Why Boudoir?
Boudoir photography is a unique and intimate style of photography that seeks to capture the essence of a person’s sensuality. While the idea of boudoir photography might seem intimidating or uncomfortable for some, there are many benefits to this type of photography. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to do a boudoir photo shoot session: Boudoir Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem One of the main reasons why women do a boudoir photography session is that it can help individuals feel empowered and confident in their own skin. Through the process of posing and being photographed, and eventually seeing their photos, individuals can see themselves in a new light and appreciate their unique beauty. This can help to boost their self-esteem and confidence, which can translate into other areas of their life. Learn more about the benefits of boudoir photography. Boudoir Celebrates Body Positivity and Self-Love Boudoir photography celebrates body positivity and self-love by showcasing the beauty of individuals of all shapes and sizes. It encourages individuals to embrace their bodies and feel comfortable in their own skin. By embracing body positivity and self-love, individuals can improve their mental and emotional well-being. Boudoir Creates a Unique and Personal Gift Another reason why people do a boudoir photo shoot session is that it can be a unique and personal gift for a significant other or spouse. It can be a way to celebrate a special occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary, or simply a way to show love and appreciation. The intimate and romantic nature of boudoir photography can make it a thoughtful and meaningful gift. Boudoir Provides a Fun and Empowering Experience Boudoir photography sessions are often described as a fun and empowering experience. It allows individuals to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. The process of being pampered and photographed can make individuals feel special and important, which can be a positive experience in itself. Boudoir photography is more than just a style of photography. It can be a way to boost confidence, celebrate body positivity, create a unique gift, and have a fun and empowering experience. If you are considering boudoir photography, it is essential to work with a professional photographer who can guide you through the process and make you feel comfortable and supported. Cherie Amour offers an experienced, all-woman team of professional photographers and digital artists to ensure privacy and professionalism. We can’t wait to work with you.
Maternity Boudoir
Everyone has a different experience with pregnancy. So, deciding to get pregnant boudoir portraits taken is a personal decision that can take time to make. I’ve met women who loved the experience of growing a child in their belly and felt amazing. Whereas, I did not. After a morning sickness and exhaustion-wracked first trimester, the bump kept growing and my body kept changing. I never really felt much better than those first 12 weeks. None of my clothes fit right and my fingers swelled. I did *not* feel sexy. Magazines touted thin, photoshopped models, and even when they featured a pregnant woman, she looked happy and glossy and SO PERFECT. Unlike me. Now, looking back at the few pictures I have from that time, I can see the beauty in it, and wish I’d taken more time to appreciate the incredible work my body was doing, and pamper it a little bit more. Maybe I could have tried getting boudoir maternity photography done. One of my favorite things about pregnant boudoir portraits is that they capture women at a time when their bodies are changing drastically. Their bodies are doing incredible work. Their bodies might not be the shape society’s influencers call “perfect”, but they’re beautiful, and deserve to be seen as works of art. How amazing is it that your body is making a whole and complete human being? Boudoir maternity photography is so special for years to come, as you learn to embrace what you did, your strength and courage, the hard work of motherhood, and your evolving beauty. You can look back with kindness and amazement at the way you changed and grew. You can cherish your pregnant boudoir portraits that showed off those sweet moments before life changed forever. Whether or not you choose to get pregnant boudoir portraits done, we encourage you to see yourself through a lens of love and compassion. You are worth so much.
Creative Movement – Getting Moving Without the Gym
All the bloggers say how important it is to make time to go to the gym, but the truth is that sometimes it’s just not possible. Whether it’s your work schedule, health, finances, or single parenting, sometimes life just gets in the way of “working out” in a traditional sense so exercise alternatives are necessary. Movement can make a huge difference in your mental health and well-being by lessening stress hormones in your body. Here are a couple of exercise alternatives to get you to incorporate occasional mindful movement into your day-to-day life! So much of what we see of workout culture on social media is not attainable for everyone. Be gentle with yourself, take it with a grain of salt, and just start moving. We can guarantee that you’ll feel happier, better, and more fulfilled if you set aside perfection and just move.
Body Neutrality and Boudoir
Bodies are a huge part of every day in the world of boudoir and fashion, and as women, we are bombarded with comparison. “Buy this supplement!” “Your dream body is 28 days away with this plan!” Or even “love how your body looks, no matter what!” – and while there’s nothing wrong with the last sentiment, some days it adds unnecessary guilt and shame when you look in the mirror and just don’t like what you see. On those days, it helps to find ways to appreciate what you bring to the table completely aside from your body. This concept is known as body neutrality. Of course it’s a good thing to objectively love your body, but it’s an even better thing to love yourself without relating your value to your body – it is the least interesting thing about you, after all. Body neutrality celebrates where you are as a person, regardless of your body. Where your heart and mind and personality and inner beauty have created art that nobody else in the world could except for you. Boudoir, at first glance, seems like a fairly objectifying genre. It *is* body positive. It does show off your body – but underneath the initial impression, its focus is on showing YOU. Telling YOUR story. Showing YOUR strength. It’s a uniquely intimate art form that, while it does celebrate the beauty of your body, however it looks, also highlights the aspects of your personality that make you unlike any other person.
What to eat on the day of your photoshoot
I often hear people mention not eating before their photoshoot, but eating is an important part of nourishing your body and equally important before your photoshoot as it would be before a strenuous workout! During the photoshoot, you’ll be arching, stretching, and holding positions you didn’t think you could, and without proper nourishment you could start to feel a little dizzy. To prepare yourself to be strong and ready, here are some of our favorite foods to eat before or during your boudoir photography shoot: A quick word on drinking before your shoot: while a mimosa might loosen you up and ease your nerves, keep it to one! Please do not come to your photoshoot tipsy – it’s company policy to not photograph someone under the influence.
Affirmations for Boudoir Photo Shoots
One of our favorite ways to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot is practicing affirmations. Affirmations can be a powerful way to build your self confidence and love through repeating and meditating on positive words. We’ve found that even just taking a minute out of our days to repeat these phrases to ourselves can have a positive impact on our self talk and mood throughout the day. Here are some of our favorite affirmations that deal with body positivity and neutrality: How do we use them, though? There is no way to affirm yourself, but here are some tips to set yourself up for success with them. First off, try to make a routine. Some people like to add two to three minutes of affirmations into the morning and evening routines. As someone who personally struggles with routine, I’ve found it helpful to set reminders on my phone to pop up an affirmation two or three times throughout the day. When they pop up on my phone, I take a moment to repeat the affirmation or set of affirmations. Everytime you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself, counter the negative thoughts with affirmations. I like to face my reflection in a mirror when I say affirmations, though some prefer to have their eyes closed – either way works! Second, repetition is key. Try to repeat each affirmation 10 times. The repetition will help seal it into your mind. Every habit takes practice – positive self talk especially! In a society that profits off of our insecurities, we’re taught to think negatively about ourselves through unrealistic beauty standards and wellness-disguised guilt. Repeating affirmations over and over can help counter the effects of such things and bring us closer to ourselves. Finally, practice deep breathing when you repeat your affirmations. Breathing in long, deep breaths can signal safety to your body, allowing it to take your positive words to heart. Say the affirmation, breathe in, sigh out with sound, and repeat. Preparing for a boudoir photoshoot can be really stressful, especially if you struggle with negative self talk surrounding your body and appearance. Remember that your photographer is trained to only see the best sides of people – she’s not going to judge you or pick apart your appearance – just see you for your beauty and help show it to you as well. Repeat after me: I am confident, strong, and good. And breathe.
Bridal Boudoir: Everything You Need to Know, Part 2 – Outfits
Continuing our Bridal Boudoir Photography Series, we wanted to share a little bit about how to really make the most out of the outfits you bring with you to your session. There are four main bridal boudoir outfits that come to mind: the dress, the button down, the bridal lingerie, and the personal touch. Whatever you wear, wear confidence, knowing you’re absolutely beautiful. No matter what you feel insecure about, our photographers will pose you and capture you in a way you never thought possible. We can’t wait to show you.
Dove Beauty Sketches and Boudoir
Nine years ago, Dove released a youtube video where women were asked to describe themselves to a forensic artist while he drew them. Later, a stranger who they got to know a little in the lobby was asked to describe them. At the end, the women see how they see themselves in contrast to how others see them. Without fail, the strangers described a beauty the women couldn’t acknowledge in themselves, bringing them to the realization that they are so much more beautiful than they think. In a way, a boudoir shoot is the same experience. Walking in, women see the worst version of themselves. They’re often anxious, unsure, often not sure if they made the right decision. By the end of the session they’ve been able to experience an hour or more of judgment free hype session, which is incredible in and of itself, but the real magic happens when they see the finished images at the image reveal. So many women had no idea they could look as beautiful as they do. Not because of photoshop or sucking in or trying to be someone else, but just by being themselves, enjoying themselves, and feeling the empowerment of letting themselves be the center of attention for a little while. Did you want to experience what it would be like to see yourself from a stranger’s eyes? Our amazing all-woman team of photographers is ready to give you just that. We can’t wait to join you for your journey.
Bodysuit Styling
Ask any of the employees at Cherie Amour what would be the one lingerie piece they’d get if they could only pick one, and chances are, you’ll hear “a bodysuit!” There are a number of reasons for that – bodysuits are the powerhouse of the wardrobe, the little-black-dress of the lingerie drawer. Worn alone, they’re the universally flattering garment, covering a little more than a basic bra and panty set while lengthening the legs and drawing attention to all the right places. They don’t have to remain in the lingerie drawer or bedroom, though. Equally fitting in the bedroom, boudoir shoot, night out, or even the office, bodysuits can be styled in every way from erotic wear to professional wear. Worn with nipple covers or even a bra, depending on the piece, they can be styled for numerous occasions. We have some of our favorites listed below. For a formal look that could go from the office to the nightclub, we love a black bodysuit with leather (or vegan leather) bottoms. The classic monochrome look not only lengthens your figure, but also is so easy to put together in a hurry with little thought. Add your favorite accessories and enjoy the feeling of looking and feeling good – and not having your blouse constantly pulling out of your trousers! For a daring version of this look we love Undress Code’s Once in a Blue Moon bodysuit, which comes both in black velvet and a beautifully rich maroon velvet and features a backless design with a deep plunge neckline. Pair these with a form fitting skirt to contrast the loose top, or Commando’s faux leather flared leggings, and you have yourself a full outfit. Both suitable for the office and brunch with friends, pairing a more conservative bodysuit with dark wash jeans is an instant hit for either occasion. Either use a neutral coat to keep a sleek and classic look, or a stand out, colorful piece to really turn heads! For this look, we like “Keep it Natural” from Undress Code, paired with your favorite black bra or bralette. Some of our favorites are the Karolina top from Bluebella, or the Butter Bralette from Commando. We can also see this style with the “Go For It” and “Hidden Promise” bodysuits from Undress Code. They require less thought for styling since their use of mesh and opaque fabric allows you much more freedom in terms of what you wear underneath. We also love this look with a wide leg trouser and combat boots or a chunky mule. Bodysuits can work with any number of more niche aesthetics, as well. Paired with a plaid or tweed skirt or high waisted wool trousers, the body suit becomes a staple to the dark academia or preppy style as well. We love how it looks with a blazer or sweater and scarf to add to your layers without adding bulk. Heels or riding boots top off the look and elevate your style. No matter your personal aesthetic, pair any statement piece with them and they will fit right in and add versatility that you’ll turn to for outfit after outfit. For Preppy looks we love the “Nothing Personal” bodysuit from Undress Code and the Cornelia bodysuit from Thistle & Spire, and for more edgy, alternative looks we can’t get over the Medusa and Smokin Mirrors Bodysuits from Thistle & Spire. Of course they look just as striking worn alone in the privacy of your home, but the infinite number of styling options makes them even better. No matter what bodysuit you opt for, basic, mesh, lace, or any other option, you cannot go wrong with it. Whether it’s for boudoir, erotic wear, brunch, or the office, the bodysuit will take you anywhere you need it to, and with so many options, it will quickly become your new favorite wardrobe staple.
Bridal Boudoir: Everything You Need To Know, Part 1 – Planning Ahead
You’ve said YES! Yes to the love of your life, yes to your dress, yes to your wedding photographer, the catering company, the venue, and now you’re doing a pre-wedding boudoir photography shoot to celebrate and gift your partner. It’s a lot to keep organized, but we’re here for you to make the pre-wedding boudoir photography part of your experience as easy as possible. The first thing to plan around is if you want to buy an album. An album will be an investment, so you want to decide how big you want to go. We have numerous options depending on style and budget, from a mini album to a 12×12 luxury layflat. Our lay-flat albums are stunningly created with classic leather or faux leather and printed on archival-quality paper to ensure your images stay vibrant as long as you do! We suggest you start saving up if you’re doing your pre-wedding boudoir photography photoshoot closer to the wedding date so that you can pay in full for an album (and snag a sweet discount) and get it back to you sooner, or schedule your photoshoot several months in advance so that you can take advantage of one of our payment plans. If you do choose to go closer to the wedding, remember that we have a 4 week production time from your image reveal if you do pay in full, so make sure you’re still doing your session two months or so in advance of your wedding to avoid any rush or worry on your part. We’re so excited to work with you and make your perfect, lasting, beautiful gift. Email us with any questions at info@cherieamourinc.com!