The History of Boudoir

Your boudoir session is officially booked and you are excitedly looking forward to the date. While you’re preparing for your stunning photoshoot, why not learn a little about the history behind today’s boudoir photography sessions. 

Boudoir 

Boudoir is a French word referring to a woman’s private sitting room or salon. This room was traditionally between the dining room and the bedroom. However, a boudoir can also refer to a woman’s private bedroom. 

The Beginnings of Boudoir 

While boudoir photography sessions have become extremely popular in recent years, they are not a new concept. A rich history of boudoir photography exists. During the 1920s, the concept of boudoir photography was developed. Photographers of the era would create luxury settings in either hotels or within their own studios. In these settings, models would wear lingerie or would be completely nude. The purpose of capturing these images was to express the sexuality that women possess, rather than denying or hiding her sexual prowess.

Early Boudoir Photographers 

There are several well-known boudoir photographers that are credited with paving the way for the industry. Albert Arthur Allen was one of the earliest known boudoir photographers. Allen was an American photographer, remembered for the nude photos he captured during the 1920s. His photos depicted nude women sitting, standing, or laying down. Allen incorporated little production elements into his photos. 

Another notable boudoir photographer of the twentieth century was Cecil Beaton. Most known for his photos of Marilyn Monroe, Cecil Beaton was an English fashion, portrait, and war photographer. Beaton captured boudoir photos of Marilyn Monroe that depicted both her femininity and her sensuality. In these photos, Monroe wore lingerie and put her sultriness on full display.  

Boudoir Today 

Through the advancement of digital photography, boudoir has become increasingly popular. During the twenty-first century, boudoir photography has been popularly utilized to capture photos of a woman to be given to her romantic partner. But more than that, with the right photographer, it has become a life-changing experience for women. The shoot itself helps women build more confidence in themselves. More women are doing shoots for their mental health and to do something for them rather than others. It has become a form of self-care for many.

The purpose of boudoir today is to capture the beauty of a woman’s body, forgoing any unrealistic expectations. Hopefully, learning more about the history of boudoir has made you even more excited for your own upcoming session. Stay tuned to learn about the history of our studio and how I got started in boudoir.

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