How to Prepare Yourself to See Your Boudoir Photos

You’ve done it: you booked the shoot, showed up, and absolutely rocked your boudoir session. Now comes the exciting part: seeing your photos for the very first time!

For many of our clients, this moment is just as transformative as the shoot itself. It is the final outcome after all! We know for a fact you will be pleasantly surprised and have no concern whatsoever, but we can also understand how intimidating it may feel. If anything, it is absolutely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves and have a million questions popping in your head.

Here is how you can prep in order to make the most out of your reveal session and fully enjoy it.

1. Leave negative self-talk at the door

We are so used to being critical of ourselves that we sometimes forget how to simply appreciate the beauty in front of us, especially when it’s our own reflection. The biggest gift you can give yourself when you view your photos is kindness. Instead of focusing on small details you usually critique, shift your perspective. See yourself as you would a dear friend, with compassion, appreciation, and love.

2. Don’t dismiss too quickly

Sometimes the photos that challenge you at first end up being the ones you treasure the most later on.

Boudoir is about capturing your essence, not perfection. You might see sides of yourself you have never noticed before such as your confidence, your playfulness, your strength. Give yourself time to sit with each image before making a decision. What feels bold or unfamiliar today might become the picture that makes you feel unstoppable tomorrow.

3. Make space for the experience

Viewing your photos deserves your full attention. This whole experience from beginning to end is about putting yourself first for a moment, and it doesn’t stop at the photo shoot! Make sure to carve out a moment where you won’t be rushed and distracted.

Unless distance is an issue, we host our reveal sessions in person, in the studio so you can give yourself permission to be fully present, take your time and even enjoy a warm beverage and treats while you witness how great you look. It is also important to mention that you can go through the images as many times as you wish to get your ultimate selection!

4. Celebrate your courage

Remember: booking a boudoir shoot takes guts. If you only knew the number of people dying to try this and never daring to! But you did. You trusted the process, you allowed yourself to be seen, and embraced the unknown with pizzazz. You did a brave thing and it deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

5. Bring someone if you feel like it.

It is absolutely allowed to bring someone if you want to. Some people bring their best-friends, other their partners, and many prefer to do this on their own. Just make sure you bring a person you trust and fully supports you. Avoid anyone who might project their own insecurity and judgment on you.

Pro-tip: give them a heads-up that reveal sessions can take up to 2 hours. Not everybody expect that and it can feel long looking at someone else’s photos. Again, you don’t want to feel rushed 😉

6. Let yourself feel it all

It’s okay if you laugh, cry, or sit in awe. Boudoir images are more than just photos; they are reflections of your journey, your story, and your strength. Give yourself the freedom to feel whatever comes up and don't hesitate to be vocal about it. We are all working on making sure you leave with images you will look at over and over again with pride.

Seeing your boudoir photos is about so much more than images on a screen. It’s about witnessing yourself in a new light, unapologetically, beautifully, and authentically you. So take a deep breath, open your heart, and get ready to meet the incredible person you already are.

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Let's celebrate your kink with boudoir

One of the reasons Juliette and I love boudoir photography so much is because it is the perfect experience for people to fully express and celebrate themselves. And since it is very important for us to make our sessions inclusive, anyone can have fun with a boudoir shoot and let its magic happen, no matter their age, gender, body, or lifestyle.

Everybody has their own reason for boudoir

We opened Scandaleuse Photography 8 years ago, and we noticed in all those years that the main reason people come to us for their shoot is usually because they want to celebrate something. We had couples who wanted to try a spicy experience for their anniversary, women with past traumas who decided to own back their body, men who wanted to feel good in their skin, people who are proud of turning a certain age and wanted to celebrate it.

We’ve also photographed people who wanted to celebrate a milestone, a body transformation, a pregnancy, or simply celebrate their love for their partner. But something we have photographed only a few times is kink.

Show us your kink

It often happens that our clients ask us if they can bring restrains, or blindfolds as a prop for their sessions. Some of them even feel shy to ask, or they feel the need to apologize for having that idea, because there is still a lot of shame around that topic since it is an unknown territory for many people.

We would never feel offended if you wish to add some spiciness to your shoot! Working with people who want to focus on their kink for their boudoir shoot is very interesting. It is nice to see that some people are not afraid to celebrate a part of themselves that other people might find shameful.

If you have been following us for a while, you know that we love going against the grain, to not conform to traditional beliefs (it is one of the reasons why we opened Scandaleuse), and show through our work that people are allowed to be who they want to be by embracing their sensuality, confidence, and badassness! So, when we meet clients who want to put under the spotlight their kinky side, we are more than happy to make their ideas come to life (of course, as long as it doesn’t cross our boundaries).

What to expect for a kink-friendly photoshoot

If you want to explore and celebrate yourself through bold, artistic imagery in a safe and non-judgmental space, then we are your gals! Our sessions are all about consent, communication, and creativity. The vibe? You decide! Whether you are looking to get sensual, edgy, or provocative photographs of yourself, we are here to capture your story, and make it comes to life with intention and respect - but never in a pornographic way.

You can either choose to focus only on your kink during your session, or incorporate it in a few setups. Since our boudoir shoots are 2 hours long, it gives us the opportunity to be really creative and showcase your beautiful-self in many different ways!

If you are interested to work with us, all you have to do is reach out here, and we will meet you on Zoom prior to booking your photoshoot to make sure we are a good fit, answer any questions you might have, guide you through our boudoir process, and talk about ideas for your photoshoot. We do not accept all the inquiries we get, as we have boundaries, but we will never shame anyone on their kink. All we ask is that every person who contact us for a shoot like that to be really honest with what they want, so the session goes smoothly!

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How to Make Your Boudoir Photoshoot Fun and Pressure-Free

When people connect with us regarding a boudoir photography, it is very common for them to feel nervous. Not only does boudoir photography requires a lot of trust in the person shooting it, the majority of our clients hs also never done anything like it before. There are a few ways to make this experience as stress-free as possible, so you can make the most of it.

Remind yourself why you want to do a boudoir photoshoot.

Before letting self-doubt and fear take over, pause for a moment and consider why you’re drawn to this experience in the first place.

Is it to feel more confident in your body or to celebrate it? To learn to let loose and be more positive about yourself? Maybe you want to try something new, or perhaps you’re thinking of sharing it with a loved one? Whatever your reason, it is a beautiful one, and it didn’t pop in your brain out of nowhere. Hold on to it, especially in the early stages of your boudoir adventure.

Relax? Easier said than done!

Very true, it might not be easy to relax but lucky for you we have some tips that will help you to do so :

• Avoid planning last minute.

While we can accommodate last minute shoots, it is not something we necessarily recommend. Doing things last minute is rarely a good idea as it creates unnecessary pressure due to rushing. We suggest you book your shoot a month in advance so you have time to gather everything you need and nicely prep for your shoot.

• Find the perfect boudoir studio.

Each boudoir photographers have their own style and way of working. When you look for the perfect match, don’t stop just at the aesthetic of their work. It is very important you book a meeting (either on the phone, Zoom, or in-person) to talk about the details and see if their way of working is aligned with what you are looking for.

For example: will they make you sign a contract? How do they handle privacy? Is makeup and hair included? Are their pricing transparent and clear? Who is the actual photographer? Do not hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you might have.

If you book a photographer you don't feel comfortable with, it will tarnish your shoot and the all experience.

• Enjoy the getting ready part.

Planning for the photoshoot itself is often overlooked but it is so much fun! Looking for ideas, thinking of the vibes you want to create, and putting outfits together.

To keep this as pressure-free as possible, dive into it with the proper mindset: do not compare yourself to anyone you will see online and don't limit yourself and your abilities to pose like a badass. Create a Pinterest board or mood board and save anything that catches your eye.

Taking the time to prep for your shoot build up the excitement and the confidence around this experience.

• Your shoot should look like you

When doing a shoot, you should not feel like you are wearing a disguise. From the outfits to the atmosphere of each set, you have to feel 100% like yourself.

Make sure to bring outfits you love and you feel good in. It doesn't have to be classic lingerie! Any outfit can be turned into a boudoir one with the right creativity. Also, go through your favourite pieces that are considered too much and give them a spin.

• Consider bringing props

Props can be a game-changer on a photoshoot. Not only does it make your session even more true to yourself, but it also gives you something "to do” if you are camera-shy. Props can vary from something as simple as your favourite coffee mug or book to some things related to a beloved hobby of yours.

• Have fun!!!!!!!

And finally when you checked all of the above, just enjoy your shoot 😘 Practice some poses in front of your mirror, create a playlist to bring with you the day of your shoot, be playful while posing, let your inner badass-self out, imagine you are in a fashion show,…

Don’t let the camera frighten you, this is just an accessory that will capture the moment you finally shine and let yourself be your beautiful you!

Boudoir photography will really help you reconnect with your body and sensuality. And it is something we all have (or had) a hard time with due to the old school fashion industry’s beauty standards and the judgment coming from others. We know some of you might be thinking: “Well I am not beautiful and really not sensual!”. Those thoughts are very common, but let us tell you something: they are also false.

You are beautiful! You are sensual! It does not matter what you identify to, your age, or the body you have, we all are gorgeous, sexy, and sensual beings.

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Why you may not be ready for boudoir (and that's okay)

Boudoir photography looks amazing. The women you see on our website and socials seem so confident, so free, so… ready. And maybe you’re here because a little part of you wants that too: you scroll through the images, you feel a spark of curiosity… and then a voice inside whispers, “Not me. Not yet.”

And that’s perfectly okay.

Boudoir is a deeply personal experience, and sometimes, the timing just isn’t right. If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. Let’s explore a few reasons you might not feel ready right now and what you can do to start moving toward that version of yourself who is ready to take the leap.

The biggest reasons why boudoir may be a bit too far out of reach.

You truly despise your appearance and your body.

Don't get us wrong, it is very rare, maybe even impossible, for anyone to be completely at peace with the way they look at all times. But we do believe that in order to enjoy your boudoir experience, you do need to have a minimum of self-appreciation.

Boudoir is about celebration. If looking in the mirror feels like a battle and if you are stuck in harsh self-talk, it might feel impossible to celebrate yourself right now.

sensuality terrifies you.

Speaking mostly for women here, since we are women ourselves. Unfortunately, the grand majority of us have been taught that sensuality is “wrong” and inappropriate. For some of us, this was instilled stronger than for others. If the thought of letting it show feels deeply uncomfortable, boudoir might seem like crossing a line you’re not ready for.

You are not in the right headspace.

Stress, grief, trauma, or burnout can make it hard to imagine opening up to an experience as vulnerable as boudoir. And that’s okay. Sometimes self-care looks like giving yourself the time and space to heal before diving into something big.

The idea of going against the grain is overwhelming.

Boudoir is a little rebellious in its own way. It asks you to take up space, to be unapologetically visible, to celebrate yourself loudly in a world that often tells women to shrink. If you don’t feel a teeny-tiny "rebellious” spark yet, boudoir may be a little too much at the moment. And it is a-okay! This feeling is very different from one person to the other, and it may show up in unexpected ways.

How to Start Moving Toward “Ready”

In case it crossed your mind, no, you are absolutely not a lost cause. The majority of us have needed to take a few more steps in order to get into this feeling ready pool. Here are a variety of ideas for you to explore:

Practice self-kindness.

Notice your inner dialogue and practice replacing negative self-talk one with kinder comments. For example, you can try to give yourself more compliments instead of criticism. If that feels impossible, you can also attempt to tell those negative voices to shut it and remind yourself they are not accurate. While we are here, allow us to remind you that negative self-talk comes from a lot of outside factors out of your control. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you.

Reconnect with your sensual side in private.

Sensuality is not solely about sexuality. It is a gigantic umbrella with a lot of ways to bring it out. It can be as simple as dancing in your living room, wearing outfits (even lingerie) just for you, practice a new sport you’ve been dying to try, or even journal about how you’d like to feel in your own skin. It is truly a choose your own adventure book, and your instinct will tell you what you need to do to awaken it. Now it’s a matter of listening to it and trust us, it is a lot more fun than listening to the bitchy voices from above!

Surround yourself with inspiration.

Create mood boards on Pinterest or Canva, follow boudoir accounts (like ours!) and ideally, look for people that look like you. It’s a great way to remind yourself that beauty, sensuality, and power come in every age, shape, and story and avoid falling into the rabbit hole of comparisons. Social media can be quickly toxic, but the good side of it is that you can make it your own by being careful about who you follow.

Seek support.

It is no secret that therapy or coaching with the right person can help unpack body image and self-worth struggles. There is absolutely no shame in getting outside help when everything feels too much. It may even be the best gift you give yourself.

Last but not least, a little boudoir reality check.

Here’s the secret most people don’t realize: none of our clients feel fully ready when they book.

They arrive nervous, uncertain, sometimes even wondering if they’ve made a mistake. The difference is, they have managed getting to a place where they can let go of the idea of “perfect readiness". They chose to place their trust in the process, and they allow themselves to be guided.

That’s when the transformation happens.

Boudoir isn’t about waiting until you feel flawless, fearless, or perfectly aligned. It’s about stepping into the experience as you are and discovering the strength, sensuality, and beauty that’s been there all along.

So if you’re not ready yet, that’s okay. Take your time. But when you feel even the tiniest spark of curiosity, that may be your sign. You don’t need to feel fully ready, you just need to be willing.

And of course, if you feel like chatting about our potential boudoir experience, we are always one call away!

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6 common boudoir questions people ask

Boudoir photography is getting more and more popular, yet is still a mystery for people who never tried it. So today, let’s answer the most common questions people ask about this beautiful and empowering experience.

Can I do a boudoir shoot for myself?

Is it very common for people to believe the only reason for someone to have their photos taken in a boudoir style is to gift them to a partner or a lover. Which is not wrong (it is always a nice touch to gift someone some sexy pictures, it adds extra spiciness to the relationship), but it is not the goal of this type of photography.

Doing a boudoir shoot for yourself is the ultimate experience you can treat yourself to. It is the me-time you finally deserve! On top of getting stunning photos, you also gain long-lasting benefits that you will feel in your everyday life (such as a boost of confidence, feeling sexy in your own skin, improving your posture, …).

Am I too old to try boudoir photography?

Beside having to be over 18, there is no limit of age in order to do a boudoir shoot. We often receive inquiries from women who are 50+, who called themselves “mature”, and tell us that it might be weird that they want to do a shoot at their age.

Of course, it is not weird! And we wished more people who are past a certain age could treat themselves with this life-changing experience… Feeling fabulous is ageless 🤩

Is boudoir only for women?

If you type boudoir photography in your browser, you will see a big majority of images showcases women, but don’t let it fool you… boudoir is for everyone!

Either you are a man who want to explore his softer side, a trans person who want to fully embrace what they now identify as, a non-binary person who wants to break gender stereotypes, or a cross dresser who want to express themselves fully, boudoir photography is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your badass-self the way you want it!

I don’t know how to pose, can I still have a boudoir shoot done?

Absolutely! We never work with professional models, and most of our clients are first timers (some of them never even had their photos taken for anything). Both Juliette and I, Fanny, are on your shoot, and it is our role to guide you through each pose and set (we always demonstrate the poses so you can have a visual).

If you feel really nervous with the idea of posing, it is normal, but we promise it is fun if you let yourself be guided and trust the process.

Do I have to pose nude?

This is a question that comes back often when we have meetings with clients, and the answer is “absolutely not!”. You do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with. Yes, in a boudoir shoot you show more skin than in a regular portrait session, but it doesn’t mean you have to do some nudity (you don’t even have to wear lingerie if it is not your style).

We created Scandaleuse as a safe space for people to express themselves using boudoir photography, so you will never be forced to do anything! It is also a decision you can take during the shoot, if at some point you want to give it a shot, even if it is suggested nudity, you are welcome to do so.

Should I lose weight so I can look good in my photos?

We are going to steal one of Nirvana’s song for this one, but here is what we tell people:

“Come as you are.”

Your natural body is beautiful, you are beautiful… 👏 yes 👏 you 👏 are 👏

One of the reasons we opened Scandaleuse Photography back in 2017, was to make boudoir accessible to anyone, no matter their shapes and sizes. Boudoir is a mindset, not a beauty contest! It is about helping yourself to reconnect to your sensuality, your self-confidence, & your sexiness, and making you love the body you have 💛

We really hope this blog will help you take the decision to finally do that boudoir shoot you deserve! We would love to see you in front of our lenses. As usual, if you have questions, feel free to reach out here!

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Boudoir photoshoot: turn your “someday” into “right now".

We all have a list of things we’d love to do “someday.” Maybe it’s traveling to a dream destination, taking up a new hobby, or finally booking that boudoir shoot you’ve been thinking about for years. But let’s be honest—how often does “someday” turn into never?

Here’s the truth: There is no perfect time. The only time we truly have is now.

Celebrating yourself as you are now.

Too often, we tell ourselves that we need to wait. “I’ll book a shoot when I lose a little weight.” “I’ll do it when I feel more confident.” “I’ll wait until life slows down.” But what if the key to confidence is actually doing the shoot? Boudoir isn’t about being a certain size or reaching some imaginary standard—it’s about embracing the beauty of who you are, right now.

Capturing the moment.

We tend to focus on the future so much that we forget to honour the present. A boudoir session is a chance to pause, appreciate yourself, and create something timeless. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 70s, your beauty deserves to be documented. Imagine looking back at these photos years from now and remembering how powerful, sensual, and strong you felt at this moment.

Because confidence doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from doing.

Many people believe confidence is something you need before booking a boudoir shoot. The reality? Confidence comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and seeing yourself in a new light. A boudoir session is an experience that helps you reconnect with your body, your sensuality, and your self-worth.

Stop letting fear hold you back.

Fear is one of the biggest reasons people put off boudoir photography. Fear of not looking “good enough,” fear of being vulnerable, fear of doing something bold. But what if you pushed past that fear? What if, instead of wondering “What if I don’t like my photos?” you asked, “What if I absolutely love them?” What if this experience changes the way you see yourself forever?

A gift for yourself, now and always.

Boudoir is not just about the photos—it’s about the journey of self-love and empowerment. The images become a reminder of your strength, beauty, and courage. Whether you’re doing this as a personal celebration, a milestone marker, or just because, the best gift you can give yourself is to stop waiting and say yes to the experience.

So, why wait? Why keep pushing this dream off to “someday”? You are worth celebrating now. You are beautiful now. You are powerful now. Take the leap. Do the boudoir shoot. And step into the most confident, radiant version of yourself—starting today.

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Everything you need to know about our boudoir process

The time has come!

Maybe it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, or a dream you had for a long time, but you finally took the decision to book your boudoir shoot.

You feel super excited, maybe a little bit nervous because it might be your first time and you wonder:

Now what?!

You don't know what to expect, you are not sure what the next steps are, you can feel confused by all the information you see on different websites…

Do not wonder any longer, today we are sharing with you our boudoir shoots process.

Let's talk pricing first

When you go on our website, you can see our pricing is cut in two:

• First, there is the session fee, which includes the expertise of two photographers (Juliette and Fanny, hi this is us 😀), the location, makeup and hair, and the photoshoot.

• Second, there are the photo packages for the digital pictures, prints, or albums.

We divide our pricing in two for a couple of reasons: we believe you should be able to choose the quantity of photographs you want to purchase (instead of paying from the start, for example, for 25 images when you want only 15).

It also makes boudoir photography more accessible since you do not have to pay everything upfront. And multiple instalments are also available!

Use our contact form

Once you have been through our website to look at the details of our work and see our portfolio, the next step is to contact us and for that, we have a very easy-to-fill contact form! An email works fine too :)

When contacting us, do not hesitate to tell us why you want to do a shoot and what your story is. We LOVE when people share their reasons behind wanted to do a boudoir shoot. And it also helps us to have a better idea of what you have in mind!

It is time to chat

Once you sent us your email, we will reply to you within 24 hours, with more details about our shoots and the option to book a quick virtual meeting with us. This is a very important part of the process in which we guide you through the process. We also chat about potential ideas or vision you might have, you can ask us questions, and book a potential date for your shoot.

It is free and does not commit you to anything!

All in one platform

Once the meeting is over, we will send you everything you need in order to book your session: your invoice and steps to pay the retainer (the retainer is used to secure your date and book our makeup artist), your contract, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get ready for your shoot.

Everything is sent to you digitally via an online platform that keeps all the document in your private portal. It is very easy to access, and you do not have to print anything.

Makeup & Hair

Once the retainer is paid, we book one of our talented makeup artists if you wish to get pampered by a professional. We will introduce the two of you by email, so you can let her know if you have any ideas in mind, but also any skin sensitivity.

She will do your makeup and hair right before your boudoir shoot at our studio.

The real fun begins

This is the moment you have been dreaming of… and also our favourite part: the boudoir shoot!

The photo session is done at our beautiful Parisian-inspired studio located in the Junction, Toronto. We have 4 different rooms, and you can access all of them for your shoot:

• The Day Lounge (airy, feminine, and bright);

• The Night Lounge (moody, cocktail vibe, green and gold tones);

• The Sejour (warm and cozy atmosphere); and

• The Patio (Provence theme with a wisteria tree).

Your boudoir shoot will last up to 2 hours and during that time you will have fun, let loose, and pose like the badass and confident person you are. After the session, you will feel like you can do anything!

Once your makeup is done, we go over the clothes and accessories you brought (which will probably be in a big suitcase 😉), to select the outfits that are the most important for you (we usually have time to do around 5 different ones).

We also guide you and pose you during the entire session, so you do not have to worry about the fact you either never posed before or don’t know what to do. But you are very welcomed to let us know about specific poses or ideas you might want to try!

Boudoir photography allows you to highlights all your personalities, and you can really have fun with your outfits and props during your shoot. We love to create different vibes depending on your outfits, so it is very likely we would jump from a cozy atmosphere to a more badass one!

When do I see my pictures?

It has been two weeks since your shoot, the time for your reveal session has arrived. You might ask yourself:

“A what? “

This is the part of the process in which we show you your photographs, and you can purchase the ones you like best. See it as the big reveal! The moment when we show you how well you posed during your shoot and how confident you look. We usually meet back at our studio, over pastries, coffee, or tea. This process can be a bit overwhelming as there is a lot of photos to choose from, but once again we are here to help you with your selection!

Release Form

At the end of your reveal session, we make you fill out a release form. It is a document that allows us, or not, to use your photos for our digital marketing. You choose the option that works best for you!

We love being able to use our photos to inspire other people to try boudoir photography, but we understand privacy is very important for some people, so we never use your photos if you don’t agree with it.

Photos & Prints

All of our photo packages are digitally-based, delivered in high resolution (meaning you can print them the size of your wall if you want to 🔥), without watermark, and delivered via an online private gallery.

If you are like us and enjoy being able to see your pictures on paper, we work with a wonderful professional and private printer (who only work with professional photographers, so your photos are 100% safe) that provides high quality prints and albums.

Our editing process

Because it is very important for us to give a high-end boudoir experience to all of our clients, we take care of our own photo editing instead of outsourcing it like many other photography studios in the industry. As mentioned above, privacy is a must for many people, so we want to make sure the photos with shoot stay safe.

The way we edit our photos is very mild: we apply a soft skin edit, make sure your skin tons are even, and remove anything that is temporary (such as bruises, pimples, scratches, tan lines…). Since we believe boudoir photography is a way to learn to accept and love our body, we do not play plastic surgeons, meaning we do not change the way your body look.

The only thing we might remove, if it is important to you, are tattoos and scars (depending on sizes and placements). Some people considered mistakes tattoos and scars as part of their story and don’t want to hide them (it is something we encouraged), but we also understand why others prefer to not see them on photos. The choice is yours, all we ask is to know in advance so we can pose you accordingly :)

And after?

You did your shoot and got your beautiful images, so it would be normal to think that you are done with us. But it does not have to be like that! You can of course decide to live your life and forget about Scandaleuse, or you can do what most of our clients do:

Stay in touch and be part of our community full of badass, strong, and powerful Scandals!

By following us on Instagram, or signing up to our newsletter, you can keep an eye on our events, special shoots, deals, or other projects our community can participate to!

Boudoir is so much more than pretty pictures. It pushes you to go after what you want in life, and makes you feel empowered. Why? Because once you strip down in front of two strangers, nothing can stop you 🤩

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What are you waiting for?

We hear it too often:

“I really want to do a boudoir shoot, but not now!”

When Juliette and I talk about our photography work, people often express the desire to have a boudoir shoot done. They share about the fact they have been wanting to do it for a long time, that they are waiting for the right moment to do it, but never seem to know when it is.

The truth is, the perfect moment to do a boudoir shoot doesn’t exist! Of course, there are a couple of factors to take into consideration such as time and money (time because you need to be able to dedicate a good chunk of your day just for yourself, and money because a boudoir shoot is a little bit of an investment), but for the rest, it is mostly fear that makes people keep pushing back the idea of doing a boudoir session.

Yes, boudoir photography can be intimidating. But it is such a transformative experience and trust us when we say that the more you wait, the more you are missing out on something extraordinary!

Celebrate Your Present Self

If you feel proud of who you are right now, then celebrating yourself with a boudoir shoot is a really great idea! Maybe you got out of a toxic relationship, or you changed carrier for something more fulfilling, or maybe you are turning a certain age and feel fabulous, then you deserve to treat yourself for all the hard work you had to do to in order to be where you are today.

It takes a lot of courage to make the changes we need to be happier in life, so we hope that you can see how strong and badass you are! A boudoir shoot is the perfect gift to capture that strength 💪

Reconnect To Your Body

So many of our clients dislike their body, and every time it breaks our hearts to hear how they talk about themselves:

“I hate myself!”

“Ugh, I am so ugly!”

“I am fat, it is awful!“

“I wish I could have a different body!“

For way too long, society has taught us to see our body as an enemy by creating beauty standards, and conditioned us to make them our reality. It is so deeply rooted that every part of ourselves that don’t follow those standards became “imperfections” that have to be destroyed. The result is that we are now so disconnected from our body we forget that without it, we will not exist. We focus on what we believe we “should look like”, completely put our sensuality on the side, and replace it with bitterness.

Doing a boudoir shoot is an important step to reconnect with your sensuality, and start loving your body for its natural beauty. So if this resonates with you, then this is the right moment to do it!

The Middle Finger You Sometime Need To Give

There is no better sweet revenge than doing something that makes you feel super confident other people find scandalous. There is a moment in life where we get tired of people’s judgment and being pressured to live a life that isn’t what we truly want. When you reach to that moment, your inner rebel takes control and encourages you to do stuff that make you feel proud of yourself.

When you do a boudoir shoot, you try an experience that allows you to become your own sexy and sensual version of yourself, and this is so freaking liberating.

It feels like giving an empowered middle finger to all the shitty things people have told you and done to you. You don’t want to wait forever to feel this way 😎

Life Is Unpredictable

This is going to be a big cliché, but there is so much truth there: life is too short to be waiting for the perfect moment!

I, Fanny, lost my aunt last year, and it was very sudden. She was young, she was travelling with her husband, and she died. Her death was a sad reminder that you never know when it is time for you to leave this earth, and it feels like a slap in the face. Either it is death, an accident, or any other life's uncertainties, there may never be a "right time" to embark on this journey. The more you wait, the more you take the risk that it never happens.

If you want to try boudoir photography, stop overthinking it and just do it! You will never regret having a boudoir shoot done, but you might regret not doing it.

As you can see, the beauty of a boudoir shoot isn’t in waiting for the ideal version of yourself; it’s about celebrating exactly who you are today. Every curve, every scar, every feature tells your story, and that story deserves to be honoured. Boudoir photography is about embracing your present self with love and courage, because you are already enough, already beautiful.

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What You Think You Have to Do During a Boudoir Shoot (But Really Don't)

There are many things people seem to believe are expected during a boudoir shoot. It can be related from the nudity aspect to the outfits options, and many more in between. You may be surprised to learn that, in fact, everything is optional.

So if you are feeling curious about doing a session but have been holding back because you are not sure what is "required," let us gently clear up a few things that are not mandatory—unless you want them to be.

You do not have to be naked.

That is probably the biggest point we remind everyone we speak to: you are always in control of what you wear and how much you reveal. Yes, full nudes are beautiful and empowering—but they are absolutely not mandatory.

In our case, we always make a point to start your session with the outfit that covers you the most to give you the time to get comfortable with your surroundings and our directions. After that, we remove some layers as we go.

We also walk you through any ideas we may have that involve some sort of nudity and always have a back-up outfit in mind if you aren't feeling it. Your session will reflect your level of comfort. We will never ask you to do anything that does not feel right for you.

You do not need to know how to pose.

Please take this pressure off your shoulders: you do not need to show up with any experience in front of the camera. It is our job to guide you every step of the way—down to the tilt of your chin or the placement of your hands. You do not have to “perform” or “act sexy.” You simply have to be yourself, and we will take care of the rest. Keep in mind however that the boudoir poses can feel a bit odd, but turn out wonderfully natural looking. It's part of the magic, trust the process!

You do not need to wear lingerie.

Lingerie is one of many options. Some of our favourite images have come from more unexpected outfits—like a fancy dress, a denim jacket, a button-down shirt, a bodysuit, or even just bed sheets. What we are looking for are those pieces you know you feel beautiful and confident in and we will bring a boudoir twist to anything.

You also don't have to stick to one theme. Our photos are thought to capture different facets of your personality, because that's how human beings are. We are not always edgy and sexy, or soft and romantic. We are a mix of everything, and we encourage every person stepping into the lens to bring outfits that reflect that too!

You do not need to look a certain way.

Boudoir is not about fitting into a mold. There is no ideal age, size, or body type for this experience. Every person who walks through our doors brings their own story, energy, and beauty—and that is what we love to capture. This space is for you as you are right now, not a version of you that the world expects.

You do not need to be someone else.

This experience is not about becoming someone you are not. It is about reconnecting with the version of you that often gets hidden under daily responsibilities and expectations. Whether you are bold and playful, quiet and dreamy, or somewhere in between, your session will be designed around who you truly are.

What is actually required?

Just one thing: that you show up for yourself.

There is no checklist. No pressure. No “right” way to do boudoir. Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe, celebrated, and completely in control. Whether you want to go all out or keep things soft and subtle, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Curious about what your version of boudoir could look like? Let us show you. It might just be more freeing—and more you—than you imagined.

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Our body is changing and that's ok!

Last January, I, Fanny, turned 35. Even though I am still young, I already start to feel and see that my body is going through some changes: My skin is getting thinner. I am getting more and more white hair, to a point where I cannot remove them anymore. Wrinkles are developing on my chest and around my eyes. I am getting tired faster. I feel colder more easily… You get it, I am aging, and I can see it 😭

People around me always tell me I look much younger than my age, that they cannot see all of those changes I mention to them. Older people tell me:

“Wait to see when you will be my age!”

And I get it. When Juliette, or other people, also tell me they look differently than before, I don’t see it. This is because we know our body by heart, so we notice in the mirror when there is the slight little change that is happening that no one else can see. Let’s be honest, accepting those changes is hard, especially as women!

And how can we do differently when all we heard since a very young age is that youth is everything? That we have to look a certain way in order to be desired and accepted by others. These beauty standards are so deeply rooted, that it doesn’t matter when people tell us that we have nothing to worry about. We trust what we see and all the shitty things people have told us over the years.

Isn’t it funny though, how we easily absorb any negative comments to a point they become our reality, but diminish every compliment we receive? This is when we realize, there is still so much work to do on ourselves!

It is time to embrace those changes

Not too long ago, I woke up and saw in the mirror that my chest was very wrinkled. It made me very sad, and I told myself that I should get an upper breast tattoo to hide this part of my body that is aging. Don’t get me wrong, I love chest and neck tattoos when it is well done, and I want to get one eventually. But I caught myself wanted to hide instead of accepting, and that is never a good idea!

Juliette and I have this conversation often, and in our opinion it is very important to understand why we feel the way we feel about our bodies, and learn to see beauty where society tells us there is none. No matter our age, It is all about breaking the negative self-talks most of us have, and stop treating our body as an enemy.

And when you get older, you have no other choice but accepting those changes because it is part of living. Like Juliette likes to say, and I highly agree, aging is a privilege!

Easier said than done

Always 😀… More seriously, there are a lot of solutions to start loving our body for its natural beauty. Here is what work for us, or what we have heard from the clients we have had the conversation with:

• TIME HELPS

  When I got more and more white hair, I freaked out for a little while. Then I told myself that there is nothing I can do about it, and tried to find beauty in having white hair. Eventually, I stopped focusing on them and now it doesn’t bother me anymore. Be patient, and you will get used to those changes. That is how we start to accept, with time.

• SEE YOUR BODY FOR WHAT IT DOES FOR YOU

  We forget that our body is so much more than an object that other people can criticize or desire. It carries us through Life, protecting our organs, bones, and tissues. The older we get, the more our body take, Between pregnancies, accidents, stress, and more, damn our bodies go through a lot. And we have to be thankful for that.

• CHOOSE YOUR CIRCLE

  Surrounding yourself with the right people is such an important step towards body acceptance. You want to have people around you who will lift you up and give you true compliments. Regarding social media, because it is now a big part of our life, you want to be looking at positive content and follow people who look like you so you can be inspired by others to accept the body you have, instead of dreaming of looking like them. And unfollow accounts that trigger negative thoughts about your body.

• DO THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HAPPY

  Yes, even if they are “scandalous”! People will always judge, so you might start not caring anymore and make your well-being a priority. Do not be afraid to try new things that help you reconnect with your sensuality. Finding an activity that focuses on your body (such as strength, flexibility, movement…) will change the relationship you have with it.

Try boudoir photography

Speaking of fun experiences to try that are body related, we cannot talk about this topic without mentioning the fantastic world of boudoir!

We are not boudoir photographers for nothing and if you have been following us for a while, you know that this is more than just getting pretty pictures of yourself. Having a boudoir shoot done is the opportunity to get pampered, have the me-time you deserve, and allow yourself to embrace your sensuality while having a lot of fun. You get to celebrate your body and see yourself in a new light. After your shoot, you will stand taller and walk with extra confidence. All of this gives you a long-lasting boost of experience and the feeling nothing in life can stop you 💪

Our bodies are changing, and that’s ok. So let’s give the big middle finger to all the pressure and external judgment we have felt over the years, to focus on the sensual beings we all are!

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Why we love celebrating women over 50

Over the past 8 years, we have had the privilege of photographing women of all ages, backgrounds, and stories. But lately, we have noticed more and more women in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s passing our studio doors and we truly stepped into an even more powerful boudoir experience we cannot get enough of. It got us wondering why we were feeling this deep fire during those sessions, and we just had to share it with you.

Our boudoir work has always been around slamming doors on expectations.

This has been our motto since day 1: yes, boudoir is an artistic experience, but it is so much more than that. When you sign up for it, you make the choice to detach yourself from judgement, expectations, the pressure round what you do and look like. Instead, you choose to focus on your relationship with yourself and your body.

Why does it feel evem stronger for women over 50? Because we firmly believe it takes more courage for women over 50 than for us, women in our 30s, to jump onto that train of embracing your body the way it is.

Different generation and much more body shame.

For many women over 50, body shaming wasn’t a passing comment — it was a way of life. It was baked into their everyday existence: in school, at home, in magazines, on TV. The message was loud and clear: your body must be thin, firm, young, and perfectly polished in order to be “good.” And if it wasn’t, you should fix it, hide it, or stay quiet about it.

Things like stretch marks, wrinkles, softness, and aging were treated as flaws to be covered up or corrected — not celebrated as part of a life well-lived.

Compared to the body-positive movement we see today - which still has a long way to go, let’s be honest - the messages these women grew up with were harsh, unforgiving, and deeply damaging.

And for many of them, that conditioning still lingers — even now.

Sending power back: Our way to say thank-you.

So much of what women in our generation get to enjoy — the growing conversations around body positivity, the normalization of self-love, the ability to express our sensuality without shame — is thanks to the generations who came before us.

Women over 50 have lived through decades of change. They have witnessed cultural revolutions, shifting beauty standards, and the slow, painful tearing down of deeply rooted expectations. They have fought , often quietly and thanklessly, for rights, recognition, and the ability to take up space — not just in society, but in their own lives.

While we are producing changes of our own, they have paved the way for us on many levels. Having the chance to show them how to reconcile with their bodies, celebrate their sensual side and feel powerful not despite their age, but because of it, is a true honour for us.

It is our way to send some power back on something they couldn't really focus on despite being very important in a woman's journey. And it is often incredibly healing.

Their no-F***-Given attitude is everything.

The women over 50 we are lucky enough to photograph all have one thing in common: they are done with the people-pleasing. Done with trying to fit into boxes. Done with waiting for permission to feel good in their skin. The kids are grown. The careers have evolved. The need to perform or chase external validation starts to fade.

There’s a boldness and a softness that coexist in the most beautiful way. They don’t need to prove anything to anyone and that confidence is magnetic. For some of them, this feeling is loud and obvious, and for others, it is more subtle. But the latter doesn't mean it is not as strong as the former.

To the Women Who’ve Carried So Much — We See You

To every woman who’s spent decades putting others first. To those who were told to be small, quiet, and modest. To those who believed that their worth faded as the years passed — we see you. We celebrate you.

There is no deadline for falling in love with yourself. There is no “too late” when it comes to feeling empowered, beautiful, and whole. You deserve to feel proud of your body, your story, and your strength. You deserve to be photographed not just for how you look, but for who you are.

And we’re so damn honoured to help you see it.

If you are curious about doing a boudoir session, just know you will be welcome in our studio with open arms. We are just one consultation away.

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Boudoir over 50, we highly recommend!

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure to photograph a fabulous woman, Madame M, who reached out because she was finally ready to try boudoir photography. In her initial inquiry, she mentioned that despite being 61 years old, she wanted to continue to feel empowered with her body and sensuality.

Since it was her first time, she was very nervous about her photoshoot. She shared with us that while she was on her way to our studio, she had kind of a panic attack to a point where she was very close to turn back and give up on this experience. Boudoir photography has been in the back of her mind for a long time, yet some little voices (fed by social norms and fear) were almost stronger than the excitement of finally doing her boudoir shoot. But she managed to stay strong and showed up for your photoshoot!

We are so glad she didn’t give up. She posed so well and her photos are beautiful! She truly deserved to experience boudoir photography. Her story, as well as all the other wonderful women who posed in front of our lens, inspired us to write today’s blog, hoping it can help women to take that step as well 💛

Women and ageism, it’s time to stop that BS!

Most women over a certain age do not dare to try boudoir photography, and how can we blame them? The stigma against aging women is brutal, and boudoir photography doesn’t help the cause! There are so little representations of women over 50 years old in the boudoir industry because society still believes that beauty equals being young. In society’s eyes, women lose value as they age, but they also become those sexless beings who lost touch with their sensuality. Because of those stereotypes, most fashion and boudoir photographers have over time prioritized younger women for their artistic projects, giving no room to people not fitting in these criteria.

Boudoir photography isn’t an easy experience, especially for first timers, as it can make people feel quite vulnerable (not everyone can easily pose in their underwear in front of a stranger!). Most of the inquiries we receive are coming from people who want to regain confidence, and learn to like their body the way it is. So for a woman who might be lacking body-confidence and has been told by the media that because she passed a certain age she is now worthless, doing a boudoir shoot can be extremely difficult!

Meeting those women who want to try boudoir so badly but stop themselves because they feel like they are not good enough breaks our hearts, and we wish mentalities could change faster! Thankfully, more and more people in the industry, us included, fight to change those social constructs. It is taking some time, but things are evolving. Now we need more brave people to try boudoir and share their awesome pictures with the world so they can inspire more people to do the same (honestly, that is the faster way to create a change)!

Fight those negative voices that are stopping you from doing a shoot!

But how can someone find the strength to give it a try even though they might feel really anxious about it? Well, if you are reading this blog and recognize yourself in those words, know that you are not alone! Many people are curious, yet afraid, by boudoir photography. And our main advice would be to first find the perfect photographer for you! Choosing the right person for the job is the most important step, as you want to make sure you will feel comfortable during the process. Then, just do it instead of overthinking the whole experience. The more you think about something that stresses you out, the more excuses you will find to not do it.

And 👏shut👏those👏voices👏down👏. If you are excited about doing a boudoir shoot, but you suddenly start thinking that you are too old, not thin enough, not muscular enough and whatnot, think about something else or keep focusing on the joy you get from doing a shoot.

Please believe us when we say that you are perfect the way you are! The beauty industry makes millions of dollars, selling us products we don’t need and making us believe we have to look a certain way to be worthy and desirable. There should not be any beauty standards to begin with, but unfortunately it is what it is. What we can do on our side is fight this nonsense by accepting our natural beauty and celebrate our body.

And what better way than a boudoir shoot to do so !

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We made it on national TV!

Let us tell you a powerful story. A story full of dreams, love, and connections, that started 8 years ago when we opened Scandaleuse. Opening our business in a new country and in a new language was already a success for us, but we always knew we wanted more.

Since the beginning, we've dreamed of being interviewed at the radio, a newspaper, and even one day make an appearance on national tv to have the chance to spread the word about all the great benefits of sensuality and how powerful doing a boudoir shoot is.

And guess what? It happened.

From a photoshoot behind-the-scene to a live interview on set.

For the first part of this experience, the Social team followed us on one of our photoshoots. We are extremely lucky that Sarah-Jane agreed to have her first photoshoot ever filmed.

Sarah-Jane is an incredibly brave woman: after many years in an abusive relationship, she fought hard to re-build herself and learn to reclaim and love her body. Watch her experience below:

We were also very pleased to have Cai and Hallae with us during the shoot so they could have the opportunity to talk about their experience and how boudoir photography impacted their life!

A few weeks later, we were invited The Social set downtown Toronto for an official interview along with Michelle Osbourne, body positivity activist and a past client, to discuss sensuality and its power.

It was a wonderful conversation you can watch below.

If you only knew how nervous we were! Luckily for us, the hosts and audience were absolutely lovely and we were put us at ease immediately. Hopefully, we will get to try this once more at least in our lives!

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