18 DIY Boudoir Photos, Ideas & Tips for Exciting Pictures in 2023

Whether for yourself or as a gift to your significant other, you’ve decided you want to shoot some sensual and seductive visual keepsakes. And now you’re on the hunt for DIY boudoir photography ideas. 

Well, we’ve got you covered! Boudoir photography can be a daunting thing to approach, but by reading up beforehand and being prepared, you can ensure your DIY boudoir shoot leaves you feeling empowered and proud of your efforts.

We’ll assume you’re doing the shoot at home using your phone – after all, it’s the most convenient way, and the results can still look great. 

(You can still use your fancy DSLR camera if you prefer – the tips below are the same, but using a phone gives you the additional benefit of using an app to hide the photos to keep them private.)

We’ll also look at a bunch of DIY boudoir picture ideas that will get you pumped to start your shoot.

So, let’s jump in.

How Do I Take DIY Boudoir Photos On My Phone at Home?

If you don’t have a camera, don’t worry! You can use a phone to get good-quality images. Here’s some advice to make your boudoir photography look more professional.

Tips for taking boudoir pictures with a phone

1. Put your phone on a tripod – Boudoir selfies are great, but using a tripod results in more flattering photos. You can try different poses and improve your composition. It will also help you prevent blurry pictures in low light.
2. Use a remote timer – This allows you to take the shot once you’re ready in your boudoir pose. Make sure you hide the remote in your hand or with your clothes. You can use the phone timer if you don’t have a remote. Alternatively, you can download an app with voice recognition, such as Hey Camera. This way, you can tell your phone when to start shooting.
3. Use window light – if you’re using natural light, take your boudoir photos close to a window. If you want to avoid unflattering shadows, shoot on a cloudy day. Otherwise, take your pictures early in the morning or later in the evening.
4. Try a ring light – this accessory gives flattering lighting, and you can find some budget-friendly ones to use with a smartphone. This is because a soft front light hides all skin imperfections. 
5. The rear camera is better – most phones have a better camera in the back. It usually has a higher resolution, and they use the main sensor (if they have more than one). Also, many phones have different focal lengths in the back.
6. Don’t have your camera too close for your boudoir photography. This way, you’ll get the most flattering photos. 
7. Play some music from your favorite band to get in the mood.
8. Choose your outfit carefully – the only outfit that you shouldn’t wear is the one that makes you feel uncomfortable. Anything else is OK. It doesn’t have to be lingerie – it can be a formal dress, a bathrobe, etc. What outfits should you wear for a wedding boudoir photoshoot?
9. Try different angles to find the best one. 
10. Edit your photos. There are many apps to edit your boudoir photo, some of them for free. You can fix lighting issues, reduce skin imperfections, or apply filters.

Easy DIY Boudoir Photography Ideas and Tips

Boudoir photography doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Actually, it’s supposed to empower you, help with your self-image, and help create intimacy with your partner if you do it together. 

So, don’t overthink it and just dive in. Here’s some easy advice to get you started. 

1. See what looks good with your phone’s front camera

In most phones, the front-facing camera has less quality. 

However, it allows you to see yourself so you can see how you look best. 

For example, try having your legs straight if you’re lying in bed. Then, your legs bent. See which boudoir poses work better for your body type. 

You can also check your facial expressions and make sure you look totally sexy.

It’s also helpful to find the perfect light. Start turning to have the light source coming from a different direction.

See if you prefer side lighting, front lighting, or backlighting. 

Once you like how you look, switch to the rear camera to get better-quality pictures.

• Boudoir poses, ideas and tips tom help you look amazing

2. Highlight your plus-size body with a flattering pose

The first thing to remember is that anything closer to the camera will look bigger than it is. 

This will help you to highlight the things that you like. For example, if you have broad shoulders, you can pose lying back and extending your legs toward the camera.

Instead, if you have wider hips, you can sit or kneel leaning forward. This will highlight your chest and elongate the rest of the body. 

All plus-size bodies are beautiful, but they are all different. It’s important that you identify your strong points to highlight them.

It’s also OK to take attention away from any part of your body that makes you feel insecure.

So, choose poses that make you look and feel good. Don’t try to force a pose just because you think it should look sexy. 

Another tip for flattering poses is to use your arms and legs to accentuate your shape. Show off those beautiful curves by popping the hip or putting a hand on your waist. 

You can get some tips and ideas from our guide to plus-size boudoir photography. 

3. Do a boudoir shoot for the husband or wife’s present

A DIY boudoir photography shoot is a great gift for your anniversary or your partner’s birthday. 

If you want to do DIY boudoir photos for husband or wife’s present, you can set everything up to do it together.  

Otherwise, you can do some boudoir selfies and gift them. 

One of the most important things to remember in these cases is that boudoir photography doesn’t need to feature lingerie. 

You know your partner’s likes and dislikes better than a portrait photographer.

Use that knowledge to cater the photoshoot to their taste. For example, wear their favourite t-shirt or a jersey of their favourite hockey team. Whatever you know will get them excited. 

4. Share a special moment doing a DIY couples boudoir photography shoot

A DIY boudoir shoot is a fantastic way to bring couples together and share an unforgettable experience. 

However, it’s not always easy to do. The best way to approach a DIY boudoir shoot is to be on the same page.

Start by talking openly and honestly about what you’re comfortable doing. 

You should also remember that those photos are for you, and you can delete what you don’t like. 

Once you’re clear on that, you can start thinking about the practical side of it. Where do you want to do it? What do you want to wear? And so on. 

Posing can be the most challenging part of DIY boudoir photography with your partner.

It’s not easy to find boudoir poses that are flattering for both people. 

You can start by doing some silly poses just to loosen up. 

Then, you can do some close-ups. This way, you’ll only have to worry about a few parts, not the entire body. 

For the next pose, you can try copying photos you see online. You can use our guide to Couples Boudoir Photography for inspiration.

5. Find the perfect backdrops for your DIY boudoir photography session

The perfect backdrop shouldn’t steal the viewer’s attention away from you. 

The easiest way to achieve this is to keep it as simple as possible. 

Aside from this rule, the backdrop you use depends on the style and mood of your boudoir photos. 

If you want a studio-like setting, you can hang white sheets or a white curtain behind you.

You can also use a wall. Preferably one that’s painted with a solid color. 

Whether it’s a wall or something made of fabric, neutral colors are always a safe choice. 

Otherwise, you can do a lifestyle boudoir session taking photos around the house. 

If you’re opting for this style, you need to avoid messy backgrounds. The fewer items there are, the better.

It can be difficult to get the right framing when you’re doing DIY boudoir photography. 

To avoid cropping your body in an unflattering way, you can use elements in the scene.

For example, set your camera on a tripod and frame the bathtub. This way, you know that you’ll be in the frame as long as you’re posing inside the tub.

6. Including props can be fun

Props can help in creating the right mood.

They can also be very helpful for people who feel awkward in front of the camera. 

Holding a prop will give your hands something to do. Also, you’ll feel like you’re doing something aside from posing for the camera. 

They are also great for directing the viewer’s attention. You can use them to either hide or highlight part of your boy. 

7. Print a DIY boudoir photo album

After a DIY boudoir session, you might want to print the best photos. A good idea if you want them as a present is to print them as an album.

Most printing websites can make a photo album. However, you should check if they are paying attention to the privacy of their clients. 

For example, you may want to make sure they delete the photos you upload. 

If there’s any nudity in your images, you need to find a lab that allows this in their policies. 

For example, the popular printing website ShutterFlea doesn’t print images with any type of nudity. 

Fine art printing labs are usually a good choice. If you are in the US, Mpix is a good online option too.  

8. Men can do DIY boudoir photography too

It’s a common misconception that boudoir photography is just for women.

Actually, many boudoir photographers specialise in male models. This genre is commonly called ‘dudeoir‘.

All the DIY boudoir photography tips in this guide can be applied to models of any gender identity. 

Why Should You Take DIY Boudoir Photos?

Here are some reasons why you might want to take your boudoir photos at home:

• You don’t have to spend money to make a DIY photo shoot.
• Boudoir photography is about empowerment and self-esteem. If you’re on your way to reaching that confidence but are not there yet, you may feel more comfortable doing it yourself. 
• You can do it on your own time at your own pace. If you’re feeling low or having a bad hair day – simply do it another day. You can’t have last-minute changes when you hire a professional photographer.
• If you don’t like a photo, you can just delete it. 

DIY Boudoir Photography FAQs

What makes a good boudoir photo?

A good boudoir photo will make you feel empowered. It should highlight your body both with the pose and the lighting. 

How can I do boudoir pictures on my phone at home?

You can use natural light by taking your pictures close to a window. Use the front camera for practice, but take the photos with the rear camera. Also, use a tripod for better quality.

How do you do boudoir photography without a studio?

You don’t need a studio to do a boudoir photo shoot. Most homes are suitable for DIY photography; just find a place with good light. Keep the background minimal, and choose the right pose to draw attention to your best features.

Final Words

That’s it. A DIY boudoir photo shoot doesn’t have to be complicated. 

You can wear high heels, lingerie, or an old t-shirt and boy shorts. 

You can be in bed or make a studio setup using curtains. 

In the same way, you can use sunlight or buy a LED lamp for a few dollars on Amazon. 

It’s not about the fancy equipment – it’s about attitude. 

If you feel comfortable with yourself and sexy, you can do wonderful boudoir photos at home. 

Let us know if you have any questions or share any other tips you might have.