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.
I won't post your boudoir photos on OnlyFans. Ever.
I’m going to get on my soap box a little bit here. I firmly believe that photos you pay for should not be used for commercial/financial gain by a photographer on OnlyFans or similar websites, even with permission.
The photos you pay for should not be used commercially without compensation.
When a client signs a model release with me, I’m thrilled. It means I get one more uniquely beautiful woman in my portfolio that might be the one you relate to. Admittedly, I also appreciate the privilege of displaying my creative work that I’m proud of. I hope that the clients feel proud of their photos and is eager to show them off.
What it doesn’t mean is that a woman has been transformed from client to an actual model. Models are hired for specific commercial purposes, whether that’s a publication, a project or a for-profit website. It is a joint venture designed to make money for everyone.
Each of my clients hires me to create something beautiful and special for her. The privacy belongs to her.
So when you’re hiring a photographer or signing that model release… please ask about commercial use. If you’re not comfortable with the answer or get a weird vibe… do not sign even if you’re pressured into it. It’s okay to say no to any kind of model release.
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.
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.
