A vulnerable state of mind.

When a woman’s most intimate moments leave the privacy of her bedroom and move to the studio, a skilled boudoir photographer can capture small portraits of her eroticism.

For Paul McNerney, owner of Studio Foto LLC out of Stafford Springs, Conn., his connection to boudoir photography goes back to his studies at the University of Connecticut. While pursuing a minor in photography, a professor “showed an image by Jerry Uelsmann of a nude mixed with a waterfall,” recalls Paul. Connecting to it immediately, he started a series of projects where he shots nudes and received “amazing feedback from the model on how comfortable she was.” Fast forward to 2004, after an inquiry from a bride, and it became his pursuit of boudoir photography.

Paul’s typical approach is to meet with a client, discuss what they want from the session and simply try to “make them feel amazing.” He also suggests that clients “browse the web and find a look you like and that you would feel comfortable with.” As part of the process, he will consult on clothing, proportions that flatter a figure, and “strongly suggests that you get your hair professionally done,” as well as your makeup. His love and knowledge of fashion makes it easy for women to relate to him. “One bride loved the fact that I was excited she was bringing a few pairs of Manolo Blahniks,” recalls Paul. His number one tip you ask? “Accessories!”

With a specialty in “studio lighting” that is “sexy and fashion influenced,” Paul incorporates vintage furniture to create the set. Tricks of the trade include urging clients to “forget I am there and find a space for their thoughts and roll play.” One thing is for sure: Paul loves what he does. “I photograph boudoir because it is the most vulnerable photography a photographer can ever do. Celebrating beauty, exploring the darker side of people’s desires, and turning it into something amazing is so awesome,” Paul describes.

Husband and wife team, Eric and Amber Langlois of Raw Photo Design out of Danbury, Conn., know that the sum is a total of its parts. According to Eric, Amber is the “marketing/business genius” behind the company. After seeing the “success that other studios in other parts of the country were achieving shooting boudoir sessions,” Amber predicted that “the demand would be just as high in our area,” notes Eric, explaining that  Amber also recognized “the shortage of photographers” doing it locally.

Finding that most people are surprised a wife would encourage her husband to pursue boudoir photography, Eric points out that “in reality we shoot most sessions together, which always succeeds in putting our subjects at ease,” and when Amber has another commitment, there is always another female present. Aside from a little playful banter, they “constantly give positive feedback throughout the whole session, often showing subjects their photos on our camera LCD” to validate the experience, which they find “encourages them even more.”

Eric strongly suggests that you “research the photographer you are interested in using, ask for referrals that you can contact,” and if you’re still a bit uneasy Eric recommends bringing “a close friend; this has always helped out our shyest clients immensely.” Once the session is booked pointers include putting on your highest heels (for their “slimming and flattering” qualities) and accessorizing. Eric also notes “professional styling is a must,” and offers professional hair and makeup in every package.

Based out of Newport, R.I., is Photography by Caitlin owned by Caitlin Wood who strives to “artistically portray the feeling of desire, while maintaining elegance,” in each of her photos, wanting her clients to feel beautiful and “her man to be intrigued.” Caitlin knows that boudoir photography may not be for everyone, but it is certainly “a great way to put a sultry spark into a couple’s day.” She adds, that since most of her clients give this as a wedding gift, they often have it delivered the “morning of the wedding” leaving their husband to be “longing for their time alone.”

Marina Sun of LifeFusion Studio out of Boston, Mass., has “created intimate images for my portrait clients for as long as I can remember.” But it wasn’t until a bride, whose husband would soon be deployed, saw a portrait book that she created for another client and requested “a boudoir session just like that,” that she considered herself to be a boudoir photographer. After joking that perhaps a cocktail is the key to making clients feel comfortable, Marina—who tries to get to know her clients and do “whatever it takes to make them happy and relaxed”—recognizes that “at the end of the day, a boudoir session has to be fun, enjoyable and a pampering experience,” in order to be successful.

Marina urges women to talk to a photographer about their likes and dislikes, but is quick to point out that “what you do not like” is just as important, adding, that you must also “love their art.” Drawing her inspiration from everything from master painters to the latest trends in fashion and old Hollywood, Marina believes in “creating tasteful and artful images that are truly fine art and can be enjoyed privately or hung up in a gallery.” Whether a woman is doing a boudoir session as a wedding or anniversary gift, for fun, or just to show that “they still got it,” Marina observes that a lot of her clients do it “as much for themselves, as for their hubbies or boyfriends...Boudoir sessions are such an intimate affair—because of that, it is truly a privilege” to be asked to photograph one expresses Marina.

> Written by Jessica Latimer