Magical boudoir, are you up for it?

We have been saying the following since we opened Scandaleuse Photography back in 2017:

“Boudoir doesn’t have to be the traditional photo of a woman posing on the bed of a hotel room wearing a classic set of lingerie!”

Don’t get us wrong, if this is your vibe than it is perfect, and you deserve classic boudoir photos to celebrate your gorgeous self. But for some people it is not, and they can have a hard time taking the step to book their shoot because they cannot picture themselves in a traditional setting… This is mostly why we opened our boudoir business.

We wanted to show another side of boudoir photography and open the door of this world to the ones who want to step away from common boudoir photoshoots. So because we have our own boudoir style, we attract a lot of clients who want to do unique photoshoots and who give us the freedom to make cool ideas come to life!

Boudoir experience tailored to your personality

You are not just sexy, cute, chill, or serious. You are a mix of emotions, wants and needs, which change depending on your mood and life. A boudoir photoshoot is the perfect opportunity to let loose instead of focusing on external judgment, and highlight the multiple facets of your personality as well as your wildest self!

• Want to feel like a river nymph or the goddess of wind? We got you and know the perfect spot for it!

• Want to go back in time and be a glamorous 50s actress, we might have the perfect props!

• Want to let your inner witch take over for your boudoir shoot? Hell yeah, we love that (where are our Charmed fans at?)!

No idea is too big. If we can make it happen, we will!

Share your thoughts, bring your outfits and props, we take care of the rest!

The way it works is simple: people send us a little message to share about why they want to do a boudoir shoot and schedule a Zoom meeting. This consultation is the moment where we go over our boudoir process, listen to your ideas and expectation for your boudoir shoot, and take notes of the things that are important to you.

The day of your boudoir shoot, we go over the outfits and accessories you brought with you, and this is when we start creating the sets that will be matching your vision.

You don’t need to think too much about your ideas, as the artistic part of the shoot is our job (and we are really good at it 😄 ). Especially for any “magical touch” you want to have on your pictures such as levitation, flying stuff, fire, spooky effect… All you have to do is share with us about things you would like to see on pictures or vibe you want, and we take care of making it happen!

In case you want to have a badass boudoir photoshoot, but you don’t have any ideas yet beside wanting something different, here are a few questions you can ask yourself that will help you start untangling some ideas:

• Do you want to shoot indoor or outdoor?

• What are your hobbies, things you like in life, that you would want to incorporate in your shoot?

• What aesthetic do you feel the most attracted to: light and airy, or dark and moody?

• How do you want to feel during your photoshoot?

Figuring those few things out is a great way to start thinking of what you want. Or you can just contact us, and we will be more than happy to guide you!

We love boudoir photography, and we love even more the Scandals we work with! So let us bring your ideas to life 🥰

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Boudoir over 60, 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 or 60 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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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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6 tips for a better boudoir experience while being on your period

We all agree that being on our period isn’t a pleasant experience: being in pain, losing blood, being tired, having our hormones going crazy, feeling bloated, having to use the bathroom often, and much more, makes it hard to feel like a sexy and confident being. So when the time of your boudoir shoot comes and you realize you will be on your period, it can feel like a bummer.

But don’t you worry, today we are giving you 6 tips that will help you have a positive boudoir experience while being on your period if you cannot push back your shoot!

Painkillers medicine

This one is a given but feeling comfortable while doing your boudoir shoot is very important, so you want to make sure to not be in pain while posing. Don’t hesitate to take some pain killers before leaving for your shoot. Taking them at least 30 minutes before the beginning of your boudoir session should do the trick!

Avoid wearing sanitary pads

If possible do not use pads, especially if you are planning to wear some lingerie. Pads are thick and very difficult to hide so instead you might want to use a tampon or menstrual cup. But if you do not like having a foreign object in your body, you can find nowadays beautiful period underwear that can be perfect for a boudoir shoot.

Bring one or two small towels

Having a couple of hand towels in your bag while on your period is always useful. You might need them if you have to clean yourself quickly, or use one to put under your bum in case you are worried you might stain the furniture you are sitting or laying on. Don’t forget to also take a plastic bag with you so you can put the used towels in it!

Change and freshen up

We all know how uncomfortable it is to spend a part of your day with an almost full period protection and wondering if it is leaking because it is time to change it. For your peace of mind and a better boudoir experience we recommend you to change whatever period product you are using just before starting your shoot. And if you can, do not hesitate to rinse yourself as well so you know there is no risk of smell or visual.

Avoid lingerie that is too tight

If you are like us, you know that when we are on our period it feels good to wear loose clothes. Since our uterus feels (and is) bigger than usual, wearing tight pants or tight underwear is very uncomfortable. If you only bring tight lingerie or gorgeous corset to wear during your boudoir session, you will end up spending the entire shoot feeling constricted, and it might show on the final pictures. To avoid this, bring a mix of different outfits so you can switch from wearing tight clothes to loose ones. It will make the session more comfortable for you!

Bring some outfits that covers your belly

It is not something you will hear us say often! Usually we like to tell our clients to show the parts of their body they like the less instead of hiding them during their boudoir shoot (it is in our opinion the best way to learn to accept and love those parts). But being on our period means that we are naturally bloated, and we know it is not a pleasant feeling.

On top of making our belly bigger than it usually is, there is also the discomfort that goes with it. So we understand that people don’t necessarily want to see that on their photographs. If you can relate, then bring some outfits that will hide your bloated belly such as bodysuits, babydoll gowns, dresses, shirts…

Bonus tip

Don’t hesitate to tell us if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain during your shoot so you can take a break to calm the cramps down. Here are a few items you can bring with you that can help ease the pain during the shoot:

• Herbal tea to drink during your session. Red raspberry leaves, ginger, peppermint, and chamomile tea, can help to reduce the bloating and calm down period cramps.

• Heat or cold pad. Heat can help relax the muscles contributing to cramping, so applying heat to your abdomen or back can help relieve your pain.

  An ice pack can also reduce pain. Cold therapy narrows blood vessels, which eases menstrual cramps.

• Extra medicine to take if the pain comes back during your boudoir session.

As mentioned, your boudoir shoot should be a fun and comfortable experience. So if the idea of having your period during your session makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to ask us if it is possible to push back your session, especially if you give us a couple of weeks notice. But in case it is not possible, try to not stress too much about it and follow those guidelines. If you manage to relax during this time, you will still get a beautiful experience 💛

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The thrill of outdoor boudoir

With the beautiful weather and temperature being nice and toasty, the opportunity for outdoor boudoir shoots is knocking a t our doors,for our greatest pleasure. Those tend to spark a lot of curiosity; after all, why would you do an outdoor shoot? How is that even doable? Let's dive in!

“Why would I even do an outdoor boudoir shoot?”

1) Some of us don't belong inside.

When you are considering having boudoir photos done, you want them to look like you. The real you, when you feel badass, confident and comfortable. For many of us, it is easier to feel this way when we are outdoors. Especially because being outdoors usually emphasize…

2) The feeling of freedom.

The outdoors, especially nature, is very often associated with peace and freedom, it's just in the air. That's why even guided meditation tend to “take” you outside. The energy is different, it is powerful and calm at the same time. Why stopping yourself from enjoying it?

3) A little extra challenge to satisfy your adventurous side.

If you are looking for an extra thrill during your boudoir shoot, shooting outdoors makes you feel SUPER badass because it is even more “unconventional” than an indoor boudoir shoot. If you have a rebellious spirit, you will definitely enjoy posing outdoors

4) The sceneries!

Why limit yourself to a home that could look like someone's else’s when you can have a beautiful scenery around you? A river, a mountain, a rooftop… It just makes it a lot more epic!

If you are feeling excited about all of those reasons, first: YAY! - then, let us take you through our logistics!

Winter works great too!

“How does it work if I want to shoot outside?”

There are a few things to consider before doing an outdoor boudoir photoshoot with us:

The best spots are semi-private

We can't really privatize an entire river, forest or street. Even though we have some secret spots that are off the beaten path, we can't guarantee that someone isn’t going to walk by. The good news ? The rare people we have seen really don't give a crap about the shoot and even apologized for disturbing us 😉

We are ninja photographers

The fact that the two of us are on every shoot makes it very easy & fast to cover you up if needed. One of us tends to stand close to you with a coat or towel while the other shoots.

We are mindful about nudity.

Chances are if you are looking to do an outdoor shoot, you are probably dreaming of having a beautiful nude or semi-nude image of yourself too (and you should, it is awesome). In case you were wondering: it is legal for women to be topless in Canada, and it has been forever, as long as we are being aware of what is around us. For example, no children around.

Since all of the spots we tend to go to are hidden, we never had a problem with nudity. Once again, having two shooters on set makes it easier to have someone on the lookout and cover you up in a second!

Partial nudity is usually a lot easier to manage, consider it if you feel like you’d want to experiment but aren’t looking to go too far!

If there is one thing we can promise is that you won't regret shooting outdoors. The settings are beautiful, the feeling is amazing and the final photos are epic.

The whole experience is truly magical, so if you were considering it, don't wait any longer, we will be happy to guide you through it!

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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 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 you can tell us more about your ideas or vision, ask us any questions, see if we are a good fit, 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 shoot:

• your invoice and steps to pay the retainer (the retainer is used to secure your date and book our makeup artist);

• your contract;

• and your release option (to let us know if we can use or not your pictures).

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 the same location as your photoshoot.

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 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, and tea. But we can also organize a Zoom meeting to share our screen with you if you don’t have the time to meet in person.

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 provides high quality prints and albums.

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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Two boudoir photographers are better than one!

If you have been checking out boudoir photography for a while, you might have noticed that the majority of the photographers work alone during their shoot. But then you came across our business and see that we work as a team. So you might wonder:

“Does it make a difference to have two photographers during my boudoir shoot?”

The answer is yes, and here is why:

STRESS-FREE PHOTOSHOOT

Most of the people who try boudoir photography for the first time feel nervous with the idea of doing a shoot for several reasons: they are nervous about showing more skin than on a regular photoshoot. They don’t like their body, so posing feels nerve wracking. They don’t know how to get ready for their boudoir shoot and feel overwhelmed.

There are so many reason to feel stressed out before and during a boudoir session that it is our job, as photographers, to create a stress-free environment. Having two photographers on-site definitively helps your shoot go very smoothly. When one of us is shooting, the other one is prepping for the next set by reorganizing the studio to create a different vibe, thinking of the next idea, and even putting together your next outfit.

This allows us to be very efficient, so you can:

• Fully enjoy the duration of your boudoir shoot instead of wasting time waiting around because the photographer is prepping alone for their next idea; and

• Relax and enjoy the shoot without feeling rushed by your photographer because they are running out of time.

MORE DIVERSITY OF PHOTOGRAPHS

Since we rarely both take pictures of a set at the same time, one of us uses that time of not shooting as an opportunity to think of and prep her next idea. Which is perfect to help us dive deeper into our creativity to create unique lighting effects, get more props involved, figure out different poses, or even find other beautiful angles of you posing to take photos of while the other is shooting her set.

Which means you get:

• a tailored experience instead of having the same pictures as everyone else,

• the possibility to see yourself from two different perspectives, angles, and in different atmospheres; and also

• more photos for you to choose from during your reveal session.

Of course we will find you beautiful on all the photographs, but you know your face better than we do. So having more photos means you get access to a good variety of different poses and facial expressions for you to choose from.

FAST IN-HOUSE EDITING

Working as a duo also means a shorter editing turnaround time, without the need to outsource it. Let us explain!

It is very common for photographers to reduce their workload by outsourcing the editing part of their photoshoots (the editing process involves making a selection of photos, changing the visual settings of a photo such as the lighting or the colours, but also heavier editing such as skin edits and so on) to freelancers or other studios specializing in photo editing (they can be located in a different country).

Being two photographers working with you during your boudoir shoot means we divide the editing of the pictures you will purchase by two (we each take half of your photos to edit them). By doing so, there is no need for us to outsource this part, therefore your photographs stay fully private, and you get them faster!

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY

Imagine you finally took the decision to do the boudoir shoot of your dream. You spent some time gathering the best outfits and accessories, and prepping for it (maybe you went shopping, took a day off from work, went to do your nails or hair, or finally found time to be kids-free for a few hours) when at the last minute you get a phone call from your photographer who tells you that unfortunately they cannot do your boudoir shoot because they are sick or something happens. There are usually two outcomes possible: your shoot is rescheduled, or you get assigned to another photographer.

We are humans, so emergencies happen, unfortunately. But for you, it is an inconvenience and that can ruin your experience! You spent time getting ready for that shoot and organizing your life around it that even if you understand those things happen, having to reschedule your shoot can be a problem. And not everyone would feel comfortable having a boudoir shoot with a photographer they never met before!

When you book your shoot with Juliette and I, Fanny, you are always talking to us only, and you will meet both of us during your Zoom meeting (in which we get acquainted and discuss your ideas if you have any). So in case one of us cannot be part of your photoshoot due to an emergency, the other one will be there to make your shoot happen!

BONUS POINT: DOUBLE THE FUN

Boudoir photography should always be a relax and fun experience. Juliette and I have known each other for such a long time, and our friendship is the strength of our business! We are lucky to have such a great connection which makes our energy very contagious!

We hope this blog will bring you one step closer to book your boudoir shoot… and even better with us :)

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How to calm your nerves before doing a boudoir shoot

Do you feel like a boudoir session could be exactly what you need to do for yourself but a fear is standing in the way? That's totally normal and even… expected. Before you talk yourself out of a wonderful experience, let's go over the main blocks you may encounter when you think about a boudoir photoshoot.

Ditch the fear of being ridiculous

This one is probably the most dominant one. Isn't boudoir reserved only for perfect-looking people, based on all of the photos we see around?

Absolutely not. If anything, it is quite the opposite. The boudoir field has changed drastically in the past decade. It has become a wonderful artistic and therapeutic tool to reconnect with yourself and your body, instead of exclusively showcasing lingerie models. All bodies are now be in their deserving spotlight, no matter the type, shape and age!

We can't even give you a more dominant audience in our field, as we work with people between their early thirties and early 60s, all with different backgrounds and stories.

Now, you may be wondering: “okay, that's great, but you still need to be a minimum photogenic and know what to do with yourself”

Here is the secret: everyone is photogenic but not everyone has received the right guidance to be so. And guess what? It's not your job to figure this out on your own.

A professional photographer should be able to guide you to pose so you don't have to think about and can just learn useful tips. They will know the right angles, to flattering poses and everything you need to get photos that look like you but make you feel like a million bucks!

Take the time to prep to ease your nerves

We underestimate how fun prepping for the session is, but also how helpful it is to feel more confident stepping into your session.

Gathering clothing options you feel your best in, trying new pieces, thinking of fun props, looking for inspiration for hair, makeup, poses, vibes… All of these are key to feel more at peace before you even step in front of the camera.

Ask all the questions you need

Boudoir photography is not your area of expertise, so of course you can ask every question in the book! There are no silly questions, so if you are unsure of anything or need clarification, whether it is about the actual booking process or advice on an outfit, just reach out and ask. Any professional is happy to offer guidance on what they do best!

Kick-in-the-butt punchline: You will never regret doing your photoshoot, but you will definitely regret NOT doing it.

One of the main feedback we receive from our clients after their session is: “I wish I had done this sooner".

Like anything you wish to do for your well-being, you will definitely feel the weight of regret if you initiate the first step (aka gathering the courage to inquire for a session and tell your story) but don't follow through. Don't let this haunt you!

There you have it, your go-to guide for calming those pre-boudoir shoot nerves. Remember, it's all about having fun and celebrating you. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws or imperfections, shift your mindset to appreciate and love your body as it is. Trust that your photographer is there to capture your beauty in its purest form and that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

Get ready to embark on a beautiful and powerful journey, it would be a shame to miss out on it!

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The best props we have seen on boudoir shoots

Contrary to popular beliefs, boudoir photography is extremely versatile. It can be far from the classic bed photos in black & white. To us, boudoir is THE way to express yourself and make you feel sexy the way YOU want.

For some of us, feeling confident and sexy may involve a traditional set of lingerie. But to others, it is not what rocks their boats.

Over the past few years, we have seen many people beautifully bringing their own twists to their shoots to be the most badass versions of themselves and feel comfortable. Here are the most memorable props or themes they brought to the table, for our greatest pleasure!

Cosplay Outfits

My goodness, did we have a blast with this one! The essence of our work is anything badass so how could not be excited when Cin pulled out their homemade cosplay armor and cape!?

We remember them feeling a bit odd to bring those initially, but our very obvious excitement quickly turned those feelings into pure fun. Cosplay is a big part of Cin's life, it was a beautiful way to embrace it fully and look a like superhero.

Themed props

Sometimes, focusing on bringing specific props for a specific theme can really help you feel more comfortable posing. It makes you feel like you are playing a slightly different version of you, and just this can take the pressure off your shoulders. We have seen for example pin-up or other vintage outfits, which turn out stunning on photos and make us shoot in a different way as well. Themed props are also fantastic to make a special occasion, like a birthday or anniversary, just like Lily did for her session.

Glamorous Gowns

Why keep something simple when you can go extra? Alex brought to light a hot pink tulle gown that would make you wonder if you are not a nonchalant goddess in a vintage movie. (sigh)

Since her session, we actually came across our new partner, Great North Gowns, who is renting those stunning gowns for photoshoots, so you can still enjoy the glam but not have it drown your closet! We couldn't help but try ourselves and swimming in an ocean of tulle was magical. Definitely recommend!

Pets!

Yes, you read that right, you can bring your furry companions! We LOVE having pets on shoots, because a) they make you feel at home and b) we get to sneak some cuddles.

We have yet to see a husky to have a wolf like shoot, just throwing it out there!

Kitchen props

For many people, getting in front of a camera in such a vulnerable context is challenging. That's why we encourage creating little stories about what you love doing and incorporate that in your shoot. Many of our clients are cooking aficionados and we really loved making this part of themselves shine through boudoir.

Anything related to a passion

Let's be honest: chances are whatever you do as a hobby makes you feel badass. It's probably one of the main reasons you're even doing it.

So why not bring those to give yourself an extra layer of confidence? We have photographed people with roller skates, pleasers, guitars, bikes, magic cards, all of those with a boudoir twist!

Food & Drinks

That might surprise you, but we have done a LOT of sessions involving fake or real alcohol. Not only can it ease your nerves (moderately of course!) but we can all admit we feel like a million bucks all dolled up and holding a glass of champagne or whisky. Bringing food can also be a great way to contribute to creating little scenarios around your session.

As you can see see, a boudoir shoot is truly a creative opportunity to shine as yourself. Don't worry about "fitting in" or copying traditional photos, it is a lot more fun to bring out what makes you YOU. We are looking forward to seeing what you will bring to the table and capture it all!

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Did you talk yourself out of it?

This week we had a Zoom meeting with a new Scandal (if you are new here, “Scandal” is the name we give to our clients and people in our community 🤗) and she inspired us with today’s blog topic.

She reached out in January asking for some information about our boudoir shoots because she wanted to celebrate herself with an outdoor session. We loved her idea so much that we decided to followed up when she stopped corresponding with us. She was so happy we didn’t give up because it was the extra push she needed to do her shoot as she had talked herself out of doing it.

Sharing this information with us was very courageous, not everyone can do it, and it gave us the opportunity to write about this topic as it is a quite common situation.

What does it mean to talk ourselves out of something?

Talking ourselves out of something refers to the act of persuading oneself not to pursue a certain course of action, decision, or opportunity. This internal dialogue often involves rationalizing reasons why it may not be the right time, not be achievable, not be worth the effort nor the money.

It can come from different reasons such as fear of failure, self-doubts, external pressure, or simply a lack of confidence.

Sounds too familiar? Of course it does! We can all relate to that choice of listening to fear and giving up instead of going after something we want. It is a defence mechanism that we all did at some point in our life!

Is it a toxic trait?

Of course not! It is a way of protecting yourself from potential arm, either it is physical or mental.

But it is holding you back from experiencing Life! By engaging in these self-talks, living a too comfortable life, and not taking any risk, you are missing out on exploring new possibilities and adventures. Which makes personal growth very difficult to achieve, and you might end up having regrets about all the things you didn’t do.

Remember that no one can live your life but you!

Boudoir photography put people outside their comfort zone

We see it with some of our clients who want so badly to do a boudoir shoot to feel empowered, to regain confidence, or reclaim their image that has been destroyed in the past. But they feel so nervous, or afraid, about showing their uncovered body that they keep pushing the experience back, or they decide to not do it anymore. And that makes us sad for them because we know that a boudoir shoot would help them to get to that level of self-love they desire.

Don’t get us wrong, anyone has the right to change their mind about anything. But when we meet someone who has this craving of trying boudoir photography, it is part of our job to reassure them and motivate them to move away from that internal fear and just go for it.

You might think that we are being bias because we are boudoir photographers, but it is more than that. We are strong believers that boudoir photography is a therapeutic tool, that can help anyone with body and confidence issues. We have experienced it ourselves, and witnessed it through all the clients we had those past 7 years.

So if you want to give it a try, you have our support, do it! Even better, do a shoot with us 🥰.

How to shut down these annoying little voices?

Recognizing when you are talking yourself out of something is primordial to challenge these self-imposed limitations, embrace new possibilities, and finally do all the things that scare you.

1. RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS

The first step is learning to differentiate talking yourself out of something you really want to accomplish from changing your mind about something you don’t want to do anymore. You might be thinking: “aren’t those the same? You end up not doing it anyway!”. Sure they sound similar, but those two points are very different and create different results.

The first one is based on fear. You give up or keep pushing it back not because you don’t want to do it anymore but because you are afraid of something (maybe you think you will be judged by others, or that it will change your life in a way that you don’t feel ready for… there is always fear behind those little voices that tell you not to do something). As mentioned before, not going after what your soul craves will create regrets because it was meaningful to you.

It is something you feel deep in your bones and it usually keeps coming back even though you tell yourself otherwise.

The second one is only a change of mind. Yes, it would have been fun to do it, but since it is not something that you need in order to feel fulfill and grow, not doing isn’t going to change anything in your life.

They usually manifest as ideas or thoughts like: “maybe I could do this” or “it would be fun to try that!”. But they don’t last long, and you just forget about them.

Once you have recognized if it is something you want to keep pursuing, it is time to do a little bit more work on yourself.

2. LET’S STOP MAKING EXCUSES

The second step is to pay attention to this universal behaviour we all have: finding excuses! Either we do it to cancel plans, to not do the work we are supposed to do, to not show up somewhere, or to not go after something we wish for, having excuses is so common that we do it without even realizing we are.

And yes, some are very valid excuses, but most of the time we just don’t want to push ourselves too much because we are very comfortable in the moment.

There are many excuses out there, but we want to talk about the 3 most common ones (otherwise this blog will become a novel 😅). Also, we are using boudoir photography to make our points clearer, obviously they apply to anything in life:

• Lack of skill & confidence: this has to be first on our list because it is something 90% of our clients feel nervous about when they want to book their boudoir shoot. It is either because they never posed in their life and feel like they will be ridiculous. Or they don’t like their body and think they will look ridiculous. But most of the time, it is a mix of both: they are afraid of being ridiculous because they believe they are not good enough to try boudoir photography.

  The truth: yes, you are photogenic! Yes, you are beautiful! And yes, you deserve photographs of yourself to show you how badass you are.
  
  

• Money: Raise your hand if you have money blocks that stop you from moving forward in life 👋.

  Little disclaimer: we are referring to people who have the savings for this type of experiences, or treat themselves with more high-end services or products. We are aware that not everyone can afford a boudoir shoot.

  But for those who can, money is a common excuse people use when it comes to a boudoir session. They have the money set aside specifically for their shoot, yet they overthink the experience and limit themselves on the number of pictures they would buy even though they haven’t done their photoshoot yet. When you dig deeper, you realize money isn’t the issue. The main problem is that they deeply believe they don’t deserve to treat themselves with such a transformative experience, nor invest the money on themselves.

  The truth: treat yourself like royalty, you freaking deserve it! Also, if it is hard for you to imagine spending money of a boudoir experience, remember that you don’t have to pay everything at once, and we offer payment plans.

• Time: “I can’t, I am too busy!”. That is true, we all have stuff to do. But time is all we have on this planet, and you can make time for the things that are important to you. So it isn’t a question of time, it is about choices and moving your schedule around. We see it often with women, especially moms. They dream of doing a shoot, but they keep pushing that thought back because of not having the time. What we hear (based on testimonials we gathered from all those years working with women who have kids) is that they don’t dare to take the me-time they deserve because they have a family to take care of. They feel like they don’t deserve to put themselves first by fear of being selfish.

  The truth: you have the right, like anyone else, to pause your busy life for a few hours and focus on you for once!
  
  

When you think about it, it is ridiculous to stop ourselves from going after the things we want in life because of self-limitations. If we were cartoon characters, it would be the same as dropping a rock in front of ourselves and not moving because of this obstacle we just made (even though we could just circumvent it, or jump over it, to keep moving forward)!

Once you understand what is the real reason behind the excuse you use, you can put back things into perspective and reassure yourself to go for it. Give yourself a good pep talk, you should be ready for the next step!

3. DON’T OVERTHINK IT

The final step is pretty straightforward: just DO IT without thinking too much about it. Overthinking is a buzz killer, trust me I am guilty of that! And such is over-planning, by the way. Wanting to feel prepared and ready is very important of course, but it can become a form of procrastination when you focus too much on it instead of doing the work.

You want to do a boudoir shoot but your inner negative voices are bullying you? Then you now know what to do: stop overthinking and book your session. You will have plenty of time to get yourself ready before your shoot, but at least you took that first step!

4. EXTRA TIP: LOOK FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

The chances to accomplish things are much higher when you tell other people about what you’re trying to do. Even just sharing your ideas, or dreams, out loud to someone can help to give you the push you need to get started on it.

Go with someone supportive and open-minded, a loved one who will lift you up! Don’t share it with someone who might crush your idea. If you are already doubting yourself, the last thing you need is another person doubting you!

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Boudoir isn’t for me… I am not photogenic!

“I want to do a boudoir shoot, but I am not photogenic. Actually, I hate having my pictures taken!”

We hear this sentence so often when we meet our clients for the first time (maybe you are one of those many people who really dislike being in front of a camera, comment if it is your case!). Honestly, we cannot blame you. Just like you, both Juliette and I felt awkward being photographed until we started studying photography and started posing as models back in 2009. But then, we discover the truth… Everyone is photogenic! Yes that is true my friend, and let us tell you why 🤗

Why do a lot of people dislike having their pictures taken?

• Religious beliefs & superstitions

Many cultures around the globe believe that a camera can steal a person’s soul when you photograph them. It is said that our reflections are an outward projection of our souls staring back at us. Since a photograph can lock a fleeting instant in time, it can also encapsulate the subject’s spirit within the camera itself.

It actually happened to me once, Fanny, when I was shooting at a wedding. I was about to take a photo of a guest and that person asked me not to because she didn’t want me to take her soul away.

• Childhood experiences

Either it is for school or family photos, children are often forced to have their pictures taken. Most of us remember that awful feeling of being a kid and having to stay still while being told repeatedly to smile, so our family could have nice pictures. Let’s face it, when we are young we don’t care about photography, and we would rather go play. So when we are being forced to do it (or guilted into doing it) anyway, it creates a negative experience, which can be traumatic for some people!

• Lack of body-love

Society had taught us what beauty means (mostly looking youthful and being thin, while having specific attributes) 😤. So for those who don’t like their body, either because they don’t like the way they look or they feel uncomfortable in their skin, and they see themselves in a way that doesn’t comply with those beauty standards, they feel repelled by their own image.

In their mind, all they see is that their body contradicts with everything they think they should be, and everything they think makes them valuable in this world. It is hard to feel comfortable having your pictures taken when you think there is something wrong with the way you look.

• Expectations

In people’s mind, posing = being unnatural. Simply because when someone is photographing you, there is this expectation that you have to have a big smile on your face, look happy, and have a straight posture. And for most people this expectation is a big obstacle, like being told once again to pretend.

Of course it is always better to look happy and confident on photos, but there are so many different ways of showing it that don’t have to feel forced.

• Past disappointment

Last but not least (and this is something that happens a lot): having bad photos of yourself. Either they were taken by professional photographers, amateurs, loved ones, or badly done for whatever other reasons, we all have photos of ourselves we hate. Disappointments happen, but it makes it hard to trust a photographer again.

Even if intimidating, boudoir photography is your best ally.

Many people are intrigued by the world of boudoir, or they want so badly to do a shoot, but the idea of being half naked in front of a stranger is too nerve-wracking for them to take that next step! And we understand the struggle!

If you are someone who is not confident with your body and who doesn’t like being in front of the camera, having your photos taken that reveal more skin than with a regular photo shoot, might make you think that your boudoir experience will be a disaster. You have all of those little voices in your head that are telling you that you will be awkward because you don’t know how to pose, that you will hate seeing your body in the nude, and that you will find yourself ugly. So you give up on the idea!

Those combined doubts you have about your body and photography are based on your past experiences, external judgments, and fears. All that negativity has impacted the way you see yourself and your personality, making you feel like you can’t have beautiful pictures of yourself because you are not good enough. Since it is really hard to get those vicious thoughts out of your head, the solution is to find the photographer that will make you love yourself again. And boudoir photography is the best tool to help you see your body in a new light and regain that forgotten confidence!

When you do a boudoir shoot you do it for you, wearing the outfits that make you feel like your most sensual-and-confident-self. You let all your different personalities out because it is your time to shine and no one is here to drag you down. You leave the session feeling unstoppable because you just did something that was maybe a bit scary, and you end up with badass photographs of yourself that will stay with you forever!

Is everybody really photogenic?

Absolutely! Being photogenic does not mean smiling awkwardly in front of a lens. It is about being yourself and seeing the camera as a friend who will show you how magnificent you look 💛.

So get that though out of your head and book that boudoir shoot you deserve!

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5 tips to get ready for your boudoir shoot

You gathered your courage and finally booked your boudoir shoot? Yay, congrats!
So… now what? Do you just wait until your date and wing it?
Well, you can, but you can also do a few simple things to make the most out of this experience and enjoy it even more.

The shoot itself is an amazing experience, but preparing for it is also so much fun! It IS really nice to think about your outfits, your vibe, your looks.. It builds up the excitement, gives you some butterflies… All of the good stuff!

So, if you are looking for those butterflies and are not sure where to start, here are 5 simple ways to get ready for your boudoir session:

1) Look online for inspiration

Chances are, you probably did that before even inquiring, but if so, keep adding to it and if not, time to get some Pinterest out of you! Grab a glass of wine and get browsing! Search what boudoir means to you, think about some atmospheres, themes, poses and lighting you like and pin away! Not only it is a super fun process, but it is helpful for us as well as photographers to know what makes your heart sing.

Extra tip: Don’t worry about finding people who look like you, this is a vibe we are looking for, not photos to copy and paste. Try to ignore the poses as well, a lot of the ones we find online are performed by super bendy people and often edited in post.

2) Start working on your posture

Yep, time to straighten that back! Not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because adjusting your posture makes you stand tall and brings up confidence. Boudoir is all about making that confidence shine, so let's take it everywhere we can!

Extra tip: No need to overthink it, simply practice bringing your shoulder blades closer together and picture a thread pulling you from the top of your head. Et voilà!

3) Plan your outfits

Oh this is a goodie. Contrary to popular beliefs, you don't necessarily need to wear standard lingerie for your boudoir shoot. If anything, we are more looking for outfits you feel amazing and beautiful in, as it is very easy to bring a boudoir twist to clothes.

Any outfits can be turned into a boudoir one. What matters is what makes you feel like YOU. That's what we want to capture. So if you want to rock some lace, by all means, go for it, but if you are feeling more of a joggers/loose t-shirt vibe, then it is awesome too! Have fun with it!

Extra tip: Plan a solid top 3 of your favourite outfits and bring extra, even some bits and pieces you aren't sure to do what with. Chances are we may see something you haven't. If you need more inspiration, we wrote a blog post about the 5 best props we've seen on shoots, you can read it here.

4) Practice in the mirror

With you have a full length mirror at home, it is time to put it to use! Take a moment to try on your outfits, see what poses you like, check what your favourite parts of your body are and even if you have a preferred side. This little exercise, especially if boudoir is a bit challenging for you, will only make your session easier.

If you feel like you would just be hard on yourself, then ditch this step, focus on the others and just follow our lead the day of. For some of us, it can be difficult to face ourselves and keep it positive and that's okay. We will do it for you!

Extra tip: we have a complete online guide to experiment with boudoir at home and its costs is 100% redeemable on your boudoir session or package.

5) Prep a playlist

It is no secret that music leads the mood. It helps you relax and makes you feel like the main character in your story! All of our lofts have speakers ready to connect with your device, so have fun creating a playlist that makes you feel like the badass and sexy being you are!

Extra tip: check out our Scandaleuse playlist on Spotify! We have a bit of everything to get those good vibes out of you

Now you have all the tools you need to get beautiful ready for your boudoir shoot! Enjoy the pre-shoot process as much as you can, it is a big part of your experience, it would be a shame to miss out on it!

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5 fears stopping you from doing a boudoir shoot

A boudoir photoshoot is a powerful experience, way beyond pretty photos. It's an opportunity to boost your confidence, reconnect with yourself and give yourself well-deserverd quality time. But it is a vulnerable experience and it feels quite intimidating for many of you.

Let's dive in and debunk the 5 most common fears that might stop you for treating yourself to a boudoir shoot.

Fear #1: You don't have the "right” body.

Being surrounded by unachievable beauty standards in the media and social media making it incredibly easy to compare yourself to others, this is not a surprise that many of us think we would need to look a certain way in order to pose without clothes on. Too fat, too thin, not this enough, too much there, it is hard not to get lost in it! But that's exactly why boudoir is needed: to put an end all of this bullshit.

There is no right body. There are just bodies. They come in all shape and sizes and one kind isn't better than the other. Yours is great the way it is, because it is yours. It's been supporting you for many years and deserve some love and recognition for doing so. Wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, they all tell a story: your story. And that’s good enough.

And no, you don't need to lose weight before a photoshoot!

We actually don't recommend changing your body before a session, especially short-term. Otherwise, you risk looking back at those photos months later feeling like it is not you and that's the opposite of what we want! We want you to see your photos as a reminder of how beautiful you are with the body you have, and to remind you of this great confidence you have. That kind of magic stays forever!

Fear #2: Not feeling like a "sexy" person.

Again, we have been conditioned to think that it means one thing and one thing only: to provoke desire for somebody else (usually, for the male gaze…). Some things are sexy and some things aren't and that is it.

Well… it isn't. Being sexy is a feeling first, not a look, and it comes in many ways. It's an energy that makes you feel confident, badass, and sensual and there isn't any ultimate definition for any of these. You can feel sexy changing a lightbulb or wearing fancy lingerie.

Since it is such a versatile feeling, everybody can be sexy. You can make it your own so easily, don't be afraid to tap into it!

Fear #3: Not knowing how to pose.

Wait, you mean you don't know how to pose accordingly in a photography concept you've never tried before? How dare you!

Of course you don't know, and your photographer shouldn't expect you to! It's already hard enough to pose for simple family photos as it is! A good photographer will guide you through every pose and set. You shouldn't even have to think about it. All of our clients are first-timers, and it is part of our job to guide them to highlight their body and beauty during a session, not theirs.

Fear #4: Not feeling like yourself.

In traditional boudoir, some sort of lingerie is often involved. Well, we don't believe in tradition so it opens a lot more doors.

What you should think of when thinking of outfits is what you feel good in first. What outfit makes you feel confident? Beautiful? What are those pieces you got that made your heart skip a beat that you haven't gathered the courage to wear yet?

That's what we are looking for. A boudoir twist is very easily applicable on any oufits.

Of course a classic set of lingerie is an option but you can think outside the box and go for example with:

• Bodysuits of any kind;

• Jeans, joggers, overalls;

• Cosplay and themed outfits

• Loose tshirt, sweaters;

• Dresses of any kind, robes, outfits rated as "too much”;

• And much more as you can see here!

Fear #5: Where will those photos end up?

This one isn't related to body and mindset, but yet oh-so important: what happens to the photos afterwards?

Some people don't care at all using their photos online, but for the majority of people, having those photos around somehow is just not an option. In our case, this is a decision you let us know before we even book anything, and we just put it in writing and follow your lead. Our photos are delivered via a private gallery that you can delete afterwards on your end. We have had also many people asking us to delete the images from our hard-drives once the session was completed, and we just… do it. Don’t hesitate to ask questions prior to booking anything and if they aren't answered clearly, this is a red flag.

Everyone should try boudoir photography at least once in their life. There is a before and an after in this adventure, with many more perks that you wouldn't even think of. Take the leap, challenge yourself and you won't regret it.

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