6 Boudoir Photography Poses to Create an Unforgettable Session

If you’re anything like me, you may get SUPER nervous before your sessions.

You hope that everything will go smoothly, that the session passes the vibe check, and that you’re able to absolutely wow clients with stunning photos that they feel confident in taking. 

I get all of that — every photographer feels that way from time to time, especially when you’re first starting out! 

Still, the thought of what could go wrong is probably making you sweat a little bit, right?

But that’s exactly why I recommend these six boudoir photography poses I’m showing you today! 

I’ve been using them for YEARS and can tell you that these poses are some of my tried and trues. With these poses, you’ll be a WHOLE LOT less nervous during your session, while capturing photos your clients will drool over!

Let’s dig in!

Boudoir Photography Pose #1: Laying on the Floor

The first pose I want to show you is actually one of my top sellers and one of my very favorite boudoir photography poses. Clients LOVE it because it feels so effortlessly gorgeous, no matter the backdrop. 

Now I know that it can be hard to get clients to open up and get comfortable in front of the camera, especially if it’s their first time working with you. But part of your job as a boudoir photographer is to make them feel comfortable!

So give feedback and hype them up! Make them feel special or like they’re they’re the most beautiful woman in the world. 

Because trust me, you can see the nerves in the photo. But confidence just has a way of pulling out those shots that catch your eye immediately!

Boudoir Photography Pose #2: The Chaise Lounge

For the second pose, you’ll need to make sure you have a chaise lounge or something similar. That way, you’ll be able to still bend what bends and enhance the client’s curves for that effortlessly sexy look. 

Not sure where to get a chaise lounge? I give you a rundown of my favorite one, plus a couple of other must-haves in my studio here!

Boudoir Photography Pose #3: White Sheets

The next pose is to simply have your client lying in/on white sheets. An important point before I show you this boudoir photography pose: you need white SILK sheets. Not just white sheets. It makes a difference! 

The silk fabric will turn things up several notches and will transform your sets into that elegant, professional, and comforting session clients want to have. Plus, silk sheets just photograph better!

Boudoir Photography Pose #4: The Gray Wall

The fourth boudoir photography pose is my favorite booty pose against the gray wall.

I love having this gray wall as a part of my studio setup because it helps me capture the client’s most flattering angles every single time. The gray doesn’t bounce light or absorb it, but usually keeps everything looking pretty harmonious, which can be a big help with wardrobe, too!

And a pose like this against a backdrop like that is not only classy, but it also helps keep the focus on the client instead of the setting. 

Boudoir Photography Pose #5: The Window Pose

The next pose is all about using that beautiful natural light in the window sill or frame. 

Now when you do this, make sure you’re keeping the client posed head to toe. Natural light is our friend, but as photographers, we have to pose our clients top to bottom for every single shoot so we get those stunning images!

Because truthfully, it doesn’t matter how great the lighting is. If your client’s feet are sitting at a weird angle, or their arm is doing something funky, that’s all you’ll be able to see in the image. And I definitely don’t want that for you!

Pose #6: The Icebreaker

This final pose HAS to be my most successful one. The other boudoir photography poses on this list do get a lot of love from clients, but the icebreaker pose literally makes or breaks my shoots. 

This is the first pose I start every client in. What it does is help build trust with you, the photographer, while also helping the client feel more comfortable in front of the camera. 

Now, there are a few things I recommend for an icebreaker: 

• Ask your clients to pack a bodysuit or similar type of lingerie so they don’t have to fumble with any additional material while they’re concentrating on posing. 
• Choose the best/easiest light source so you can do this quickly and without a lot of adjusting. Knowing what you’re doing has a way of putting clients at ease (even if you have to fake it ‘till you make it!)
• Keep it simple. An icebreaker pose should be relatively easy for the client to do even when they’re nervous. 

As a boudoir photographer, we have to be able to make our clients comfortable in a short period of time. But with an icebreaker, you CAN make it happen!

Want More of My Posing Secrets? 

If you found these posing tips helpful, there’s a lot more where that came from! In my TLC Posing Guide, I show you the exact sequence I use to ease my clients into a boudoir photoshoot and create an unforgettable experience!

Grab these 15 poses, plus a few tips and tricks for using them, here.