The Art of

Boudoir Photography
How to Create Stunning Photographs of Women

Christa Meola
The Art of Boudoir Photography:
How to Create Stunning Photographs of Women
Christa Meola

New Riders
www.newriders.com

To report errors, please send a note to errata@peachpit.com

New Riders is an imprint of Peachpit, a division of Pearson Education.

Copyright © 2013 by Christa Meola

Acquisitions Editor: Ted Waitt

Project Editor: Susan Rimerman
Production Editor: Lisa Brazieal
Development/Copy Editor: Peggy Nauts
Proofreader: Liz Welch
Indexer: Karin Arrigoni
Composition: Kim Scott, Bumpy Design
cover and interior Design: Mimi Heft
Cover Photographs: Christa Meola

Notice of Rights
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. For
information on getting permission for reprints and excerpts, contact permissions@peachpit.com.
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taken in the preparation of the book, neither the author nor Peachpit shall have any liability to any person or entity
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in this book or by the computer software and hardware products described in it.
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Where those designations appear in this book, and Peachpit was aware of a trademark claim, the designations appear
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ISBN-10: 0-321-86270-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-321-86270-9

987654321

Printed and bound in the United States of America

 For every woman,
with the courage to be vulnerable:
You inspire me.

For all artists,

who expose and celebrate beauty:
You strengthen me.

And for our lovers,

who adore and appreciate us:
You free us to be real.

Here’s to feeling great naked!

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Acknowledgments
I am fortunate enough to be blessed with so many honest insight into a pro model’s intentions and
people to be thankful for, who love me, who sup- desires. Tons more gratitude for your above-and-
port the work I do, who make my life and job easier, beyond ability to shine in front of my camera. You
whom I’m better off for having known, who directly make me look good.
or indirectly contributed significantly to this book. Brilliant photographers and generous friends
Words cannot express the measure of my gratitude Robert and Katherine of Johnson Sarkissian, who
for the following people in my life, and I can’t pos- made Chapter 6, “Creating Light that Flatters,” pos-
sibly cover everyone here who helped birth this sible with their enthusiastic assistance with the
book baby. equipment and behind-the-scenes work. I thank you,
To the Peachpit family: Ted Waitt, for being the and my back thanks you.
book’s big daddy and early supporter. I decided to The best makeup artist I know and close friend
say yes to this book-writing journey because of you. Rachel Lund Olsen, you are as beautiful on the
Um, thank you? inside as you are on the outside. Thank you for
Editor extraordinaire Susan Rimerman, whose making the world a prettier place and for offering
helpful insight was so key in shaping this book’s your makeup tips to Chapter 4, “Telling a Story with
content. I am so grateful for your guidance, determi- Styling.”
nation, and patience. Phenomenal designer and great friend Natasha
Marketing mastermind Scott Cowlin, whose Lakos, you keep my brand looking good, and the
enthusiasm for photography and this book made me diagrams in this book are no exception. Thank you
giddy. Thank you for the continuing support, Scott. for giving so generously of yourself and your talent.
Copy editor Peggy Nauts, who’s as quick with Supercool stylist Grasie Mercedes. Thanks for
words as she is adept at using them, and proofreader lending your valuable advice to women on how to
Liz Welch. Thank you for making me sound polished. dress for their shape. I appreciate your efforts in
Production editor Lisa Brazieal, who kept the helping us all look stunning as we are.
book on track and whose smile I could feel in every Treasured friend and encyclopedia of equipment
email. Thank you, Lisa! information John Cornicello. Thank you for sharing
Designer Mimi Heft, thank you for putting such your insight during the book’s early stages. I value
lovely attention to detail into the book design, letting your friendship and kindness as much as your stellar
me fuss about more negative space, and for sexing up advice.
a photography manual. Those who make my work better and life
Thanks to Keely Hild, whose perception and PR brighter: My sponsors and partners, whose generos-
efforts really reflected the core message of my goals ity and service have not only improved my work, life,
for this book. and business, but also my community. Tons of grati-
And the book’s other contributors: supermodel, tude to Paul Friedman and the Lensprotogo team,
muse, and my dear friend Larva. Thanks for your Doug Boutwell and his Totally Rad Actions, Leon

v
 Sandoval and the team of retouchers at Colorati, and Love of my life and partner in crime Costaki
Nate Grahek, founder of Sticky Albums. Economopoulos. The best teammate a woman could
The best studio manager a photographer could ask for. It would make us both blush if I were to
hope for, Phil Ackley, keeps the Christa Meola truly express here how deeply grateful I am for your
Pictures ship sailing smoothly and keeps our team presence in my life and why. Your ever-present sup-
organized and our clients happy. You have been port and acts of kindness, understanding, and love
invaluable to the creation of this book. Thank you a throughout this book-writing process gave me the
thousand times over. power to get it done. From holding a reflector and
The 20 beautiful and brainy women of Marie shooting behind-the-scenes photos to your brilliant
Forleo’s mastermind group, as well as Marie, the best words of advice and ongoing support, no job was
support team on the planet. I’m grateful to be a part too big or small. You’re such an incredible man, my
of such an incredibly positive, brilliant, and lov- inspiration and MVP. Thank you for making me feel
ing group. Your support and counsel is always wise, beautiful and feminine and for celebrating my sensu-
warm, and hilarious. Thanks to Kristen, Michelle, ality while I work hard to celebrate others’.
Merick, Dawn, Sarah, Holli, Danielle, Brianna, Jen Lastly, I give heartfelt thanks to every woman
Len, Elsner, Jenny, Kendrick, Jenna, Nathalie, Nisha, showcased in this book, who had the strength and
Margarita, Jill, Gry, Rachel, Laura, and Louise. courage to be vulnerable and share herself intimately
My blog readers and online workshop students: with me. Thank you for bringing your body and
Thank you for your enthusiasm and curiosity and for spirit in front of my camera and for granting me
allowing me the honor of supporting you, challeng- permission to print the resulting photographs in
ing you, and celebrating your successes with you. I’m this book.
honored to share our passion for photography, and
I deeply appreciate your support, kind words, and
enthusiasm while joining me on this book-writing
journey.
My family: my dad for giving me my first pro
camera as a kid, my first drawing desk and pencils,
and my everlasting love of art. My mom for always
cheering me on, believing in me, and cooking my
favorite soup when things get tough. My older
brother, Chris, for engaging with me in spirited
debate about art and life and for suggesting that I
“do something” with my photography. My younger
brother, Christian, for helping get my business
started by doing my first website.

50mm lens, ISO 400, f/2, 160 sec.

vii
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About the Author
Christa Meola is an internationally recognized photographer who travels the
world for portraits, speaking engagements, and teaching.
She believes that honoring our bodies, emotions, choices, and impulses
through p­ hotography—whether in front of or behind the camera—is empower-
ing and profoundly sexy.
A self-declared sensualist, she has been infatuated with visual story­telling
since childhood. She has enjoyed life behind the camera since the age of six,
when playtime included dressing up with friends and taking pictures.
Christa is on a mission
to empower women to adore their bodies. She
offers
private one-on-one shoots in New York City and destinations around
the world. She has a penchant for capturing sensual escapades, black and white
bodyscapes, and adoration in motion.
Christa has taught thousands of photographers the secrets of her success- Photo by Carla Coulson
ful boudoir business. She is the founder of the Boudoir Workshops, a six-week
online course she designed for new and experienced photographers to ignite
their creativity, sharpen their shooting skills, and create a successful business.
She is also the creator of The Money Shots, a posing and coaching guide of the
best-selling shots.
Learn more about Christa on her popular blog at cristameola.com.

 ix
 Contents
acknowledgments    v
about the author    ix
Introduction    xviii

Part I    before the shoot

R

chapter 1
Working with Women  R 5 Addressing Nerves, Fears,
Models, Muses, and Real Women   6 and Doubts  R 18
Professional Models  R 7 Planning the Creative Direction  R 22
Muses: Artists’ Figure Models and Dancers  R 11 Probe a Little Further  R 22
Real Women (Nonmodels) and the Girl Next
Important Policies to Discuss  R 24
Door  R 12
Model Release Forms  R 24
Creating a Transformative
Copyright  R 25
Experience  R 15
Nudity  R 25
Take Her on a Journey  R 15
Alcohol  R 25
Make It an Event  R 17
Other Policies  R 25

x T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

chapter 2
Creating Sensual
Movement  R 31
Sensuality and How to
Cultivate Sex Appeal  R 33
Be Confident  R 34
Have Fun  R 34
Practice, Practice, Practice   R 35
Know the Innate Power of Attraction  R 35
Focus on Feeling  R 35
Take Your Time   R 35
Flirt!  R 37
Know the Tricks of the Trade  R 37
Coaching Actions to Create Natural
Movement  R 38
Keys to Coaching Actions  R 40
Top 10 Actions for Stunning Results  R 42
Creating Authentic Emotion  R 45
Emotion Is in Her Expression  R 45
Shoot the In-Between Moments  R 46

C on t en t s xi
 chapter 3 chapter 4
Posing to Make Telling a Story
Your Subject Shine  R 51 with Styling  R 75
The Principles of Sensual Posing   R 52 Working with Professional Stylists  R 78
Great Posture  R 52 The Advantages of Hiring a Pro  R 78
Extreme Posture  R 53 Tips for Working with Pros  R 78
Eyes and Eye lines   54
R
Where to Find Pro Stylists  R 79
Hands    54
R
Wardrobe Guidelines  R 79
Contrapposto and the S-Curve  R 55
Wardrobe Must-haves  R 82
Closer Is Bigger, Farther Is Smaller  R 58
Having Fun with Props  R 91
8 Biggest Posing Mistakes and How to
Avoid Them  R 59 Getting Glam: Makeup and Hair  R 94
Makeup for Camera  R 94
The Five Boudoir Poses You Need to
Know and Master  R 63 Flattering the Face  R 96

Why These Five Poses?  R 63 A Gorgeously Styled Do  R 97

How to Use These Poses  R 64

Before and After: Alison    100 R

My Posing System: Putting It All

Together  R 72

xii T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

part II    on the set
R

chapter 5
A Minimalist’s Approach to
Equipment  R 107
Gear That’s Right for You   R 108
A Comparison of Lenses  R 111
Utility  R 111
Aesthetics   R 111
Lenses for Boudoir  R 113
24–70mm f/2.8  R 113
50mm f/1.2  R 115
85mm f/1.2  R 115
How I Use These Lenses on a Shoot  R 118
Other Lenses  R 121
Must-Have Accessories   R 121
Black Muslin Backdrop  R 121
Gray Seamless Background Paper  R 123
Black Gaffer’s Tape  R 125
A-Clamps  R 125

C on t en t s xiii
 chapter 6
Creating Light That
Flatters   R 127
Gear: Less Is More  R 128
Taking Advantage of Natural Light  R 130
Shooting in the Studio   R 132
Controlled, Dependable Light  R 132
Eight Ways to Flatter Women
Using One Light  R 135
Mix It Up and Make It Your Own  R 136
What’s the Story You Want to Tell?  R 137
No. 1: Gorgeous Backlighting  R 138
No. 2: Sultry Low-Contrast Lighting  R 140
No. 3: Simple, Slimming Short Lighting  R 143
No. 4: Full-Length Flattering Lighting  R 144
No. 5: Sidelighting to Dramatically Enhance
or Reduce Curves  R 146
No. 6: Sexy Noir Lighting  R 148
No. 7: Universally Flattering Clamshell Lighting  R 149
No. 8: Seductive and Flattering Feathering  R 151

xiv T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

chapter 7 Use Limitations to Ignite Your Creativity  R 162
Capturing Beautiful Remain Open  R 163
Stay Inspired  R 163
Photographs  R 153
Communicating Your Vision
Shooting Techniques to
with a Camera  R 165
Bring Out the Best in Women  R 154
Intentional Framing   R 165
Begin without Fanfare  R 154
Align the Elements  R 167
Start with Easy Setups  R 154
Composition  R 168
Be Professional, Confident, and Take Control  R 155
Depth of Field  R 170
Provide Constant Positive Feedback  R 157
Shutter Speed  R 170
Everything Works Great  R 158
Shoot This for That  R 158 Capturing Variety  R 172
Give Her a Peek  R 158 Creating a Narrative  R 175
Cultivating Your Vision Make It Meaningful  R 175
and Refining Your Voice  R 159 Think Cinema: Master, Details, and Close-Ups  R 175
What Is a Photographer’s Vision?   159
R Have a Beginning, Middle, and End  R 175
Be True to Yourself  R 161 Putting It All Together  R 175
Know the Why   R 161
Before and After: cynthia    180 R

C on t en t s xv
 part III    after the shoot
R

chapter 8
Finishing with
a Light Touch in
Post-Production  R 187
The Art of Editing   R 188 Retouching Philosophy  R 198
What Do You Value?  R 188 To Retouch or Not to Retouch?  R 199
Choose the Cream of the Crop  R 188 Consider Your Art a Collaborative Effort  R 202
Realistic Expectations  R 190 Techniques in Adobe Photoshop  R 203
Workflow in Adobe Lightroom  R 190 The Top Photoshop Tools  R 203
Strategies for Choosing Your Best Photos   190
R
The Final Presentation  R 213
Making Adjustments to Light and Color  R 192
From Lightroom to Photoshop  R 198 Before and After: mrs. c    214 R

xvi T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

part IV   one R

boudoir session

chapter 9
Behind the Scenes
with One Subject  R 221
Before the Shoot  R 222
Creating the Experience  R 222
Planning the Creative Direction  R 225
During the Shoot  R 225
Styling  R 225
Photography Gear  R 230
Lighting  R 230
Lenses and Camera Settings  R 233
Sensual Movement and Posing   R 235
Bringing Out Karen’s Best  R 237
After the Shoot  R 239
Choosing Final Selects  R 239
Finishing with Post-Production  R 240
Karen’s Reaction  R 242

index   244

C on t en t s xvii
 Introduction
Hey you. If you’re reading this book, you’re ready. You know what I’m talking about.
You’ve been considering either having a boudoir photo shoot or photographing one.
Either way, you’re in the right place.
I’ve been photographing women for years. I received my first Canon film cam-
era as a Christmas gift when I was a little kid. My friends and I would play dress-up
and I’d take pictures. Considering my current career specializing in photographing
women, those memories make me giggle, and those early photographs make me laugh
even harder.
In Chapter 1, “Working with Women,” I share with you the process I use for dis-
covering how my subject feels about her body and sensuality. Hundreds of shoots have
taught me a few things for certain about how women think and feel about their bodies.
I’ve been moved to tears, audible awws, and cheers by their stories. I’ve been
inspired and moved by each one of them. The women who are interested in being
photographed are not just professional models, but also the everyday girls next door,
the housewives, soccer moms, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Many of them have
feelings of inadequacy, grief, and even sorrow regarding their body and their sensuality.
But the overriding emotion I get from each woman I shoot is that she is ready. So
ready. To make a life change, to celebrate her sexiness and being a woman—alive and
joyful and happy with herself and her body. To get in touch with her core desires and
bring back intimacy with herself or her partner where it’s been missing, and to move on
in a big badass way!
Most women will put their full heart and soul into this endeavor, and so should
each photographer who’s fortunate enough to have a beautiful woman in front of her
camera—a woman who may just need a little coaxing and direction along with a few
tips and tricks to uncover and capture the genuine, unique, sensual woman inside.
That’s where you, the photographers, step in.
Boudoir photography is a fulfilling activity whether it’s a rewarding hobby or lucra-
tive career. There isn’t anything really complicated about what I do or how I do it, and
you can do it, too.
My mission as a teacher is to create a brigade of boudoir photographers whose
primary goal is to help make women look and feel confident, beautiful, and downright
sexy! That’s why I created the Online Boudoir Workshop, and it’s why I continue to
teach. I want each woman to have the feeling of being seen, felt, appreciated, and glori-
fied. As well as feeling like a sexpot who can strut into a room and turn heads.

xviii T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r a p h y: H o w to C r eate Stun n i n g P h otogr aph s of Women

 It’s my goal for you to be able to photograph women more beautifully and easily. To
have confidence in your skills, joy in your work, and creativity on all your shoots.
Recently, I put up a post on my blog that invited women to write to me for an
opportunity to have a boudoir photo shoot with me and share their story in this book.
I wanted to show the transformative power of boudoir photography. You’ll see four
women’s stories highlighting their experience and how the shoot has transformed their
lives. I’m grateful to each of them, as well as all the women who reached out to share
their stories, for allowing me into their lives and exposing their bodies, heart, and soul.
Writing a book about boudoir photography has reminded me why I do what I do,
and how much I love it.

With lots of love and gratitude,

Christa

In t rod uct i on xix

This page intentionally left blank
50mm lens, ISO 200,
f/2, 500 sec.
2
S
Creating Sensual
Movement

ensual movement is the distinct factor that

takes a boudoir moment from good to
great. Before we get to equipment, lighting,
and shooting, it’s vital to take a step back and
discuss how to create authentic moments with
in front of the camera and communicat-
ing sex appeal may be her biggest struggle
(­Figure 2.1). So let’s take a few pages to
discuss the art of sensuality and sex appeal
for any woman who wants to look and be
sensual movement. To me, this is the most stunning.
important aspect of boudoir photography. The following section can serve as a great
You can learn simple lighting easily, but for primer for all women on how to feel comfort-
many photographers, creating gorgeous move- able with their bodies and cultivate sex appeal,
ments that have sensuality, emotion, mood, whether at a photo shoot or in daily life. For
feeling, and authenticity remains elusive. photographers, make sure to share this sec-
Gestures such as the ones in this figure are tion with the woman who plans on stepping
all that’s needed to create movement, which in front of your camera, and feel free to pass it
gives photographs emotion and life. along to all the women in your life. We could
Likewise, for the real woman who is inter- all stand to benefit from feeling great about
ested in doing a photo shoot, choosing her our bodies.
wardrobe may be easy, but moving naturally

31
 Figure 2.1   Shot in Los
Angeles with a 40-year-old
nonmodel mother of two. I
directed the fan toward her
and coached her to “close your
eyes, run your hands along
your body, and make your-
self feel good”—a simple yet
powerful step toward creating
sensuality.
50mm lens, ISO 250, f/2.5,
250 sec.

32 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

Figure 2.2   Shot in downtown Los Angeles with a 30-something self-described shy girl. She told me
things about herself that I hear often before a shoot: very nervous about the shoot, doesn’t even get
naked with the lights on, has no idea how to ”be sexy.”
28–135mm lens, ISO 1600, f/3.5, 80 sec.

Sensuality and How to

Cultivate Sex Appeal
Sensuality is in a woman’s attitude. She may be a beauty on the surface, but no amount
of visual perfection can create sensuality and sex appeal. Whether you are a photogra-
pher striving to create stunning photographs of women or you are a woman who wants
to look and be stunning, the foundation is a woman enjoying herself and her body
(Figure 2.2).
That begins with focusing on the unique body parts each woman loves and address-
ing her fears and doubts, which earns trust, as we’ve discussed in Chapter 1. For the
image in Figure 2.2, I gave the subject the same tips I’m giving you here, and made sure
our focus was on having fun.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 33

 projecting Confidence
I know being confident is easier said than done. As you A useful tip that has always worked for me is, if you don’t
move through the rest of these tips and techniques, being feel 100 percent confident, then fake it. Merely pretending
confident becomes easier. It’s a useful and effective habit to to be confident will often be just what you need to manifest
develop in all areas of life, whether you’re the photographer the real deal. Faking confidence begins with relaxed breath-
or the one being photographed. In truth, no one feels 100 ing, set shoulders, and a smile.
percent confident, ever. We all have insecurities and fears.

Now let’s take the next steps in cultivating sex

appeal. In the process, respect your subject’s individ-
ual comfort level and taste (and your own). Remem-
ber that each person is different.
Here are some of my favorite tips for the women
I photograph. It’s best to talk about them well in
advance of the shoot so your subject has time to try
some of them out.

Be Confident
Step one in creating allure is to brim with confidence.
In fact, confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can
wear (Figure 2.3). Confidence in how you move,
how you look, how you feel, and what you do. If you
feel like a fool, you’ll look like one. Remember to
stay focused on your positive attributes and know
that you can pull off nearly anything if you do it with
self-assurance.

Have Fun
Men (and women) are attracted to women who are
genuinely enjoying themselves; that quality mat-
ters more than any individual physical attribute.
Although this seems simple, it’s often neglected.
Figure 2.3   Shot in Seattle with a gal who loves her curves.
Have fun! Enjoy being a woman. Enjoy being She’s absolutely brimming with confidence, so we’re drawn to
admired. Be playful. Have fun while strutting around. her expression and she looks stunning!
24–70mm lens, ISO 100 , f/2.8, 200 sec.

34 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

Especially during a photo shoot, it’s important to remember to not take ourselves too
seriously. After all, we’re posing in our underwear. Make sure any doubts or concerns
take a backseat to having a good time.
Once again, sometimes a shortcut to having fun is simply smiling. This wom-
an’s inner beauty radiates through her brilliant smile and the sparkle in her eyes
(­Figure 2.4). Yes, she has certain body parts that she feels aren’t completely gorgeous
due to childbearing, but you can feel here that she’s playful and enjoys being a woman,
and we’re both focused on what she loves.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Comfort with your body takes practice. Get very familiar with your body, paying par-
ticular attention to the parts you love. Practice being naked. Walk around your home
naked. Try posing in the mirror naked. Appreciate and admire your body from all
angles. Make sure you focus on the good stuff, and be grateful for the gift of your body.

Know the Innate Power of Attraction

Men and women have enjoyed looking at women since the dawn of time, certainly
well before Photoshop. Stretch marks, cellulite, or some extra pounds are not going to
change that. A woman’s attitude is the most important aspect of feeling and looking
truly beautiful and appealing, not physical beauty. Trust that your viewer loves it all.
Know that any boldness, playfulness, and enjoyment of your body will be appreciated
and enjoyed.

Focus on Feeling
When a woman feels sexy, she looks sexy. When cultivating sex appeal, make sure to
focus on pleasure and feeling good. How you move and how you flirt, dress, undress, Tip: Taking Off
and touch yourself—even how you breathe—should be guided by what feels good to Clothes
you. Sometimes putting on your favorite music or closing your eyes for a moment can Tease! Do it slowly, and take
your time in between each
help you focus on feeling good.
piece. Hint at removing the
item before removing it.
Take Your Time Enjoy yourself! Teasing out
your movements is not only
I was photographing a world-famous burlesque dancer in Los Angeles, and when I more sensual, but also gives
asked her to perform a few dance movements faster for me, she refused. Slower is sexier, the photographer more time
to catch a movement she
she said. She’s right. Sensuality has a slow tempo. Take your own sweet time with your
loves.
movements and gestures. Walk slowly and deliberately. Move your hands along your
body languidly.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 35

Flirt!
Move like you can barely contain your desire. Be playful and allow a bit of shyness to Figure 2.4   Shot in New
come out now and again. Look at your viewer or the camera with a teasing glint in your Orleans with a 20-something
nonmodel mother of two. My
eye. Let your inner good girl and naughty girl come out to play (Figure 2.5). direction was to cross her
arms in her lap to create a bit
of appealing cleavage, and
Know the Tricks of the Trade when I playfully coached her to
squeeze her arms in tighter for
Finally, cultivating sex appeal is not about a crash diet or Photoshop. It’s about working
even more cleavage, she let out
what you’ve got and knowing a few tricks of the trade to enhance what’s already there. a laugh (opposite).
We’ll cover these tips and tricks on how to find flattering wardrobe, poses, and lighting 85mm lens, ISO 400, f/2,
in upcoming sections that enhance a woman’s sex appeal even further. 250 sec.

Figure 2.5   Shot in New Orleans with a 30-something nonmodel and friend of mine, who truly
enjoys the art of flirtation. My direction to her was simply to let her naughty girl out to play a bit and
flirt with the camera.
50mm lens, ISO 800, f/2, 160 sec.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 37

 Coaching
Actions to
Create Natural
Movement
“Motion creates emotion,” according to Tony
­Robbins. I agree. I’m a big believer in the notion
that how you move is how you feel. I would like to
borrow that idea and apply it to photography. Move-
ment goes a long way in communicating authentic
emotion. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy coach-
ing actions: big or small movements and tasks that
I direct my subject to perform during the shoot
(­Figures 2.6).
With real women who have never profession-
ally modeled before, offering an action to perform
instead of asking for a pose makes it easier for them
to be real and look natural. A nonmodel’s biggest
challenge is most often her self-consciousness and
the fact that she doesn’t know go-to poses that both
flatter and look natural. In fact, many photographers
also struggle with the fear of not knowing how to
pose a subject. You can overcome all of these hesita-
tions by simply giving your subject easy actionable
directions, such as “toss your hair,” “shake your
booty,” or “twirl” (Figure 2.7). The results look more
emotive and authentic than when your subject is just
standing there wondering what to do or striking a
static pose where she seems disconnected from her-
self and the moment. For this image, the direction I
Figure 2.6  The action I coached here was, “Close your gave her was to simply run across camera from point
eyes and slowly pull down your strap, enjoying every A to point B several times until I nailed the shot that
moment of it.”
created mood, mystery, and movement.
50mm lens, ISO 400 , f/2.0 , 160 sec. There are further benefits to coaching actions
as well, which all go a long way in bringing out the
best in any woman who steps in front of your camera.

38 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

Figure 2.7  The lovely swirl of her red dress helps
illustrate movement.
24–70mm lens, ISO 100, f/2.8 , 100 sec.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 39

 First, you disable any self-consciousness by transferring her focus to performing the
action instead of trying to look good. Second, you create natural movement to capture
instead of a lifeless pose. Third, you begin to exhaust her nervous tension by keeping
her in motion and repeating the action. This gets her blood flowing and revives her
expressions when her energy has waned.
The following are four essential techniques to maximize the effectiveness of coach-
ing actions:

Keys to Coaching Actions

1. Demonstrate the move
If your subject is unsure of how to perform the action you’re coaching, always pro-
vide her with a quick demonstration. While you’re shooting, without putting your
camera aside, briefly demonstrate the action you’re asking her to do. By seeing you
perform it first, she’ll feel less silly doing it herself and will be more likely to commit
100 percent to it.
2. Repeat as needed
When you ask your subject to repeat an action over and over again, it gives you
multiple opportunities to capture something gorgeous (Figure 2.8). The action I
coached for this image was to hold the scarf taut over her head and shimmy it back
and forth. I had her do this multiple times until I lucked out when all the pieces
came together: her breast, lips, and eye were visible, the scarf ’s fringe showed move-
ment, and her legs were crossed, forming a nice curve at the end of frame.
By doing an action several times, your subject will embrace it more, relax and
get into it, and laugh when she messes up. Each of those are unique and awesome
captures. Repetition is also a secret ploy to consume her nervous energy. It’s hard
for someone to be nervous when she’s tired out.
3. Commit fully
Ask your subject to commit 100 percent to the action. Leap high, laugh big, sigh
deeply. Then coach her to push the action to the extreme. Coach her to “kick your
leg higher” or “toss your hair with more abandon.” 
4. Use in tandem with posing guidelines
Coaching actions guarantees that you create natural, authentic movement, even
without knowing additional posing guidelines and even with a woman who has
Figure 2.8   Shot in Big Sur at
never stepped in front of a pro’s camera before. In the next chapter, we’ll discuss
Edward Weston’s estate, Wild-
cat Hill, with one of my favorite how to incorporate posing guidelines into coaching actions, a powerful combina-
nude models (opposite). tion of techniques.
24–70mm lens, ISO 400, f/3.2,
60 sec.

40 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

 Top 10 Actions for
Stunning Results
1. Brush your hair out of your eyes
This is a great one to start with. Even though it’s
a natural, everyday action that will be supereasy
for your subject to perform over and over again,
some nonmodels are hesitant to do something
as simple as brushing their hair out of their eyes
without the photographer’s permission. So go
ahead and give her this little direction from the
beginning. In fact, it will be a necessity when you
direct the fan at her, ask her to toss her hair, or
have her moving a bunch.
2. Shake out your hair
This is the easiest direction to shake the nerves
loose and have some fun, so it’s another great
action to begin with. I like to ask my subject to
shake her head side to side with her eyes closed
and a slight smile (Figure 2.9). An alternative is
to have her look directly at the camera and mess
up her hair with her hands.
3. Jump, run, skip, or bounce
Any of these actions will help deplete her ner-
vous energy when she’s asked to repeat it over
and over again, helping her relax. So these are
actions that I like to coach early in the session. Figure 2.9  The simple instruction “Shake your hair and
head side to side with your eyes closed and a slight smile”
Depending on the location and wardrobe, I works with every woman I’ve shot. It’s a brilliant tool for
have my subject either jump (Figure 2.10), run easing nerves while creating authentic emotion and sensual
toward or away from the camera, skip toward movement that looks stunning.
me, or bounce playfully on the bed. Here, I asked 24–70mm lens, ISO 100, f/2.8, 200 sec.
the model to do a silly cheerleader jump. We
repeated it a few times, and I was thrilled that we
easy, flirtatious, and a great way to get partially
captured a genuine and joyful emotion.
dressed shots with some natural movement.
4. Play with your clothing Directions could include: Pull down your strap a
Suggest to your subject that she simply play with bit (­Figure 2.11), flirt over your collar, peek out
an item of clothing that she’s wearing, whether at me from under your hat, unzip your dress, and
it’s a bra strap, garters, shirt collar, or a hat. This is so on.

42 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

 Figure 2.10   Shot in Florence
with a young model, who was
struggling to give an authenti-
cally joyful expression. I wanted
to loosen her up a bit and cre-
ate a happy mood that matched
the flirty and fun dress.
50mm lens, ISO 200, f/1.8,
2000 sec.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 43

 sometimes showcasing a gorgeous pair of high
heels or a sexy peek of thigh and bum. Plus, this
is another fun action for your subject to perform
and another nervous energy buster.
7. Yell “Hey!”
Ask your subject to vocalize and really let it out.
She’ll release some tension and probably laughter
along with it. It’s a great way to loosen her up, get
the blood flowing, and keep her present on the
shoot. I also might direct this action if I see my
subject’s energy is waning in order to wake her
up a bit.
8. One, two, buckle your shoe
Most women love shoes, and any action involv-
ing women’s shoes is generally a good idea. Tak-
ing one off, buckling the sides, running her hands
along them—these are all actionable directions
that are easy for a nonmodel to perform and that
elicit fun shots.
Figure 2.11   Shot in New York City with a young aspiring
model. I coached her to lift her shoulders a bit and slowly pull
9. Run your hands along your body
down both straps while looking down her body. I coached my This action is my favorite, and I direct this one
subject to continue pulling down the straps of her dress (or on every shoot whether it’s with a model, a muse,
lingerie), revealing as much or as little as she likes depending
or a real woman. Since it’s a little more intimate,
on her comfort level.
you may want to do this one once the shoot has
85mm lens, ISO 100, f/2.8, 160 sec.
progressed a bit. Direct your subject to use an
elegant touch with her fingers barely touching
5. Shake it her skin and to keep her hands moving slowly.
Turn on some music and ask your subject to jam. I also often coach her to not move her hands
This is mostly to loosen things up and have some parallel to each other, but to have one up and
silly fun. I like to coach my subjects to shake it one down. It’s important to note that wherever
if they’ve got it because it usually creates a fun the model places her hands is where the viewer’s
atmosphere and some laughter and lightens eyes will go. So be specific about where you ask
everyone up. It also leaves it up to your subject her to place and move her hands.
how creative or daring she gets with it. 10. Close your eyes and…
6. Twirl around I let this direction be more of a suggestion that
This action can be useful, depending on your trails off so she can fill in the blank. Usually, this
subject’s wardrobe. Whether she’s wearing a action provokes either a blush, a sigh, a smile, or
dress, skirt, nightie, or silk robe, it’s easy to some other genuine expression unique to your
get a shot of movement and a twirl of fabric, subject.

44 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

Creating
Authentic
Emotion
Photographs that depict emotion have become my
trademark. Before we get into flattering lighting
and composition, let’s focus on nailing a wonderful
expression. Cultivating sensuality and sex appeal, as
discussed earlier, is the first step in creating sensual
movement. Coaching actions, the second step cov-
ered, is geared toward generating natural movement
regardless of a woman’s experience in front of a pro’s
camera.
Now, the third step puts the icing on the cake.
This is how you ensure that each movement and
emotion captured is authentic.

Emotion Is in Her
Expression
Step one in creating authentic emotions is recogniz-
ing the real deal when you see it. You can always tell
an authentic smile if it rings true in her eyes, as in
Figure 2.12. Other emotions could get a bit trickier
to suss out, but more often than not, you can feel
authenticity by looking at her expression. Ask your-
self: Is your subject connected to the moment and
what’s happening? More often than not, I feel more
authentic emotion when a subject is looking down
at her body, at the light source, or has her eyes closed
rather than directly at the camera (Figures 2.13, 2.14,
and 2.15). Although this is a matter of personal taste, Figure 2.12   Shot in my Los Angeles studio with a young
and curvy nonmodel. You can always tell real laughter when
I feel that eyes looking directly at the camera take the
you see it. The curl over her face adds to the impromptu little
viewer out of the voyeuristic feel. giggle from a nervous subject whom I was just warming up.
24–70mm lens, ISO 100, f/2.8, 200 sec.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 45

Figures 2.13–15   Shot with a nonmodel in New York. This woman was a bit nervous, so I started by asking her to let her hair
down and mess it up, which prompted some real giggles, as in 2.13. Then I coached her to flirt over her shoulder, imagining her
biggest crush (2.14). Well that provoked genuine laughter and blushing (2.15). It’s up to you to direct, evoke, and select the
genuine moments.
85mm lens, ISO 160, f/2, 100 sec.

Tip: Capture Real

Shoot the In-Between Moments
Laughter Unplanned outtakes are awesome (Figure 2.16). That’s the good stuff. When your
The more you laugh and client falls over or cracks up, make sure to capture it (Figure 2.17). Those are often the
crack yourself up, the more most beautiful, honest, and emotionally true moments. You can even try telling her
she laughs. Use her nervous that you’re just shooting a light test so she drops her guard and can move and feel more
energy to work for you. Tease
your subject. Ask for fake truthfully.
laughter and it usually ends Cultivating sex appeal, coaching natural movement, and creating authentic emotion
up in real laughter. Nobody is the essence of what boudoir is all about. Without these essential ingredients, your
can fake laugh without photographs will lack the sensuality that is the foundation of this genre. By sharing with
feeling like a total ass, so it
your subjects the keys to sensual movement, you will not only bring out their best, but
always provokes real laughter
from both of you. Just make you’ll bring out your best as well. It’s so exciting and rewarding for both photographer
sure you press the shutter and subject to experience a woman really opening up and enjoying herself and her body,
while you’re doubling over. as well as the shoot and resulting pictures.

46 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

 Figure 2.16   The flower kept
falling out of this woman’s
hair. Even though she was still
prepping and wasn’t ready,
I grabbed this in between
moment because of her joyful-
ness and authenticity. 
50mm lens, ISO 400, f/3.2,
100 sec.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 47

Figure 2.17   In a 30-minute
mini-session shot in Italy with
a 40-year-old nonmodel, I
directed her to shake her hair
from side to side. I asked her
to do it again and again until
she busted out laughing. Is the
composition perfect? No. Do
I love the emotion, spirit, and
beauty in her and this picture
despite that? Yes!
85mm lens, ISO 200, f/2.0,
160 sec.

48 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

Action Plan: A Cheat Sheet
to Create Emotion
If your client is overwhelmed by nerves, can’t relax, and is there- 5. Change up the energy
fore unable to provide different emotions, here is an action plan: Sometimes, the energy in the room just needs to change in
order to effect a change in your model. I will sometimes have
1. Ask her to regroup and reconnect
someone either enter or leave the room. For instance, I’ll ask
Ask her, “Close your eyes, relax, breathe, and reconnect with
the makeup artist to come to the set to do a touch-up. Or con-
yourself. Run your hands along your body and let it feel good.”
versely, if friends or assistants are present, have one exit to
This action alone provokes loads of different emotions and
grab a cup of coffee so the energy in the room changes. Often,
great shots.
this is all that’s needed to get the subject to relax.
2. Get her moving a ton
6. Add the fan!
Coach a series of actions to exhaust and annihilate her ner-
The fan is an absolute must-have on set. Okay, I admit this one
vous energy. Have her jump up and down on the bed, twirl her
is the biggest cheat. It’s the most foolproof way to add emo-
skirt, flip her hair, and more until she laughs, which happens
tion when all else fails. Turn a fan on, blow it toward your cli-
sometimes after only a few minutes.
ent, and watch the emotion pour out of her—or just look like
3. Give her a prop it is. Try it. The fan creates motion and sensuality, even when
This will get her to immediately transfer her focus from her- sometimes it’s not there. 
self to the prop. Often, women feel safer “hiding” behind a
7. Shoot body shots
prop. Plus, playing with it is fun and can be silly, which is just
If nothing you try is working, and your subject still won’t give
what is needed to take the tension out of a situation.
you anything but a stiff pose, try focusing on shooting body
4. Turn on some tunes shots and details for a period of time. Wait until she gets more
Music can make some women feel sexy in an instant. The type comfortable with you or you can show her a good shot on the
of music is up to her individual taste. Some women prefer back of your camera so she can breathe a sigh of relief and
slow and sultry, whereas others go for fast and funky. Try perhaps relax a bit more.
both, and choose the songs that will evoke the mood you are
going for. Every woman should have a playlist of songs that
make her feel instantly hot. Ask her to bring her tunes, and if
she doesn’t have any, give her the assignment of finding some.
My current favorite playlists and recommendations are on my
website, www.ChristaMeola.com/resources.

Cha p t er 2 : C r eat in g S en sual Movemen t 49

 Index

A
accessories. See also equipment “before-and-after” examples
A-clamps, 121, 125 Alison, 100–103
backdrops, 121–122 Cynthia, 180–183
body oil, 125 Mrs. C, 214–215
fans, 49, 120 beverages, alcoholic, 25, 92
gaffer’s tape, 121, 125 black muslin backdrop, 121–122
gray background paper, 123–125 black reflector, 133
A-clamps, 121, 125 black-and-white images, 129, 189, 197
actions, Photoshop, 210–212 Blacks slider, Lightroom, 195
Adobe Lightroom, 190–198 blown-out highlights, 195
Adobe Photoshop, 21, 198, 203–212 blurring, 170
alcoholic beverages, 25, 92 body image, 16
alignment, 167–168 body oil, 125
amateur models, 8–9 body shapes/sizes, 83
aperture, 134–135, 170 body shots, 155
aperture settings, 135 Botox injections, 27–28
arms, 62, 65, 199, 201 boudoir photography. See also photography
artists’ figure models, 11–14 good habits for, 110
artist’s muse pose, 65 male photographers, 13, 18, 22, 158
available light, 132, 137 policies, 24–25
storytelling with, 76, 137, 175, 178
techniques, 154–159
B
transformative quality of, 15–18
background weight issues, 20–21
backdrops, 121–122 boudoir session example, 221–243
depth of field and, 170 boudoir shoots. See photo shoots
feathering and, 151 bra inserts, 83
focal length and, 112, 113 bras, 82, 83, 229
gray paper for, 123–125 breasts
removing distractions from, 201, 208, 241 bra inserts, 83
retouching, 201 bras, 82, 83, 229
backlighting, 130, 138–139, 230–231 cleavage, 37, 73, 83
enhancing, 73, 83, 201
nipple covers, 88
retouching, 201

244 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

brightness, 194 cleavage, 37, 73, 83
bum Clone Stamp tool, Photoshop, 206–207, 240
curvy, 59, 89 close-up shots, 175
flat, 83 closing shots, 179
retouching, 201 clothing
“wedgies,” 59 backups, 81
bustiers, 78, 81 bras, 82, 83, 229
bustiers, 78, 81
C classics, 81
corsets, 83
camera figure types, 83
communicating your vision, 165–171 flattering, 81
considerations, 109 garter belts, 88, 89
lenses. See camera lenses jewelry, 86, 87
makeup and, 94–96 men’s shirt, 82
manual, 121 modest outfits, 154
renting, 109 must-haves, 82–91
settings, 233–235 panties, 59, 83, 86
camera bag, 110 for photo shoots, 26, 225–226
camera body, 109 playing with, 42–44
camera lenses, 111–121 removing, 35
aesthetics, 111–112 retouching, 201
for boudoir, 113–121 robes, 83
comparison of, 111–113 scarves/shawls, 84–85, 86
focal lengths, 111–113 sheer fabric, 86, 87, 139
primes, 111 sheer teddy, 82
types of, 113–117 shoes, 44, 83, 86, 88, 201
using on shoots, 118–119, 233–235 thigh-high stockings, 88
utility, 111 tips for, 81
zoom, 111 wardrobe changes, 80
camera raw files, 195 wardrobe guidelines, 79–81
catlike pose, 66–67 wardrobe options, 26
ChristaMeola.com, 14 wrinkled, 81
clamshell lighting, 149–150 collaboration, 202–203

I n d ex  245
 collagen injections, 27–28 backdrops, 121–122
color camera. See camera
adjusting, 192–198 camera bag, 110
bright, 196 considerations, 127
muted, 196 fans, 49, 97, 120
tint, 194 gray background paper, 123–125
white balance, 193 guidelines, 109–110
comfort zone, 15, 19 learning about, 109
composition, 168–170 lighting. See lighting equipment
confidence, 34–37, 61, 155 manuals, 109
confidence-building shots, 157 on-location, 230
contrapposto, 56, 57 practicing with, 109–110
contrast, 196, 210, 240 renting, 109
Contrast slider, Lightroom, 196 establishing shots, 175, 177
copyrights, 25 exposure, 139, 158, 188, 194
corsets, 83 Exposure slider, Lightroom, 194
cosmetic surgery, 27–28 eye lines, 54, 59–60
counterpose, 57 eyes, 54, 59–60, 201
Courtesan pose, 71, 236
creative direction, 22–24, 225 F
Crop slider, Lightroom, 196
cropping images, 167, 168, 196 face
curves enhancing, 96
accentuating by posing, 255 retouching, 201
breasts, 37, 73, 83 false eyelashes, 96
creating curvy bum, 59, 89 fans, 49, 97, 120
enhancing with lighting, 127, 146–148 fantasy photo shoots, 23
S-curve, 57 feathering, 134, 151
wardrobe and, 82, 83 feedback, 157
feet
pedicures, 26
D posing, 62, 68
dancers, 11–14 retouching, 201
dancing, 44 figure drawing, 129
depth of field, 170 figure models, 11–14
derrière, curvy, 59, 89 fill light, 232
detail shots, 175, 177 flashes, 132
diffusion screen, 133 flirtation, 37
flowers, 92, 93
E focal lengths, 111–113
framing, 165–166
editing, 188–190. See also post-production full-length lighting, 144–145
emotion, 45–49, 54, 170 fun, 17, 27, 34–35
equipment, 107–125. See also accessories

246 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

G hips
posing, 57, 58, 89
gaffer’s tape, 121, 125
retouching, 201
garter belts, 88, 89
History brush, Photoshop, 209
gear, 107–125. See also accessories
History setting, Photoshop, 203
backdrops, 121–122
“horror lighting,” 140
camera. See camera
camera bag, 110
considerations, 127 I
fans, 49, 97, 120 images
gray background paper, 123–125 aligning elements, 167–168
guidelines, 109–110 black-and-white, 129, 189, 197
learning about, 109 body shots, 155
lenses. See lenses choosing best, 188–192
lighting. See lighting equipment choosing final selects, 213, 239
manuals, 109 close-up shots, 175
on-location, 230 closing shots, 179
practicing with, 109–110 confidence-building shots, 157
renting, 109 copyrights, 25
“girl next door,” 12–14, 227 cropping, 167, 168, 196
gold reflector, 133 depicting emotion, 45–49, 54, 170
Graduated Filter, Lightroom, 197 detail shots, 175, 177
gray background paper, 123–125 establishing shots, 175, 177
final presentation of, 213
H framing, 165–166
in-between moments, 46–48
hair
master shots, 175
dirty, 98
nudity. See nudity
movement, 42
post-production. See post-production
retouching, 201
prop shots, 154
styling, 97–99
realistic expectations, 190
windblown, 97
retouching. See retouching photos
hair stylists, 97–99
selecting favorites, 188–190
haircuts, 27
shooting. See photo shoots
hands
vignetting, 197
placement of, 54–56
inspiration, 18, 76, 163–164
posing, 61, 68, 73
intentional framing, 165–166
retouching, 201, 204
intersection points, 168–169
tension in, 61
ISO, 134
high heels, 83, 86, 88
highlights, 148, 195
Highlights slider, Lightroom, 195 J
jewelry, 86, 87
JPEG files, 195

I n d ex  247
 L short, 143
sidelighting, 146–148
Lasso tool, Photoshop, 208, 240
silhouettes, 130
laughter, 46, 48
softboxes, 135–136, 148
legs
strobes, 128, 132, 133–134, 137
posing, 62
sunlight, 136
retouching, 201
lighting equipment
“stumpy,” 62
diffusion screen, 133
wardrobe and, 83
monolights, 133, 135
lenses, 111–121
reflectors, 132, 133, 233
aesthetics, 111–112
softboxes, 135–136, 148
for boudoir, 113–121
strobes, 128, 132, 133–134, 137
comparison of, 111–113
lighting kit, 135
focal lengths, 111–113
Lightroom, 190–198
primes, 111
lip liner, 96
types of, 113–117
lipstick, 96, 170
using on shoots, 118–119, 233–235
Liquify tool, Photoshop, 204–205, 240
utility, 111
look-books, 72, 94
zoom, 111
low-contrast lighting, 140–142
light stand, 135, 136
lighting, 127–151
adjusting light, 192–198 M
available light, 132, 137 makeup, 94–96
backlighting, 130, 138–139, 230–231 makeup artists, 96
clamshell, 149–150 male photographers, 13, 18, 22, 158
considerations, 127 manicures, 26
diffused light, 130 manuals, 109
example session, 230–233 masks, 90–91, 92
feathering, 134, 151 master shots, 175
fill light, 232 men’s shirt, 82
flashes, 132 mermaid pose, 68
flattering techniques, 136–151 model agencies, 8
full-length, 144–145 model communities, 8–9
“horror,” 140 model releases, 24–25
low-contrast, 140–142 modelmayhem.com, 7
mistakes, 140 models, 6–14. See also “real women”; subjects
monolights, 135 amateur, 8–9
natural light, 130–132 comfort zone, 15, 19
noir, 148 finding, 221
overexposure, 139, 158 hiring, 8–9
portraits, 129 modesty, 61, 68, 69, 139, 181
reflectors, 132, 133, 233 muses, 11–14
shooting in studio, 132–136 nudity. See nudity

248 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

 preparation for shoots, 26 O
professional, 7–11
Octabox, 135–136
tips for, 11
oil, body, 125
wardrobe options, 26
outsourcing, 202
working with, 9
overexposure, 139, 158
modest outfit, 154
modesty, 61, 68, 69, 139, 181
monolights, 133, 135 P
motion. See movement panties, 59, 83, 86
movement paper, gray, 123–125
coaching actions, 38–41, 72, 154 pedicures, 26
dancing, 44 personality qualities, 16–17
natural, 38–41 photo shoots, 153–179
removing clothes, 35 after the shoot, 239–243
sensual, 31–49, 235–237 alcohol use, 25
slow, 35 before/after. See “before-and-after” examples
top 10 actions, 42–44 beginning of, 154
MUA (pro makeup artist), 96 behind the scenes, 221–243
muses, 11–14, 65 clothing. See clothing
music, 27, 35, 44, 49 creative direction, 22–24, 225
dos and don’ts, 26–28
N easy setups, 154–155
energy, 49
narrative, 76, 175, 178
fans, 49, 120
natural light, 130–132
fantasy, 23
neck, 64, 199, 201
favorite things, 23–24
negative self-talk, 28
having fun, 17, 27, 34–35
negative space, 168–170
limitations, 162–163
nervousness, 19, 237
location, 225
nipple covers, 88
male photographers, 13, 18, 22, 158
noir lighting, 148
music during, 27, 35, 44, 49
nonmodels, 12–14. See also models; subjects
negative self-talk, 28
nudity
nervousness, 19, 237
considerations, 21
nudity in. See nudity
degrees of, 21
pampering aspect of, 18
model comfort level, 25
positive feedback, 157
model releases and, 25
preparation for, 26, 222–225
modesty, 61, 68, 69, 139, 181
props, 49, 91–93
permissions, 25
realistic expectations, 190
variations in, 20
during the shoot, 225–239
“shooting this for that,” 158
as special occasion, 17–18

I n d ex  249
 photo shoots (continued) selecting favorites, 188–190
tardiness and, 27 shooting. See photo shoots
techniques, 154–159 vignetting, 197
variety, 172–174 photography. See also boudoir photography
visualizing results, 17 capuring variety, 172–174
wardrobe options, 26 composition, 168–170
photographers depth of field, 170
collaboration, 202–203 shutter speed, 170–171
confidence, 155 Photoshop, 21, 198, 203–212
decision making, 161 point of view, 173
energy, 155 policies, 24–25
female, 13, 22 portfolio, 13–14
inspiration, 163–164 portrait lighting patterns, 129
male, 13, 18, 22, 158 posing, 51–73
policies, 24–25 awkward limb placement, 62
portfolio, 13–14 best poses, 64–71
unique voice of, 161 breast enhancement, 37, 73
vision, 159–161 catlike pose, 66–67
photographs common mistakes, 59–63
aligning elements, 167–168 considerations, 51
black-and-white, 129, 189, 197 contrapposto, 56, 57
body shots, 155 Courtesan pose, 71, 236
choosing best, 188–192 directions for, 20
choosing final selects, 213, 239 distance from camera, 58
close-up shots, 175 easy pose, 154
closing shots, 179 eyes/eye lines, 54, 59–60
confidence-building shots, 157 hands, 54–56, 61
copyrights, 25 infusing sensuality into, 61
cropping, 167, 168, 196 look-books, 72, 94
depicting emotion, 45–49, 54, 170 loss of spontaneity, 63
detail shots, 175, 177 mermaid pose, 68
establishing shots, 175, 177 muses, 11–12
final presentation of, 213 posture, 52–53
framing, 165–166 principles of, 52–59
in-between moments, 46–48 professional models, 7–8
master shots, 175 proportion and, 62
nudity. See nudity sensual, 52–59
post-production. See post-production serpent pose, 69–70
prop shots, 154 spontaneity, 63
realistic expectations, 190 stereotyped, 63
retouching. See retouching photos “stump effect,” 62
system for, 72–73

250 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

post-production, 187–213. See also retouching weight issues, 20–21
photos working with, 5–28
adusting light/color, 192–198 reflectors, 132, 133, 233
art of editing, 188–190 renting equipment, 109
choosing photos, 188–192 retouching photos. See also post-production
considerations, 187 checklist for, 200–201
example session, 240–242 considerations, 21, 198–203
Lightroom, 190–198 example session, 240–242
Photoshop, 21, 198, 203–212 Lightroom, 190–198
posture, 52–53 limiting time for, 202
pro makeup artist (MUA), 96 minimal amount of, 202
professional models, 7–11 outsourcing for, 202
professional stylists. See stylists Photoshop, 21, 198, 203–212
prop shots, 154 removing distractions, 199, 201, 241
props, 49, 91–93, 155 retro look, 167
robes, 83
R rule of thirds, 168
raw files, 195
“real women,” 12–14. See also models; women S
body image, 16 scarves, 84–85, 86
comfort zone, 15, 19 S-curve, 57
confidence, 34–37, 61 self-discovery, 15
curvy, 83 self-esteem, 17
definition of sexy, 18, 19 sensual movement, 31–49, 235–237
emotion, 45–49, 54, 170 sensual posing, 52–59
flattering figures, 83 sensuality, 33–37, 61
“girl next door,” 12–14, 227 serpent pose, 69–70
modesty, 61, 68, 69, 139, 181 sesame body oil, 125
negative self-talk, 28 sex appeal, 33–37, 46
nervousness, 19, 237 sexiness, 18, 19
nudity. See nudity shadows, 140, 195
personality qualities, 16–17 Shadows slider, Lightroom, 195
self-discovery, 15 shawls, 86
self-esteem, 17 sheer fabric, 86, 87, 139
sensuality, 33–37, 61 sheer teddy, 82
sex appeal, 33–37, 46 shoes, 44, 83, 86, 88, 201
sexiness, 18, 19 shooting photos. See photo shoots
thin, 83 “shooting this for that,” 158
transformative experience for, 15–18 short lighting, 143
vintage looks, 227 shoulders, 44, 61, 65, 201
vocalizing, 44 shutter speed, 134, 170–171

I n d ex  251
 sidelighting, 146–148 T
signs, 92
tank top, 88
silhouettes, 130
tanning, fake, 27
silver reflector, 133
teddy, sheer, 82
smiling, 35, 45, 54, 81
Temp slider, Lightroom, 193
softboxes, 135–136, 148
TFCD (Trade For CD), 9
spontaneity, 63
TFP (Trade For Print), 9
stockings, 88
thigh-high stockings, 88
stomach, 52, 201
Tint slider, Lightroom, 194
storytelling, 76, 137, 175, 178
Trade For CD (TFCD), 9
strobes, 128, 132, 133–134, 137
Trade For Print (TFP), 9
studio, shooting in, 132–136
trust, 18–19
styling, 75–99, 225–229
T-shirt, 88
stylists, 78–79, 81
subjects, 12–14. See also models; women
body image, 16 V
comfort zone, 15, 19 Vibrance slider, Lightroom, 196
confidence, 34–37, 61 vignetting, 197
curvy, 83 vintage looks, 227
definition of sexy, 18, 19 vision, photographer’s, 159–161
emotion, 45–49, 54, 170 visualization, 17
flattering figures, 83 vocalization, 44
“girl next door,” 12–14, 227 voyeurism, 45, 165
modesty, 61, 68, 69, 139, 181
negative self-talk, 28
nervousness, 19, 237
W
nudity. See nudity wardrobe
personality qualities, 16–17 bras, 82, 83, 229
self-discovery, 15 bustiers, 78, 81
self-esteem, 17 classic pieces, 81
sensuality, 33–37, 61 clothing backups, 81
sex appeal, 33–37, 46 clothing changes, 80
sexiness, 18, 19 corsets, 83
thin, 83 figure types, 83
transformative experience for, 15–18 flattering clothing, 81
vintage looks, 227 garter belts, 88, 89
vocalizing, 44 guidelines, 79–81
weight issues, 20–21 jewelry, 86, 87
working with, 5–28 men’s shirt, 82
sunlight, 136 modest outfits, 154
surgery, cosmetic, 27–28 must-have pieces, 82–91
sync cords, 134 options for, 26
Sync tool, Lightroom, 197 panties, 59, 83, 86

252 T h e A rt o f B o u d oi r P h otog r ap h y: H o w to C r eat e S t un n i n g P hotogr a phs of Women

 for photo shoots, 26, 225–226
playing with clothing, 42–44
removing clothing, 35
retouching clothing, 201
robes, 83
scarves/shawls, 84–85, 86
sheer fabric, 86, 87, 139
sheer teddy, 82
shoes, 44, 83, 86, 88, 201
thigh-high stockings, 88
tips for, 81
wrinkled clothing, 81
wardrobe stylists, 81
websites
ChristaMeola.com, 14
modelmayhem.com, 7
“wedgies,” 59
weight issues, 20–21
white balance, 193
white side, 133
wireless transmitter, 134
women. See also models; subjects
nudity. See nudity
posing. See posing
“real.” See “real women”
weight issues, 20–21
working with, 5–28
wrinkles, 199, 201, 206, 207

Z
zoom lenses, 111

I n d ex  253
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