Boudoir Posing Guide: Top 5 Tips For Posing!
Worried About Posing in Your Boudoir Photo Shoot?
One of the most common concerns women have before their boudoir photo shoot is not knowing how to pose. The idea of looking sexy often feels unfamiliar, awkward, or even ridiculous. You're not alone in feeling this way. Most of the women we work with are not models. They’re normal people, just like you. That’s why every shoot is fully guided from start to finish.
Your photographer won’t expect you to know what to do. They'll direct you clearly throughout, from your feet pointed to the position of your upper body. Below are some tips from our studio photographers to help you prepare mentally and physically. These aren't just about how to look good, but how to feel comfortable and confident during the session.
1. If you're feeling a bit silly, then you're doing it right
A boudoir photo shoot is not something most people do every day, so it’s normal to feel a bit silly at first. Whether you're lying on a chaise lounge or arching your back slightly, many of the poses for boudoir photography will feel strange. That’s not a bad thing.
Some of the best shots come from poses that feel unnatural in the moment. Let yourself laugh. Our studio is full of laughter because we encourage women to embrace that awkwardness. Most of our clients say they’re not photogenic. After their shoot, they see themselves in a completely new way.
2. Don’t Overthink It
Actions like running your hands through your hair or shifting your weight are things you already do naturally. But the studio setting can make you second-guess yourself. That’s where people tend to freeze or start to feel robotic.
The key is not to overanalyse. Trust your instincts and move the way you normally would. That relaxed energy translates better than stiff posing. You don't need to perform — just be yourself. This is the foundation of a good boudoir experience.
3. Try 'The Pop' and Simple Shape Techniques
'The Pop' is a studio favourite for a reason. It’s a pose that involves pushing your chest out, bum out, and creating a soft arch in your lower back. It’s a quick way to flatter your body and add presence.
Another trick is to stand with one leg bent while the other remains straight, shifting your weight onto one side. This helps define the hip-to-waist ratio and adds curve and flow to your shape. Try it in front of a mirror and you’ll see the difference straight away.
You’ll also be guided on hand placement, feet pointed, and using your upper body to express emotion or softness. These small tweaks can make any position an easy pose once you’ve practised them a few times.
4. Keep It Real — No Fake Smiles
We’re not interested in your forced grin. We want your genuine smile, the one that shows you’re actually enjoying yourself. That’s why many of our photos feature clients with relaxed faces, mouths slightly open as if breathing through them.
This isn’t just aesthetic. A soft face gives your boudoir shot an effortless and intimate feel. If you’re not feeling it, take a breath, move, and reset. A wide angle lens can capture more than just your face, so let your body language do some of the work too.
5. Sexy is a State of Mind
Feeling silly often masks a deeper thought — that you don’t think you can look sexy. That you're not someone who does sexy. These thoughts are lies. You don’t have to become a different person to do a boudoir photo shoot. You just have to allow yourself to feel good in your own skin.
The biggest transformation we see isn’t physical. It’s how clients view themselves when they leave. Confidence builds throughout the session. You’ll start to see yourself differently — and that’s what makes for a good boudoir image.
Let go of the doubt. Know that you're allowed to feel confident, allowed to feel sexy, and that no one in the room is judging you. Once you embrace that, the posing follows naturally. That’s what makes the experience work — and that’s what stays with you after the shoot ends.
Ready to Try?
Remember, posing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding what feels right in your body, and trusting the process. This poses guide is just a starting point. You’ll be fully supported in the studio — and you’ll likely surprise yourself with how quickly it all starts to feel fun.
If you’re considering a boudoir photo shoot, just know that you don’t need to be confident to begin. You just need to start. We'll help you with the rest.
We hope you found this blog useful, whether for preparing for your Boudoir session or just gaining some tips behind the camera! We always, always, always make sure our client feel amazing so honestly the key bit of advice is not to worry. Let us take care of you. We’ll be there every step of the way so you can just focus on having fun!
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