while, it was very common for brides to book a boudoir session as a wedding gift for their groom. When I started my career 16 years ago, that was the main reason.
But over the years, women have discovered that an intimate photoshoot doesn’t need to be for anyone else — it can be a gift to themselves. A way to celebrate their unique beauty, femininity, and freedom.
Boudoir photography has evolved tremendously over the decades, incorporating different sets, lighting styles, and creative themes. Today, the term can refer to a variety of feminine photography styles — from soft and romantic to bold and artistic.
But the essence remains the same: feminine intimacy.
It’s about what’s kept private, what you only reveal when you feel completely safe and confident.
Now that you know what a boudoir photo shoot is, you can:
I will love to show your beauty through my lenses!
