Winter Boudoir Photography: why to do it NOW
It’s 2024, and we’re all about loving ourselves NOW. No matter what stage you’re in, your body deserves love and respect and celebration. We hear a lot of clients wanting to push their boudoir photoshoots until summer to shed a few pounds or have better weather – but winter is every bit as good for boudoir shoots! Winter, with its crisp air and cozy charm, sets the stage for boudoir sessions that are as enchanting as the snow-kissed landscape that those of us in the northern half of the US are experiencing. While summer may boast warm, sunny scenes, don’t overlook the unique beauty that winter brings to your boudoir photography experience. Sure it’s a little cooler now than during the summer months, but that opens a whole new realm of possibilities in your outfit choice. Rather than going for all revealing outfits, enjoy the charm of your favorite sweater with a cute pair of lace panties. It’s personal, comfortable, and a great way to warm up in front of the lens. Not only do you have more options for outfits, think about props. Winter opens the door to unique possibilities. From strategically placed scarves to cozy blankets, the season invites creativity. Use winter-themed props to infuse a touch of whimsy and personalization into your boudoir narrative. Cloudy days are the sun’s natural diffusers, so daytime shoots take on an even dreamier look in winter. Embrace the soft, flattering lighting that winter offers, creating an ethereal quality to your boudoir images that’s hard to replicate in brighter seasons. Summer is our busiest season by far, so there are lots of perks to getting your photos done in the winter. Options are much more varied in terms of availability. Not only that, but if you want to spread out payments for a larger purchase, wrapping up your session in the summer gives you several months to pay them off before a summer wedding or anniversary. If you’re self conscious about holiday weight, don’t be. Remember that your body is beautiful, impressive, magical in every stage of your life and every weight fluctuation. Our photographers are experienced at posing all shapes and sizes in a way that shows your unique beauty. The confidence boost is a beautiful way to start the year. In conclusion, while summer boudoir sessions have their appeal, there’s an undeniable charm to winter sessions that shouldn’t be overlooked. Embrace the winter wonderland, where softness meets sensuality, and let your boudoir journey be a testament to the timeless allure of yourself in every season.
New Year, Same Me: A Journey of Self Acceptance
By Rebecca Ashbach As we gear up for a fresh start with the dawn of the new year, let’s take a moment to embrace a powerful truth—self-acceptance is a journey, not a destination. So, here’s to the “New Year, Same Me” mantra, because the magic lies not in reinventing ourselves but in wholeheartedly accepting the incredible person we already are. Embarking on the journey to self-acceptance is akin to stepping onto a winding path. It’s not about erasing the chapters that came before; it’s about finding peace with them and learning to dance with the present. And yes, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. So, where do we begin? 1. Acknowledgment: Let’s start by acknowledging the person in the mirror. Look at her—the one with the stories etched in every line and the strength reflected in her gaze. This is you, and every part of you deserves acknowledgement and acceptance. 2. Embracing Imperfections: Imperfections are not the opposite of perfection; they’re what make you uniquely you. Instead of seeing them as flaws, let’s reframe them as beautiful brushstrokes that add character to the canvas of your being. 3. Mindful Self-Talk: Listen to the words you speak to yourself. Are they kind? Be your own best friend, the one who encourages, uplifts, and cheers you on. Remember, you deserve the same compassion you readily offer to others. 4. Celebrating Progress: Every step forward is a victory. Celebrate the little wins, the moments of self-love, and the instances where you catch a glimpse of your own beauty. Progress is progress, no matter how small. Now, about that gentle nudge toward a boudoir shoot—consider it as a beautifully liberating possibility. It’s not about conforming to societal expectations or checking boxes; it’s about celebrating your journey, capturing your essence, and acknowledging the marvelous person you are in this very moment. The idea of a boudoir shoot might feel like a leap, and that’s perfectly okay. Just know that the option is there, patiently waiting whenever you feel ready to embrace it. No rush, no pressure—because your journey is yours to navigate at your own pace. So here’s to the “New Year, Same Me” journey—a journey to self-acceptance, self-love, and the beautiful discovery of the incredible person you already are.
Letter of Gratitude
Dear Chérie Amour Family, As we bid farewell to another incredible year, our hearts are filled with immense gratitude for the beautiful souls that make up our diverse and radiant community. To each woman who has shared a piece of her story with us, allowed us into her intimate moments, and trusted us to capture the essence of her unique beauty—we thank you from the depths of our hearts. This past year has been a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and self-love. From the quiet whispers of confidence to the bold declarations of self-acceptance, your stories have painted a canvas of strength, resilience, and beauty that inspires us daily. It has been our privilege to be a part of your journey, capturing the moments that reflect the authenticity and power that reside within you. At Chérie Amour Boudoir, inclusivity and body positivity are not just words; they are the guiding principles that shape our entire vision. Our commitment to serving women across the United States remains unwavering, and your trust fuels our passion for creating an inclusive space where every woman can feel seen, celebrated, and embraced for exactly who she is. In the coming year, we are excited to continue this journey of empowerment with you. Your stories inspire us, your courage moves us, and your presence enriches our community in ways we could have only dreamed of. To the women who have graced our photoshoot, shared laughter and tears, and embraced vulnerability before our lenses, thank you. Thank you for choosing Chérie Amour Boudoir as the canvas for your self-love story. As we look forward to another chapter, we pledge to keep celebrating the beauty that radiates from within each of you. May the new year bring you more moments of self-discovery, empowerment, and unapologetic self-love. With profound gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead, The Chérie Amour Team
Christmas Treats: The Power of Self Love and Care
‘Tis the season of giving, and amidst the hustle and bustle, we want to remind you of something incredibly important—you are worthy of treating yourself. Whether you’re considering a boudoir shoot as a sweet surprise for a partner or simply to celebrate the radiant woman you are, this is your time to shine, beautiful soul. Let’s talk about the magic of self-love. In a world that often nudges us to prioritize everything and everyone else, it’s easy to forget the powerhouse that resides within you. So, this Christmas, let’s unwrap the most precious gift: the gift of celebrating yourself. First and foremost, let’s debunk the myth that treating yourself is somehow selfish or extravagant. The truth is, you are the epicenter of your own universe, and the love and care you invest in yourself ripple outward, touching every aspect of your life. Consider a boudoir shoot not just as a visual masterpiece but as a profound act of self-love. It’s a moment to bask in your unique beauty, to acknowledge the journey your body has taken, and to celebrate the incredible woman staring back at you in the mirror. Here’s the real deal—your worthiness isn’t contingent on external validation. It’s not about fitting into societal molds or meeting someone else’s expectations. Your worthiness is innate, intrinsic, and non-negotiable. So, why a boudoir shoot? Well, it’s not just about capturing stunning images (although that’s a delightful bonus!). It’s about reclaiming your narrative, embracing vulnerability, and showcasing the real, unfiltered you. It’s a celebration of the woman who has weathered storms and emerged stronger, wiser, and undeniably beautiful. Whether you’re treating yourself to a boudoir shoot for a partner or solely for your own joy, remember this: you are the masterpiece, and this is your canvas. It’s a celebration of your curves, your quirks, and every nuance that makes you, you. You are not defined by societal standards or fleeting trends. You are defined by the love you show yourself, the kindness you extend to your body, and the unapologetic acceptance of the wonderful being you are. So, this Christmas, consider the ultimate treat—a date with yourself in front of the lens. It’s a celebration, a declaration, and a beautiful reminder that you are deserving of all the love, joy, and treats life has to offer. Here’s to you, to the magic you bring, and to the radiant woman embracing herself fully. Merry Christmas, beautiful.
The Ultimate Getting Ready Checklist
Preparing for a boudoir photoshoot is an exciting and empowering journey that allows you to celebrate your beauty and embrace your confidence. To make the most of this experience, it’s essential to feel your best, both physically and mentally. Prioritize SkincareEven if you’re a busy woman with little time to devote to skin care, we suggest putting a little extra effort into moisturizing and hydration in the week leading up to your photoshoot. Plan your Hair and MakeupAt Chérie Amour, we leave Hair and Makeup to the client to ensure that they can fully customize their look.. Consider pinning some inspiration photos ahead of time. Our tip? If you’re getting married, try to schedule your hair and makeup trial for the day of your photoshoot so you can multitask that look! Choose Outfits that Make You Feel Amazing.Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Try them on before your photoshoot so you are confident in how they fit, and cut off visible tags. Nourish Your BodyNourish your body with a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can contribute to a radiant complexion. Avoid excessive salt and alcohol for the week leading up to your shoot to minimize bloating and puffiness. Take Time to RelaxOn the day of your shoot, practice relaxation techniques to ease any nerves. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light stretching can help you feel centered and ready to embrace the experience. Pack a Day-Of Bag The night before your photoshoot, make sure you’ve steamed out any satin pieces, cleaned off any marks on shoes you want to wear, wash your feet, and made sure your ID is in whatever bag you’re going to bring. Call it an early night and get some solid rest! Have Fun and Embrace the Experience Most importantly, have fun during your boudoir photoshoot! It’s an opportunity to celebrate yourself and your unique beauty. So, get ready to step in front of the camera and shine brightly, knowing that you’re well-prepared to embrace this transformative experience. We’re so excited to show you your photos.
Our Holiday Lingerie Picks
The Holiday Season is here, and with it a whole new selection of beautiful pieces from our sister company, Chérie Amour. While there are lots of super cute pieces, we’ve pulled just a few highlights to share with you here. The Pour Moi Roxie set is ridiculously cute, and comes in sizes 32C to 38F. At an accessible pricepoint, it’s a sweet nod to the season with it’s vibrant ruby color, cheerful flowers, and feminine bows. Choose between a brazilian panty and high waist brief for a customizable look. Agent Provocateur’s Zuri set in pink and yellow is the ideal boudoir set. Not only is it from one of the most iconic lingerie brands in the world, but it’s also insanely cute. Colorful embroidered lace is topped off with feminine bows. If you’re a barbie girl in a barbie world, this set is for YOU. Are you going for an edgy, sexy look? Check out the Oh La La Cheri Fetish sets. Vinyl and Mesh details highlight your curves in the bustier, and the caged bra set leaves little to the imagination. Pair with a sheer robe for a little added modesty at an inexpensive price! Natural girlies will LOVE the new arrivals from Clo Intimo. Shop rich gem and earth tones in soft, sustainable fabrics that flatter your body beautifully. From the sheer Malla sets to the lace Selva sets, there’s something for you here. Personally? We’re buying them up fast over here in the office, so act fast!
How to Ask for Boudoir Photos You LOVE
Walking into a boudoir shoot can be intimidating, especially when you haven’t met your photographer in person yet. If you tend to be more shy, here are some tips to relax into the experience, and ask for and get the pictures YOU want from your session. Remember, your photographer loves doing this. She’s your number one hype woman for the day. Boudoir photographers are trained to see the beauty in everybody, to the point where it becomes easy as breathing. We see you and your unique beauty, and often can see gorgeous angles that you wouldn’t necessarily know existed before! So walk in with confidence that you’re in good hands, even if you struggle with body images. Before the shoot, look through pinterest or our instagram and pull a couple inspiration images. Feel free to show your photographer some pictures that really stand out to you, and she can do her best to recreate them. Don’t be shy about sexy poses and outfits! While we don’t photograph explicit erotic content, we are more than happy to photograph clients nude. Some of the most beautiful and classic boudoir photos are shot with nothing but a sheet covering delicate areas, and we don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to get those photos if you want them. Your comfort is our priority so we will never push for something you seem uncomfortable with, so please speak up! We’re so excited to work with you in creating images you’ll treasure forever. When you’re ready, reach out to us! Let’s make some art.
Do’s and Don’ts Before Your Boudoir Photoshoot
DON’T: We all love a good sun-kissed glow, but prepping for your photoshoot with fake tanner can get messy and stain the sheets (and your pretty new lingerie). Fresh tans can also come across as streaky and orange in the camera lights. If you want a refreshed tan, aim for one week before your session. Those high waisted jeans might make you look SNATCHED but it’s best to wear something loose, such as sweats or a loose fitting dress. This way you can avoid pesky skin marks and indents from clothing digging in on the ride to your session. We get it – the nerves are a lot to handle before a session! However, we recommend drinking some lemon water rather than a mimosa. We can’t photograph a woman under the influence, and you’ll want to be clear headed to make the most of your experience! Save your drink as a post-photoshoot celebration. DO: In order to photograph you, we need to check your ID to ensure that you are the person we booked, and that you’re at least 20 years old. This can be a passport, drivers license, state ID, or military ID. If you’ve got a paper temporary license without a photo, you can bring that as long as you also have another form of ID with the same name and a picture to confirm (student ID, costco card, etc.). Be sure to try on your outfits before your boudoir session. Especially complicated outfits can take a couple minutes to figure out! But just like fashion brands, every lingerie brand sizes things a little differently, so you’ll want to make sure you’re in love with how it looks on you before you commit to pictures in it! Oh, and bring a backup outfit just in case a strap breaks or any other wardrobe emergency happens. Boudoir may look effortless but trust us on this one: it’s a workout! You’ll probably be sore the next day, so try to mitigate any effects by stretching ahead of time. Focus on shoulders, neck, and back, and warm up your ankles to avoid cramping when you point your toes.
Styling Lingerie as Daywear
So you’re getting new lingerie for a boudoir shoot, but want to put it to more use than just pictures. You’re in luck! With the rise of fashion trends like bralettes as tops and slip dresses, lingerie is now a statement item that can be worn almost anywhere you want to go, and has become a popular trend among fashion enthusiasts and influencers. They make it look so easy – but how do they do it? Bralettes as Tops One of the easiest ways to style lingerie as daywear is to wear a bralette as a top. Bralettes come in different styles, from lace to mesh, and are great paired with high-waisted pants or skirts for a chic look. You can also layer a blazer or denim jacket over your bralette to make it look more casual or office appropriate. If you are feeling daring, you can wear a sheer top over your bralette for a more edgy look. Try the Luxe Triangle Bra from Fleur du Mal, or Dora Larsen’s Dorothee Lace Padded Triangle for colored options, or Thistle and Spire’s Kane Bralette for a black but by no means boring style. Slip Dresses Another way to style lingerie as daywear is to wear a slip dress. Slip dresses are lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for hot summer days. You can wear a slip dress with a denim jacket or a blazer for a more casual look. To make your slip dress look less like lingerie, you can wear a t-shirt underneath or pair it with sneakers. We love basics like the Marina Chemise from ICollection, which is as cute and sturdy as it is affordable, but get daring with Rya’s Fresh Chemise or Atelier Amour’s Broadway Night slip dress for fun cutouts. Bodysuits Bodysuits are a versatile piece of lingerie that can be styled in different ways. You can wear a bodysuit with any bottoms in your closet – or even just tights if you want to go a la Kendall Jenner. Bodysuits come in different styles, from lace to mesh, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Conclusion Styling lingerie as daywear is a trend that is here to stay. With the right styling, you can look effortlessly chic and make a fashion statement. Bralettes, slip dresses, and bodysuits are just a few examples of lingerie that is easily styled outside of the bedroom. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and make it your own. Remember, fashion is all about expressing yourself and having fun with it.
Comfort and Quality: How to Pick the Perfect Daily Bra
Are you rushing to pull off your bra at the end of the day? You’re probably due for a new daily bra. Choosing the perfect daily bra involves considering several factors to ensure both lasting comfort and support. With so many options, it can feel like an intimidating process. Here are some pointers to remove the mystery and make choosing your next bra simple. Measure Yourself: Before shopping for a new bra, make sure you have accurate measurements. You’ll need to measure your band size (around your ribcage, just below your bust – this is your band size) and your bust size (across the fullest part of your breasts, without a padded bra). Each inch between the two measurements can be counted by the alphabet to show your cup size. These measurements will serve as a starting point for finding the right bra. Understand Different Styles: Bras come in various styles, including full-coverage, demi-cup, balconette, and more. Each one works better for various breast shapes. Research and understand the different styles to determine which one aligns with your preferences, breast shape, and wardrobe needs. Determine Your Support Needs: Think about your daily activities when choosing a bra. Do you need something for work, exercise, or casual wear? Depending on your bust size and personal preferences, you might need different levels of support. For larger busts, look for bras with wide straps and multiple hooks for extra support. Check the Fit: The band is the foundation of a bra’s support. The band should fit snugly around your ribcage, parallel to the ground. It should feel secure without digging into your skin. The cups should fully encapsulate your breasts without any gaps or spillage. If the cups are too small, they’ll create bulges, and if they’re too big, you’ll have extra space. Consider Comfort: Look for bras made from comfortable, breathable materials. Seamless bras or those with smooth seams can prevent irritation and discomfort. If you are choosing an underwire bra, make sure the wire sits flat against your ribcage and encases your breast tissue into the armpit without poking or digging in. A properly fitting underwire will not feel uncomfortable at the end of the day. Invest in well-constructed bras from reputable brands. Quality bras are more likely to provide lasting support and comfort. Try It On: Always try on bras before removing the tags in case you decide it’s not the best fit for you. Move around, lift your arms, and check how the bra fits during different activities. Pay attention to how the straps, band, and cups feel. Remember that finding the perfect daily bra might take some trial and error. Be patient and open to experimenting with different styles and brands until you find the bras that make you feel comfortable and confident every day. Start with our sister company’s Everyday Collection for some of our tried and true favorites that are boudoir photographer approved!