Composing Boudoir

Photography by Kamila Harris

Article by The Boudoir Place

Composition is one of those things photographers always strive for with their images.  There are all of the basic rules such as the “rule of thirds” and making sure that no points of interest are dead center in the middle of your photo.  You can get a little to fixated on these rules of composition and forget about the creativity you often need with boudoir photography.  So here are some ways to create composition within your composition!

Frame in your subject!  Using doors, windows and mirrors can really add a whole new dimension to your work!  Plus it gives your client something to work with and can help with posing.  When framing your subject within the frame of your image be sure to watch for little things like lines going through their head from a window frame or a bedpost in the mirror that may look a little out-of-place in the reflection.  When working with reflections you suddenly have to watch not only what is in front of your camera but suddenly every else in the reflection.  There is nothing worse than getting that great shot and then realizing that there was a rental truck parked outside of the window that you see in the mirror’s reflection!

Aside from objects getting in the way, don’t be too over critical of the composition, yes you want it too look good but making sure your client is happy first is a good rule as well!  If you’re working in an older home or studio some of the windows and doors may not be perfectly square and no matter what angle you shoot at there will be something that is off line.  These things happen and it’s okay!  As a boudoir photographer there are many things that can go wrong and as you probably know it is much better to focus on what you can do right rather than what you have no control over.

All in all,  limiting your clients movements by having them contained in a doorway, mirror, window frame or even a large empty picture frame will help take their mind off of their boudoir shoot and it may just loosen them up and bring out their creative side as well!  It is just another fun way to shoot boudoir and your clients will probably love it!