Boudoir – A photographic shoot that uses intimate imagery, usually consisting of participants in lingerie or nude, to showcase the bodies’ form.
Boudoir is a photographic practice that aims to conjugate body positivity; however, it has often met stigmatism for being overtly sexual, due to its visual connotations to tabloid magazines and pornographic sites. Such incorrect generalisation of the style means many overlook the value of practising visual sexual exhibitionism. Subjugating oneself to vulnerable self-expression has helped many to build self-confidence; releases them from societal pressures, showing them the beauty, they have on the outside, and regifting this to them on the inside. Boudoir has enabled women to produce a new definition of beauty standards for themselves, one that includes them as the face of it.
In August 2023, I had the pleasure of shadowing a charity boudoir calendar shoot with two creatives, Ollie and Emma, the minds behind ThatBoudoirCou- ple. The day consisted of visiting various locations to photograph the models in their lingerie or swimwear for the calendar and their personal use. What stood out throughout this shoot was the instant unspoken connection that quickly formed between the women - all strangers from a variety of backgrounds. They helped one another get changed, shared each other’s makeup, discussed current events and more importantly, gossiped about personal drama. Their unashamed openness highlighted the beauty of girlhood, the purpose of girlhood, and the need for girlhood.
The impact these shoots have on clients is beyond life-changing. Many come away feeling confident enough to wear a crop top for the first time or able to be naked and intimate with their partner again. Such results prove that the impact of this socially engaged photography holds the highest level of modern artistry. The legacy of ThatBoudoirCouple has not only saved many participants’ relations with peers but this mission has also played a part in saving the relationships they have with themselves.
This photo series is my visual exploration of the boudoir community, it aims to reflect ThatBoudoirCouple’s main mission and slogan, ‘People Empowers’. Throughout this journey, I capture the beauty of female connection and highlight the benefits of women’s erotic representation.
