There are pros and cons to everything, including DIY Boudoir. So if you want to learn a little about what you are getting into, read on.
Pros
Inexpensive
When compared to a full shoot with a professional photographer (who knows what they are doing), DIY boudoir is pretty inexpensive. You will want to spend a little money for a tripod for your phone to make your shoot easier and a little more on printing or getting a photo book made, but that is about it. Of course you can always go crazy with outfits and props but if keeping your costs down is your main concern then a DIY shoot is the way to go.
Control
You have complete control over your shoot. That means you get to decide what poses you want to do and the final edits as well. You also have the option to move your shoot to a day the light in your space works best for you.
Private
If you are shy or modest but are still curious about a boudoir shoot, then doing it yourself is the way to go. You won’t have to be in a room with a stranger while semi-nude and you will have complete control over your images and who sees them.
Fun
If you do it right and come into it with a good attitude, a DIY boudoir shoot can be a lot of fun. Turn on the music, grab a glass of wine, and cut loose. If you are doing it as a gift you can think about the look on their face when they see your awesome photos for the first time!
Confidence Builder
A boudoir session, whether you DIY or hire a pro, can be an excellent confidence booster. You might just see yourself in a whole new light when you see your photos and think “who is this goddess?”
Cons
Learning Curve
There is a lot to learn when it comes to boudoir. From shooting, lighting, posing, and editing it is a steep learning curve and you will be responsible for all of it. You will find plenty of tips in my other articles but you will still have to keep everything in mind while taking your photos.
Final Images
Because of that steep learning curve, your final images might not turn out as good as a professional’s. You also won’t have the same level of experience that a professional will have. That said, with a little education you can still get good images that you can be proud of.
No Studio
On average our homes aren’t setup with boudoir photography in mind. Everything from lighting, furniture, and props are handpicked when a photographer builds out their studio to make taking great photos easier and to be sure the final product turn out amazing. Some photographers even have client closets that you can use, opening up the possibilities for you to get exactly what you want.
Control
There is something to be said about taking a step back and letting a professional handle things. As long as you pick a good photographer who knows what they are doing they will be able to guide you through your shoot with ease and you will have a great experience with them.
Time Consuming
DIY Boudoir can be time consuming. Unless you are a couple, it takes a lot of time to take a picture by yourself vs a photographer or a partner taking it. Not to mention the time you spend researching, planning, and prepping for your shoot.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when deciding if a DIY approach is right for you when it comes to taking your own photos. All in all, I believe the pros outweigh the cons, especially for couples working together or if you are on a tight budget. If cost or any of the other above considerations are not an issue for you than researching professionals in your area may be the way to go.
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