Nude Boudoir: What You Need to Know
“I want women to cultivate a life they love; a love for themselves, and a love for their life, that is so f*cking loud that disrespect feels foreign” - Florence Given.
There is something utterly liberating about the experience of Nude Boudoir. It’s the collision between doing something so outrageous it feels delicious - and the grounded, peaceful, almost spiritual, feeling of standing naked in front of a camera, and saying ‘this is me’.
You scrape back all the layers, take away all the masks, the labels of ‘Mum’, ‘wife’, ‘worker’, and what’s left is something more than all of that. What is left is YOU - and you get to bask in the warmth of that; to reclaim a body you may have been made to feel uncomfortable in; and to find power, and pride, in a beautiful, natural way.
It’s not just ‘nude photos’. It is the ultimate love letter to yourself. And, for so many Divas, the ultimate way to push yourself out of your comfort zone - and electrify your confidence, and your life, in doing so. Because if you can learn to find power in being YOU, to find THAT Diva confidence… that’s when you become unshakeable.
If you’re reading this, then get ready… You’re about to be introduced to the amazing world of the Art Nude.
Having made it totally clear HOW much we love Nude Boudoir, and Nude Photography, and how much we think EVERYBODY, should do it… it is worth saying that we do have tips and thoughts to consider when booking your experience. We’ve been doing this nearly 20 years now so it’s fair to say (we hope!) that we have picked up some good advice over the time…
1. The Discovery Calls are FUNDAMENTAL
The Discovery Calls are your space to connect with your most powerful, most care-free, joyful self before your Boudoir shoot; to reflect on the qualities that make you who you are and CELEBRATE that. They are also your time to work through any self-limiting beliefs and get to know the Divas team so that 1) you feel comfortable around us and 2) we know what is important to you about your experience with us.
They are essential in every experience with us, but especially in the case of Nude Boudoir Shoots. We know that it can be nerve-wracking and we want to make sure we are making you feel as comfortable as possible, and part of how we do that is by understanding who you are and what you need from us so we can create the most magical experience, Boudoir photos, and artwork.
Different people have different needs, and your discovery call is, alongside other things, your chance to communicate what you need from us.
2. You may want to come in for a Boudoir Experience, before booking a Nude Photoshoot
From our experience, what tends to happen is that Divas will come in for their first Boudoir session, connect with that confident side of themselves and THEN come in for a Nude experience. The benefit of doing this is that in the first experience people tend to be learning their way around things and working through nerves but, by the second experience they have the confidence to level up and - in this case - strip off!
You might find yourself more able to lean into your Nude Experience if you build up to it.
3. Do not worry about body hair!
It is totally up to you as whether you shave under your arms/legs/pubic area. It’s about what makes you feel good and what you feel comfortable in. We have seen loads of women, some shave and some don’t! There’s no look that is ‘better’ here. Just go for what feels natural to you. Our boudoir photographers are professionals and will make sure you always feel comfortable, so just lean into what feels best for you!
4. Tummies are there to be LOVED
Nearly every single Diva we meet tells us that they are conscious of their stomach. It’s a whole other blog in itself as to why we all should stop hating our tummies BUT the reason I bring it up here is because it is worth knowing your stomach may be more on show in a nude experience. THIS IS NOT A BAD THING.
Of course, we will still make you feel amazing. We will still make sure not to highlight any parts of yourself that make you feel uncomfortable and we will always be conscious of the insecurities you share with us. But remember, Boudoir is not about making you look younger or smaller, it is about celebrating yourself for who you are because that’s what brings true long-term confidence.
Big tummies, small tummies, C-section overhangs, stretch marks, scarring, spots… we’ve seen it all, and every tummy has been, and is, fabulous.
Let your nude experience be your chance to truly embrace yourself. This is the last place you want to feel like your hiding, just LET IT GO and let yourself feel sexy for being you.
Just think, wouldn’t it be nice to look in the mirror and not instantly judge yourself for just existing with a stomach?
5. Remember, this is what we do every day. We’re professionals.
I don’t say this to blow our own trumpet, I say this to let you know that we understand that, at the beginning, Nude Boudoir can feel a bit scary but, remember, you’re dealing with professionals and we’re experts at making sure you feel relaxed, at ease, and, dare we say it, confident!
I also say this to let you know you don’t need to worry about us seeing your body! You wouldn’t worry about the Dentist seeing your teeth. I know it’s different, but hopefully you get the point I’m making!
6. There are lots of different styles within Nude Art
Nude Boudoir is an umbrella term under which you’ll find lots of different styles. You can do something quite classic, and romantic, with fabric draped across the skin. Or you can turn up the heat and be wearing nothing but handcuffs. You can be artistic and abstract and create landscapes of the body…
It’s good to consider this before, and know that, just because you’re not wearing anything, it doesn’t mean you can’t inject loads of personality into a Nude Boudoir experience!
Through our discovery calls, we can help you mull over what style you’d like best.
7. Consider artwork BEFORE you come to the studio
I know it can be hard when you haven’t seen the photos, but go into the experience just assuming you will end up with photos that make you feel INCREDIBLE. (Trust us). Then make decisions on artwork based on that.
One thing I have to say in regards to Nude Boudoir artwork is that it makes totally jaw-droppingly stunning Wall Art. It’s no surprise given that great pieces of Art have been inspired by, or based on, the female form for centuries. It is such a special feeling to see a piece of Art of YOURSELF and know that it wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery.
Also, worth knowing is that we can always make your artwork anonymous so that you’re free to put something on the wall, and enjoy the confidence that brings, without everyone who comes into your house knowing it’s you! Obviously we think everyone should display their Nude art with pride, but we understand you may want control over who knows it is you, so we’re more than happy to design with that in mind.
Remember, we also have our Treasure Boxes and albums too!
8. It’s okay if you’re on your period.
We work with hundreds of women a year, and we’re a Boudoir studio - of course women come in during their period! Most of us in the team are women ourselves too, we get it. We have pads and tampons in the bathrooms, and, the big thing to say here is this, it will NOT make a difference to your photoshoot. Bloating always feels a lot worse than it ever looks!
Obviously with it being a Nude Shoot you may worry about bleeding but most women find it’s not an issue, or you can wear a tampon. And at the end of the day, if you bleed, you bleed. We’ve seen it all before!
9. Little details can make a difference.
Just because you’re nude, doesn’t mean you can’t paint your nails or wear jewellery, or bring in anything else that pops into your mind! If you want to make things a bit spicy, we have handcuffs and riding crops… Or, if you want to find your inner showgirl, we have feathers and fans!
You can take a look at our full inventory of props here.
10. GO FOR IT! 🔥
We want you to walk away feeling like you gave it your all, feeling proud for not holding back, and knowing you expressed yourself, your ideas, and let yourself find growth outside of your comfort zone.
So let yourself go for it! We love hearing your ideas and we LOVE watch people step into their Diva era so don’t be afraid to bring your real self. In fact, please do!
We know the idea of Nude Boudoir is scary, but the reality of it is so much more relaxing than you may think. You may find it unbelievable to imagine but 99% of our Divas say how normal it felt to be nude within a few minutes of the photoshoot! So do not let nerves, or fears, stop you from going for it.
A nude photoshoot is such a fabulous declaration to yourself that you will no longer play small, and instead step into being the YOU who loves her body, feels energised by her life, and finds joy from being who you are.
As always, we’d love to discuss this all with you in greater detail so to find out more, just whatsapp 01225 483151 or email jo@divinedivas.co.uk
If you liked reading this blog you may want to read these below!
Nude Boudoir: An Interview with The Photographer
My Nude Experience Was Raw and Healing