BOUDOIR Resources

WHAT Is BOUDOIr PHOTOGRAPHY?

The word boudoir comes from the French work to pout or sulk, an allusion to a woman’s private bedroom and dressing area where she could withdraw and be alone with her truest self and deepest feelings. Early boudoir photography was intended to document these intimate moments for private appreciation, or to be shared discriminately. 

This still holds true, with many women choosing a boudoir session to privately celebrate themselves, honor their unique personalities, build confidence, or all these things.

Some clients choose to celebrate their bodies more publicly and share their images with family and friends, posting them on social media, and displaying wall art in their homes.

Boudoir photography can also be used as a healing experience. The process can be a celebration—or even a ceremony of sorts—to build self-confidence, heal and empower you to claim or reclaim your body, your life, your future. 

In addition to these private bedroom-like images, modern boudoir photography can also encompass fine-art nude and erotica. There are also entire sub-categories of boudoir, including engagement, bridal, honeymoon, couples/poly, maternity boudoir, pet and milestone boudoir. 

In short, a boudoir session is about honoring you, as you are, in this moment, in whatever way helps you celebrate your unique beauty.

What Is Trauma-Informed Boudoir?

Boudoir photography can be the most vulnerable form of portraiture. As a result, it is vital that a boudoir session prioritizes the emotional and psychological well-being of every client through the entire experience. While it’s common to be a bit apprehensive before a session, experienced trauma-informed professionals create a safe space for everyone to feel at ease, and even joyful! Read more.

I don’t look like a typical model, is boudoir still for me?

YES! You are beautiful, you are special, you are uniquely you. We created Studio 34 Boudoir to celebrate and empower everyone. By reflecting your radiant inner goddess back to you through photographs, we hope to put an end to the idea that only certain ages, sizes, shapes and colors are worthy of celebration!  A boudoir session with Studio 34 aims to empower you, reduce negative self-talk and boost your confidence.

Additionally, professional hair-and-makeup and wardrobe consultations are provided for every session so you can feel your absolute best.

Please explore our client image gallery and client feedback for inspiration.

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE?

We understand that this may be an unfamiliar experience for you. That’s why Michelle, Studio 34 co-founder and Client Experience & Empowerment Director, is with you every step of the way. Michelle combines her extensive experience in yoga instruction, trauma-informed studies, and empathic energy work to guide clients through poses that not only highlight their unique beauty but also promote a nurturing environment healing and self-confidence.

WHERE WILL THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?

Your session will be held in our newly-renovated boudoir studio in Burlington, New Jersey. Our private space encompasses the entire second floor of a beautifully maintained brick building that dates to 1890. It has 12-foot ceilings and large windows that flood the studio with natural light. The studio is appointed with luxurious furnishings and props that help define our signature style.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

We want you to wear whatever makes you feel beautiful and brings out your unique goddess! We encourage you to bring several outfits, ranging from somewhat modest to very revealing. It’s likely that you already own several of these items and that you'll also want to purchase some special things.

We also have a comprehensive guide to lingerie shopping and an expanded guide on what to wear for a boudoir session in our resources collection.

HOW LONG DOES A BOUDOIR SESSION TYPICALLY LAST?

Including your complimentary hair and makeup session, expect to spend 4 hours in the studio on the day of your session.

WHAT IF I GET NERVOUS?

It’s actually normal to feel nervous. This is likely a new experience and some elements may be out of your comfort zone. But that’s part of the process! Knowing you are worth the experience and going for it—despite the nerves—is empowering! Additionally, Michelle, Studio 34 co-founder and Client Experience & Empowerment Director, is with you every step of the way—from our first consultation call, through planning your looks, to receiving your amazing final images. Michelle combines her extensive experience in yoga instruction, trauma-informed studies, and empathic energy work to create a safe and nurturing environment to guide and support clients. As a trauma-informed studio, we prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of every client.

Please explore our client feedback for inspiration.

WHAT IS THE COST OF MY BOUDOIR SESSION?

A 2½ hour boudoir session, including a pre-session consultation, mood board review, a downloadable PDF of our Complete Guide to Boudoir Photography, professional hair and make-up, and exclusive use of the studio on the day of your session is $549.

Most clients spend an average of $3500 on wall art, keepsake albums, prints and digital libraries, but no minimum purchase is required.

Please see our investment page for more details.

Will my photographs be edited?

All delivered photographs are color-graded and retouched to remove stray hairs or temporary blemishes, like pimples. Wrinkles, scars and birthmarks help to define who you are and are left intact, unless a client specifically asks that we remove them.

Will my photographs be shared online?

While we would love to include your photographs in our online gallery of client work, we will only do so with your express written consent. Boudoir photography is, by its very nature, private. It is up to you and you alone who is entitled to see your boudoir photographs.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO THE SESSION?

Absolutely. Studio Thirty-Four is a trauma-informed boudoir studio, and we want your experience to be joyful and empowering. If having a friend or loved one present will help to make your session magical, we welcome their attendance.

CAN I CHOOSE THE STYLE/THEME OF MY SESSION?

Absolutely. After an initial consultation, and once you have booked your session, we encourage you to review galleries of our previous work. When you find images that you like, you will be able to pin them to a dedicated Pinterest mood board for your session. Feel free to add other images and links to your mood board as well. Before the day of your session our team will review your ideas and concepts in a brief video-chat with you.