055. What’s The Best Lighting Equipment For Boudoir Photography(Lighting Setup For Boudoir Photography + Natural Light)
There are many options when considering your lighting setup for boudoir photography–and you’re probably wondering which one is best.
But the better question is, “Which is best for you?” Every photographer is different. We all like different things artistically.
In this episode, I’m breaking down my specific lighting equipment for my boudoir photography business. With this information, you can decide what lighting setup for boudoir is best for your business.
My lighting setup for boudoir photography
I don’t classify myself as a natural light photographer, but I prefer natural light as I think it’s the most beautiful. When needed, I am happy to add light to take my images to the next level, though.
Natural Light
I love natural light, which, to me, makes the most sense for boudoir photography. The whole premise of boudoir is “in a woman’s bedroom.” It’s a more voyeuristic style of photography, so natural light makes sense to me.
My main rules are:
- Face towards the light. Whether the images are just for her, her and her significant other, or in your portfolio, we’re showing off her beauty, so I think her face should be lit. This is also a stylistic preference–so take it with a grain of salt.
- Body away from the light. The shadows create the illusion that her chest and booty may be a little bigger than they might be. We can even create shadows for her abs or show off her back and leg muscles when the light falls correctly over her body.
Westcott Solix Continous Light
I used to use a Westcott Spiderlite TD6, but recently switched to the Westcott Solix Continuous Light and am IN LOVE. This light is much easier to set up and use than the Spiderlite.
I’m a big fan of continuous light because it’s a faster setup than strobes. It just feels softer and more realistic to me.
My sessions are an hour long, so I don’t have much time to test light and try to perfect it between each set. Continuous light works much like window light and is much easier to manipulate.
Westcott Ice Lights
And my favorite lighting setup for boudoir photography is my Westcott Ice Lights, which I don’t get to use too often because using them alone is a bit of a pain. It’s so much easier to use them when you have an assistant.
Typically, I use them when playing with my lighting setup for boudoir or creating new content for my portfolio.
As far as I can tell, these have also been discontinued, so unfortunately, you may not be able to purchase them. This replica might work–and it is much cheaper than I paid!
Ultimately, though, it’s your art.
This is your business and your art. Just because this works for me doesn’t mean it will work for you!
Every photographer is different, and you must find your unique style. You need to stand out from the crowd.
I’m not technical, but this lighting setup for boudoir photography works very well and isn’t expensive.
To me, that’s the best part. I’d rather make a lot of money with less equipment than have so much invested in equipment I don’t even like to use.
Download my Session Prep Guide for Boudoir Photographers.
If this episode got your wheels turning, and you want MORE information about how I photograph and run my sessions, be sure to check out my Session Prep Guide for Boudoir Photographers.
It will help you help clients get very comfortable with you quickly during the session with four poses to break the ice, as well as explain exactly how I run my sessions on the session day.
It’s a good one!
Tracy Lynn is a boudoir photogapher for brides-to-be in the St. Louis area, and a mentor + coach for photographers looking to level up their businesses with better systems and processes.
