So much of Boudoir photography is about lighting – and natural lighting is one option that typically works well. During photography sessions, we want to create an alluring and beautiful boudoir image – in order to do that, we need alluring and beautiful light. And ideally, over the course of a boudoir photography session, lighting should be varied as much as possible. We can play around even more with directional light ? to create moody and evocative images.?
In addition to the aesthetics, the right lighting in boudoir photography can also help create a sense of comfort and relaxation during the photography session. Finding the form of lighting that makes clients most comfortable will go a long way in how the final photos turn out.
It?s no question lighting is important for boudoir photography. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to try to get natural lighting. Here are some good tips on how to get natural lighting for boudoir photography:
Creating a Natural Light Boudoir Studio
Using V-Flats
Using V Flats helps to harness the beautiful natural light we get in the studio. My current studio space is on the top floor and faces northwest. We get indirect sunlight most of the day. In the late afternoon, we get direct light streaming in, but I prefer the soft indirect light that we have in the mid-morning.
The question of ?how do I get a 4?8 V Flat home? comes up fairly often on the photography boards. I drive a very small car, nothing that could handle a 48?96? piece of foam core. The first time I purchased a set of them, I rented a van to drive there and back. The second time I borrowed a friend?s truck. And this time I got many more than I thought I needed. Guess what? I don?t regret having extra. I do use them.?
Lighting for Smaller Spaces
I also bought huge reflectors, which I intended to use to bounce light end up creating a sense of smaller rooms within the studio. Enclosed spaces make people feel more comfortable during the photoshoot. Using lighting for smaller spaces, I started to notice that clients were getting comfortable faster, having a sense of security. I could see a noticeable change in their expressions and in their posture – and when clients are more relaxed, it goes a long way in getting great boudoir photography.
Sultry Window Lighting
Window lighting is a natural way to get beautiful and flattering boudoir photos. I?ve also come to find that window lighting also makes clients more comfortable during the photoshoot. You need a window, some white and black foam core and practice looking at light as it hits a face and a figure. It?s been so much fun to figure out all the different looks I can create from a wall of windows and the DIY foam core reflectors.
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