Boudoir blog for women in Maryland, Virginia & DC who are interested in booking a boudoir photoshoot near them. Products, clients, tips and tricks are a few of the things you’ll find on the Lavish Boudoir Blog.
Wild vs Mild? Why I keep boudoir classy.
I’ve been in the boudoir business since 2009. So I've seen the trends come and go. In the 90s (before my time) it was feather boas and sky-high hair. In the 2000s, it was all about the Victoria’s Secret lingerie and props. In 2010s, it became more about the beauty of the woman and her confidence. That lent itself to a unique session for each woman. In 2020s it seems to be all about sex. The raunchier, the better.
So, at the risk of dating myself… I continue to create portraits that are timeless and classy. There are photographers for every woman, but I will continue to take photos a woman would call beautiful. I’m not a prude. I’m not afraid of nipples. We just don’t need to bring in nipple clamps and handcuffs to show them off in a tasteful artistic way.
I think that social media feeds from many boudoir photographers make it seem like all sessions have to be about sexuality, kink and pushing the boundaries. So women who just want to feel beautiful and sensual assume boudoir is not for them. Even I haven’t found a photographer for a new shoot for myself because frankly, I’m a 40 year old mom, wife, and business owner… I want to keep my photos looking more magazine and less OnlyFans.
If you’re looking for a genre that borders the line of erotica… I’m not your photographer. But if you want photos that will make you feel like a confident goddess… I can help with that.
Flashback to photos from 2011
I’m Leslie, owner and photographer at Lavish Boudoir!
I offer transformational boudoir photoshoots, complete with makeover, to help you feel confident, sexy & comfortable in your own skin.
I’d be honored to have you in my studio.
Busting a boudoir myth... it's not just for women in relationships.
When I talk about boudoir, people immediately say, “Oh, what a great gift for an anniversary/birthday/wedding/valentines!” Yes, those are often great triggers to finally book the shoot. But what about the women who aren’t in a relationship? What about the women who have a spouse who couldn’t care less about lingerie or sexy photos? What about the women who are healing themselves after a bad relationship?
THE PERSON WHO DESERVES THE GIFT OF BOUDOIR IS YOURSELF.
Part of the reason I have a consultation with a potential client is to get to know the purpose of the photoshoot. Let’s be honest, if you are just doing this for your man, you’re probably looking for minimum effort and cost. You’re looking for a discount and trying to get it over with asap. If you are doing this at least in part for yourself, you want to feel comfortable with the photographer and have confidence that your experience will be uplifting.
I have an amazing husband. I love him so very much. But when I get my boudoir photos… he likes them. But I LOVE them. He would never have suggested I have my dream shoot in Paris because it simply isn’t that important to him. But I wanted an epic session after my second baby to reconnect with the womanly side of myself. Guess who flips through the album more often? Me!
So if you aren’t in a relationship, book the boudoir photoshoot for the woman in the mirror. She deserves the love and attention you’d give to a significant other.
PS: Boudoir is a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday. Turning 40 in Maryland? Me, too! Let’s celebrate with a photoshoot. Trying to feel confident after a breakup? Let’s build you up with a photoshoot. Celebrating a divorce from a toxic relationship? Do the boudoir photoshoot for you and bring your bestie!
I’m Leslie, owner and photographer at Lavish Boudoir!
I offer transformational boudoir photoshoots, complete with makeover, to help you feel confident, sexy & comfortable in your own skin.
I’d be honored to have you in my studio.
What to wear for a boudoir photoshoot
Every woman wants to know what to wear for a boudoir photoshoot. No matter your size or shape, these wardrobe choices will be flattering and comfortable. Of course, you can be as creative as you like, but when you are stuck for ideas… try these.
5 NO FAIL lingerie FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT
Jewel-toned bodysuits look beautiful in bright or dark photos
Black Bra & Panty set (add fishnets for an extra sexy touch or for tummy coverage)
Slouchy sweater/cardigan paired with a cute pair of undies and sentimental jewelry
Shapely slip that hugs the body in all the right places
Nothing but sheets. You are the sexiest part of the session, so go au naturel!
I’m Leslie, owner and photographer at Lavish Boudoir!
I offer transformational boudoir photoshoots, complete with makeover, to help you feel confident, sexy & comfortable in your own skin.
I’d be honored to have you in my studio.
When life gives you curves... flaunt them.
After all these years, I still get women who are convinced that their body isn’t the “right” type for boudoir. Somehow they’re scrolling past all the curvy and plus-size clients and still only seeing the skinny chicks. Well, that’s just not what boudoir is about.
In fact, I’d say that 75% of my clients are a size 10 or larger. I don’t label women by the size, because it’s frankly. none of my business what size they wear except when I’m helping them find the right size in my boudoir closet.
Each woman is posed to emphasize the hourglass… that means your t+a are going to be looking voluptuous and your waist is going to look snatched. No, I’m not going to make you look like a Kardashian or Nicki Minaj. That would require a surgeon.
All of these celebrities to be gorgeous rocking their curves, and none is a size 2.
Ashley Graham
Amy Schumer
Melissa McCarthy
Beyonce
Mindy Kaling
Serena Williams
Oprah
Chrissy Metz
Christina Hendricks
I mean… who among them doesn’t look fabulous on a red carpet? So let’s get you ready with a fabulous makeover, gorgeous wardrobe and the confidence to walk the aisles of Safeway like it’s your own red carpet.
These women who have signed a model release are all rocking their curves
I want to tell you a little story about the woman who is first and last in that gallery. The gorgeous blond with necklaces on. I gave her a session voucher when she said, “I’ve always thought about doing something like that.” She kept booking and canceling, and finally said she’d give it to her sister. She is a single mom who felt like she was not a good enough for boudoir. She didn’t wear makeup, she preferred jeans and loose shirts, and she was so hard on herself.
I convinced her to at least come to the session with her sister for moral support. My makeup artist was ready to go, so I said… let’s just get you in the chair and see what happens. You would have thought I said she was about to have open heart surgery without anesthesia. It was 2015 and I still remember it.
After the glam treatment, she looked in the mirror and asked to take off her lipstick. Because at that point, we were already pushing her way outside of her comfort zone… I said “no.” I can be mean like that.
I got her in front of the camera in the white sheets. I told her that we’d keep it modest and show off her body within her comfort level. So we pushed up the cleavage, tousled the hair and created magic. I showed her the back of the camera and she reluctantly agreed they looked pretty great. It is so hard for some women to speak kindly of themselves.
So I rummaged through the studio closet to find my favorite emerald green corset and convinced her to try it on. Again… so much eye rolling and protesting. But I can out-stubborn anyone.
When she came back to the studio for her reveal… she was mute. I mean completely silent. And she was a nervous talker… so I have to admit I was panicking. Then she turned to me with tears in her eyes and just said, “Oh my god. I can’t believe that’s me.”
She didn’t have the biggest budget as a single mom… but she bought 2 or 3 of her favorites and happily signed a model release because she wanted other women like her to feel brave enough to book a session.
It’s funny, because I can’t really remember her sister clearly after 7 years… but I’ll never forget T.
Book a consultation to discuss everything you need and want from a boudoir photoshoot.
Everything you need to know about bridal boudoir as a wedding gift for your fiancé.
First of all congratulations on your engagement! Happy dance time!
That is so exciting. I’ve been married for 15 years this coming February, and I still remember the thrill of the engagement. Soak up every minute of it.
Second, you have a fabulous idea for a wedding gift. But… just like most things you’re about to take on, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. So I’m going to help you out with everything you need to know about making this bridal boudoir photoshoot one that neither of you will ever forget.
When do I book a bridal boudoir session?
Your photoshoot should be at least 6-8 weeks prior to your wedding date (or when you leave town). This allows plenty of time for your photoshoot, ordering appointment and products to be created. Many of the best photographers book up 3-6+ months in advance, so it’s a good thing you’re planning. If your wedding date is less than 6 weeks away, no need to panic, we might be able to squeeze you in and make sure you’ve got a beautiful gift in time.
How do I find a boudoir photographer?
You’re already looking for a wedding photographer, but it’s a little bit different. Who you want sharing your big day might have a different energy than the one who will be part of this intimate experience. First and foremost, you want an experienced specialty studio. The way you feel on your honeymoon depends on it. The right photographer will leave you feeling so confident that you are burning up those honeymoon sheets. Start by asking your friends. Then use your favorite search engine and check out reviews to see the vibe you get from real clients. You can see highlights of mine here or just google Lavish boudoir reviews.
What should I wear for bridal boudoir?
This one is all relative to your taste. But I want you to consider what adjectives you want to describe the mood of your session… classic, flirty, girly, wild, edgy, pretty, timeless, vintage, discreet. Go with wardrobe that speaks those words to you. Here are my favorite outfits that always look beautiful:
your wedding day lingerie (don’t forget accessories and your new ring)
blue bra and panty set that is delicate and oozes romance
white lace bodysuit/teddy
nothing but white sheets, tousled hair and a smile
black lingerie set that matches your adjectives above. That can be strappy and daring or a corset that looks vintage. Black is always a safe bet.
What gift should I give my fiancé? What do I do with boudoir photos?
Sometimes it’s difficult to splurge when you’ve got a whole lot of other things to fit in your budget. I’m totally biased, but I believe that when all is said and done… all you have is the love of your life, your photos, and the way they make you feel. Imagine cuddling up together on each anniversary to look through a beautiful leather book filled with gorgeous saucy photos. Think of the passion that can ignite. Special photos created just for the occasion. Printed photos are entirely different from digital photos. Holding them in your hands and delivering them will create all those flutters of passion. Splurge. Get the quality album that will last until your golden anniversary.
When do I give my fiancé the boudoir photos?
My favorite idea is to have a close friend deliver an eye-popping gift like a 3d viewmaster or mini album. Attach a note that says, “I’m all yours tonight. Wait until you see the rest of these photos!” Prepare to have your fiancé try to get the reception done with as quickly as possible. When the champagne has run out and you’re settled into bed together… present the full album. I advise you not to take it on the honeymoon and leave it home for safekeeping.
What if a luxury boudoir photoshoot isn’t in my budget?
Maybe this isn’t what you want to hear, but doing it right is more important than doing it now. It will be just as amazing on your first anniversary after you’ve financially recovered from the wedding. The traditional anniversary gift is paper, so I can’t think of a better use of that than a boudoir album. Another option is to ask for gift cards in lieu of shower gifts from your closest friends. Boudoir or breadmaker? Boudoir!
Either way, bridal boudoir is a wedding gift to you both. If you’d like to learn more about booking a photoshoot with Leslie in her Maryland studio, schedule a consult below. I look forward to making this session everything you want and more.
Boudoir as a not-so-traditional wedding anniversary gift!
While I’m all about doing this just for yourself, I do think that keeping that sexy and confident spark alive can do wonders for your relationship.
Signs you could use a boudoir photoshoot to help your marriage
you feel so overwhelmed with life that you just can’t seem to get in the mood
you don’t have any lingerie that makes you feel good
your body has changed and you feel less comfortable in your skin
you wonder if you’re still attractive
I get it. I’m a mom of two young boys. I’m restarting a business in a new part of the country. I’m 25 pounds heavier than I was on my wedding day. We met in college, so inevitably our dedication to sexy time has dwindled.
I have had boudoir done since I was a newlywed and the effect it has on me has evolved over the years. At first it was about being playful and flirtatious. As I got older and had kids, it reminded me to keep seeing myself as my husband’s girlfriend… not just his wife.
One client of mine told me that when she and her husband snuggle into bed for storytime, they read their favorite “storybook” which is her boudoir album. She gets the thrill of seeing her photos, but also seeing his reaction to them.
So if you want to jump-start that sexy time or just keep the fires burning… let me give you an excuse by turning every traditional anniversary gift into a boudoir-related gift.
1st Anniversary: Paper - a beautiful album full of prints on photo paper
2nd Anniversary: Cotton - wear his favorite comfy tee with a cute pair of undies
3rd Anniversary: Leather - so many album cover options in leather and vegan leather
4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers - floral lace lingerie is so pretty for boudoir
5th Anniversary: Wood - ha… give him wood
6th Anniversary: Candy - present his album with edible massage oil
7th Anniversary: Wool - wear a cozy winter sweater and nothing else
8th Anniversary: Bronze - choose an album cover that has a bronze effect
9th Anniversary: Pottery - a magic mug is one of our novelty gifts
10th Anniversary: Aluminum - a sexy piece of metal wall art printed on aluminum
11th Anniversary: Steel - bring your highest heels with steel posts in them
12th Anniversary: Silk - take photos in our red silky satin sheets
13th Anniversary: Lace - Lacy lingerie is guaranteed to cause celebration
14th Anniversary: Gold Jewelry - Fancy up your album with an imprinted gold font message
15th Anniversary: Crystal - Our most popular album upgrade is a crystal photo cover
16th Anniversary: Coffee or Tea - Wear a shirt that says “Coffee, Tea or Me?” in our sheets set
17th Anniversary: Wine or Spirits - toast him in the photo with an elegant glass
18th Anniversary: Appliances - I’ll let you keep the appliances for “story time”
19th Anniversary: Jade - Jade jewelry can really pop in our dark and moody set
20th Anniversary: Platinum - we have a gorgeous platinum leather cover choice
21st Anniversary: Fire (theme) - silhouette photos with the red light
22nd Anniversary: Water (theme) - our faux shower set
23rd Anniversary: Air (theme) - light and airy photos
24th Anniversary: Stone (theme) - wear a piece of stone jewelry (diamonds are a stone!)
25th Anniversary: Silver - Our silver sofa set is so pretty
26th Anniversary: Art - What better art than art that stars you!
27th Anniversary: Music - Set your slideshow to music
28th Anniversary: Linens - Photos in the white sheets are a client favorite
29th Anniversary: Tools/tulle- delicate tulle is beautiful for draping
30th Anniversary: Pearls - a provocative photo wearing nothing but pearls
All of these ideas give you the perfect excuse to book your transformational boudoir photoshoot.
I can’t wait to hear what it does for your love life.
