Anyone can take sexy, sensual, and saucy DIY boudoir photos. You don’t need to a professional photographer or a Victoria’s Secret model. And you don’t need a professional photo studio.

All you need is some basic equipment, a bit of creativity, and a sprinkle of sexuality. And with these fantastic DIY boudoir photography tips, you’ll be able to create some truly sexy images in the comfort of your own home. 

Whether you are a man, a woman, or a couple, our DIY boudoir photo tips will help you get started. By the end of the article, you’ll be confident and ready to go. 

Let’s get saucy with these tips for better DIY boudoir photos. 

© Sara Loya

16 Easy Tips for Better DIY Boudoir Photos

If you’re thinking about doing a boudoir photoshoot, here are 16 DIY boudoir photo tips for better erotic images. All the tips in this article are easy and accessible, so you don’t need to be a professional photographer to master DIY boudoir photography. 

1. Use a Tripod and Remote

You will be photographing yourself, which means you need a tripod. You can take DIY boudoir photos in a selfie style using a smartphone, but shooting in this way is very limited. Using a tripod gives you far more freedom to pose and create sexy scenarios. 

You don’t need a big heavy tripod for a DIY boudoir shoot. A mini or tabletop tripod will work just fine, just make sure it has a suitable weight capacity. You can also get tripods for smartphones, so you don’t even need a dedicated camera. 

If you are using a camera remote or remote for your phone, hide it in one of your hands. If you’re using a timer, give yourself ample time to pose.

Photo by Tazz Vaughn (Pexels)

2. Find a Place Where You Feel Comfortable

Choose a familiar place you feel comfortable in. It doesn’t have to be a studio setting. Find a spot at home where you have enough space and light for the DIY boudoir session.

Your bedroom might be the obvious choice, but that’s where the magic happens for most people. It’s also a safe space in which we usually feel comfortable and relaxed. The bedroom is always a great place to start. 

But you can also think outside the standard settings. Why not try your kitchen? Or you could have a bubble bath in your bathtub.

Choose an interesting place where you feel comfortable for sensual, creative boudoir photography.

3. Declutter the Background

When you do DIY photography, it is easy to forget about details. You focus so much on poses and facial expressions that you might overlook a messy background.

The best way to avoid this is to declutter the location when you create your scene. Take a few test shots and check if you like what you see.

Choose a simple portrait background like a bed or a couch with white sheets. Neutral colors are the best choices for a boudoir photoshoot.

Bare walls work best for boudoir photography. Pictures or posters are too distracting and make the photos look unprofessional. Clear your walls if you’re using that space as your shooting area. 

You can even hang bed sheets up on the wall to create a soft, neutral backdrop for your boudoir shots. 

Set up an overhead photo with a tripod. Shot with a Sony a7R. 50mm, f/1.8, 1/60 s, ISO 500. Photo by John Vicente

4. Use Props to Enhance the Fun

Using props is a great way to add more fun to a boudoir shoot. Boudoir props can be anything from a faux fur blanket to a heart-shaped mirror. Choosing props depends on your taste and the type of images you want to create. 

Using props is a great way to bring yourself out of your shell. If you’re low on self-confidence, posing might not the easiest thing for you.

By adding a prop, you have something to play with. There’s something to interact with, taking the pressure off yourself and your body. 

Props also help you set the scene and create scenarios. They add new points of interest, helping you experiment with composition. The right props can also titillate and tantalize just as much as exposed skin. 

Choose props that fit your personality. And you can also use ordinary objects like a mug or book. These will make your boudoir photos more natural and spontaneous.

You can use relevant objects for your boudoir shoot if you have a theme. For example, buy some antiques to add to your boudoir session if you like vintage-style photos.

© Jessica Felicio

5. Keep the Props to a Minimum

While props are great fun in DIY boudoir photography, you should avoid using too many. Stick to one main prop that fits your theme and style rather than cluttering your image with lots of unnecessary props. 

The focus is on your body in DIY boudoir photography. Too many props will draw attention away from you, and the model always has to be the main focus in boudoir photography. 

Use sheets and pillows if you choose a bedroom or couch as the main location. Add some rose petals and elegant bubble bath bottles if you have a bath. Or you can have a glass of champagne nearby as well.

But less is more then it comes to boudoir props. Always remind yourself that you and your body are the main focus. Constantly strip back anything that isn’t necessary, so the attention is always on you.

Photo by Leah Kelley (Pexels)

6. Zoom in on Details

Shooting close-ups on specific details is a great technique to get the viewer’s pulse racing a little bit faster.

These can be close-ups of specific body parts. They can be items of clothing or jewellery. Or you can take close-ups of your hands performing an action. 

These types of shot are harder to capture on your own. But it is possible using a tripod and a remote or timer. It might take some trial and error, but the results can be unique and exciting.  

7. Use Basic Composition Techniques

A strong composition will make your boudoir photography even more powerful. But you don’t need complicated compositional techniques for a DIY shoot. Start with basic techniques to give your images a solid foundation. 

The rule of thirds is the perfect place to start. This is where you divide the frame into nine sections using two horizontal and two vertical lines.

Placing important elements within the image on the lines or where the lines intersect is a tried and tested compositional technique for stronger photos. 

The golden ratio is another composition style that works well with boudoir photography. You can also try a triangle technique if you want to try something a little more advanced. 

8. Choose Flattering Lighting

You don’t need expensive lighting equipment for your DIY boudoir session. Natural light can result in the most flattering photos.

Make sure to position yourself close to a window. If the light is too direct, use a white curtain or a piece of white fabric to diffuse it. This will create soft and flattering lighting.

Think about the direction of the light as well. Front lighting can reduce skin imperfections. But backlighting is amazing for creating silhouettes and highlighting your shape.

Side lighting is excellent for emphasizing your muscles and curves.

Shot with a Fujifilm X-E1. 50mm, ƒ/1.0, ISO 500. Photo by Ikon Republik (Pexels)

9. Practice Boudoir Poses Before Shooting

Boudoir Poses are crucial in creating tantalizing sensual photography. Make sure to practice them in front of the mirror before your actual boudoir session.

Practicing lets you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And it also helps you understand what poses work the best for you.

Shot with a Canon EOS T3i (600D). 21mm, f/3.5, 1/250 s, ISO 400. Photo by Houcine Ncib (Unsplash)

10. Find Poses That Compliment Your Body Shape

There’s no perfect body shape when it comes to boudoir photography. Anyone can be sexy. But certain poses compliment different body types, so it’s a matter of finding ones that make you look and feel fabulous. 

There are a couple of postures that work well for any model. For example, lay on a bed or a couch and arch your back. This creates a stunning body shape, and it is very sensual.

Try placing your hands on different parts of your body. You can touch your chest, neck, or face softly. You can also focus on body parts that you like about yourself.

Think about the favorite parts of your body, be they long legs, a big bum, or beautiful eyes. Use poses that incorporate or accentuate these features. 

11. Try Different Hairstyles and Makeup

Even if you want to look casual and natural in your DIY boudoir photos, trying different hairstyles and makeup beforehand is a good idea.

You can also treat yourself and professionally get your hair and makeup done before your boudoir shoot. But if you go the DIY route, practice your looks so you can focus on taking photos on the big day.

Photo by Stephen Westby (Pexels)

12. Stay Anonymous

You can create excellent DIY boudoir photos without showing your face. Keeping your face hidden is a great technique if you’re feeling shy or lacking self-confidence. 

The simplest technique is to compose the shot so your face and head are out of frame. Focus the camera on your body or a specific part of the body.

Masks are a great tool for hiding the face, adding a sense of mystery and temptation to the images. You can also use a hat to cover your face, perhaps leaving the mouth on display. 

Facing away from the camera is another way to stay anonymous in your boudoir shots. With your back to camera, you can turn your head but still have most of your face hidden. You can also use your hair to help hide your face as you turn. 

Clever lighting is another way to keep your face a mystery. You can set yourself up so your head and face are in the darkness while the rest of you is in the light. 

13. Get Creative With Your Outfit

Boudoir photos often feature lingerie. But it’s not the only outfit you can choose! Get creative with costumes, period clothing, or clothing that covers up more. Try wearing a longer shirt that covers most of your body. It can still show a few exciting details.

Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and fits your style. A photoshoot is a great time to try different boudoir ideas! But always opt for something that makes your feel confident and sexy. 

14. Create an Alter Ego

If you’re lacking a bit of self-confidence, creating a sexy alter-ego is a fantastic way of giving yourself more license to be saucy.

Posing as yourself might be uncomfortable. But inhabiting another character, a more sexually confident persona, allows you to let loose. Acting as someone else, you have fewer inhibitions. You can change the way you act without changing who you are. 

Using makeup and costumes helps you get into character. A wig is a great tool for crafting alter-egos, having a big impact on your appearance without forcing any long-term changes. Go for a color that isn’t your usual hair color. This will make a clear distinction between the two personas. 

© Jimmy Elizarraras

15. Tell a Story With Your Boudoir Images

Every photograph is more exciting if it showcases or hints at a story. Boudoir photography is an excellent opportunity to delve into fantasy. The more sensual, the better.

You can also ask your partner to help you with this. Your partner’s presence can help you feel more comfortable. And the two of you can create a real love story.

But you don’t need a partner to get amazing DIY boudoir pictures. The session is about you, so think of everything that feels pleasant.

Shot with a Fujifilm X-T2, 35mm, f/1.4, 1/20 s, ISO 400. Photo by Yohann Libot (Unsplash)

16. Loosen Up and Have Fun With Your Pictures

Boudoir photographers often have a hard time trying to get their clients relaxed for a photoshoot. But with these DIY boudoir photography ideas, you won’t have this issue.

Get yourself into the mood by creating the right atmosphere. Put on some music and light some scented candles.

Maybe have your favorite drink to loosen up, play some music, dance around, and try silly poses. Sometimes, the best photos are the ones you have the most fun with.

Shot with a Canon EOS Rebel T7i (800D). 50mm, f/2.2, 1/50 s, ISO 100. Photo by Marlon Alves

Conclusion: DIY Boudoir Photos and Tips

Boudoir photography is an amazing way to focus on yourself and gain more confidence. And the results are photos you will cherish for a long time.

Use our tips to master DIY boudoir photoshoots. And check out our Effortless Editing with Lightroom course to touch up all your boudoir photos so you look your best!