What is Boudoir Photography? Inspire Mind-Blowing Confidence
You’ve probably seen the stunning, sultry boudoir images floating around your feed — maybe on TikTok, maybe your best friend just did a shoot and can't stop talking about it. You’re intrigued… but you’re also wondering:
“Could I actually do that?”
“What is boudoir photography anyway?”
“Would I even feel confident doing something like that?”
If you’re curious about boudoir photography and not quite sure what exactly it is or if you can even pull it off, you’re in exactly the right place.
My name is Haley. I’m a boudoir photographer based in New York City, and the founder of the photo studio Earthly Venus. I’m here to pull back the curtain on this incredibly powerful, intimate, life-changing experience — so you can decide if it’s time to step into the spotlight (and spoiler alert: I’m biased, but it probably is).
So... What Is Boudoir Photography?
Boudoir (pronounced “boo-dwahr”) refers to intimate, expressive, and empowering portraits that celebrate your beauty, sensuality, and story. It’s name comes from the French word for a woman’s private dressing room or bedroom — a place of softness, privacy, and allure.
Because of it’s intimate nature, most boudoir photos depict people in lingerie — however boudoir isn't about how much skin you show—it’s about how much power you feel.
How to Pronounce “Boudoir”
Most of us are really confused about how to pronounce boudoir — including nearly all of my client’s the first time we chat! It’s not intuitive to say in english, but here’s how to get it right:
”Boo” (like a ghost) + “dwAHr” (“arrrr” like a pirate)
Why do so many People do Boudoir Sessions?
If you’ve never experienced it before, you might think boudoir is just about getting sexy photos — but it’s so much more than that!
Boudoir is about:
Feeling beautiful on your terms
Reclaiming confidence you didn’t know you lost
Seeing yourself through a lens of admiration and celebration
Clients walk out of our sessions glowing. You don’t just leave with photos — you leave with proof of your power.
Brides Especially Love Boudoir 💍
Boudoir is a favorite among brides—and for good reason. It’s an intimate, unforgettable wedding gift for your partner… and more than that, it’s a gift to yourself.
Think of it as a pre-wedding empowerment session: a moment of pause and presence amid the chaos of planning. You get to reconnect with your body, your energy, your desires — before you step into a new chapter of love.
What Actually Happens in a Boudoir Shoot?
If you’re feeling nervous—you’re not alone. Most of our clients show up with butterflies, but leave feeling like Goddesses.
Let me walk you through exactly what the day looks like, so all that anxiety melts away and excitement can take its place.
Planning Your Shoot
Before you ever step foot in the studio, we’ve already been crafting an experience tailored entirely around you.
It all starts with our Pre-Shoot Style Quiz — a fun and insightful way to explore the moods and themes that resonate most with you. Whether you're leaning toward soft and romantic, bold and moody, or fierce and editorial, your quiz results help us capture your energy in a way that feels authentic.
Next, we dive deeper during your private consultation (via phone). This is where we talk about your vision, outfit ideas, the story you want your images to tell and more.
Hair, Makeup & Pure Pampering
When you walk into our private NYC studio, the first thing you’ll notice is the vibe: smiles and excitement from our all-women team, our favorite confidence boosting playlist, and zero judgment.
This isn’t a cold or creepy photoshoot. It’s a space created just for you and your empowerment!
Now it’s time to be spoiled.
Our professional hair and makeup artist will work with your features and your style preferences — whether you want soft & romantic or bold & glamorous.
You’ll start to feel the transformation before you ever step in front of the camera, plus its a fabulous moment to warm up to the team and let your nerves melt away.
Step-by-Step Posing Guidance
Time to shoot! Oh you’re not a professional model?
Don’t worry about it. All of our clients are regular people just like you!
We guide you through every angle, every posture, every smirk or stare. We'll coach you down to your fingertips, but also give you the space to just be.
There’s always a moment at this part of the photoshoot that I love, which is when I show you the back of the camera for the first time. You’ll be nervous because it’s only natural to be, and then you’ll see how you’re looking in your images and something just clicks. Like “Wait a second… have I been hot this whole time?!”
After that the rest of your shoot is easy!
The Image Reveal (a few days later)
This deserves its own moment, but it’s worth mentioning here: once your edited images are ready, we’ll invite you to view them in a private, personalized reveal. Many clients cry (happy tears). All of them are shocked — in the best way — by how radiant they look.
What’s Included in a Boudoir Experience with Earthly Venus?
All of our boudoir sessions include:
Pre-shoot Style consultation
Unlimited Looks (Most clients go through about four)
Expert posing direction
1-on-1 Image Reveal and Ordering Appointment
Products and digital options available for purchase
At Earthly Venus you can choose between our Standard and Deluxe boudoir offerings. Here’s the breakdown:
Deluxe Photo Shoot
Most clients go with our Deluxe Photoshoot, a three hour experience that includes professional hair and makeup styling.
Standard Photo Shoot
Some clients prefer to show up camera ready, and our Standard Photoshoot is perfect for that. It’s a more simple, one hour session.
What is the Average Cost of a Boudoir Shoot?
Boudoir pricing varies based on experience, image packages, and customization. Albums, our most popular product by far, start at $499. Most clients choose to spend about $2,000 to $3,000.
And honestly? It’s worth every dollar. This is an investment in how you see yourself. Not just now, but forever.
You can find more detailed information about our prices here.
You Deserve to Be Celebrated
Boudoir is not just a photoshoot — it’s a revolution. A reclamation. A radiant reminder that you are powerful, magnetic, and worthy of being adored… especially by yourself!
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already picking out lingerie, we’ve created something to help you feel totally prepared and inspired:
Ready to see what confidence looks like on you?
🎁 Inquire today for a complimentary consultation! We’d love to answer any questions you might have, and/or help you to book your session whenever you’re ready. You can also download our FREE Ultimate Guide to boudoir to learn even more about the process.
