Pre-wedding boudoir shoot, an opportunity to celebrate your body with your husband, or husband to be. We’re here to advocate for a boudoir shoot by breaking down misconceptions that discourage brides from doing a boudoir shoot. If we’re being honest, us ladies aren’t celebrating our bodies enough these days. While we love a good, sexy pic we’ve brought in a specialist to help us advocate for more skin!

Alyssa, the photographer behind Photography by Alyssa Michelle is breaking down 10 of the most common misconceptions that discourage brides from taking a boudoir shoot. Alyssa can be contacted at photographybyalyssamichelle@gmail.com.

1. I need to lose 10 pounds first

Actually, you are beautiful just the way you are. You don’t need to lose weight to fit into your wedding dress, you don’t need to lose weight immediately after having a child, and you definitely don’t need to lose weight for your boudoir session. Why? Because that is defeating the purpose. Boudoir is about learning to reconnect with your body and learn to love yourself for exactly how you are. Bonus tip: Losing 10, 20, 30 lbs won’t affect your photos in any way. A professional boudoir photographer will know how to show you in your best light, period.

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2. I’m not sexy

Or, you just don’t know how to pull your sexy out! That’s your photographers job, not yours! Most women have no idea how to be “sexy” but really, we all are naturally. You just need someone to show you your version of sexy. We all have a goddess inside us waiting to be unleashed, and I promise you, it’s easier than you think to pull her out.

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3. I’m too shy

Most women are shy about their bodies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It just means you need a photographer that you connect with, and love their message. Just know that your photographer works with hundreds of women, and they have seen all personalities, body types, body parts etc. We aren’t here to judge you, we are here to take you outside of your comfort zone to show you how amazing you are.

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4. I don’t want them on the internet

Not a problem at all, there is no requirement to sign a model release. You can keep your images 100% private if you choose and your photographer will never share any images without your written consent. Also, keep in mind when reading over your contract before you book your session, understand the difference between “Copyright” and “Print Release” Most clients get confused between the two, especially since photographers keep the copyright to all photographs taken and the copyright is not for sale, and if your photographer is willing to sell it to you, it will be a commercial price, and rather expensive. Copyright belonging to the photographer does not mean that they have the right to post your photos, all it means is that they retain that they are the creator of those images. Copyright prevents the client from claiming that they are the creator of said images. Print release is when your photographer allows you to do almost whatever you want with your images. Post them, print them on your own (which I do not recommend, always go through your photographer!), etc. You just cannot claim the art as your own. Sometimes photographers require that if you post them that you tag them, I don’t do this personally, but some do.

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5. I’m too old

There is never an age that you stop deserving self-love. I’ve photographed an 89-year-old babe and she KILLED her shoot. Your age is just as useless as the number on the scale when it comes to boudoir. It’s not important in the slightest and DEFINITELY does not determine your ability or worth.

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6. I don’t know how to pose

GOOD. No, really… good. The more blank slate, the better. Your photographer will pose you from head to toe. We are the professionals and the artists. We have a vision for you, and it’s better when you don’t know how to pose so we can do that part for you! I know for my clients, it’s so easy for me to jump on the bed and SHOW them exactly what pose I want!

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7. It’s vain of me to hang photos of myself around the house

It’s vain of you to love yourself, cherish yourself, and take care of yourself? I don’t think so. What other people think of you, is frankly, none of your business. You do you boo. If hanging beautiful artwork of yourself in the house to remind you every single day that you are beautiful just how you are, makes you happy… then just do it.

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8. I’m not photogenic

I’m going to tell you a secret. There is no such thing as photogenic and non-photogenic. Everybody is just as beautiful as everybody else. The art of photographing someone or oneself is an art, and it’s not easy. So if you feel like you are “non-photogenic” that most likely means you just need a professional to show you in your best light.

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9. My partner will not like me doing a boudoir shoot

Boudoir should always first and foremost be for YOU. It is your body, your choice, and your reasons why you want to pamper yourself. As long as you tell your partner that your boudoir session is empowering, and will build confidence then your partner should respect that.

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10. I can’t afford it / It’s too expensive

Is Boudoir cheap? No. But life-changing experiences aren’t. Many photographers offer amazing payment plan options that make the experience and products completely affordable. Just ask your photographer what their policies are on the plans! I offer a Boudie Bank to my clients, which allows them to pre-pay any amount towards their products before their session. I also offer regular payment plans for up to 18 months. All photographers will offer different options, but note that it’s important that you don’t just price shop boudoir photographers. Boudoir is the most intimate form of photography, and it’s imperative that you go with someone you love, trust, and admire. Price should be secondary, and professional boudoir photography is 100% worth the price.

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Now that we’ve cleared that up, comment below if you’re planning a boudoir shoot!