Q. I’ve logged in long hours at the gym to get into my ideal wedding-dress shape, and I want my soon-to-be-husband to remember his bride for a lifetime. Boudoir photos seem like the perfect opportunity to show off my hard work, but I’m unsure—and maybe a little nervous—about the process. What does it involve?
A. First of all, congratulations! Getting in shape isn’t easy. As for the boudoir shoot, you’re right on trend; many brides-to-be book the sexy sessions in the weeks leading up to their wedding, as it’s often the most beautiful they’ve ever felt.
Local photographer Amy Gaerthofner of Unveiled Portraits shoots tasteful photos that celebrate you as you are. It may sound scary at first, but don’t worry; the photographer should make you feel comfortable no matter what you’re wearing—scant lingerie or simply a cute outfit.
“The photography session is as fun itself as giving the gift,” says Gaerthofner. She begins with a questionnaire that determines your comfort level and eases into the actual photographs with music, chocolates and simple headshots, placing the focus on the lighting instead of the body. “I let her know exactly where I’m going to crop it off so I can build trust,” she says.
Start the session in clothing you feel relaxed in, even if that means his baseball jersey. Bring a more revealing outfit and a “total wild card” too, Gaerthofner suggests, to change into as your comfort level increases.
Creative posing can capture the best of every body type, so, for example, if you’re not a fan of your midsection, ask the photographer to focus on your legs or face. Gaerthofner also includes photo retouching in her packages, and once you receive the images, we’re betting you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
“You’ll look at yourself differently, the way that others see you,” Gaerthofner says. “It helps you believe you’re beautiful just the way you are.”