Lessons from My First Boudoir Photoshoot: Confidence, Communication & Capturing Beauty

Prior to starting off this blog: These images are NSFW.

Let’s talk about boudoir photography. It’s been a minute since I’ve had a shoot centered around boudoir, and that’s partly because I’ve been focusing on other business ventures. But every time I return to it, I’m reminded why I fell in love with it in the first place. So today, I want to take you on a little trip down memory lane—back to one of the very first boudoir shoots I ever did.

I remember being nervous. As a photographer, especially starting out in boudoir, you carry the weight of wanting to capture vulnerability, confidence, and sensuality in a way that feels empowering—not performative. I wanted to move away from the “male gaze” and instead showcase beauty the way women see and feel it. I’ll be honest—I didn’t get it perfectly right the first time. But it taught me a few valuable lessons I still carry with me today.

Lesson #1: Always have a posing plan.

Whether it’s written down or just in your head, having a list of poses ready helps keep the session flowing. Your client is in a vulnerable state—often partially clothed—and it’s your job to guide them in a way that builds trust and comfort. A confident photographer creates a calm atmosphere, and a consistent posing flow can break the initial tension while helping your subject feel empowered.

Lesson #2: Confirm posing boundaries in advance.

Boudoir means different things to different people. Some clients prefer modesty, while others are open to more daring shots. That’s why pre-session communication is key. I always take time to learn what my client is comfortable with, then tailor poses to match their body type and personality. And here’s something I tell every single client: boudoir is not about having a “perfect body.” It’s about celebrating your body. All you need is confidence and a little courage—I’ll take care of the rest.

Lesson #3: Never post without permission.

As photographers, showcasing our work helps attract new clients—but with boudoir photography, sensitivity is everything. Always discuss beforehand whether your client is comfortable with their images being shared online. Create a clear agreement, and only post what they’ve approved. This builds trust and shows professionalism—two things that matter more than likes.

So those are my top three takeaways from that first unforgettable boudoir shoot. Click here if you're thinking about booking your own session and you're in the New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania area, I’d love to help you create something powerful and personal. Feel free to reach out to RB Studios Photography—and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and YouTube for behind-the-scenes looks, tips, and more.

Thanks for reading—and remember, confidence looks good on everyone.