There are many interpretations of boudoir photography. No one boudoir photographer is the same as the other, which is a good thing, as every women has a different idea of what is sexy to her. If you are thinking about booking a session, it’s important that you find a photographer who’s style you love and whose ethos you can relate to. My boudoir philosophy can really be summed up with one quote by Dita Von Teese: "It's not about seducing men. It's about embracing womanhood." Read on for a more in-depth discussion about Boudoir by Belinda Philosophy…
1 - Keep it classic & classy
My boudoir style is tasteful, artistic, relaxed and sensual without being overtly sexual. I like to keep the wardrobe styling, hair & makeup, locations and poses simple and classic so that the focus is on YOU, and so your images will stand the test of time. I want you to look back on these photos 20 years from now and think how amazing you look, not how crazy the makeup styles were “back in the day” (I had every version of "big bangs" in the late 80s/early 90s so I speak from experience on this one). My post-production style is similarly timeless — I won't photoshop you so you look plasticly or weird; just like your most rested, having a great skin day self. You’ll receive a mix of classic black & white and colour images without any trendy filters. Please know that I do not shoot anything pornographic or NC-17. If that’s what you are looking for, get it girl, but it’s not my thing so we are probably not a good match.
2 - Size is just a number
For years I have preached that age is just a number… and guess what? So is size. Your shoot is about so much more than the shape of your body: It's about self-appreciation & self-acceptance. It's about boosting confidence long-term. It's about being reminded of who you are as a WOMAN, not just a mom / wife / paycheque generator / exhausted human being. You are not defined by your size, so don’t let it keep you from feeling good about the incredible woman you are (this is a good rule in life as well as in boudoir photography). My job to make you comfortable so I can capture your genuine laugh, the sparkle in your eyes, and all the other quirks that make you “YOU” … and I’m really good at it. Still need convincing? My expert posing, lighting, lens choice, wardrobe advise, and image composition will having you looking your best, so you can put your mind at ease and focus on having fun… and THAT is when you are at your most beautiful. Remember, there is never a perfect body - only a perfect mindset.
3 - Your beauty lies within
My boudoir style isn't ALL about the sexing it up. It's about beauty. It's about who you are on the inside. Sexy is not just having beautiful lips, legs, and arms… in fact sexy doesn’t have much to do with appearance at all! Sexy is about the way you carry yourself. It's about confidence. It's that feeling you get when you know you're amazing — that powerful energy of being comfortable with who you are. Smart is Sexy. Boudoir is a mirror that can reveals the brave, vulnerable, sensual, strong woman you really are.
4 - Be true to you
Boudoir is really about what makes you, specifically, feel sexy. For some women that means wearing lace & pearls, for others it can be converse and tee shirts. One thing is for sure: if you are dressing up like someone you are not, the camera will be able to tell. i’m taking photos of YOU not your wardrobe. Don’t feel comfortable doing “sexy” poses? Totally fine! I will capture you looking badass, powerful, thoughtful, playful or however you feel like your most fabulous self. There is no wrong way to be a woman. I’m interested in capturing your true to your personality, and to keep the photos as YOU as possible.
5 - The time is now - Do it for YOU!
You don’t need a “reason" for a boudoir shoot — DO IT FOR YOU! While I’m SURE your partner would love to be gifted some fabulous photos of your fine self, ultimately a boudoir session is not about about making anyone else happy. It’s about YOU. Worried you need to lose an extra few pounds? See #2 above. There is absolutely nothing wrong with striving to better ourselves, but that doesn't always mean changing our bodies. Also consider this: your body will change for the rest of your life. Trust me when I say you will be happy to have documented yourself as you are right now. We women need to really let go of those insecurities and embrace exactly who we are at this very moment, “imperfections" and all.
Think of your boudoir shoot as a spa day or a haircut and a luxe salon, or even as a therapy session (many of my clients have said as much)! The difference is, that along with the sudden boost of self-esteem you will walk away with, you will ALSO get to keep these images of yourself looking & feeling like your best, most courageous, most badass self in whatever stage of life you are currently in. You are allowed to take time for yourself. You deserve the pampering. YOU are worth the investment. You don't need to a reason to celebrate yourself.