January 2, 2023 / boudoir
Tips for Planning Outdoor Boudoir Photos in Santa Cruz
I love, love, love shooting outdoor boudoir photos! Any chance I get to help a woman feel great about herself, I’m taking it! So boudoir photos were a natural extension of that for me. There’s nothing quite like the transformation that happens during these photoshoots. From feeling unsure to feeling empowered – it’s something I’ll never get tired of seeing!
Before we dive into tips, let me introduce you to Lizzy. She’s a recent client I swear I’ve known in another lifetime. She’s a free-spirited woman with incredible energy, and she was up for all of my crazy ideas during her shoot. But let’s back up a bit.
She and her fiance, Jason, initially hired me as their Garrapata Beach wedding photographer. But before the wedding, Lizzy and I secretly began planning this session! She wanted to give Jason some saucy photos as a surprise on the morning of their wedding, and I was all in!
Lizzy and Jason are hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. So this Santa Cruz beach location was perfect for her outdoor boudoir photos! It has a gorgeous beach, dramatic cliffs, and staggered rocks that create little waterfall pockets. In the Spring, it’s filled with lots of wildflowers, which adds playful pops of color!
My goal is to help you reconnect with your sensuality so you’re feeling, as Lizzo would sing, “Good as hell!”
Now let’s dive into some tips to help you plan outdoor boudoir photos!
How To Feel Comfortable For Outdoor Boudoir Photos
I know, I know. Hearing the words ‘outdoor boudoir photos’ might sound a little intimidating, especially if you’re shy. But trust me, it’s also liberating AF to frolic around with little to no clothes on!
Without further ado, here are some tips to help you feel relaxed and confident!
- Focus on your best features. Highlighting your best features helps you feel more confident. So pick clothes that make you feel like a million bucks! If you have any specific insecurities, let me know before your shoot. I can help downplay parts you don’t love through posing. And while we’re at it, we’ll emphasize your best ASSets!
- Bring a friend for moral support. While this is optional and not for everyone, some clients feel more comfortable having a friend tag along. They can help you laugh, mock posing to bring out the giggles, and bonus – they make great wardrobe holders!
- Wear what you feel great in! I can’t stress this enough. Try on your outfits before your photoshoot, and bring what makes you feel confident! (More tips on what to wear are below.)
- Hype yourself up with a sexy playlist! I want you to feel sexy, but I also want you to be silly and have a great time! Music is one of the best things to help transport you into the right headspace. Blast your playlist on the way to your session, and play it during your photoshoot. If you need suggestions, I have plenty!
Your comfort is the most important thing to me. So we always discuss your comfort level with nudity and being photographed outside. I consider all of these things when choosing the location and time of day for your shoot! I know several remote areas that are secluded enough to make you feel comfortable during your shoot!
During Lizzy’s outdoor boudoir photos, we were lucky that there weren’t too many people at this particular location in Santa Cruz. But I think we accidentally showed her butt to a couple of people. Lizzy laughed it off, and we kept on shooting! (She’s like a sister from another mister! I would’ve done the same thing!)
What to Wear for Boudoir Photos
While boudoir photos are synonymous with sexy, it doesn’t automatically equal lingerie. You should wear what brings out “your sexy.”
If you feel comfortable and confident, it’ll show in the camera. On the other hand, if you don’t feel great, that will also show in your pictures.
Want to make sure you’ve picked out THE BEST outfits for your photos? Do a trial run! Yes, seriously.
Wear your lingerie or outfits around your house for an hour or two. See how it makes you feel during that time. If you’re tugging and pulling, it’s probably not the best. But if you’re feelin’ yourself and checking your sexy self out in the mirror – we have a winner!
I usually tell clients to bring 2-3 wardrobe changes for their outdoor boudoir photos. Mix and match items you already have or buy new items for the occasion. I’ve listed some client favorites below to help you get inspired!
Popular Boudoir Wardrobe Items:
- Matching lingerie set
- Oversized button-down shirt
- Lacy bralette
- Shorts
- Bodysuits
- Crochet tops (see-through)
- Lacy Robe or Beach Coverup
- Shawl
- Furs (Lizzy’s fur jacket looked badass!)
- Cardigan
- Jacket or Blazer
Accessories:
- Blanket or bed sheet to wrap in
- Shoes – High heels or fun boots!
- Jewelry
- Stockings
- Scarves
- Hats (To playfully hide or reveal body parts!)
- Garter and Veil (for brides)
Don’t forget the details!
When choosing lingerie pieces, look for interesting details like lace, beads, and cutouts. These small details can make a big impact on your photos.
Lizzy’s maroon lingerie set has a lot of straps, making it visually appealing. And peep the cutout in the backside here. I mean, whew! Is it hot in here, or what?
A note on oversized shirts and robes:
If you think you’ll be nervous, bring an oversized shirt or robe. They make good cover-ups to ease you into your photoshoot. You can start your photos with the shirt or robe on and ditch it when you’re ready!
These are some of my favorite lingerie shops if you decide to go that route! These are not sponsored or affiliated links. Just my personal faves!
When to Schedule Boudoir Photos
If you’re scheduling boudoir photos as a wedding gift to your partner, book 3-5 months before your wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to shop for wardrobe and make any necessary appointments (hair, nails, and waxing) without feeling rushed! Otherwise, any time of the year is great.
Are Outdoor Boudoir Photos In Your Future?
A boudoir session is a wonderful experience for anyone!
Whether you’re 25 or 55.
Whether you’re thin or plus-sized.
Whether you’re shy or outgoing!
Whether you’re doing it for yourself, a partner, or with a partner.
And for couples that don’t want to do engagement photos, boudoir photos are a fun gift for your partner. Or you could do a couples boudoir photo session instead of engagement photos and keep the spicy photos all to yourself!
If you’re ready for an unforgettable experience, contact me here to get started! I can’t wait to help you celebrate and feel empowered!
P.S. Remember when I told you Lizzy wanted to do this session as a gift for her fiance? Well, on the morning of their wedding, she gave Jason a photo album of her photos. When I arrived to photograph their big day, I asked him what he thought about his wedding gift. He laughed, blushed a little, and said, “Uhmmm…WOW!” Talk about building up anticipation on a wedding day! So much fun!!
