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

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

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

FIRST, WHAT IS BOUDOIR?

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

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

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

IS DUDEOIR PHOTOGRAPHY DIFFERENT FROM BOUDOIR?

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

Feeling celebrated, empowered, sexy, and confident!

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

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

SPEAKING OF REASONS...

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

• ACCEPT AND APPRECIATE YOUR BODY THE WAY IT IS

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

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

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

• BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

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

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

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

• CELEBRATE YOURSELF

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

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

• FORGET ABOUT MEN BEING MASCULINE AND WOMEN BEING FEMININE

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

• TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF MEN

The pressure placed on men is quite insane:

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

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

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

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

A GIFT FOR YOU, BUT ALSO FOR YOUR PARTNER

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

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

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Why we love celebrating women over 50

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

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

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

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

Different generation and much more body shame.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Everything you need to know about our boudoir process

The time has come!

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

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

Now what?!

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

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

Let's talk pricing first

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

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

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

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

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

Use our contact form

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

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

It is time to chat

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

It is free and does not commit you to anything!

All in one platform

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

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

Makeup & Hair

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

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

The real fun begins

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

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

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

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

• The Sejour (warm and cozy atmosphere); and

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

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

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

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

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

When do I see my pictures?

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

“A what? “

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

Release Form

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

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

Photos & Prints

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

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

Our editing process

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

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

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

And after?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Those pictures belong on OnlyFans."

No, they don't.

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

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

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

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

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

"Boudoir is a step backwards for feminism."

No, it is not.

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

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

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

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

Which brings us to the classic:

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

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

But confidence and competence are not mutually exclusive:

• A woman can be a CEO and wear lingerie.

• A lawyer can do a boudoir shoot.

• A doctor can feel sexy.

• A teacher can celebrate her body.

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

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

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

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Poses named after our clients

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

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

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

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

The Claudia

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

The Melanie

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

The Christina

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

The Alexia

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

The Sher

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

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

We are always one call away if you want to start your boudoir adventure. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to join our newsletter for more content like this!

Don't be afraid to do a boudoir shoot

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

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

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

Yes, you have the right body!

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, you are photogenic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, you can still do a boudoir shoot!

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, you will feel safe!

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

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

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

Yes, you will relax and have fun!

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

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

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

You will want to do it again in the future!

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

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

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

Boudoir Photography Is More Affordable Than You Think

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

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

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

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

• 2) book a complimentary consultation, or;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) Payment plan in the span of 3 months

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

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

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

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

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What I do to get ready for a boudoir shoot

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

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

1) I avoid shooting during my period.

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

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

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

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

3) Essential trifecta: sleep, food and alcohol.

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

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

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

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

4) I plan my outfits.

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

5) A little mobility goes a long way!

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

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

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Boudoir photoshoot: turn your “someday” into “right now".

We all have a list of things we’d love to do “someday.” Maybe it’s traveling to a dream destination, taking up a new hobby, or finally booking that boudoir shoot you’ve been thinking about for years. But let’s be honest, how often does “someday” turn into never?

Here’s the truth: There is no perfect time. The only time we truly have is now.

Celebrating yourself as you are now.

Too often, we tell ourselves that we need to wait. “I’ll book a shoot when I lose weight.” “I’ll do it when I feel more confident.” “I’ll wait until life slows down.” But what if the key to confidence is actually doing the shoot? Boudoir isn’t about being a certain size or reaching some imaginary standard, it’s about embracing your natural beauty, right now.

Capturing the moment.

We tend to focus on the future so much that we forget to honour the present. A boudoir session is a chance to pause, appreciate yourself, and create something timeless. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 70s, your beauty deserves to be celebrated. Imagine looking back at these photos years from now and remembering how powerful, sensual, and strong you felt at this moment.

Because confidence doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from doing.

Many people believe confidence is something you need before booking a boudoir shoot. The reality? Confidence comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and seeing yourself in a new light. A boudoir session is an experience that helps you reconnect with your body, your sensuality, and your self-worth.

Stop letting fear hold you back.

Fear is one of the biggest reasons people put off boudoir photography. Fear of not looking “good enough,” fear of being vulnerable, fear of doing something bold, fear of being ridiculous. But what if you push past that fear? What if, instead of wondering “What if I don’t like my photos?” you asked, “What if I absolutely love them?” What if this experience changes the way you see yourself forever?

A gift for yourself, now and always.

Boudoir is not just about the photos, it’s about the journey of self-love and empowerment. The images become a reminder of your strength, beauty, and courage. Whether you’re doing this as a personal celebration, a milestone marker, or just because, the best gift you can give yourself is to stop waiting and say yes to the experience.

So, why wait? Why keep pushing this dream off to “someday”? You are worth celebrating now. You are beautiful now. You are powerful now. Take the leap. Do the boudoir shoot. And step into the most confident, radiant version of yourself!

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Helping Women Reclaim Their Bodies - An Interview

Early this year, we had an interview done for Le Métropolitain, a french newspaper in Toronto. The article was initially written in French, but we decided to translate it in english so more people can read it!

Reclaiming the Body Through the Lens: How Two French Photographers in Toronto Turn Boudoir Into Empowerment

Chrismène Dorme – IJL – Le Métropolitain

In a world saturated with polished images and rigid beauty standards, Juliette and Fanny are choosing to go against the tide. For these two French photographers based in Toronto, boudoir photography is far more than an aesthetic experience, it is an act of self-reclamation.

Using the camera as a tool for confidence, tenderness, and, at times, healing, they have built Scandaleuse Photography into a deeply human project dedicated to helping women reconnect with themselves.

Their story began in Paris in 2009, when they met in photography school. Fifteen years later, it is on the other side of the Atlantic that they have brought their shared vision to life through a studio devoted to boudoir photography, far removed from the stereotypes that still often define the genre.

Their mission is clear: to help women embrace their sensuality and make peace with their bodies.

“We wanted to show women that they have the right to feel sexy, without it being for the male gaze,” says Fanny.

For Juliette, the work goes even deeper. “There was an element of rebellion,” she explains. “It’s about reclaiming your image, your body, and letting go of the insecurities imposed by beauty standards.”

More than a studio, Scandaleuse Photography is designed as a space for personal expression, a place where shame and negative self-perception can be challenged and dismantled. The studio regularly welcomes women who have undergone mastectomies, as well as clients from cultural or religious backgrounds where the female body remains a taboo subject.

According to Juliette, insecurities often take root early in life. “We all grow up with insecurities imposed from the outside, family, society, unrealistic standards,” she says.

“But confidence is the most important thing. When it comes back, it unlocks so many other things. Some clients have even told us they made major life decisions after their session.”

Fanny shares that perspective. “We’ve become too disconnected from our bodies,” she says. “We forget that this body carries our life, our organs, our story. Boudoir also helps us accept our natural beauty.” Juliette adds, “Our worth should never depend on standards created by others.”

While the experience can be deeply transformative, it is never improvised. Most clients arrive feeling nervous, sometimes even intimidated by the idea of posing. “Many of them have never had professional photos taken before, not even simple portraits,” says Fanny. That tension, however, tends to fade quickly, especially once hair and makeup begin, the first steps in what has become a comforting ritual.

For Juliette, communication is at the heart of the process. “We always start with a free consultation,” she explains. “People get to know us, they know they’ll be working with women, and we also share some of our own experiences.”

Clients are encouraged to bring clothing or personal objects that reflect who they are, a guitar, a favourite book, art supplies,… Creating a highly personalized experience that sets the studio apart from more traditional boudoir photography.

The photographers are also careful about who they recommend the experience to. “We don’t suggest these sessions for people whose self-esteem is still too fragile,” Juliette says. “It can be counterproductive. Part of the healing journey needs to have already happened.”

Still, Fanny believes boudoir can serve as a powerful complement to therapy.

“It can be incredibly therapeutic, but only when people feel ready,” she says.

Some of the most emotionally intense sessions involve women from environments where the relationship to the body is highly restricted. In those cases, the photographs, often kept strictly private, can become a profound way of reclaiming both the body and one’s identity as a woman.

On Saturday, January 31, Juliette and Fanny opened the doors of their Toronto studio for a day dedicated to conversations around boudoir photography.

In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with coffee, tea, treats, and open dialogue, visitors were invited to explore the sets, browse albums, and ask questions freely. “We usually do consultations over video calls,” says Fanny. “This time, we wanted to create a space for in-person connection and exchange.”

The Studio continues to evolve. Recently, the team expanded with the arrival of Pascaline, a fellow French videographer who now incorporates video into the sessions, an approach that remains rare in Canada. The addition is particularly aimed at couples, offering a new way to explore intimacy and connection.

Although attitudes around body image have shifted in recent years, both photographers remain realistic about the challenges ahead. “There was a real body positivity movement a few years ago that laid important foundations,” says Juliette. “But today, with artificial intelligence and social media, it sometimes feels like we’re moving backward.”

Fanny agrees. “Our relationship with our bodies is changing, yes, but very slowly,” she says. “AI is going to become a real issue.”

In response to a world increasingly filled with artificial and unattainable images, Scandaleuse Photography stands for something radically different: an approach that is sincere, embodied, and deeply human. It is, above all, an invitation to look at oneself differently, without filters, without standards, and, most importantly, without shame.

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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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Things we don't agree with in boudoir

As boudoir photographers with over 10 years of experience, we have seen our field change in so many levels. Some for the better, some… not so much. Today, we would like to go over what practice in the boudoir world we simply can't get behind. This is, of course, a personal opinion and everything you will read is completely subjective.

1) The Before/Afters

This is a common practice you can see on many boudoir websites: one photo is the client without any make-up on, dressed in regular clothes and the next, she (because yes, it is always women) is fully dolled-up in boudoir. Since day 1, this has never sat right with us. It would make sense if we were make-up artists, but as photographers, this is send the message that the person in the before is simply not good enough.

Boudoir is not about looks. yes, you can get dolled up to add fun and confidence to your experience but the goal isn’t to change you and making you feel less-than.

2) The use of AI

The use of Artificial Intelligence in anything artistic is simply a nuisance in our opinion. True artists need to master their craft. We need to go through the grind to learn, improve, and nurture our creativity. We have fought way too long already to prove that photography isn't just pressing a button and doesn't depend on a very expensive camera. Now, you can create anything with a bunch of (highly polluting) prompts and to us, the value of your work is completely lost. AI, if used at all, should be used with parsimony and not be the end goal. Additionally, feeding your revealing images to AI doesn't seem like a good idea to us, especially for those worried about privacy.

3) Over-editing the skin

We are in 2026, and we still see way too many images where the skin texture is completely gone. No pores, no wrinkles, no stretchmarks, no nothing.

We have a policy of removing anything that is temporary, such as blemishes and so on so you don’t have to worry about that zit who decided to show up the day of your shoot. We may go slightly heavier on smoothing the skin if the lighting used is very contrast-y and accentuating the skin texture, but it will never be totally removed. The goal is not to make you look like a doll. Our bodies come in every shape and form, and the goal of a boudoir shoot is to love it the way it is.

4) Changing bodies in post-production

Deeply connected to the previous point: changing the shape of the body is counter-productive with boudoir photography. Why would you want images of yourself where it simply isn't you…?

We bend, we twist, we arch. We luckily aren’t stick figures and it comes with creating rolls. There is nothing wrong with that! A good boudoir photographer should be able to highlight your body with the right outfits, the right poses and the right angles.

5) Not adapting the poses to the body type.

Not everybody can do the same poses and applying cookie-cutter poses just doesn't work. Some have more mobility and flexibility than others and for that reason alone, a good boudoir photographer knows how to adapt poses. You can be inspired by a specific pose, but your body might not allow it. Luckily, there are many ways to adjust so you can still have something beautiful, in the same vein of what caught your eye in the first place, without breaking your body!

We hope you enjoyed this little list, maybe you’ve agreed with some points, or maybe you didn’t. We always love hearing from you, so don't hesitate to leave a comment below or join our Instagram to discuss it more!

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