Stand and Be Photgraphed! Traditional Vs. Candid Photos For Your Wedding

It's sassy, spicy, and sensual. That once unchartered territory on the edge of 'too risqué' is now a growing trend in the photography industry. More and more women, especially brides, are flocking to the idea of giving their guy a truly unique and personal gift for their big day rather than the traditional watch or cuff links.

Boudoir photography. It's not a new idea by any means. 'Boudoir' is an old French word that referred to a woman's changing or pouting room. It is the place where women would prepare for a night's festivities or escape from the crowd for a moment to gather her thoughts. It was a personal and usually elaborately decorated space. And many photographers keep that intimate feel when photographing boudoir.

Women book their sessions for countless reasons... weddings, anniversaries, overseas deployments, or just to celebrate a newly revitalized body after having children. The most important thing to remember is that it's a day for YOU - from mimosas, to music, to a full hair and makeup session - make it a day to celebrate and pamper yourself. Your boudoir photographer should know how to hide the things you dislike, and accentuate the parts of your body you love. Be sure to employ a photographer who is highly skilled (lighting, technical aptitude, etc.) and who has the sort of personality that makes you feel comfortable and uninhibited.

So you decide to book a session. Now what?? The first thing most women ask when booking their session is 'What do I wear?'. I always recommend a hint of a man... something to show your guy that you had him in mind when making his gift. It could be anything - his favorite jersey, the tie he's wearing on the wedding day, or even his favorite cocktail in the background. From there, wear something that reflects your personality, because that's what he fell in love with in the first place! If you're a jeans and t-shirt type of chica, grab some frilly boy shorts or torn up jeans with a simple bra. More of the fancy type? Play it up with a corset, stockings, and stilettos. And for something simple but sexy, covering just the essentials with a white sheet will do wonders for his imagination.

It's an exciting way to show your sexy side, and the idea of giving a truly personal gift is catching on as women become more and more comfortable with their bodies. The traditional one year anniversary gift is paper, and personally, I can't think of a better piece of paper than a few boudoir photos.

There is no reason why the ‘candid’ shots or reportage photography can’t do this for some people, in fact the above paragraph summarises the justification for taking photographs at weddings, in whatever style. But when we take that moment to pose for a group photograph, just after the ceremony to stand and actually be photographed. Not everybody enjoys this part; it can feel stiff, uncomfortable and awkward to be placed in the shot and then instructed to ‘smile!’ However this has become a part of a traditional wedding, as it is a time when the whole family can get together and be photographed. It is a time to be ‘immortalised’ in the photograph and for that period of your family’s history to be documented. And even if it is uncomfortable to smile on demand, just think how lucky we are not to have to sit for an hour while someone paints us instead!