Recently on the “Love and Sex Magic” podcast, host Melissa Wells mentioned that
every time she asks a guest where they feel the most connected to themselves, they
always mention somewhere in nature.
Let’s talk about “boudoir”
Traditional boudoir photography was intended to capture a subject in their private
moments (“boudoir” literally means “bedroom” or “private room”). Its intended
purpose was to capture the sensuality of being totally comfortable with ones self
and their sensuality- whatever that may mean for them. It’s no wonder then, that putting these two concepts together to create outdoor boudoir photography sessions, is growing increasingly popular.
Boudoir photography is nearly-always a spiritual experience for clients. It creates
space for them to embrace a part of themselves that we have all been taught to hide,
or in some cases, even be ashamed of. We are largely taught that we shouldn’t see
ourselves in a way that is totally natural, beautiful and powerful. Boudoir
photography turns that on its head and creates a radical act of self-love. Who we are
at our most private and sensual is who we are in nature.
Step away from traditional…
Traditional boudoir can be very structured and refined, which carries an air of
glamour. Outdoor boudoir puts a new, wild spin on that classic concept. Who are we
when we are in the elements, and how does our sexiness show up with us? How do
we connect with our bodies when, instead of being alone in our bedroom, we are
back in the outdoors where we originated?
Most of us do not get enough opportunities to connect with ourselves, which is why
boudoir has become so wildly popular and is so empowering. We also tend to live
most of our lives indoors- at home, at work, shopping and running errands.
Choosing to have your boudoir session outside of the structure of the indoors can
show you parts of yourself that may have been dormant in the routine of everyday
modern life. It isn’t just a place to “get away from it all,” it can be a place to be who
we truly are.
One of the loveliest parts of outdoor boudoir is that your setting and props are
provided for you! They are the elements found in the natural world. Trees, flowers,
plants, boulders, streams, sunsets, and landscapes are your boudoir. You can also
incorporate your favorite elements into your session- a handful of water, the flame
of a candle, the wind blowing through your hair, your feet resting in the rich earth.
Because every day is different, seasons are ever-changing, and nature is limitless, no
two outdoor boudoir sessions will ever look alike. Clients and photographers alike
love outdoor boudoir because nature helps shape the experience and final images to
create something totally organic and unique. If clouds roll in, the sun peaks through
the trees, or it starts to rain, the session can adapt and take on an unexpected aspect
that is transformative and beautiful. Having the uninhibited and unstructured space
of nature can be liberating for clients who seek to break out of the mundane.