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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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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