Debunking Common Myths About Boudoir Photography
- Aimee Sims

- Jan 17
- 6 min read
Boudoir has been around for many centuries and often carries a mystique in myths and misunderstandings. Most people, When they hear the term "boudoir" they think of a "Victoria Secrets Angel"(Highly Attractive, Confidence, Sculpted Figure) posing in the newst seasons lingerie. They're not wrong for thinking this, it definitely is a type of boudoir. When I think of boudoir I think of something far more personal and empowering, I think of what the newest season of my life is like. What I'm working towards, My most recent challenges and try to direct it towards looking at my body with love and grace. They essentially are capsules holding our precious souls, they go through so much. Boudoir is the perfect way to celebrate and embrace your beautiful capsule no matter what you've been through or your little "Imperfections" that keep holding you back. There's no better way to love and hold space for yourself in your most authentic form and break the societal standards!
Myth #1: “Boudoir Photography Is Only for Brides”
I won't deny the fact that bridal boudoir session trends keep growing dramatically. Especially with the newest TikTok trend where bridesmaids hand the groom, bridal boudoir polaroid photographs all night during the reception! Boudoir is far more inclusive than just for the brides, there's so many different styles and creative directions you can go with boudoir to make it unique and special to your "why." Regardless of your relationship status I could easily find you 20 reasons why you need to book a boudoir session, I'll cover that in a future blog post though! hehe. If you're focusing on a personal transformation, celebrating a milestone or maybe just wanting to reconnect with your confidence booking a session would be the perfect intimate safe place to do so. More and more individuals are opting for boudoir sessions as a way to celebrate their own self-worth and beauty.
The truth is, boudoir is for everyone—whether you’re single, married, or simply in need of a confidence boost.

Myth #2: “You Have to Be a Certain Size to Do Boudoir”
The most harmful misconception about boudoir photography is thinking you need to be a certain size to feel worthy of being photographed. The reason I hear people put off this life changing session the most is because they want to "lose the weight" or "get botox first" WHAT!? NO!! The best type of feeling is finding more love for yourself and seeing yourself in a positive light. The love you can find when you show up and do the shoot regardless of that botox or weight you want to lose and still see so much beauty in those photographs. It's all about owning what makes you, you! Embrace your unique shape, each stretch mark, every scar, birthmark, maybe even a disability. A talented boudoir photographer will work with your body’s beauty, capturing that perfect angle while ensuring you feel comfortable and empowered, to be authentically you. It's so important they're striving to create a safe place where all bodies are welcomed. Myth #3: “Boudoir Photography Is Just About Seduction” We don't need to overly- sexualize this! Boudoir isn't all about initmacy or seduction. Boudoir photography can come in so many different styles like elegant, fun/playful or as intimate as you want it. One of my favorite ways to plan a boudoir session is picking a theme or aesthetic and basing outfits, hair, makeup and poses around it. When I plan these sessions a lot of the time they're such fun photographs that are more artistic and creative than seductive. My favorite is planning and photographing spooky sessions in the fall!🖤
These timeless photographs are not about pleasing someone else’s eye, it’s about stepping into your own sensuality on your own terms! It’s life changing to feel empowered during a reflective moment in lace and satin or a bold, fierce pose that radiates strength.

Myth #4: “You Need to Have Perfect Skin or Hair to Do Boudoir”
This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Boudoir photography is about celebrating you as you are right now, not some airbrushed ideal. With social media, there can be so much pressure to have that picture-perfect body, voluminous, long-thick hair, clear- even imperfect skin… it’s enough to make anyone feel insecure. Imperfections are part of being human, they tell your unique story and what makes you beautifully human. Boudoir is so special to me because I’ve always been incredibly insecure personally and it allows me to take ownership of my own narrative when it comes to my “imperfections”.
Boudoir photographers want you to embrace the beauty that’s in those imperfections! The best type of photographer will focus on enhancing these beautiful qualities about you using angles, flattering lighting and light retouching to hold the authenticity in the photographs.
A few stray hairs, laugh lines, or natural scars add character to a portrait— You can be raw and unpolished or sleek and glamorous—the choice is yours.
It’s a space where your imperfections can be celebrated as part of what makes you unique.
Show up as you are and I promise you won’t regret it.
Myth #5: “Boudoir Photography Is Only for Younger Women”
Boudoir photography is for everyone, Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s, or beyond… It captures the essence of your unique journey. Many people book sessions after going through a significant life change. For example after having a child changes your body so dramatically that it can be so hard to find grace and love with yourself again. Finding that beauty regardless of everything your incredible capsule has been through is just the pick-me-up needed to find love within the journey.
Aging can be such a difficult process as we mature into the higher ages. The majority of people have half the amount of grace for the person in the mirror, which is honestly heartbreaking. Think about all the incredible accomplishments, challenges and memories you’ve been through. The wisdom and beauty that comes with age is so beautiful and photographable! Beauty is timeless, and your self-worth doesn’t diminish with age—it only deepens.

Some people can struggle for years even decades with feeling like they can't step into their most authentic self. I can't imagine ever feeling like I need to hide who I am, That sounds terribly depressing and draining. It's so important to find a photographer that values inclusivity and diversity because you deserve so be celebrated while being safe. Boudoir is a creative photography style that creates space for everyone to feel seen, heard and valued. Whether it’s body type, gender, race, sexuality, or age. Inclusivity also applies to your personal journey, your emotional expression and how you wish to come across to the world.

Why Boudoir Photography Is Empowering
Social media can put such unrealistic beauty expectations on the societal standards, you deserve to break free from it, right now. Boudoir sessions have the power to unlock a new level of self-confidence, leaving you feeling strong, beautiful and empowered.
Realistically I could go on for paragraphs and paragraphs explaining all ways boudoir is empowering but I'm going to save that for a future blog post, stay tuned!

Come, as you perfectly are and reclaim your power in front of the lens! Let the professionals guide you into embracing yourself to create beautiful art out of your "flaws," quirks and all. There's so much beauty in your own story so stop day dreaming of something different when you can love the perfection you have now, in this moment Remember this empowering experience is tailored to your comfort and vision. So, go ahead: embrace your beauty, embrace your body, and let boudoir photography empower you to be unapologetically you.




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