A boudoir shoot isn't as scary as you think it is

Have you been dreaming of doing a boudoir shoot but feel very nervous about the process? Do you wish you could get beautiful images that showcases how gorgeous and badass you are, but the idea of posing stresses you out? Well, keep reading as today blog is 100% for you.

When you see photos on our website of our past clients, you might wish you could have their confidence. But the truth is, most of the people who shoot with us never did a photoshoot before and were as nervous as you are. Most of them had the same insecurity as you may have, and some of them even told us they almost drove back to their place on the way to their session because they were so afraid of not being able to go through with it.

Feeling nervous is a completely normal feeling, especially if it is your first time as you don’t know what to expect. But with the right guidance and a fun and relax atmosphere, you will see that your nerves will calm down and you will end up enjoying the experience pretty fast during the photoshoot.

We believe everybody should try boudoir at least once in their life as it is such a transformative journey, and it would be a shame to not experience it out of fear.

Scandaleuse is a safe space that allows you to be your true self

When we opened Scandaleuse Photography, one of our main goals was to bring more inclusivity to the boudoir industry. We were tired of seeing the same type of women, always photographed in the same settings. Boudoir is for everyone, but sadly when looking at examples online, not a lot of people could relate to what they saw and thought that boudoir wasn’t for them.

Opening our own boudoir business was our way of creating a safe space for people to express themselves fully and without any shame, no matter their gender, age, body type, ethnicity or sexuality. We welcome everyone and like to encourage our clients to think outside the box when it comes to their boudoir shoot.

You will always meet us on Zoom before booking anything

Every photographer is different. You want to make sure that the professional that you will hire to photograph you is on the same page as you are, and that you have a good feeling about that person. A boudoir shoot can make people feel vulnerable, so you want to make sure you feel safe and comfortable with your photographer. And also, boudoir is an investment, so you want to get an unforgettable experience.

When you reach out to inquire about a potential photoshoot with us, we will ask you to book an online meeting so we can introduce ourselves, walk you through our boudoir process, and answer all of the questions you have. Because the meeting is done before you book anything with us, it doesn’t commit you to photoshoot.

It is our job to pose you

The most common reason people have to feel anxious when it comes to boudoir photography is not knowing how pose. They see it as a huge problem, they fear they will look really awkward in front of the camera, and they are scared the photos will be awful.

Boudoir is not only for professional models and you do not need to have some past experience when it comes to posing. Explaining and demonstration the poses we have in mind is our job. We guide you from head to toes, telling you were to look, making you work on your posture, and making sure we follow your level of comfort and flexibility.

You will never be left alone in front of the camera without knowing what to do, we got you!

You will never be pressured to pose nude if you don’t want to

Another common misconception about boudoir is believing you will have to expose yourself. Many people think that because they want to do a boudoir shoot they will have to pose fully nude. This is far away from being the truth!

Yes, the art of boudoir photography showcases more skin than traditional headshots or lifestyle photoshoots, but you don’t have to show too much if you don’t want to. Even if you are curious about nudity and would love to try, there are many ways of doing it, from suggested to fully nude, that are still tastefull and artistic. You can get a gorgeous picture of yourself in your birthday suit while still looking elegant, but you can also just focus on outfits if nudity isn’t something you want to show. Everything is possible, nothing is forced.

If today’s blog helped you to feel more excited about your boudoir shoot and you are ready to take the leap before the end of the year, we have a Holiday deal currently happening and you can find all the details below:

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Unfiltered: Why doing a boudoir shoot for Christmas is awesome.

We are the first to say that a boudoir shoot should be done for yourself and we will die on that hill. That being said, two things can be true at once, and it is true that gifting the photos to your partner can also be very special. With the holidays slowly but surely approaching, it is time to share the no BS reasons why doing a boudoir shoot as a gift is amazing.

It's a gift for them, but also a gift for you 😉

Boudoir can be an investment for many, so it might as well cover all grounds by being a dual gift! You get to go through an incredible experience and your partner gets to enjoy the result. 

They get a constant reminder of how hot you are.

It may seem vain, but we said no BS reasons, so here it is: I am glad both my partner and I can get a reminder of the hot piece of a** I am. Personally, my boudoir photo is my partner's screensaver, which I find very flattering.

It also works on myself when I feel like I am a total “blob” and my sensuality has left the chat. What a great pick-me-up to see a beautiful, artistic photo of yourself half-naked!

The chances of catching your partner off-guard are very (very) high.

Many clients, women AND men, have told us “he/she would never expect me to do something like this in this lifetime”. They have hoped for it, maybe even worded it, but there is a world between actions and words so taking that leap makes it even more beautiful. Can you imagine blowing the mind of your partner, especially after many years together? 

It gives you the excuse you need to finally try. 

99% of the people we talk about boudoir with say they would love to try one day. Now, there are many reasons why they wait, but one of the most popular ones is that they cannot justify doing something like this for themselves (we are looking at all the caretakers here, we see you constantly putting other people first!)

Using this as a gift gives a proper excuse to actually do it, since it isn't technically for you. 

There you have it! The only downside we see with doing a boudoir shoot as a gift is that it is going to be hard to top next year. 

If you are ready to jump in, we have a holiday special running with a special boudoir experience, including a print to put under the tree! The catch? We are only opening it to 5 people, between November 2nd and 16th. Click below for the details!  

Regular Photoshoots VS "Tableaux"?

After being in the boudoir game for 10+ year, introducing a new experience can bring a bit of confusion. Today, we are ironing out the details between our regular sessions versus our brand new baby "Tableaux". Always at your disposal if you have any questions after the following, we are here to help!

Our OG boudoir photoshoots are still here and better than ever! They are still thought as a longer, more personalized experience.

The goal is to capture different facets of your personality, and explore multiple versions of your sensuality. In other words: you have more time, unlimited outfits, sets and full guidance through it all. You can also select multiple images based on 6 packages and add albums or prints à la carte. 

This is for you if:

• You prefer to have a variety of images to choose from;

• You want to wear multiple outfits;

• You are more of a blank canvas for ideas and would rather fully depend on us for that;

• You like the idea of having more time to "warm up" during a session.

The idea behind "Tableaux" is to offer a shorter boudoir experience, while making it extra special and not compromise creativity. 

To do so, we created 4 different decor options for you to choose in advance. We set it up for you, you bring one outfit of your choosing (and you can also decide to pose semi or fully nude as a second option) and we pose you in your set. You then can select your favorite image, which you receive digitally but also as a beautiful matted print. 

This is for you if:

• You like the idea of going super creative for your session and make a statement;

• You don't feel ready or the need to commit to a full session but still want to experience boudoir;

• You have a specific vision;

• You want a more "magazine" approach than lifestyle.

What you have in both:

• Both experience are still customizable to fit your vibe. Even with a pre-made set like Tableaux, your outfit and make-up will make the photos unique to you. 

• Professional hair & make-up is included for either boudoir adventure.

• No experience is needed whatsoever.

• It is open to everyone, no matter your age, body-type, gender and so on!

How to inquire?

• 👙 If a signature session speaks to you more, you can go ahead a schedule a complimentary consultation here or check more details here. 

• 🖼️ If you are set on a Tableaux, you can go straight here and select your date and set.  

• 🤷‍♀️ If you aren't sure yet, you can simply schedule a free online meeting with us. We will answer any questions you may have, so don't be shy!

We hope this helped clarifying what boudoir experience would be best for you! We cannot wait to see what you will choose. 

In the meantime, if you like what you read and would like more content like this, join our newsletter below! This is also where we send special offers when we run them.

Tableaux: 5 things you need to know

A couple of weeks ago, we launched our brand new project called “Tableaux” and we couldn’t be more excited about it. We wanted to offer a second boudoir experience to our clients, something different from our classic boudoir shoots but as artistic and fun. We cannot wait for our Scandals (if you are new here, this is how we call people from our community) to try it and turn them into masterpieces 🖼️

If you feel intrigued by this new adventure, keep reading as we are going to share 5 important things about “Tableaux”!

What exactly is Tableaux?

Tableaux is our new take on boudoir photography, with a more curated, artistic, and editorial approach. You get to choose one of the pre-designed decors from our collection and pose like the true masterpiece you are. We currently have 4 different sets available (The Last Queen, Elysium, After Dark, and The Parisian Atelier), each with its own mood, personality, and story, giving you the opportunity to explore a different side of your sensuality.

The decors creates the atmosphere, but you make it your own by adding your own twist to the session. We build the experience around you, while you bring your personality, your outfit, and your energy.

What does it include?

Your Tableaux experience includes:

• One creative set;

• Professional hair & make-up;

• A 45-minute boudoir portrait photo shoot;

• One outfit of your choosing (and the option to pose fully or semi nude if you want to);

• Professional posing and direction throughout;

• A private image reveal session; and,

• One digital image of your choice and its luxurious 8×12″ matted fine-art print.

Who is it for?

Tableaux is perfect if you are a creative person, with specific visions and you love the idea of being a muse. It is also a great way to dip your toes in the boudoir world in case you don’t feel ready to try a full boudoir shoot yet, or maybe even use it as a second boudoir experience.

And just like our regular boudoir photoshoots, our doors are open to everyone over 18, no matter your age, gender, body-type and so on.

How is it different from our regular boudoir shoots?

A Tableau session is a shorter boudoir photoshoot that is designed to create an artistic portrait of each client. It is built around one crafted set and includes one digital photograph and its printed version. It is perfect to focus on one mood and aesthetic.

Our classic boudoir shoots are longer sessions designed to showcase all the facets of your personality by creating multiple sets and working with multiple outfits. Perfect for those looking to tell their full story and those who want multiple images and even maybe an album.

Is AI used for background creation or editing?

Never! Each decors is crafted by our little hands and no AI is involved whatsoever. Your set will be ready when you arrive at the studio and as always, we are keeping the editing process of our work in house, done by Juliette and I (Fanny) as we are the only people working behind Scandaleuse.

Did we spark your curiosity? Would you like to become a muse? If so, you can learn more about Tableaux and see all the booking’s details by clicking on the button below:

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Tableaux: our new mini boudoir photoshoots

During the summer, Juliette and I (Fanny) felt the need to work on a new project that would allow us to offer shorter boudoir photoshoots to our clients without compromising the quality of our work or our creativity. Because yes, even though we have been entrepreneurs for a very long time, we are first and foremost artists!

Keeping our artistry was very important, and we also wanted to add our French touch (if you did not know that already, yes, we are French from France. Bonjour 🇫🇷). That is how the idea of “Tableaux” started to form in our minds.

The Tableaux experience are artistic and immersive mini-boudoir photoshoots done in pre-designed sets of your choosing. While our classic boudoir photoshoots are crafted around you to capture different facets of your personality through multiple outfits and atmospheres, Tableaux is crafted around art by working in specific sets to which you add your own twist.

We are very excited about these new photoshoots, and so far, we have created four different decors that can be adapted to your personality and vision. In an era where AI is constantly at the back of our minds, it is very important for us to share that we do not use AI in our creative or editing process.

Let us introduce you to the 4 beautiful sets that are currently available:

• The Last Queen: For those who want to pose in water and feel like royalty. From a traditional milk bath to a darker setting, this set is quite versatile.

• Elysium: For those who want to showcase their inner goddess. This set is all about drapes. It is a very pure and elegant decor, but it can be paired with a darker outfit to really make you stand out.

• After Dark: For those who seek mystery and boldness. Inspired by the Red Light District, this set is colourful, audacious, and scandalous.

• The Parisian Atelier: For those who have been dreaming of becoming a French muse. Golden frames, an olive tree, and you lounging on a Victorian sofa while the sunset reflects on your skin.

All of these gorgeous decors are created by our own little hands and made to showcase the masterpiece that you are!

This experience is perfect if you are a creative person drawn to artistic concepts. And if you have already done a boudoir shoot in the past, it is the perfect opportunity to try a second session with a different twist. Or, on the contrary, if you are not quite ready to pose for a full boudoir photoshoot yet but still want to experience the thrill of it, then we highly recommend it 😎.

So, if you are intrigued by “Tableaux,” you can find all the details below:

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Dudeoir shoots - boudoir photography isn't only for women.

We have been photographing men since the day we opened Scandaleuse Photography back in 2017, but nowadays, boudoir shoots for men (also known as dudeoir) are becoming more and more popular, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Boudoir photography is not only for women, men also need to accept and love their bodies as they are. With the scary increase in extreme masculinity, it is nice to finally see more men moving away from traditional ideas of masculinity to reconnect with their softer side.

We are probably biased, but in our opinion boudoir is the most powerful tool for anyone looking to get a long-lasting boost in confidence while having fun and celebrating who they truly are. Alright, if you are ready, let us dive in!

FIRST, WHAT IS BOUDOIR?

A boudoir shoot is simply an indoor or outdoor photography session in which you show more skin than you would in a regular portrait session. It can be done in lingerie or any outfit, really, as long as you show some skin. Wearing only a piece of fabric, or nothing at all, is also an option!

This experience is for everybody, no matter their gender, body type, age (well, you do have to be at least 18), ethnicity, or lifestyle. And despite some old-school beliefs, or examples of boudoir photography you may see online, you do not need any modelling experience to try this type of photography.

The only things you need are your beautiful self and us as your photographers 😉!

IS DUDEOIR PHOTOGRAPHY DIFFERENT FROM BOUDOIR?

Nope. The term dudeoir was invented so men could relate more easily to this type of photography and feel less afraid of ending up with pictures that might be too feminine for their taste. But the goal remains the same:

Feeling celebrated, empowered, sexy, and confident!

Just because this industry mostly showcases women, it does not mean you cannot do a boudoir shoot as a man. Some of our male clients want to showcase their masculinity by getting moody photographs that highlight their muscles, while others want photos that are brighter and airier to show their softer side and femininity.

Men, too, want to feel sensual, desired, and more confident. So if you relate to this, know that you are allowed to do a boudoir shoot and get beautiful images of yourself.

SPEAKING OF REASONS...

Since boudoir photography is not as common for men as it is for women, many of gentlemen hold back from doing a shoot because they feel like they don’t necessary have a valid reason to give it a try. Well lucky for them, we have plenty!

• ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE YOUR BODY THE WAY IT IS

The media puts so much pressure on people with all these “beauty standards” that having a distorted or clouded perception of our bodies does not only apply to women. It is universal! Most of us wish parts of our bodies could be different:

“I wish I were more muscular, thinner, taller, had bigger boobs, a bigger weenie...”

The truth is that we should be able to love the way we naturally look instead of always wanting to be different. When you learn to accept your body the way it is, you stop comparing yourself to others and start building stronger confidence.

• BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

Speaking of confidence! A boudoir shoot is a challenge in itself. It can make you feel vulnerable and push you out of your comfort zone. But that is a good thing, as it can help you grow and develop the confidence we all need.

Can you guess why it is important to be confident? Confidence gives you the strength to face life's challenges and make the world your oyster... Not bad, right?

We like to say that once you strip down in front of two strangers, nothing else in life can stop you 😀

• CELEBRATE YOURSELF

This is probably the first reason that pushes most of our clients to do, or redo, a boudoir shoot.

We all need to celebrate our awesome selves: every little or big victory, body transformation, new hairstyle, tattoo, or even a birthday. Basically, anything that makes us happy in our everyday lives. Always be your own cheerleader and treat yourself to unique experiences!

• FORGET ABOUT MEN BEING MASCULINE AND WOMEN BEING FEMININE

Yes, you read that right! Every single human being has both a feminine and masculine side. Not a lot of men dare to tap into their femininity, but your feminine side can be a huge asset in your life. It can keep you grounded and help you simply enjoy what is around you. You become more aware of what all your senses are picking up, which can help you develop new perspectives and boost your creativity.

• TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF MEN

The pressure placed on men is quite insane:

“Do not cry! Be strong! Suck it up! Do not be a girl!”

If you guys dare to show even a little sensitivity, you are immediately put into the “weak” category. You have the right to be whatever and whoever you want to be. But in order to change mentalities, just like women have to do, you have to stand up and challenge those expectations. You have to be willing to tap into and show your sensitivity to help make it feel normal.

By allowing yourself to be more vulnerable and not being afraid to show emotion, rather than always trying to be strong, you can slowly but surely help remove some of the clichés associated with men.

You will not only be doing yourself a favour, you will be doing one for your fellas too.

A GIFT FOR YOU, BUT ALSO FOR YOUR PARTNER

Even though a boudoir shoot should always be done for yourself first, using it as a gift for your partner can be a cool extra bonus and a great way to spice up your relationship. Who would not be pleasantly surprised to see sexy pictures of their lover, fiancé, or spouse?!

Now that you have read all the reasons for doing a dudeoir shoot, are we going to see you in front of our lens? If the answer is yes, you can contact us here and we will take care of the rest!

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Why we love celebrating women over 50

Over the past 8 years, we have had the privilege of photographing women of all ages, backgrounds, and stories. But lately, we have noticed more and more women in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s passing our studio doors and we truly stepped into an even more powerful boudoir experience we cannot get enough of. It got us wondering why we were feeling this deep fire during those sessions, and we just had to share it with you.

Our boudoir work has always been around slamming doors on expectations.

This has been our motto since day 1: yes, boudoir is an artistic experience, but it is so much more than that. When you sign up for it, you make the choice to detach yourself from judgement, expectations, the pressure round what you do and look like. Instead, you choose to focus on your relationship with yourself and your body.

Why does it feel evem stronger for women over 50? Because we firmly believe it takes more courage for women over 50 than for us, women in our 30s, to jump onto that train of embracing your body the way it is.

Different generation and much more body shame.

For many women over 50, body shaming wasn’t a passing comment — it was a way of life. It was baked into their everyday existence: in school, at home, in magazines, on TV. The message was loud and clear: your body must be thin, firm, young, and perfectly polished in order to be “good.” And if it wasn’t, you should fix it, hide it, or stay quiet about it.

Things like stretch marks, wrinkles, softness, and aging were treated as flaws to be covered up or corrected — not celebrated as part of a life well-lived.

Compared to the body-positive movement we see today - which still has a long way to go, let’s be honest - the messages these women grew up with were harsh, unforgiving, and deeply damaging.

And for many of them, that conditioning still lingers — even now.

Sending power back: Our way to say thank-you.

So much of what women in our generation get to enjoy — the growing conversations around body positivity, the normalization of self-love, the ability to express our sensuality without shame — is thanks to the generations who came before us.

Women over 50 have lived through decades of change. They have witnessed cultural revolutions, shifting beauty standards, and the slow, painful tearing down of deeply rooted expectations. They have fought , often quietly and thanklessly, for rights, recognition, and the ability to take up space — not just in society, but in their own lives.

While we are producing changes of our own, they have paved the way for us on many levels. Having the chance to show them how to reconcile with their bodies, celebrate their sensual side and feel powerful not despite their age, but because of it, is a true honour for us.

It is our way to send some power back on something they couldn't really focus on despite being very important in a woman's journey. And it is often incredibly healing.

Their no-F***-Given attitude is everything.

The women over 50 we are lucky enough to photograph all have one thing in common: they are done with the people-pleasing. Done with trying to fit into boxes. Done with waiting for permission to feel good in their skin. The kids are grown. The careers have evolved. The need to perform or chase external validation starts to fade.

There’s a boldness and a softness that coexist in the most beautiful way. They don’t need to prove anything to anyone and that confidence is magnetic. For some of them, this feeling is loud and obvious, and for others, it is more subtle. But the latter doesn't mean it is not as strong as the former.

To the Women Who’ve Carried So Much — We See You

To every woman who’s spent decades putting others first. To those who were told to be small, quiet, and modest. To those who believed that their worth faded as the years passed — we see you. We celebrate you.

There is no deadline for falling in love with yourself. There is no “too late” when it comes to feeling empowered, beautiful, and whole. You deserve to feel proud of your body, your story, and your strength. You deserve to be photographed not just for how you look, but for who you are.

And we’re so damn honoured to help you see it.

If you are curious about doing a boudoir session, just know you will be welcome in our studio with open arms. We are just one consultation away.

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Everything you need to know about our boudoir process

The time has come!

Maybe it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, or a dream you had for a long time, but you finally took the decision to book your boudoir shoot.

You feel super excited, maybe a little bit nervous because it might be your first time and you wonder:

Now what?!

You don't know what to expect, you are not sure what the next steps are, you can feel confused by all the information you see on different websites…

Do not wonder any longer, today we are sharing with you our boudoir shoots process.

Let's talk pricing first

When you go on our website, you can see our pricing is cut in two:

• First, there is the session fee, which includes the expertise of two photographers (Juliette and Fanny, hi this is us 😀), the location, makeup and hair, and the photoshoot.

• Second, there are the photo packages for the digital pictures, prints, or albums.

We divide our pricing in two for a couple of reasons: we believe you should be able to choose the quantity of photographs you want to purchase (instead of paying from the start, for example, for 25 images when you want only 15).

It also makes boudoir photography more accessible since you do not have to pay everything upfront. And multiple instalments are also available!

Use our contact form

Once you have been through our website to look at the details of our work and see our portfolio, the next step is to contact us and for that, we have a very easy-to-fill contact form! An email works fine too :)

When contacting us, do not hesitate to tell us why you want to do a shoot and what your story is. We LOVE when people share their reasons behind wanted to do a boudoir shoot. And it also helps us to have a better idea of what you have in mind!

It is time to chat

Once you sent us your email, we will reply to you within 24 hours, with more details about our shoots and the option to book a quick virtual meeting with us. This is a very important part of the process in which we guide you through the process. We also chat about potential ideas or vision you might have, you can ask us questions, and book a potential date for your shoot.

It is free and does not commit you to anything!

All in one platform

Once the meeting is over, we will send you everything you need in order to book your session: your invoice and steps to pay the retainer (the retainer is used to secure your date and book our makeup artist), your contract, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get ready for your shoot.

Everything is sent to you digitally via an online platform that keeps all the document in your private portal. It is very easy to access, and you do not have to print anything.

Makeup & Hair

Once the retainer is paid, we book one of our talented makeup artists if you wish to get pampered by a professional. We will introduce the two of you by email, so you can let her know if you have any ideas in mind, but also any skin sensitivity.

She will do your makeup and hair right before your boudoir shoot at our studio.

The real fun begins

This is the moment you have been dreaming of… and also our favourite part: the boudoir shoot!

The photo session is done at our beautiful Parisian-inspired studio located in the Junction, Toronto. We have 4 different rooms, and you can access all of them for your shoot:

• The Day Lounge (airy, feminine, and bright);

• The Night Lounge (moody, cocktail vibe, green and gold tones);

• The Sejour (warm and cozy atmosphere); and

• The Patio (Provence theme with a wisteria tree).

Your boudoir shoot will last up to 2 hours and during that time you will have fun, let loose, and pose like the badass and confident person you are. After the session, you will feel like you can do anything!

Once your makeup is done, we go over the clothes and accessories you brought (which will probably be in a big suitcase 😉), to select the outfits that are the most important for you (we usually have time to do around 5 different ones).

We also guide you and pose you during the entire session, so you do not have to worry about the fact you either never posed before or don’t know what to do. But you are very welcomed to let us know about specific poses or ideas you might want to try!

Boudoir photography allows you to highlights all your personalities, and you can really have fun with your outfits and props during your shoot. We love to create different vibes depending on your outfits, so it is very likely we would jump from a cozy atmosphere to a more badass one!

When do I see my pictures?

It has been two weeks since your shoot, the time for your reveal session has arrived. You might ask yourself:

“A what? “

This is the part of the process in which we show you your photographs, and you can purchase the ones you like best. See it as the big reveal! The moment when we show you how well you posed during your shoot and how confident you look. We usually meet back at our studio, over pastries, coffee, or tea. This process can be a bit overwhelming as there is a lot of photos to choose from, but once again we are here to help you with your selection!

Release Form

At the end of your reveal session, we make you fill out a release form. It is a document that allows us, or not, to use your photos for our digital marketing. You choose the option that works best for you!

We love being able to use our photos to inspire other people to try boudoir photography, but we understand privacy is very important for some people, so we never use your photos if you don’t agree with it.

Photos & Prints

All of our photo packages are digitally-based, delivered in high resolution (meaning you can print them the size of your wall if you want to 🔥), without watermark, and delivered via an online private gallery.

If you are like us and enjoy being able to see your pictures on paper, we work with a wonderful professional and private printer (who only work with professional photographers, so your photos are 100% safe) that provides high quality prints and albums.

Our editing process

Because it is very important for us to give a high-end boudoir experience to all of our clients, we take care of our own photo editing instead of outsourcing it like many other photography studios in the industry. As mentioned above, privacy is a must for many people, so we want to make sure the photos with shoot stay safe.

The way we edit our photos is very mild: we apply a soft skin edit, make sure your skin tons are even, and remove anything that is temporary (such as bruises, pimples, scratches, tan lines…). Since we believe boudoir photography is a way to learn to accept and love our body, we do not play plastic surgeons, meaning we do not change the way your body look.

The only thing we might remove, if it is important to you, are tattoos and scars (depending on sizes and placements). Some people considered mistakes tattoos and scars as part of their story and don’t want to hide them (it is something we encouraged), but we also understand why others prefer to not see them on photos. The choice is yours, all we ask is to know in advance so we can pose you accordingly :)

And after?

You did your shoot and got your beautiful images, so it would be normal to think that you are done with us. But it does not have to be like that! You can of course decide to live your life and forget about Scandaleuse, or you can do what most of our clients do:

Stay in touch and be part of our community full of badass, strong, and powerful Scandals!

By following us on Instagram, or signing up to our newsletter, you can keep an eye on our events, special shoots, deals, or other projects our community can participate to!

Boudoir is so much more than pretty pictures. It pushes you to go after what you want in life, and makes you feel empowered. Why? Because once you strip down in front of two strangers, nothing can stop you 🤩

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The Problem Isn't Boudoir. It's How Society Sees Women's Bodies.

This week, one of our Scandals (if you're new here, that's what we lovingly call our clients after they've done a boudoir session with us) shared her beautiful photos on Instagram. She was incredibly proud of herself for stepping outside her comfort zone and loved her images so much that she wanted to celebrate them with her community. Unfortunately, because social media is full of bullies, she also received some stupid comments.

Sadly, this kind of behaviour has become so common online that many people barely react to it anymore. But we care and honestly, we're tired of seeing women torn down for simply existing confidently in their own bodies. So here we are again, speaking up and dismantling old school beliefs…

"If you post online, you have to accept people's opinions."

This is one of the most common arguments used to justify online harassment. Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinion. But there's a world of difference between respectfully disagreeing with someone and insulting or humiliating them.

When people share pieces of their lives, whether it's a trip they took, a recipe they tried, a fitness journey, or a personal milestone, they're simply sharing something that brought them joy, and it is a beautiful thing that social media allow us to do. But every time we read the comments under a Reel or an Instagram post, we're saddened by how many people go out of their way to say something negative. We have never understood why some people feel the need to criticize complete strangers for living their lives differently than they would. And when women share their boudoir photos, the judgment somehow becomes even harsher 😡

In our opinion, if someone doesn't like it, they can simply keep scrolling!

"Those pictures belong on OnlyFans."

No, they don't.

Comments like these usually come from people who automatically associate a woman's body with sexuality. Because boudoir photography often shows more skin than a traditional portrait session, many assume that boudoir equals pornography.

It doesn't! Nudity and sexuality are two completely different things.

Nudity is simply the state or quality of being without clothing or covering of any kind. It is the bare skin we all have under our clothes, skin that protects our our organs, nerves, muscles, veins… Sexuality, on the other hand, is about sexual expression and desire.

Can boudoir photography be erotic? Of course it can, if the intention of the image is to arouse the viewer or if it depicts sexual acts. But that's not why most women book a boudoir session. They come to us because they want to see themselves differently. They want to reconnect with their bodies, celebrate a milestone, heal after a difficult chapter, rebuild their confidence, or simply do something that feels empowering and fun.

Their photos aren't about inviting others to look at them, they're about finally learning to look at themselves with kindness. For many women, boudoir is far more therapeutic than it is sexual.

"Boudoir is a step backwards for feminism."

No, it is not.

Some people argue that women who post boudoir photos online are simply seeking attention or catering to the male gaze, and that doing so contributes to the objectification of women. Can you see the irony? Once again, we are asking women to cover up so men can behave.

While it is true that some women do share intimate photos because they enjoy feeling attractive, they like to receive compliments, or it is their way to express their sexuality (there is absolutely nothing wrong with that), for many others they share their photos because they're proud of themselves!

Proud that they faced their insecurities. Proud that they challenged years of negative self-talk. Proud that they finally saw themselves the way their loved ones have always seen them. And often, they hope their courage will inspire another woman to do the same.

Interestingly, when a man posts shirtless photos showing off his physique, people rarely question his intelligence, self-respect, or motives. Yet when a woman celebrates her body, suddenly everyone has an opinion.

Which brings us to the classic:

"You can't be taken seriously if you post your boudoir photos."

We have heard this one countless times. Despite the progress we've made, society still tends to believe that women who show their bodies online, or who use their appearance as part of their work, must somehow be less intelligent, less professional, less talented or less capable.

But confidence and competence are not mutually exclusive:

• A woman can be a CEO and wear lingerie.

• A lawyer can do a boudoir shoot.

• A doctor can feel sexy.

• A teacher can celebrate her body.

• An entrepreneur can embrace both her intelligence and her femininity.

Showing your body doesn't erase your accomplishments, it doesn't diminish your expertise and it doesn't make your opinions less valuable. The only thing it challenges is an outdated belief that women must choose between being respected and feeling beautiful. We're done accepting that false choice. Women are allowed to exist in all their complexity. They can be intelligent, accomplished, vulnerable, sexy, funny, ambitious, powerful, and confident all at the same time. And if that makes some people uncomfortable, maybe that's a sign that the problem was never boudoir photography in the first place.

Never forget that boudoir is a celebration of yourself. You absolutely have every right to keep your photos private, but you also have every right to share them and you don't owe anyone an explanation for what you do with your own body. If a boudoir session makes you feel happy, confident, and powerful, that's enough. And if you want to share those images with the world, that's your choice too. At the end of the day, you're the only person who gets to decide what's right for your beautiful self.

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Poses named after our clients

Creating different atmospheres for each person standing in front of our lens has always been a priority. The goal of our boudoir work is to have our client say “yes, this feels like me” when they are in the moment but also when they see their images.

As a result, sometimes, some specific sets, outfits or poses get created around a client, and they truly stand out, to the point where we actually name it after them and will refer to it as much in the future.

We recently mentioned it to one of our clients after naming one after her, and she mentioned that it was pretty fun and flattering that we had that system. And it made us think: another side of Scandaleuse is not just how you inspire us, but also how you inspire others, which is just as important. After all, people, particularly women, come to us showing images from our website from someone else they could relate to. And we now have a full library of muses.

Without further ado, let us show you a sample of the Scandaleuse Muses Library!

The Claudia

This one is for all of you with great hip mobility! If you are looking to feel like a sexy dancer/spy and your body allows it, we will likely challenge you with this one!

The Melanie

This pose looks impressive while being extremely flattering on the body, while being fairly comfortable to execute. That, to us, is a winning combo. We love suggesting this kind of pose to anybody wanting to feel like a ballet dancer without strain!

The Christina

We cannot take credit for this one as Christina brought our attention to this pose. It may look simple, but it is actually incredibly bendy!

The Alexia

The Alexia has now become a lighting statement, with this heart shape spotlight to bring out her inner showgirl! You are more than welcome to stay a blank canvas when it comes to your session but sometimes, people like to explore more specific visions, which we also love. Alexia wanted a burlesque touch to her shoot and we were happy to oblige!

The Sher

Granted, the Sher can refer to a couple from her session, as we got the chance to go super creative together, but this one is ingrained in the muse library! There are many variations of this pose, which makes it easy to adapt to all body types and mobility and they are all very elegant. Always a winner!

We have so many more we could show you, but as you can expect, the majority of our clients’ photos need to stay fully private. Your session is about you, your personality, your tastes. We have created sets around Harry Potter, Marie-Antoinette, Cyber Punk, various decades, and gigantic props, and we are very grateful that we get to experiment with the lovely people in front of our lens.

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Don't be afraid to do a boudoir shoot

Did you open this blog post because you dream of doing a boudoir photoshoot but feel quite nervous about it? We're going to assume you did, so if that's the case, this blog is 100% for you 😘

In case you don't know, Juliette and I (Fanny) opened Scandaleuse Photography 9 years ago, and in all those years, we've stopped counting the number of times people have told us they would love to do a shoot but don't think they can, often for the same reasons we're going to debunk today!

We bet one of the reasons stopping you from doing your photoshoot is on this list. If not, please leave us a comment. We're very curious to learn more about your story.

Yes, you have the right body!

This is probably the #1 reason why most people feel like boudoir photography is not for them. Beauty standards are still so deeply rooted in our society that many of us see ourselves as ugly or unworthy if our bodies don't look like what the media considers "acceptable" or "normal."

What we often forget is that these beauty standards were created for marketing purposes, to sell us products and services we don't need. If we all accepted our bodies the way they are, we wouldn't be searching for magical solutions or spending thousands of dollars to look younger, thinner, or more muscular.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that focuses more on what we look like than on who we are as people. So when it comes to boudoir photography, many people still feel that it's reserved only for those with "perfect" bodies.

One of the reasons we opened a boudoir photography studio was to put things back into perspective and encourage people to celebrate their natural beauty. Your body, no matter its shape or form, is beautiful exactly the way it is. Your cellulite, your wrinkles, your scars, and yes, even your belly fat (most of our clients complain about that part of their body, but it deserves some love too 🥹) are all part of who you are. There is no need to feel ashamed of, or hide, any part of yourself.

One of the benefits of doing a boudoir shoot is learning to accept ourselves as we are and giving a big middle finger to those beauty standards!

Yes, you are photogenic!

Another common reason some people fear doing a boudoir session is the belief that they are not photogenic. Honestly, we blame school portrait photography for that!

I remember hating those photo days as a kid. Most photographers had zero patience, parents forced us to smile, and it was often a truly unpleasant experience. I believe that created a lot of negative associations with being photographed. The idea of standing still and having to smile at a camera can be nerve-racking for some people and make them feel very awkward. But boudoir photography is a completely different experience, and it's actually a lot of fun once people start to relax.

First of all, we guide you through the entire process. We show you every pose, and we even demonstrate what we have in mind by posing ourselves in front of you so you can easily copy what we're doing.

Secondly, unless you're naturally a very smiley person, you're probably not going to smile in every photo. We build the sets around the outfits you bring. So let's say you bring a lot of badass lingerie, in that case the attitude we'll try to bring out in you will be more serious, powerful, and confident. We help create that atmosphere through the poses we guide you into and by directing where we want you to look.

On the other hand, if you bring outfits that create a cozy or cute vibe, we might encourage you to give a soft smile while looking off into the distance. We'll probably make you laugh too so we can capture some genuine, candid smiles.

Nothing is ever forced. With the right guidance, your natural attitude comes through very easily.

Yes, you can still do a boudoir shoot!

"I'm too old to do a boudoir shoot!"

No, you're not! The only requirement you need in order to do a boudoir shoot is to be over 18. Beyond that, there is no age limit.

Can you guess why women over a certain age think they shouldn't try this experience? It's because we live in a world where we've been told that women only matter when they're young. That after a certain age, they lose their beauty, their sensuality, and their sexuality. What a load of BS!

Aging is a natural process that all humans go through. Juliette likes to say that aging is a privilege, and she is absolutely right. We should celebrate our bodies for all the hard work they do for us, remembering that not everyone gets the chance to grow old and that, without our bodies, we are nothing.

Getting older should not stop us from living life and experiencing everything this world has to offer.

Yes, you will feel safe!

Another reason why we opened Scandaleuse Photography was because we wanted to create a safe space for people to fully express themselves and reclaim their bodies. Some of our clients are women who have experienced abuse in their lives, and doing a photoshoot is their way of taking back control of their image and their bodies.

We also have clients from the LGBTQIA2S+ community, such as cross-dressers and gay men, who use boudoir photography as a way to express their femininity because they don't feel safe enough to do so in their everyday lives. We also photograph trans women who are looking for a way to celebrate the feminine side of themselves that they may have had to hide for much of their lives.

Scandaleuse is a safe haven for anyone who needs a space to be themselves without fear of being judged, mocked, or abused. We make it our priority to provide support and guidance to every single person who comes to our studio and to ensure they leave with wonderful memories of this empowering experience.

Yes, you will relax and have fun!

When we shoot boudoir, we love helping you showcase all the facets of your personality. That's why we encourage you to bring outfits that make you feel amazing, as well as any props you'd like to incorporate into your session so that the experience feels truly personalized.

We also play music to help you get in the mood, guide you through every pose, cheer you on, and crack a few jokes to help you relax. Will you feel nervous during the first 10 minutes of the shoot? Probably! But as the session goes on, you'll start feeling less stressed and more comfortable, and before you know it, you'll be having fun.

Our photoshoots are two hours long, but you'll see that time flies by quickly... and you'll probably wish it lasted longer 😇

You will want to do it again in the future!

Boudoir photography isn't necessarily something people do every year, as it is an investment. However, we often see past clients return for a second or even third shoot years after their first boudoir experience. Sometimes their lives have changed. Sometimes they've reached an important milestone. And sometimes they simply want to celebrate themselves again with a new boudoir session.

That's one of the beautiful things about boudoir photography: every session tells the story of who you are in that moment of your life.

We hope today’s blog will give you the extra push you need to treat yourself with the fantastic experience boudoir photography is. Sign up to our weekly newsletter to receive our blogs, speial deals and other cool stuf:

Boudoir Photography Is More Affordable Than You Think

A boudoir shoot can be an investment, but with our process, it actually could be a lot more accessible than you think! Let's dissect how a boudoir shoot is actually paid for.

1) You can pay before we meet, but you don't have to. 

There are 3 ways to book a boudoir session with us. You can: 

• 1) fill out a form on the website and have us contact you;

• 2) book a complimentary consultation, or;

• 3) you can book your date and pay directly. It's perfect for if you think you will chicken out if you don't secure your photoshoot in one go 😉 

⚠️ For the 3rd option, we will always do a pre-shoot online consultation and if for whatever reason, we are not a good fit after that, we will have a silent tear you will get a full refund. At the end of the day, all we want is your comfort.

2) You don't need to pay your full shoot at once

We actually only need a $250 retainer to secure your date, and your make-up artist. The remaining balance of your session is due the day of your photoshoot, whenever that it. You can absolutely schedule multiple months in advance to give yourself more time. You can reschedule once under certain conditions and we try to be as flexible as we can.  

3) You choose the number of photos you'd like to purchase

The way it works at Scandaleuse is that we host reveal sessions (aka when we show you your photo selection) within 2 weeks of your photoshoot. We are personally not fans of doing it the same day as it is a long time at the studio and we want to you take your time and take them all in (and avoid impulse buying!). 

We have 6 collections to choose from, all customizable, and with various budget. It starts at $580, are digitally-based and the most luxurious options also include albums you have the freedom to remove to re-adjust the cost.

4) Payment plan in the span of 3 months

We are veeeery flexible with our payment plans as we not only give you the option to divide your package fee between 2 or 3 instalments AND to pick your preferred timeline, by making a payment either every 2 weeks or once a month. There are no extra costs associated with this, we just set it up to your liking after you've made your selection.  

The only thing to keep in mind is that we cannot deliver the final images until payment is complete, so if you are not in a rush to get your photos, it's a great option! 

Hopefully, this brought some clarity in case the investment was the last thing stopping you from a finally doing your boudoir photoshoot! On top of just being super fun, we pride ourselves to make this experience as pressure-free and flexible as we can. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, we are always happy to help!

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What I do to get ready for a boudoir shoot

In order to have complete freedom over the use of some images (and also because we love it), Fanny and I regularly take boudoir photos of ourselves. Over the years, I personally have developed a little pre-shoot routine to feel my most confident self so I can just focus on feeling badass and have fun the day of!

Here is a necessary disclaimer: some people, Fanny included, don’t feel the need to do anything before their session, and it is just as good! Those are little tips that help get me in the right state of mind, but none of the following is mandatory to have beautiful photos of yourself. Take what you want, leave the rest!

1) I avoid shooting during my period.

I know myself and I know my body: during my period, I am part of the team that just want to roll in a ball (and die). I definitely don’t feel like being half-naked and absolutely don’t feel sexy whatsoever. As a result, I try my best to schedule photo shoots around it. Many of our clients also apply this and we always do the best we can to work with them for those who want.

2) I adapt my workouts, and not the way you’d think

I usually work out 4 to 5 times a week, between pole dancing, weight-lifting and pilates. It has been part of my routine for over a decade now, and while I make sure to stick to it to the best of my ability before a photoshoot, I also adapt by actually making them… easier.

The reason why is because I don't want to be sore during a boudoir shoot. The more mobile and flexible you are, the more poses you can do. If I go crazy exercising, I know for a fact my body will be achy and fun poses will feel a lot more uncomfortable than usual. Moving yes, but let’s take it easy!

3) Essential trifecta: sleep, food and alcohol.

Alcohol makes me bloated and puffy. I am far from a heavy drinker to begin with but if a shoot is in the horizon, I will definitely keep it in mind and stay away from alcohol for 2 or 3 days prior.

I also tend to avoid having a big dinner the night before, more out of comfort than aesthetic. There is absolutely no need whatsoever to restrict your diet before doing your shoot! I just personally like to have a lighter dinner the night before, so I don’t feel heavy the next day.

A solid breakfast is however essential! You need energy for a boudoir shoot and food = energy. We still see too many people showing up on an empty stomach to keep it flat, and it is the best way to feel dizzy half-way through! Don't aim to not eat, just eat better.

Last but not least, beauty sleep isn’t a myth! If I am off of my sleep routine for whatever reason, I bring it back for a week before my photoshoot. Great motivation to just go to bed on time!

4) I plan my outfits.

Again, some people like to throw a bunch of clothes last minute and see what happens, and it works great for them. I am part of the “trying everything before” team. (You see the type A that I am by now I am sure :) ). My goal is to have options with me I know I feel beautiful in, so I don’t even question it when the lens is on me.

5) A little mobility goes a long way!

Boudoir tends to involve very elongated poses and it makes you work on posture and arch. Having a bit of flexibility in your back and hips does wonder. If time allows the morning of, I enjoy doing a soft mobility and stretching session for 10/15 minutes to oil the machine. We believe in this so much that we had a wonderful yoga instructor create one specifically for our clients, available in our tips and tricks sent to them. 

A reminder again that everything you just read is about getting into a confident mindset, not changing my body to look a certain way. What works for me might not work for you, feel free to adjust or remove as you see fit! Ultimately, what matters is having the most fun during your photoshoot, and make it about you, art and badass vibes.

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