How to fix eight most common boudoir photography mistakes [NSFW]

Making mistakes is a process of learning, and when you are new at something, you’re gonna make a lot of them. But why not avoid them if you can? In this video, Michael Sasser points to eight most common mistakes of beginner boudoir photographers. But, he also gives suggestions on how to fix them and raise your photos to a higher level.

1. Shooting on a perfect mattress

You may want to photograph the model on a bed that looks all nice and tight. However, it looks like no one has ever touched the bed, and may seem a bit unnatural. So, don’t be afraid to make it a bit messy. This is how to make it look like some fun stuff had been going on there.

2. Shooting at a tilted angle

Shooting at tilted angles makes the viewer unsure whether the photo should be horizontal or vertical. It looks like the model is about to fall off the bed. Keep your angles straight and make sure that it’s clear what the orientation of the photo should be.

3. Blank staring into the distance

Another common mistake is having the model look into the distance with a blank look. It makes the viewer wonder what she is looking at. Instead, direct your model to look determined, as if she is looking into something she wants. This will make the image more impactful.

4. Hands that don’t make sense

When directing your model, you need to take the whole body into account. Beginners are often not sure what to do with the hands, which results in some awkward poses. You can see a couple of examples in the video, with both awkward and more natural poses. I’d suggest you give the model something to do: touch her hair or lips, or pose as if she’s taking off her clothes.

5. Cropping out limbs

“Amputating” limbs is a mistake many beginners make when photographing people in general, it’s not specific for boudoir photography only. In short, don’t crop the photo at the joints. If you are cropping, play it safe and crop in the areas between joints, or mid-abdomen. The other solution is to include more of the subject within the frame and avoid cropping out any part of her body.

6. Raising eyebrows

Raising eyebrows is another common mistake Michael mentions. It looks strange, like your model is surprised. Pay attention to this and make the eyebrows and the gaze look natural and relaxed.

7. Shooting at a wide angle, too close

Shooting at a wide angle too close distorts the subject, so it could make the model’s body look unnatural. Michael suggests you shoot with a longer lens, and I’d add that a wide angle could be used if you want to include more of the environment.

8. Shooting with terrible props

Finally, if you’re gonna use props, make sure they fit in the concept of the shoot and the mood of the final shots. Michael gives some bad examples: a model in lingerie posing in a bedroom while holding sports props. I mean, it doesn’t make sense, right? So, if you want to use them, choose wisely.

Any boudoir photographers out there? Have you made these mistakes when you were starting out? And is there anything else you’d add to this list?

[8 Beginner Boudoir Photography MISTAKES and How to Fix Them via ISO 1200]