When people think boudoir, they typically think of a woman, dressed in sexy lingerie (or perhaps nothing), posing seductively in a bedroom. And while that does fall under the category of boudoir photography, there is much much more to it than that.
Over the years, boudoir photography has evolved as a craft, a creative outlet, and an empowerment breakthrough for women. Females have learned that it is OKAY to feel sexy in their own skin, to be grateful for their unique qualities, and not be afraid of themselves. We are taught to cover up, and not just out of modesty, but because if we don’t have the thigh gap, perky boobs, and a flat stomach, then we aren’t worthy of exposing those parts of our bodies. Who made these standards in the first place?
Through photography, women are able to view themselves through other people’s eyes. Through the artist’s eyes. And see the beauty that they do in fact radiate. Some of the most famous pieces of art in history portray women’s exposed bodies. Artists are captivated by their skin, their curves, the small details in their features. They are worshipped as mothers and goddesses. And if I remember correctly, all those women portrayed in historical art are not stick-thin, tan, with flat tummies and gaps between their thighs. They are not how we would say “perfect.” Those features are accentuated and captured beautifully. Women’s bodies are all different and cherished through their different stages of life.
Boudoir photography is today’s art of capturing the beauty of women’s bodies in the same way history’s well known artists did. And now we have the opportunity to develop it quicker, with more variety and creativity.
That’s why boudoir photography, first becoming popular with pin-up style, graduated to daring and intimate captures in the bedroom, to now expanding outside of closed doors to connect more with nature and oneself. Although it may have started with men in mind, this art form is trending more and more for females with THEMSELVES in mind. Restoring their confidence in their femininity.
Take Hawaii for example. Adding a different taste to traditional boudoir photos, the islands provide not just scenic mountains and palm trees, but intimate skinny dips within tide pools in the warm mornings as the sun rises, barefoot treks through the jungle with only birds and bugs tickling your senses, hair wet from fresh waterfall swims, or walks amongst black sand beaches or edgy cliffs. The creativity in expressing a woman’s body is limitless with the natural elements this place provides. The images can be both soft and feminine or dark and edgy. Attire can range from lingerie to bikinis to sarongs, to jungle leaves to nothing at all. Comfortable. Natural.
One of the definitions of boudoir is described as being a private room or area that a woman withdraws to. And now oftentimes, that is what nature is to us. A place to withdraw to, a place to reflect, and a place to connect to our true selves. This is why boudoir photos outdoors become such stunning pieces. There is a sense of calmness in being in our natural state. It doesn’t feel as exposed and sexual, but intimate and sensual in its purest form.
Beauty: Lindsay Barnes
Location: Honolua Forest, Maui, HI
