Boudoir vs Pin-Up Photos

I have had a lot of requests from women to offer boudoir sessions. I have offered boudoir mini sessions in the past for Valentine's Day, but I also have a lot of clients that don't know what a boudoir session is or mix up boudoir and pin-up. So let's explore how they are similar and how they are different.

A woman may choose to do a boudoir session to feel empowered or feminine. Perhaps she is getting married and wants to gift the images to her spouse. Or maybe she's getting a divorce and wants to feel like a woman and not a mom for a little bit and feel sexy again. It is a session for her. She can absolutely choose to gift the images though. It isn't necessarily feminine or sexy by nature, but whatever she chooses to bring out.

A client typically wears lingerie for a boudoir session, after the French word of the same name, meaning, "Women's private dressing room." These sessions capture women often in intimate clothing or lingerie. Make up can be full glam or a more subtle look. The settling for these images are typically a studio with a bed or couch. Satin sheets can oftentimes be utilized during the various stages of undressing. Boudoir moves into the genre of erotica photography when any bondage items or intimate props are brought in. I do not offer erotica photography.

Pin-up photography though became popular in the 1940's and 50's during WWII and the aftermath. Women were often pictured in flirty poses. The images were on everything from cigarette packaging to military airplanes. The images were utilized to help boost the soldiers' morale. Afterall, these young men were sent overseas to fight in a war during the prime courtship years.

Pin-up art is suggestive, but the model is fully clothed, unlike boudoir. The model may be depicted doing regular activities from drinking a milkshake at the local diner or hanging clothes outside to dry. The images are flirty and suggestive without being racy. Because of pin-up's historic roots, most of the styles do have a vintage wardrobe or styling. Victory rolls for hair or a bold lip.

Which style appeals most to you? We can always jump on a quick phone call to talk through the options.