We interrupt your regular programming to bring you this public service announcement!

About 2 weeks ago I did a couple of boudoir shoots. It was my first time attempting a shoot like this and it certainly provided a fantastic new challenge. I love trying my hand at a new kind of photography, especially anything to do with photographing people. I’ll admit that I’m not a natural at the landscape stuff, but I’ve vowed to work on that… its harder than it looks, OK!

Firstly, for those uninitiated, a boudoir shoot is classy, tastefully done, sensual and sexy shoot. Maybe a little naughty, but certainly never tacky or cheap. It’s not about nudity or even exhibitionism and if the images look even the least bit lewd, smutty or crude…well… you’re doing it wrong! As a style of photography it’s been around for a while actually, but has recently started picking up some serious momentum and seems to be all the rage right now. Having spoken to quite a few ladies about this over the past few weeks — call it market research — I can tell you that it’s all about feeling good about yourself. Feeling pretty and looking the best you can… It’s also about a bit of a thrill and maybe getting out of your comfort zone. So I have come to the conclusion that for women it’s a bit like a mix between shoe shopping and bungee jumping! POWER TO THE PEOPLE, I say!

As a photographer the challenges are as numerous as they are fascinating. Lighting and posing are 2 technical aspects that you have to pay particular attention to — and no doubt the 2 things that you have to nail if you don’t want your images to look like something inspired by late night e-TV viewing. But equally challenging and just as important is the interaction with your subject/model. The soft skills, you might call them. It’s a facet of photographing people that I’m particularly intrigued by and that interaction is one of the things I really love about the job… possibly also the reason I don’t feel comfortable in front of a naked landscape. Can’t communicate with them, so they make me feel a little awkward! hehe

For any ladies out there who are interested in something like this, these shoots are tailored to your very own needs and your personal preferences. They can be as tame or as “out there” as you want them to be, but rest assured that nothing is ever published, shown to anyone or put on any website without your say-so. There is certainly a bit of a thrill factor and probably some nerves up front, but by the end you will be laughing, relaxed and having a ball… it’s also quite a workout, believe it or not — like an extended yoga session!