4 Best Pieces of Boudoir Photography Equipment to Level Up Your Photos

Since 2017, I’ve made a cumulative $1.5 million dollars. Yes really. And I did it all while working less than 30 hours each month. 

Now, before we get too far into this post, I do want to say that there are several reasons for this, which I discuss a lot more in other episodes. Things like client experience and knowing how to market yourself…those big business concepts.

But just like those big things make a big difference, so do the little things. In fact, sometimes it is those little things that can make the biggest difference — and ultimately, make or break your client experience. 

That’s why in this episode, I want to talk about one of those little things that everyone forgets. Because I truly believe that it is SO important.

Your studio furniture. 

Yes, for real!

I know it may sound a little silly, but think about it — when a client is getting their photos back, they want them to be elegant and professional. And you can’t really do that without having high-quality pieces of furniture or other “props.”

So, I have specific pieces that I’ve chosen with purpose in mind. Yes, they were an investment, but it was the right one! These pieces have all been with me for YEARS. And today, I’m sharing those must-haves with you!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Chaise longue chair
• White fur rug
• White satin sheets
• Black sheets
• Canon 5d Mark iii
• 70-200 2.8 L lens
• 50mm 1.2L lens
• Jerry Ghionis workshops
• TLC Long-Term Budget Blueprint

Boudoir Photography Equipment #1: Chaise Lounge and Rug

My cream chaise lounge with my white fur rug changed EVERYTHING for my pictures, and that’s exactly why it’s number one on the list. This setup is one that I’m probably most known for in St. Louis. I’ve actually had clients book me specifically for this setup before!

And here’s why I love the chaise longue and rug so much…

First of all, the lounge is arched, but not TOO arched. It’s got just enough to give clients the arch they need without being over the top. And it’s a neutral color that goes very well with most skin tones and outfits.

And the white fur rug is just fun, c’mon! I love it and so do my clients! See what I mean by how the little things make a big difference??

Boudoir Photography Equipment #2: White Sheets

The next thing is a white satin/silk sheet set with a white wall for the background.

I like my setups to be light, airy, and give off that effortless feel. So with the sheet setup I use, it’s very easy to obtain that looks in seconds. And it works for so many different poses. 

It’s such a simple setup but it really does help me capture beautiful photos my clients LOVE. 

Boudoir Photography Equipment #3: Black Sheets

On the reverse side, a black silk sheet helps me create a more moody scene. And having these options is nice because every client is different and may want different things!

I don’t really use these sheets to cover the client, it’s mostly for laying or sitting on. But, 

I love this set because it doesn’t bounce light at all. The light absorbs into the wall or the sheets. 

This is what gives more of the shadows and highlights on your client. Whereas in the white sheet set up, the light is bouncing off of it, making it harder to see the shadows, even though they may still be there. 

But like I said…options are good!

Boudoir Photography Equipment #4: Camera Gear

Okay, I’ve saved the best for last! This one piece of equipment has been something I’ve used in every single session since the (pretty much) start of my career. I guess you could say it’s my trusted sidekick. 

What am I talking about? My camera, of course! 

I use a Canon 5d Mark iii, with a 70-200 2.8 L lens, and a 50mm 1.2L lens.

But what’s funny is that the camera and one of the lenses I actually bought second-hand from another photographer. I’ve had both for YEARS, and they come with me to every session. I only recently started investing in new equipment. 

That just goes to show you that you don’t have to invest a ton of money into the latest and greatest equipment. I’d instead save my money for education to learn to use my equipment, grow my business, and become profitable. 

THEN buy the fancy gear when I have more disposable income. 

In fact, that’s exactly what I did. I used the money I saved from purchasing my new main equipment and invested in two five-day workshops with Jerry Ghionis and then a 1-day 1:1 in-person workshop with him as well. 

Investments like these have gotten me so much further than the equipment ever could have. Just saying!

Make the investment in your studio — start with a budget!

Of course, you may be listening to this episode and thinking, “That’s all great, Tracy, but I can’t really afford new equipment or tools right now.” 

I get it. I’ve purchased these things over YEARS — I didn’t buy them all at once. 

But I always had the goal in mind that investments like these would help me GROW my business. So, while I was working hard, I always had in the back of my mind that I would want/need to make additional purchases — like my lenses or a chaise lounge — to help me take things to the next level.

Which meant I needed to budget a little bit. 

Yeah, I know…budgeting is no fun, and nobody likes talking about it. But if you want to be able to make some of those purchases in your boudoir photography business, budgeting is a must!

So, I made a really easy-to-use budgeting template that helps you do exactly that! It’ll make tracking those numbers and your money a lot easier so you can keep your eyes on the prize. 

If you want it, you can grab the template here for just $37!