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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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?

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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.

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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 😉

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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:

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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!

What happens during a boudoir shoot?

If you haven’t done a boudoir shoot yet you might wonder what’s going on during the session. Today, we are sharing with you everything that is happening the day of your shoot!

But before we dive in, let us explain what is Boudoir in case you are not familiar with this term:

A boudoir shoot is a type of photography in which people are showing more skin than traditional portrait photography. The photos are usually intimate, sensual, sexy (but can also be in a more cosy vibe for those who prefer this than being sexy). People have different reasons to do a boudoir shoot, but the most common one is to increase self-confidence (we wrote a blog here that explains it more in details).

Now that you are a bit more familiar with boudoir photography, let’s dive into what actually happen during a boudoir shoot with us:

• We put your favourite music on!

Either you have a playlist you love or favourite songs on your phone, we let you connect your phone to our speaker so you can put yourself in the mood before starting the boudoir shoot. Music is a powerful tool to help you relax and have fun.

• You start with makeup & Hair

If you decide to keep the hair and makeup services included in our photoshoots, then you will sit with one of our makeup artists to talk about the look you want. She will follow whatever you have in mind, from keeping it natural to something more creative. And in case you have no idea what could look good, she will help you figure it out. Having your makeup done by a professional is a nice way to get pampered and relax before the shoot itself.

• We look at your outfits!

When we meet you on Zoom prior to your boudoir shoot, we suggest bringing a suitcase full of different outfits and props. Before we start shooting, we spend the first 10 minutes going through what you brought, to select your top 3 outfits, and help you mix and match or find ideas for the other pieces.

Seeing your outfits and props is what makes us create scenarios and the different sets we are going to pose you in.

• Let the shoot begin!

This is usually the moment most people are nervous about, especially when they are first timers. Most people don’t know how to pose, and that is normal. It is our job to pose you and guide you through the entire session, and make sure the poses are adapted to your body type and flexibility level. Since you will focus on following our directions, you will forget about the fear of feeling award, and will have fun instead!

You will see that time flies very quickly during your boudoir session. Since both of us are on the shoot, one of us is always setting up for the next set when the other is shooting, which makes the session flows nicely!

Now that you know the “technical” stuff of what is happening during your shoot, we want to talk to you about what happens to your body and mind!

• You let loose!

Most of the people who contact us to book a session always tell us they are not photogenic and feel very awkward in front of a camera. That is one of the reason they can feel nervous with the idea of trying boudoir photography and can be tensed at the beginning of the shoot. But since we create a fun vibe from the start and take the time to demonstrate the poses, you start to relax and enjoy being photographed. You forgot about not being photogenic and start to rock those poses 😎.

• Your sensuality starts to kick in.

It is not easy for a lot of people to embrace their sensuality, or even dare to think of themselves as sensual beings. Boudoir photography is very powerful for that because it allows you to show the amount of skin you want, let go of people’s judgment, focus on yourself, and be more in touch with your body. All of this combined helps your sensuality shines!

• You unlock your confidence.

During your boudoir shoot, we also show you how to improve your posture, and this is something you take with you in your everyday life! We will tell you to straighten your back, bring your chest up, make yourself taller, and walk like you own the place. All of those little adjustments help to increase your self-confidence, and you remember it for years!

On top of that, you will embrace all of your personalities during your boudoir experience. During your 2 hours shoot, you can go from a cozy vibe to having a badass attitude, and truly showcase your most fearless, sexy, confident, cute, or whatever else you want to showcase-self 🔥.

Are we going to see you in front of our lens soon?

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Your boudoir images will blow your partner's mind

Spooky season is officially over (Sadly! Yes, Juliette and I are Halloween lovers 🎃), but on the other hand the Holiday season has begun, and you know what that means: hot cocoa, snow, cozy sweater, and your partner’s mind being blown away by your boudoir photos!

Be the main character

If you have been following us for a while, you might be thinking:

“Wait, I thought you ladies said boudoir should be a gift for ourselves first!”.

We still stand by this! A boudoir shoot should definitely be done for yourself before anything. It is such a unique and empowering experience that gives you the chance to reconnect to your body, highlight your sensuality, and celebrate your beautiful-self without anyone judging you. It is the me-time you finally deserve, it is fun, and it provides a long-lasting boost of confidence that feels so good.

Now, if you feel like in a sharing mood, gifting your special someone with sultry images of yourself is a great extra bonus 😇

Show your partner another version of yourself

You know how easy it is to get stuck in a routine when you are in a couple relationship, especially when you've been with someone for a long time and have built a life together. The longer you have been with a person, the less there is to discover about them, and them about you. So showing your special someone images of yourself in a boudoir setting is a sexy surprise they cannot not love!

It is like you let them on a little sexy secret, opening the door to a part of you who has been sleeping for too long and is now ready to shine.

Or... show them the "You" they haven't seen in a while

While it is hard to find new things about each other, it is even harder to step away from your role within your family. The care-taker, the parent, the provider… you-name-it! When a routine is established, our “sexy-self” doesn’t get many opportunities to exist anymore. This is when boudoir does its magic and help you step out of your daily tasks to bring some spice back.

Either you do a boudoir shoot with your partner, or for your partner, it is the perfect experience to bring back the fire within your relationship!

Level up your gift-giving skills

If this year you are looking for the ultimate gift, then you found it. Unless you have spoken many times about boudoir photography, there is very little chance your partner will know what is coming. All of our past clients that have done a shoot for someone, told us how positively surprised their partners were.

Seeing pride (and lust 😈) in your partner’s eyes when they discover your photographs is something to experience more often! Trust us when we say your partner will lose their mind, in the best way possible, with that magnificent gift.

And speaking of celebration, what a good timing that is when we've set up the perfect boudoir deal to wrap up this year nicely: we are offering 5 complimentary polaroids for our next 5 bookings before the end of the year. All you have to do is mention this offer when you inquire for your boudoir shoot.

It is first come, first served, so don’t wait too long before reaching out ⬇️

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Let's celebrate your kink with boudoir

One of the reasons Juliette and I love boudoir photography so much is because it is the perfect experience for people to fully express and celebrate themselves. And since it is very important for us to make our sessions inclusive, anyone can have fun with a boudoir shoot and let its magic happen, no matter their age, gender, body, or lifestyle.

Everybody has their own reason for boudoir

We opened Scandaleuse Photography 8 years ago, and we noticed in all those years that the main reason people come to us for their shoot is usually because they want to celebrate something. We had couples who wanted to try a spicy experience for their anniversary, women with past traumas who decided to own back their body, men who wanted to feel good in their skin, people who are proud of turning a certain age and wanted to celebrate it.

We’ve also photographed people who wanted to celebrate a milestone, a body transformation, a pregnancy, or simply celebrate their love for their partner. But something we have photographed only a few times is kink.

Show us your kink

It often happens that our clients ask us if they can bring restrains, or blindfolds as a prop for their sessions. Some of them even feel shy to ask, or they feel the need to apologize for having that idea, because there is still a lot of shame around that topic since it is an unknown territory for many people.

We would never feel offended if you wish to add some spiciness to your shoot! Working with people who want to focus on their kink for their boudoir shoot is very interesting. It is nice to see that some people are not afraid to celebrate a part of themselves that other people might find shameful.

If you have been following us for a while, you know that we love going against the grain, to not conform to traditional beliefs (it is one of the reasons why we opened Scandaleuse), and show through our work that people are allowed to be who they want to be by embracing their sensuality, confidence, and badassness! So, when we meet clients who want to put under the spotlight their kinky side, we are more than happy to make their ideas come to life (of course, as long as it doesn’t cross our boundaries).

What to expect for a kink-friendly photoshoot

If you want to explore and celebrate yourself through bold, artistic imagery in a safe and non-judgmental space, then we are your gals! Our sessions are all about consent, communication, and creativity. The vibe? You decide! Whether you are looking to get sensual, edgy, or provocative photographs of yourself, we are here to capture your story, and make it comes to life with intention and respect - but never in a pornographic way.

You can either choose to focus only on your kink during your session, or incorporate it in a few setups. Since our boudoir shoots are 2 hours long, it gives us the opportunity to be really creative and showcase your beautiful-self in many different ways!

If you are interested to work with us, all you have to do is reach out here, and we will meet you on Zoom prior to booking your photoshoot to make sure we are a good fit, answer any questions you might have, guide you through our boudoir process, and talk about ideas for your photoshoot. We do not accept all the inquiries we get, as we have boundaries, but we will never shame anyone on their kink. All we ask is that every person who contact us for a shoot like that to be really honest with what they want, so the session goes smoothly!

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How to Make Your Boudoir Photoshoot Fun and Pressure-Free

When people connect with us regarding a boudoir photography, it is very common for them to feel nervous. Not only does boudoir photography requires a lot of trust in the person shooting it, the majority of our clients hs also never done anything like it before. There are a few ways to make this experience as stress-free as possible, so you can make the most of it.

Remind yourself why you want to do a boudoir photoshoot.

Before letting self-doubt and fear take over, pause for a moment and consider why you’re drawn to this experience in the first place.

Is it to feel more confident in your body or to celebrate it? To learn to let loose and be more positive about yourself? Maybe you want to try something new, or perhaps you’re thinking of sharing it with a loved one? Whatever your reason, it is a beautiful one, and it didn’t pop in your brain out of nowhere. Hold on to it, especially in the early stages of your boudoir adventure.

Relax? Easier said than done!

Very true, it might not be easy to relax but lucky for you we have some tips that will help you to do so :

• Avoid planning last minute.

While we can accommodate last minute shoots, it is not something we necessarily recommend. Doing things last minute is rarely a good idea as it creates unnecessary pressure due to rushing. We suggest you book your shoot a month in advance so you have time to gather everything you need and nicely prep for your shoot.

• Find the perfect boudoir studio.

Each boudoir photographers have their own style and way of working. When you look for the perfect match, don’t stop just at the aesthetic of their work. It is very important you book a meeting (either on the phone, Zoom, or in-person) to talk about the details and see if their way of working is aligned with what you are looking for.

For example: will they make you sign a contract? How do they handle privacy? Is makeup and hair included? Are their pricing transparent and clear? Who is the actual photographer? Do not hesitate to ask questions or share any concerns you might have.

If you book a photographer you don't feel comfortable with, it will tarnish your shoot and the all experience.

• Enjoy the getting ready part.

Planning for the photoshoot itself is often overlooked but it is so much fun! Looking for ideas, thinking of the vibes you want to create, and putting outfits together.

To keep this as pressure-free as possible, dive into it with the proper mindset: do not compare yourself to anyone you will see online and don't limit yourself and your abilities to pose like a badass. Create a Pinterest board or mood board and save anything that catches your eye.

Taking the time to prep for your shoot build up the excitement and the confidence around this experience.

• Your shoot should look like you

When doing a shoot, you should not feel like you are wearing a disguise. From the outfits to the atmosphere of each set, you have to feel 100% like yourself.

Make sure to bring outfits you love and you feel good in. It doesn't have to be classic lingerie! Any outfit can be turned into a boudoir one with the right creativity. Also, go through your favourite pieces that are considered too much and give them a spin.

• Consider bringing props

Props can be a game-changer on a photoshoot. Not only does it make your session even more true to yourself, but it also gives you something "to do” if you are camera-shy. Props can vary from something as simple as your favourite coffee mug or book to some things related to a beloved hobby of yours.

• Have fun!!!!!!!

And finally when you checked all of the above, just enjoy your shoot 😘 Practice some poses in front of your mirror, create a playlist to bring with you the day of your shoot, be playful while posing, let your inner badass-self out, imagine you are in a fashion show,…

Don’t let the camera frighten you, this is just an accessory that will capture the moment you finally shine and let yourself be your beautiful you!

Boudoir photography will really help you reconnect with your body and sensuality. And it is something we all have (or had) a hard time with due to the old school fashion industry’s beauty standards and the judgment coming from others. We know some of you might be thinking: “Well I am not beautiful and really not sensual!”. Those thoughts are very common, but let us tell you something: they are also false.

You are beautiful! You are sensual! It does not matter what you identify to, your age, or the body you have, we all are gorgeous, sexy, and sensual beings.

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6 common boudoir questions people ask

Boudoir photography is getting more and more popular, yet is still a mystery for people who never tried it. So today, let’s answer the most common questions people ask about this beautiful and empowering experience.

Can I do a boudoir shoot for myself?

Is it very common for people to believe the only reason for someone to have their photos taken in a boudoir style is to gift them to a partner or a lover. Which is not wrong (it is always a nice touch to gift someone some sexy pictures, it adds extra spiciness to the relationship), but it is not the goal of this type of photography.

Doing a boudoir shoot for yourself is the ultimate experience you can treat yourself to. It is the me-time you finally deserve! On top of getting stunning photos, you also gain long-lasting benefits that you will feel in your everyday life (such as a boost of confidence, feeling sexy in your own skin, improving your posture, …).

Am I too old to try boudoir photography?

Beside having to be over 18, there is no limit of age in order to do a boudoir shoot. We often receive inquiries from women who are 50+, who called themselves “mature”, and tell us that it might be weird that they want to do a shoot at their age.

Of course, it is not weird! And we wished more people who are past a certain age could treat themselves with this life-changing experience… Feeling fabulous is ageless 🤩

Is boudoir only for women?

If you type boudoir photography in your browser, you will see a big majority of images showcases women, but don’t let it fool you… boudoir is for everyone!

Either you are a man who want to explore his softer side, a trans person who want to fully embrace what they now identify as, a non-binary person who wants to break gender stereotypes, or a cross dresser who want to express themselves fully, boudoir photography is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your badass-self the way you want it!

I don’t know how to pose, can I still have a boudoir shoot done?

Absolutely! We never work with professional models, and most of our clients are first timers (some of them never even had their photos taken for anything). Both Juliette and I, Fanny, are on your shoot, and it is our role to guide you through each pose and set (we always demonstrate the poses so you can have a visual).

If you feel really nervous with the idea of posing, it is normal, but we promise it is fun if you let yourself be guided and trust the process.

Do I have to pose nude?

This is a question that comes back often when we have meetings with clients, and the answer is “absolutely not!”. You do not have to do anything you are not comfortable with. Yes, in a boudoir shoot you show more skin than in a regular portrait session, but it doesn’t mean you have to do some nudity (you don’t even have to wear lingerie if it is not your style).

We created Scandaleuse as a safe space for people to express themselves using boudoir photography, so you will never be forced to do anything! It is also a decision you can take during the shoot, if at some point you want to give it a shot, even if it is suggested nudity, you are welcome to do so.

Should I lose weight so I can look good in my photos?

We are going to steal one of Nirvana’s song for this one, but here is what we tell people:

“Come as you are.”

Your natural body is beautiful, you are beautiful… 👏 yes 👏 you 👏 are 👏

One of the reasons we opened Scandaleuse Photography back in 2017, was to make boudoir accessible to anyone, no matter their shapes and sizes. Boudoir is a mindset, not a beauty contest! It is about helping yourself to reconnect to your sensuality, your self-confidence, & your sexiness, and making you love the body you have 💛

We really hope this blog will help you take the decision to finally do that boudoir shoot you deserve! We would love to see you in front of our lenses. As usual, if you have questions, feel free to reach out here!

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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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Boudoir over 50, we highly recommend!

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure to photograph a fabulous woman, Madame M, who reached out because she was finally ready to try boudoir photography. In her initial inquiry, she mentioned that despite being 61 years old, she wanted to continue to feel empowered with her body and sensuality.

Since it was her first time, she was very nervous about her photoshoot. She shared with us that while she was on her way to our studio, she had kind of a panic attack to a point where she was very close to turn back and give up on this experience. Boudoir photography has been in the back of her mind for a long time, yet some little voices (fed by social norms and fear) were almost stronger than the excitement of finally doing her boudoir shoot. But she managed to stay strong and showed up for your photoshoot!

We are so glad she didn’t give up. She posed so well and her photos are beautiful! She truly deserved to experience boudoir photography. Her story, as well as all the other wonderful women who posed in front of our lens, inspired us to write today’s blog, hoping it can help women to take that step as well 💛

Women and ageism, it’s time to stop that BS!

Most women over a certain age do not dare to try boudoir photography, and how can we blame them? The stigma against aging women is brutal, and boudoir photography doesn’t help the cause! There are so little representations of women over 50 years old in the boudoir industry because society still believes that beauty equals being young. In society’s eyes, women lose value as they age, but they also become those sexless beings who lost touch with their sensuality. Because of those stereotypes, most fashion and boudoir photographers have over time prioritized younger women for their artistic projects, giving no room to people not fitting in these criteria.

Boudoir photography isn’t an easy experience, especially for first timers, as it can make people feel quite vulnerable (not everyone can easily pose in their underwear in front of a stranger!). Most of the inquiries we receive are coming from people who want to regain confidence, and learn to like their body the way it is. So for a woman who might be lacking body-confidence and has been told by the media that because she passed a certain age she is now worthless, doing a boudoir shoot can be extremely difficult!

Meeting those women who want to try boudoir so badly but stop themselves because they feel like they are not good enough breaks our hearts, and we wish mentalities could change faster! Thankfully, more and more people in the industry, us included, fight to change those social constructs. It is taking some time, but things are evolving. Now we need more brave people to try boudoir and share their awesome pictures with the world so they can inspire more people to do the same (honestly, that is the faster way to create a change)!

Fight those negative voices that are stopping you from doing a shoot!

But how can someone find the strength to give it a try even though they might feel really anxious about it? Well, if you are reading this blog and recognize yourself in those words, know that you are not alone! Many people are curious, yet afraid, by boudoir photography. And our main advice would be to first find the perfect photographer for you! Choosing the right person for the job is the most important step, as you want to make sure you will feel comfortable during the process. Then, just do it instead of overthinking the whole experience. The more you think about something that stresses you out, the more excuses you will find to not do it.

And 👏shut👏those👏voices👏down👏. If you are excited about doing a boudoir shoot, but you suddenly start thinking that you are too old, not thin enough, not muscular enough and whatnot, think about something else or keep focusing on the joy you get from doing a shoot.

Please believe us when we say that you are perfect the way you are! The beauty industry makes millions of dollars, selling us products we don’t need and making us believe we have to look a certain way to be worthy and desirable. There should not be any beauty standards to begin with, but unfortunately it is what it is. What we can do on our side is fight this nonsense by accepting our natural beauty and celebrate our body.

And what better way than a boudoir shoot to do so !

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