Boston Boudoir: Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones...

Masked woman crawling across floor and woman in mask, black and white photo. Providence Boudoir Photography

When clients are contemplating giving the gift of boudoir, one piece of advice that we always give is that it's not always about having great heels, killer lingerie and a look that could stop a rhinoceros in its tracks; sometimes it's just about playing to your partner's interests. Does he love sports? Throw on his team's jersey. Is she a doctor? I'm sure we can find a way to make that stethoscope look sexy. Are they totally into a fandom? Break out that naughty Dalek outfit you've been hiding.

But what about other kinds of interests?

You know, the sexy sort - kink.

Boudoir photography, with roots in pin-up and glamour, tends to reference sex with a wink and a nod; it's sexy, but not necessarily sexual. For many clients, that is the perfect line to play on, but for those with a greater sense of daring (or  boudoir veterans) there is more room to explore. Bringing in elements of your partner's (or your own) fantasies and fetishes can offer up a lot of options that push the boundaries of boudoir.

The Theater of BDSM:

For better or worse Fifty Shades of Grey brought BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism and masochism) and its accouterments closer to the mainstream. After the blockbuster hit it was easier for people to talk about handcuffs and spanking (even if they still did it in a scandalized whisper) and more clients are looking to add in elements of it to their boudoir sessions.

It's not just the props and costumes that make BDSM an interesting fit with boudoir, it's BDSM's theatrical side as well. Through it's emphasis on psychodrama and role-playing, BDSM can help to create strong visual story-telling rather than just a series of images. Further, the act of inhabiting a character or role can boost your sense of confidence and courage, two things that can help improve any Boston boudoir shoot.

Going Beyond:

As much as anything, boudoir is about indulgence and imagination. For many of our Boston boudoir clients, the day ahead of their session is spent in pampering to look perfect for the shoot (and for going out after), letting people take care of you and cater to you. So why not try and cater to some of your wildest dreams as well?

At Ryan Richardson Photography, we're happy to work with clients to put together unique and creative shoots that go beyond boudoir.

Tips for Your Session:

1. Pay Attention to Details: Boudoir is often about creating the illusion of perfection, but when going beyond it's about paying more attention to particular details (especially if you're working from a partner's script). Beyond boudoir might require things like set dressing or additional props to really bring the shoot home.

2. Stay Safe: Some ideas can test the bounds of safety and trust, especially for fantasies involving themes of bondage. If possible we recommend having a trusted, experienced person on hand and discussing potential issues during your consultation.

3. Be Open: We work with a variety of clients and have a lot of awkward conversations - many people aren't comfortable talking about themselves let alone their bodies or their fantasies. We hope to create a supportive, fun environment so you can feel comfortable sharing your ideas (and of course our discretion is assured).

Ryan Richardson is a wedding and boudoir photographer based in Boston and serving New England.