6 Tips to Enhance Your Outdoor Boudoir Photography

Have you seen those beautiful outdoor boudoir photos and wanted to create your own, but you weren’t really sure where to start? Well, what if I told you that it’s not quite as hard as it seems to be? And that you don’t need a special location (like a private island or vacation spot) to get beautiful photos?

I know as photographers, we’re always taught that shooting outdoors can be more hassle than it’s worth. But trust me, when you know how to work WITH the elements instead of against them, you can have some of the best photos of your career. 

In this video, I’m going to dish out all my best tips for shooting outdoor boudoir photography — six of them, to be exact! You’ll see exactly how to pose your clients, work with natural light, and find a great location. 

Let’s get to it!

Tip #1: How to Pose Outdoor Boudoir Photography Clients

Shooting outdoor boudoir photography outside is a different game than shooting indoors in a studio. You have to work with a lot of different elements, including natural light. But don’t be afraid of it!

One of the biggest things you need to remember to make that sunlight your best friend is knowing how to pose your clients well. 

A lot of the poses you do inside, you can actually do outside, too. They just need a few adjustments. The biggest thing is to remember to bend what bends. I’m talking hips, wrists, elbows, knees, etc. 

Make sure to watch the video for examples. 

Did you see the difference? The added curves make everything feel more natural. 

Another benefit to knowing how to pose? You prevent a lot of after-session editing. Culling and color correction become MUCH easier when the photo fits well in the frame, and your client poses work well with the light!

Tip #2: Arch the Back

Similarly to bending what bends, ensure your clients have a nice arch to their back. What this does is give the body shape, accentuate the booty, and thin out the waist. Overall, it gives a nice appearance that has a way of enhancing your boudoir clients’ natural features and curves.

Tip #3: Use Direct Sunlight If You Have it

I know — this seems scary, doesn’t it? We’re taught to stay away from direct or harsh sunlight, but if you know how to use it, the photos can be so beautiful. Check out this podcast for examples. 

In today’s Youtube video, I break down how it works, but it’s essentially about knowing where to place the shadows.

As the photographer, let the light come behind you. And remember that wherever the sun is positioned in the sky is where the angle the client should be facing.

Tip #4: Watch the Background

The background of your outdoor boudoir photos ALWAYS needs to be darker than the rest of the image. When you have super light backgrounds, like a bright sky, it washes the client out and takes the focus away from them. You never want that to happen. The photos are about them, after all.

But at the end of the day, this is just my opinion. Shooting outdoors can be tricky, and not every location is the same. You’re the artist, and you’re the one on sight. Make sure you use your best discretion to make your clients look as stunning as possible!

Tip #5: Find the Right Location

If you can, try to find a location that offers a variety of settings, like one with trees, water, and flowers. But I know it’s not always that easy to find a set like that, so the most important thing to remember is that the location needs to be PRIVATE. 

Clients need to feel safe and comfortable taking their photos. So many people are already nervous about coming into a private studio. How do you think they’ll feel about shooting boudoir photos in front of a crowd?

It’s your job as the photographer to make them feel comfortable. As long as it’s private, you can make most things work.

Tip #6: Find the Right Outfit

Every client will be different, but over the years, I’ve found there are a few things that can work really well for outdoor photos, especially when you’re working with natural light. 

For example, outfits with lots of lace or a swimsuit cover-up look really soft and elegant. Flowing, thin fabrics often pair well with outdoor sets. I also like soft colors as far as bodysuits and underwear — the ones that feel more natural tend to photograph the best.

And don’t forget to have them bring denim and boots! Or even a cowboy hat like Beth Dutton. They are outside, ya know. It totally fits!

Get Prepped for Your Best Boudoir Session Yet! 

Now that you know how to nail those outdoor boudoir photoshoots, it’s time to get ready for your first — or next — client! Again, making clients feel comfortable and safe is a non-negotiable for you as a photographer. And the added challenge of shooting outdoors means you really need to go above and beyond to make that happen. 

To help you do that, I’ve created a FREE 5-page guide that will help you learn how to: 

• Help clients get very comfortable with you very quickly during the session with four poses to break the ice.
• Remind you to treat each woman with care by avoiding certain words during the session.
• And more!

Client experience really is one of the most important things you can have as a boudoir photographer. Download the guide here and learn how to elevate yours!