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:

And don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter below if you want to receive more content in your inbox:

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:

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter to read more about our work!

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!

Not ready yet for a session but you like what you read, don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter below to receive more cool content:

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 🤩

Want to learn more about the magnificent world of boudoir photography? Sign up to our newsletter below to never miss out on any content we share every week ⬇️

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:

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.

Did you enjoy the read? Don’t hesitate to join the newsletter below for more content like this!

Use boudoir to bring out your alter-ego

Boudoir is all about capturing who you are. You should absolutely have photos where you recognize and feel like yourself. For many it means using the least accessories and the simplest outfits possible, but for others, it also means to bring out one of their alter-ego that never gets to shine (it can also be both, no one is going to stop you here!).

Playing around with your alter-egos is not only fun, but also a great way to bring extra confidence during your session. Allow us to show you some ideas that we have seen to inspire you!

Gaming & Fantasy

This one is for all the gamers and cosplay fans! You can absolutely bring a boudoir twist related to your favorite game, movies, anything.

You can rely on our make-up artist and hair-stylist to go crazy on our look or you can also bring some strong pieces with you. We have seen wonderful cosplay pieces that were a delight to turn into boudoir outfits, so the sky is the limit!

The femme fatale

You can never go wrong with a femme fatale vibe. It can come in so many different ways, from a cocktail gown to a blazer look, with or without accessories. You can truly make it your own. It makes this theme very easy to get into and on top of that, it automatically puts you in an empowered, badass state of mind and it shows.

Dark romance (and smut)

Book-lovers, we see you! We strongly believe that the content we consume defines us to a certain level, and as avid readers, we absolutely love creating those atmospheres for you.

Whether you want to show off your hopeless romantic side or your dark romance sexy side, once again, possibilities are endless. On a sidenote, gentlemen, you can never go wrong with a “Shadow Daddy” vibe. Smut is a popular genre for a reason, just throwing it out there!

Drag & playing with gender

More and more of our clients, especially male, bring oufits varying between masculine and feminine looks, and we absolutely love it. Take this photoshoot to express yourself fully, this is a safe space for you to do so. A client of ours recently shared with us RuPaul’s famous quote: ”We’re all born naked and the rest is drag”, and we couldn’t agree more.

Step into both of your sides, and go as extra as you want. You won't regret it!

While we have many, due to privacy reason, we cannot use our images illustrate this point, but we confirm they are here!

At the end of the day, boudoir photography is an art experience, and art requires creativity. It is a great opportunity to think outside the box and have fun with it. So why not incarnate a facet of your personality that can’t be shown to the world as freely as your real self?

We are always a call away if you'd like to chat. You can also join the newsletter below for more weekly content and offers!

Got a question regarding our boudoir shoots, find the answer here!

If you look for boudoir photography online, you will find many studios with different styles, offering different packages, and providing different information on this type of photography, which can make people feel a little bit overwhelmed when it come to taking the decision to do a boudoir shoot or not.

So, to make sure you get all the clarity you need, today's blog will be  straightforward and will answer most questions you might have in mind regarding our services, so you can finally start your new boudoir adventure 😎

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

We are currently based in Toronto, West of the Junction (Dundas & Runnymede) and occasionally Paris, France. 

WHO IS GOING TO BE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER?

Both of us! We noticed that shooting together makes our models more comfortable, and it also guarantees you a great variety of poses and sets during your shoot since you have two set of eyes at your disposal! We also work faster & better together.

And since we are the founders of Scandaleuse and only ones working at the business, you will always be talking to either Juliette or I, Fanny. All emails are answered within 1 business day. Our editing is also in-house and our turnaround time is in average 2 weeks for your final iamges.

WHO ARE OUR BOUDOIR SHOOTS FOR?

Everybody over the age of 18. Opening Scandaleuse Photography was our way to create a safe space for anyone interested to have a boudoir shoot done. We work with women, men, non-binary folks, trans people, cross-dressers, companions, people from all ethnicities, ages, lifestyle, and body-types. Everybody is welcome 😘

Do I need to know how to pose?

Absolutely not. Most of our clients are first-timers and it is our job to guide you from head to toes. We even demonstrate the poses for you and we make sure those poses follow what your body can do.

How long in advance should I book?

To play it safe, we suggest planning a month in advance for individual and couple sessions. If you are looking to get an album done for a specific date, then booking few months in advance is alway a better idea. We can sometimes accommodate last-minute sessions if the date you want is open on our end.

What is included in our boudoir session?

Our photoshoots are 2 hours long and include:

• professional makeup & hair (can be removed if you don’t want it);

• our stunning Parisian-Inspired studio or an outdoor location for those who want to shoot outside;

• two photographers (Juliette and I, Fanny);

• posing guidance and styling;

• full access to our prop closet;

• pre-shoot tips & tricks in your inbox;

• unlimited outfit changes;

• consultation prior to the session; and

• reveal and ordering session of your photos.

Regarding our pricing, our individual shoots are $390, and our couple shoots are $500. The session fee does not include any digital files, prints or albums. We have a variety of photo packages available for purchase during your reveal session, starting $580.

Do we offer print options?

Yes we do! Some of our photo packages include albums (they can be removed if not needed). Individual prints and polaroids are available à-la-carte.

Do we offer payment plans?

Yes! We have set up payment plans up to 3 instalments on all of our photo packages, at no extra cost and with flexile timelines of your choosing.

How do our boudoir sessions work?

First, we schedule a complimentary consultation to see what you have in mind and walk you through our process. A retainer of $250 is needed to book your date and secure your makeup artist, the rest of the balance is due the day of your photoshoot at the latest. Once the retainer is paid, we send you a contract, put you in touch with the makeup artist, send you some tips & tricks, and all the information you need for studio location and parking.

The day of the photoshoot: you start with makeup and hair first (that is done at our studio), then we go over the outfits and props you brought, and we start the photoshoot. We guide you through every poses and set, you will see you will have a lots of fun 😀

A selection of photographs will be available 2 weeks after your shoot (same day reveal sessions are also possible if you wish). This is the moment you decide to purchase the photographs you like best.

Your finale images will be send to you via a private online gallery, with no watermarks, and in high resolution.

Can you keep your photos private?

Absolutely! While we are proud of our work and would love to show you off, your privacy is more important and we understand that you may not want us to use your photos. At the end of your reveal session we will ask you if we can use or not your photos for marketing purpose and will write your answer down in your release option form.

If you are ready to start your boudoir journey or if you have extra questions, you can book a complimentary Zoom meeting with us here. Those meetings are free of charge, quick, and are a great way to ask all the questions you might have in mind. We will also walk you through our entire process, so you have all the information you need to book your shoot when you are ready.

If you are not ready yet, feel free to sign up to our weekly newsletter below to stay in the loop:

5 tips to get ready for your boudoir shoot

You gathered your courage and finally booked your boudoir shoot? Yay, congrats!
So… now what? Do you just wait until your date and wing it?
Well, you can, but you can also do a few simple things to make the most out of this experience and enjoy it even more.

The shoot itself is an amazing experience, but preparing for it is also as much fun! Thinking about your favourit outfits, the props you want to bring, or even the type of makeup you want to go for with our makeup artist is a huge and important part of this boudoir experience. It builds up the excitement, gives you some butterflies, and help you to feel less nervous.

Here are 5 tips on how to easily get ready for your photoshoot and avoid feeling rushed:

1) Look online for inspiration

Chances are, you probably did that before even inquiring about our budoir sessions and if so, keeping looking for more inspiration doesn’t hurt.

But, in case you haven’t yet, it is time to get some Pinterest out of you! Grab your favourit beverage and get browsing! Search what boudoir means to you, think about some atmospheres, themes, poses and lighting you like and pin away! Not only it is a super fun process, but it is helpful for us as well as photographers to know what makes your heart sing. If Pinterest is not your cup of tea, you can find inspiration anywhere else such as Instagram, our website, Google search, or any other online platforms, and you can screenshot things that catch your eyes.

Extra tip #1: Don’t worry about finding people who look like you, this is a vibe we are looking for, not photos to copy and paste. Try to ignore the poses as well, a lot of the ones we find online are performed by super bendy people and often edited in post.

Extra tip #2: It doesn’t have to be all boudoir. It can be anything from the aesthetic of a movie scene you like, to a fun music album cover, or even the pose in a painting or sculpture you love.

2) Start working on your posture

Yep, time to straighten that back! Not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because adjusting your posture makes you stand tall and brings up confidence. Boudoir is all about making that confidence shine, so let's take it everywhere we can! But don’t worry, we will remind you during your boudoir shoot as we know it is not really natural to think constantly about posture. So get ready to hear a lot of: “Straighten your back!“ and “Point your toes!“ sentences 😀

Extra tip: No need to overthink it, simply practice bringing your shoulder blades closer together and picture a thread pulling you from the top of your head. Et voilà!

3) Plan your outfits

Oh this is a goodie. Contrary to popular beliefs, you don't necessarily need to wear standard lingerie for your boudoir shoot. If anything, we are more looking for outfits you feel amazing and beautiful in, as it is very easy to bring a boudoir twist most clothes.

Any outfits can be turned into a boudoir one. What matters is what makes you feel like YOU. That's what we want to capture. So if you want to rock some lace, by all means, go for it, but if you are feeling more of a joggers/loose t-shirt vibe, then it is awesome too. Go crazy! From your favourit jacket, to pieces you bought once but never got the chance to wear ever since, this is the perfect opportunity to be creative and have fun with it.

Extra tip: Plan a top 3 of your favourite outfits and bring extra, even some bits and pieces you aren't sure what to do with. Chances are we may see something you haven't. If you need more inspiration, we wrote a blog post about the 5 best props we've seen on shoots, you can read it here.

4) Prep a playlist

It is no secret that music leads the mood. It helps you relax and makes you feel like the main character in your story! Our studio has a speaker ready to connect with your device, so have fun creating a playlist that makes you feel like the badass and sexy being you are!

Extra tip: check out our Scandaleuse playlist on Spotify! We have a bit of everything to get those good vibes out of you.

5) Practice in the mirror

If you have a full length mirror at home, it is time to put it to use! Take a moment to try on your outfits, see what poses you like, check what your favourite parts of your body are and even if you have a preferred side. This little exercise, especially if boudoir is a bit challenging for you, will only make your session easier.

Extra tip: If you feel like you would just be hard on yourself, then ditch this step, focus on the others tips we gave you and just follow our lead the day of. For some of us, it can be difficult to face ourselves and keep it positive. We will do it for you!

Now you have all the tools you need to get fully ready for your boudoir shoot! Enjoy this pre-shoot process as much as you can, it is a big part of your experience and it would be a shame to miss out on it! And in case you need extra motivation, some of our past clients have a message for you here 😉

Like what you just read? Join our Scandaleuse letter below for weekly tips and tricks!

How to choose your boudoir photographer

Bonjour vous !

If you are a first timer on our website, welcome to the Scandaleuse family 😀. If it is not your first time reading one of our blogs, know it is nice to have you back here! In both cases, we hope you can find some answers here if you are looking to do a shoot.

When it comes to boudoir photography, you want to make sure you find the perfect photographer to shoot with. Maybe it will be your first time trying boudoir, and perhaps you feel a bit anxious about it… Nothing to worry about, this feeling is normal! For many people, it is already challenging to have their pictures taken, so the idea of posing half naked in front of a stranger can be even more nerve-racking even if they really want to try it.

To make sure you get the most out of your boudoir experience, and you feel 100% at ease the day of your shoot, it is essential you find the perfect match: AKA your dream photographer!

Do not necessarily go for the cheapest

Of course prices are important, and we understand not everyone have a big budget for boudoir photography since it can be quite of an investment. But if it is something you really want to treat yourself with, there are other factors to consider.

If you go with the cheapest professionals, obviously you will get lower prices, but on the other hand you will sacrifice things that are important and can make your shoot go smoothly. For example, you might get:

• A shorter shoot and be rushed to pose.

  Which can cause you a lot of stress, and you might end up looking tensed on the final pictures.

• A photographer who is new in photography or not really confident in their work.

  The risk is that this person might not be able to pose you properly nor find the best angles during your shoot. An inexperienced photographer might also not know how to guide you and can easily use the wrong words that sometimes can be misleading or not really appropriate!

  They might also not be able to give you what you are looking for if you have specific ideas in mind.

• A lack of quality with the final pictures.

  Such as unbalanced colours and lighting, which affects the colour of your skin and intensifies your skin’s texture (including pimples, bruises, cellulite, …). Or a poor editing process. Even if we believe photographers should never change someone’s body (we are not plastic surgeons!), when we edit your pictures we make sure to unify your skin tones or soften tan lines if you have some.

• Low-resolution pictures with the photographer’s watermark.

  This means that you would not be able to print them the size you wish and will end up with the photographer’s signature on all of your pictures. If you are looking to have clean prints or a beautiful album in the future, that might be an issue.

Those are a few pointers among other ones. Like anything in life you want to purchase, if you go for a low price, you know you are not going to get the best product or service. In our opinion, it is not something you wish to experience with boudoir photography. A cheap shoot is never worth the struggles and disappointment you might get in return. If you really want to treat yourself with a boudoir session but don’t have the budget yet, it is better to wait a bit longer rather than rushing into it.

Also know that payment plans can be an option. We don’t know about the other studios, but on our end we are more than happy to be flexible with payments so you can access the beautiful world of boudoir photography more easily.

Safety first

We wrote a full blog about this very important topic here as we heard some horrific stories happening to some people. We highly suggest reading it or watch the video below:

First impression always matters

Trust your instinct! We mentioned it in the video above, but we want to write here as it is primordial:

Always listen to your guts!

It does not matter what detail triggered that little voice in your head telling you there is something not working with this photographer, just listen to it. Our body usually picks up on people’s energy before our brain does, especially as women (we have a natural protective instinct). So if you feel it is not gonna work out, it probably will not. It is always better to find someone else!

Values are important

Like in any relationships, either it is professional or personal, sharing the same values is important to make the most out of the time you will spend together. Since boudoir can be an experience that makes you feel vulnerable, feeling 100% comfortable around the person who is guiding you during your shoot is a must.

If you don’t relate to the message the photographer is sharing through their branding, or you cannot really “recognize” yourself in their work, it is usually a sign this is not a good match.

Contract and privacy release

Even if we love being able to share our clients’ pictures to inspire other people to do a shoot and show the diversity in our clientele, we understand that privacy is important. When choosing a photographer, make sure they have a release option to sign, so they keep your pictures private if you wish to.

Also, you want to make sure to sign a contract that summarizes all the details from the shoot and what you are supposed to get. This is to avoid any unpleasant surprises such as change of pricing, hidden fees or any other clauses you were not aware of.

Your vibe should match their style

Every photographer has a personal artistic style, so what you see on a photographer’s website is most likely what you are going to get. Before hiring your photographer, you want to make sure they can give you what you are looking for.

For example, if you are looking for a homey vibe with a nice decors and plants for your pictures background and atmosphere, you don’t want to go for a photographer who mostly shoot in a simple studio on a white background.

Everything has to be crystal clear

Your boudoir experience, from meeting the photographer to getting the finale product (with everything in between), should happen smoothly, and you should not feel confused about the process. Never hesitate to ask questions (as long as you respect your photographer’s time) or ask for extra clarification if needed.

Once again, if you feel the photographer you contacted isn’t being really responsive, you might want to look at other options.

The recap:

• Avoid Kijiji or Craiglist.
• Always meet with your photographer(s)
• Check the company's reputation with reviews or referrals.
• Have a contract signed and the details of the session laid out before the day of. Everything has to be crystal clear.
• Bring someone with you or let someone know where you will be and when you'll be done.Boudoir is a life-changing experience, and we cannot wait for you to try it!

Your boudoir shoot is about you and yourself only! So when you find the perfect photographer that will make you feel like your most badass, sexy, confident, or whatever-else-you-wanna-feel self, you are going to have a wonderful experience.

And speaking of meeting your photographers, we are doing an open house at our studio, and we would love to see you there, it is happening on January 31st at 2.30pm. This event is for all women who are curious about boudoir photography and want to meet us in-person. We will have tea/coffee/juice & snacks for you, will give you a tour of the studio, walk you through our boudoir process, and answer any questions you might have. Cherry on top, you get a $100 credit towards your future boudoir shoot! It is free and perfect for people tired of Zoom meetings, you can even bring your friend or partner if you like!

You can find all the details below:

Join our weekly newsletter below to get exclusive content and deals ⬇️

The gift of boudoir for people you care about

Looking for the perfect gift for someone special is never easy. You want something meaningful that gives them joy and warm their heart.

What if we told you that gifting a boudoir photoshoot is the ultimate solution that will blow the mind of that special someone? Either it is for your partner, a family member, or a friend, a boudoir photoshoot is a gift like no other. It’s more than a present, it’s an experience, a celebration, and a lasting reminder of how much they mean to you.

Here are five compelling reasons why gifting a boudoir photoshoot is the ultimate way to show love and appreciation for someone special in your life.

A Celebration of Confidence

Boudoir photography is about embracing and celebrating anyone in front of the lens in their most authentic form. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or even yourself, a photoshoot like this is a powerful confidence booster.

By gifting this experience, you’re saying, “I see your beauty, strength, and uniqueness, and I want you to see it too.” It’s a profound way to remind someone how amazing they are and help them reconnect with their inner badassness.

A Gift That Lasts Forever

Unlike material gifts, the images from a boudoir shoot hold timeless value. Each photo is a piece of art that captures a moment when that person felt empowered, beautiful, and celebrated.

For many years to come, they will be flipping through their album or looking at a framed print, and remembering not just how they felt, but also the thoughtfulness behind your gift.

A Unique and Personal Gesture

Let’s face it: the best gifts are the ones that show you’ve put thought into them. A boudoir photoshoot is personal, customized to the person’s style and comfort level.

It’s a gift that shows you care about their journey of self-love and that you want to give them something that’s uniquely theirs. It’s not just an experience, it’s a statement of love and appreciation.

A Bond-Strengthening Experience

If this gift is for your partner, the experience becomes even more intimate. Not only does it give them a chance to feel pampered and special, but it can also enhance your relationship. Seeing someone you love rediscover their confidence and self-worth can deepen your connection and foster a new level of appreciation for each other.

You can even consider doing a photoshoot together!
If you feel like your partner has been itching to try such an experience but could use extra support, going for a couple photoshoot is a great way to go! Not only will you get to experience it together, but you will have beautiful memories to look back on.

A Gift of Self-Discovery

For many people, a boudoir shoot is a transformative experience. It’s a moment to step outside their comfort zone, embrace their vulnerabilities, and see themselves in a new light.

By gifting this experience, you’re not just giving photos—you’re giving them the chance to fall in love with themselves. And there’s no gift more empowering or meaningful than that.

Of course, we are biased as we are deeply passionate about the boudoir photography world, especially after seeing its beautiful effect on people over the years. To us, this is something you can go all out on, but there are however some important things to keep in mind to have the right approach.

The Dos and Don’ts of Gifting a Boudoir Photoshoot

DOS

✅ Consider their personality and comfort level.
This is a deeply personal experience, so think about whether your loved one would enjoy it. Do they embrace creativity and self-expression, or might this feel too outside their comfort zone?

✅ Focus on their empowerment.
Make it clear that this gift is about celebrating them, not about your preferences or desires. It’s about how they feel and their confidence.

✅ Present it thoughtfully.
Instead of just handing over a gift card, create a special moment when giving the gift. Write a heartfelt note explaining why you think they’re amazing and why you chose this for them.

✅ Offer to support them.
Let them know you’re there to cheer them on, whether it’s helping them pick outfits or just being a source of encouragement.

DONT’S

❌ Don’t pressure them.
A boudoir shoot is a vulnerable experience, and they should feel 100% comfortable with the idea. If they’re hesitant, respect their feelings and don’t push it.

❌ Don’t make it about you.
Avoid framing this as something you want them to do for your benefit. The focus should be on their self-love journey, not your desires.

❌ Don’t spring it on them unexpectedly.
Surprises can be tricky with something this personal. Make sure they’re on board with the idea before booking anything.

They will step into a safe space

One of the main priorities we focused on when we opened Scandaleuse Photography was to create a safe and judgment-free space for people to express themselves freely. From the moment your loved one walks through our doors, we guide them through every step of the process to ensure they feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated.

Ready to give the ultimate expression of love and appreciation? Let’s create something unforgettable together!