In recent years, boudoir photography has become a popular trend among brides-to-be. And while the majority of those who get these types of shots taken are brides, grooms and couples can definitely take part too.
But how do you even begin to create a boudoir book? How different is it from your usual wedding album? And do you need to include a special message of some sort? In this guide, we answer all these questions and more.
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What Is Boudoir Photography?
Boudoir is the French term for a woman’s bedroom or private dressing room. Meanwhile, boudoir photography is a term used to describe sensual and intimate photos usually taken by a professional, often in a private studio or an intimate space.
As mentioned, boudoir books have become popular among women who are about to tie the knot. Oftentimes, the bride-to-be will compile the photographs in a boudoir photo book and gift it to her SO on their big day. Some people give photo books as anniversary gifts or birthday gifts, as well.
Why Make A Boudoir Photo Book?
There is a myriad of reasons for compiling one’s sexy photos in a little album. Here are just a few reasons why:
To Feel Sexy And Empowered Before Your Big Day
Taking boudoir shots is all about empowering the subject by making them feel sexy, free, and confident in their own skin. While most people go into it with the goal of giving their partner the perfect gift before their big day, many find that working with a boudoir photographer helps them see themselves in a whole new light.
In that sense, a boudoir photoshoot is also a great confidence booster. This is especially helpful in the last few days before you get hitched. When your stress is at an all-time high, doing something as empowering as this can help you remind yourself of the powerful, beautiful person that you are.
As A Personal Keepsake
On that note, you don’t need to get married to make yourself a sexy photo book. If you want a reminder of how beautiful and incredible you are right now, no one is stopping you from booking a shoot!
Think of it as a reminder you can look back on when you’re feeling self-conscious about yourself. You can keep your book on your bedside table if you want some inspiration on days when you don’t feel good about yourself.
As A Wedding Or Anniversary Gift
Weddings are stressful, and they can put a lot of pressure on the couple in the days leading up to it. So what better way to surprise your unsuspecting groom and relieve his stress than with an intimate book?
If you’re patient, you can also hide your boudoir books away until your first anniversary. It’s a great way to rekindle the sparks from the early days of your marriage. Of course, you can choose to give your photo book on pretty much any special occasion, be it as a birthday gift or Valentine’s Day present.
As A New Way To Get Intimate And Bond With A Partner
Doing an intimate shoot with your partner is an excellent way to bring your relationship to the next level. A sexy boudoir session is a place to leave all your pretenses behind, be 100% vulnerable and raw, and feel comfortable in your own skin. Doing this with the person you love the most – and days before your wedding day – can bring you closer than you’ve ever been.
How To Make A Gorgeous Boudoir Photo Book
A boudoir photo album is a private collection of your most intimate photographs – you’ll want your favorite photos to find a home that reflects this as well.
The best boudoir photo books speak to the style and theme of the photographs they house, so you’ll have to be in sync with your photographer and layout artist to make sure your vision is perfectly encapsulated by your photo book.
Here are some helpful tips on how you can make the perfect boudoir photo album:
1. Find A Photographer You Trust
The most important thing you can do to feel confident at your shoot? Hire someone you can trust. It’s simple: If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to have fun. And if you’re not having fun, you’re not going to produce the best images for your boudoir book.
How can you find a good photographer? Get a referral from friends or people you trust! You can also look for photographers who can package all your nuptial photos, from your engagement announcement pictures to your prenup shots to the special photos you’ll have in your wedding albums. That way, you can build a rapport with your cameraman even months before the day of the shoot.
2. Settle On A Theme And Location
There is no hard and fast rule for this – you can be as serious or playful as you want. You just need to make sure you’re comfortable with the theme and style you settle on. Here are some options to consider:
- Fine art
- Classy
- Glamor
- Vintage or pin-up
- Moody and dark
- Dark with neon lights
- Nostalgic
- Nature/florals
- Light and airy
- Bubble bath
3. Prepare For The Big Day
When preparing for your photoshoot, remember the three Cs:
- Clothes: Most bridal boudoir shoots involve sexy underwear, lingerie, and not much else. Pick out something that makes you feel sexy and confident, and bring something in white, black, and a bold color that suits your skin tone. Don’t forget to pack shoes, accessories…and your engagement ring too!
- Company: If you’re feeling especially self-conscious, it’s a good idea to bring a friend to the shoot. They can help you loosen up in front of the camera, give you direction, and just lighten up the mood when you need it.
- Champagne: If you’re into it, a glass of bubbly can help you open up more!
3. Prepare For The Big Day
When preparing for your photoshoot, remember the three Cs:
- Clothes: Most bridal boudoir shoots involve sexy underwear, lingerie, and not much else. Pick out something that makes you feel sexy and confident, and bring something in white, black, and a bold color that suits your skin tone. Don’t forget to pack shoes, accessories…and your engagement ring too!
- Company: If you’re feeling especially self-conscious, it’s a good idea to bring a friend to the shoot. They can help you loosen up in front of the camera, give you direction, and just lighten up the mood when you need it.
- Champagne: If you’re into it, a glass of bubbly can help you open up more!
4. Choose A Book Style And Cover Options
Once the shoot is done, it’s time to figure out how you’re going to package your intimate photographs. There are several photo book styles you can choose from. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Softcover: This is the cheapest option, but also the least durable. It has the feel of an upscale magazine or an art catalog.
- Hardcover: Unlike the softcover style, this one does a better job at both protecting your photos and giving the book a more luxurious feel. Hardcover books can also be bound in leather for added protection and class.
- Lay-flat: Lay-flat is a special technique used in bookbinding that lets the pages lay completely flat without breaking. This is great for those who want to show off full-spread boudoir images without sacrificing any part of the image to the gutter.
- Flush-mount: Lay-flat and flush photo books are pretty similar, but it’s important not to confuse the two. At most print shops, the process of creating this type of book involves printing the image on a page of photo paper, then fusing it onto a rigid heavyweight board. This gives the book a more upscale feel, while also making it less susceptible to creasing and tearing.
Style aside, you’ll also have to pick your preferred cover material. Depending on where you get your book, made, you’ll likely be given the following options:
- Linen
- Leather and eco-leather covers
- Coated cloth
- Silk
- Printed images with a gloss or matte laminate
- Buckram
5. Choose A Paper Type
It may seem inconsequential, but choosing the right paper can mean the difference between a classy, well-considered gift and something that looks like it was printed at your local Walmart.
For albums, these are the usual choices when it comes to the material of your paper:
- Silk: The most common type of paper used for albums. This photo has a subtle shin resembling silk, but not as much gloss as high-gloss images.
- Luster: Sometimes called semi-gloss or pearl, luster paper is not as glossy as high gloss (and thus produces less glare) but is not as flat as matte. It has more sheen than silk, with a pearl-like texture that makes pictures feel soft and smooth.
- High Gloss: Because it’s highly coated, this paper type is more durable and less susceptible to scratches. However, it produces a lot of glare, can appear tacky at times, and smudges a lot.
Matte: This is as flat and gloss-free as you can get. While this type is great for displaying portraits, it doesn’t scream classy or luxurious like silk or luster.
6. Create Your Book
Now, once you’ve gotten the book materials sorted out, your next step would be to choose your favorite boudoir photos and start creating your book.
Remember that not all photographers offer layout services, so you may have to outsource this aspect of the design process. If you’re confident in your editing and layout skills, you can also download book-making software and DIY! There are also tons of free boudoir book templates online to help you with stuff like page layouts. You can usually find these on sites like Pinterest! That way, you take the reins and choose exactly what kinds of photos will end up in the book.
Just make sure not to add too much clutter to your images, and include an even mix of vertical or portrait images, horizontal or landscape images, and panoramic spreads. If you’re not happy with your draft, don’t just resort to piling on more images or more pages. Instead, be deliberate with your choices and make sure you have enough variety in shot types and layouts. Plus, be sure to only include your favorite images – and those that you’re 100% comfortable with.
Finally, don’t forget to reserve one page so you can write a dedication to the book’s recipient. It’s best to create a message page somewhere in the first few pages of the book.
Ready To Make Your Own Photo Book?
Whether you want to surprise your lover with an impressive gift or you just want to feel your oats, creating a boudoir album is worth the time and effort.
Do you have old images that you want to revive and compile into a vintage boudoir book? At Image Restoration, our expert team of photo restorers can breathe new life into old images.
We’re Not Like ‘Other’ Photo Restoration Services.
Take into account that, unlike other photo restoration services, we don’t just fix the obvious problems and throw a filter over everything – we comb through your images pixel-by-pixel to repair damage & create a perfect restoration of your prints!
