What is boudoir photography?

The Ultimate guide to Edmonton boudoir photography with Janine Rose

♀| ♂ | × | couples + LGBTQ+

HELLO, I’M JANINE ROSE – YOUR EDMONTON BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a wedding, portrait, and boudoir photographer based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. With over a decade of experience, I’ve mastered the art of making you look and feel your most confident, exactly as you are. I first began photographing boudoir myself after modelling for a few photographers and having some sessions of my own done. I immediately became addicted to that “hot damn, I can’t believe I just did that” rush of adrenaline that I would get at the end of a session. I still get that high after sessions I photograph myself – only it’s more of a “hot damn, YOU did that!!” feeling. There is no other feeling like empowering others to take time to document yourself. You deserve to have your photo taken, to be documented, to feel powerful and confident. I’m here to help you take up alllll the space and make you feel your absolute best!

I CAN DO THAT FOR YOU!

Table of Contents

What is Boudoir Photography?

Boudoir Styles and What to Wear

A Look into my Edmonton Studio

The Day of your Session

Edits, Privacy & Photo Sharing

Albums & Physical Products

Schedule Your Session

What is Boudoir Photography?

The word “boudoir” by definition is a woman’s sitting room, salon, or simply a woman’s private bedroom. It was a place where a woman could withdraw. A space just for her, quiet and peaceful. These days, boudoir often refers to a type of professional intimate portraiture that captures a person’s romantic, sensual essence. Though the definition has evolved, I still strive to emulate that same safe and quiet place.

Why Boudoir: My Mission

“Treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.”
– Hannah Corbin, Peloton Instructor

Every person of every age, shape, and size deserves to feel empowered and boudoir photography can do that for you.

When most people think of boudoir, they tend to think of images that border on the erotic and NSFW side of things. Perhaps the word “boudoir” calls to mind images of pearls, silk robes, high heels, and lingerie. While that can certainly be the case if you wish, my approach to boudoir photography is more modern – to capture you as you are, body and soul. I provide you with images that feel soft, sensual, romantic, and authentic to you.

Everyone chooses to do boudoir sessions for their own reasons. Perhaps you have reached a momentous achievement or a personal milestone and you’d like to document the occasion. Maybe you’re getting married and looking to give your spouse-to-be a unique gift. Or, you may be doing it just because. It’s fun. It’s a little scary. You want to know what it’s like and to be able to say “I did that”.

One of the things I hear most from people interested in boudoir is “Maybe I’ll do it when I lose more weight.” Hearing this breaks my heart every time. Let me tell you something: You deserve to be captured as you are now. You’re beautiful in your current size!

“But I don’t look like a model,” they might say. Do you know what I say to that?

Fucking good.

It’s a good thing you don’t look like a model. It’s a great thing. I’m not interested in photographing someone that fits the societal definition of “perfect” (not that that should even exist in the first place).

I’m more interested in photographing everything that makes you who you are. I love your crooked teeth. I love the way your lips aren’t 100% symmetrical. I love the four little wrinkles you get on your nose when you laugh. I think your rolls are luscious. You may regret the tattoo you got on your lower back now that you’re older, but it’s still a part of your life. I find these things much more fascinating and meaningful to capture. 

On that note, I do not tolerate any sort of negative self-talk during our sessions. My studio is a space for you to feel safe, comfortable and beautiful, but it all begins with the words you speak to yourself.  

“…She was an AMAZING coach throughout the session which easily dissolved my inherent awkwardness. When I received the photos, it was the ultimate lightbulb moment for me; it was the first time I saw myself as a whole. I could see the beauty in all of my pieces together instead of nit-picking the minute details of myself that I hated. It wasn’t just empowering, it was freeing. Free to just be me, in my entirety. I will be forever grateful to Janine for changing my perspective of myself, it’s something that no one else could have done because I wasn’t even looking for it to begin with.”

– E.K.

Give this boudoir gift to yourself, first.

BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW

Boudoir Styles & What to Wear for your boudoir session

Styles of boudoir sessions

There are many directions to take your session and it’s all up to you! Boudoir photos don’t even have to take place in my studio. We can do them in your home, in an environment that already feels comfortable to you, or even in a beautiful boutique hotel.

They can be vibrant and colourful, or dark and moody. It all depends on the outfits, the location, and the energy you want to bring into your session!

What to Wear

Anything. (Or nothing).

The answer to this question depends on your vision for your session. Start with asking yourself, “What does ‘sexy’ mean to me?”

Yes, delicate lacy lingerie, lots of jewelry, and a bright red lip might be sexy. But anything can be sexy with the right intention behind it. A cozy sweater that slouches off of a bare shoulder to expose your collarbone. Ripped jean shorts and a bikini top. Fishnets and a worn, well-loved concert t-shirt. It doesn’t have to be revealing to be sexy.

Next, ask yourself “Do I feel comfortable in this?” Now, of course, there’s a difference between something you’d wear privately in your own home versus being in front of a camera. To some extent, it will always feel a bit uncomfortable being photographed in something a bit more revealing. And that’s normal! But make sure you still feel like yourself in whatever you choose. Don’t wear something you’re never going to wear again.

Personally, I’m very mindful of the clothing items I add to my wardrobe. Clothing overconsumption and fast fashion contribute to the climate crisis and I try not to buy anything unless there is a legitimate hole in my wardrobe (literally and figuratively, haha).

I encourage you to shop your own closet before purchasing items. If you do make a purchase, please avoid places like Shein, Amazon, and Temu. If you’re in the economic position to do so, I encourage you to find a special, well-made piece that you would look forward to wearing over and over.

Upon booking, you’ll have access to my guide on how to put together your boudoir wardrobe! I also share my favourite lingerie brands if you are looking to purchase something new, and there is a variety of size-inclusive, ethically made, and even local options available for you to browse. Pinterest is also your best friend for boudoir photo inspiration and styling – be sure to check out my inspiration board!

A Look into my Edmonton Studio

I aim to deliver a comfy Edmonton boudoir experience right from my home studio! It’s my goal to make it feel like you’re coming over to a friend’s place for a cup of tea and a visit. It’s cozy, chill, private, and there’s no pressure to be someone you’re not. I have the flexibility of changing my space often, so the look of the studio may be different depending on the time of your booking, and I will sometimes have special limited-time sets available.

I do have two dogs in my house, though they are not allowed in my studio and will be put downstairs during the entirety of our session. Linens are cleaned between clients and furniture is sprayed with antibacterial spray. If you have any sensitivities or allergies, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate.

I do not offer a “client closet”. I believe each session should be unique to the person being photographed. Personal styles differ so much in the first place, and everyone’s vision of what “sexy” means to them also changes! I want you to feel comfortable, and not pigeonholed into fitting into a certain style. And let’s be honest, I would get bored photographing the same outfits over and over – you inspire me!

The Day of Your Session

before your session

After signing the contract and paying your booking retainer, you’re scheduled into my calendar! I’ll then begin coordinating your hair and makeup artist for you. You’ll also have my boudoir preparation guide land in your inbox. This details more of my process and advises how to prepare for your session. It’ll include a list of what you should bring and more outfit inspiration! You’ll also receive a short questionnaire which will let me get to know you more. Then I’ll start brainstorming ideas for your session!

In the time between booking and our session, you are more than welcome to message me any questions you have, and if you’re unsure about what to wear or bring, you can send me photos or links, and ask for my opinion. A week before your session, you’ll get an email confirming the date and details while we do one last check-in!

the day of your session

On the day of your session, you’ll arrive promptly with a bag full of fun outfits and accessories. You’ll be dressed in loose-fitting clothing with clean dry hair and moisturized skin. It’ll feel like you’re visiting a friend for a coffee date in their home!

Candles will be lit, we’ll chat, play music, eat some snacks, and you’ll get pampered by the incredible makeup artist. Hair and makeup take between 60-90 minutes. Then, I’ll help you figure out what to wear. We’ll go through your bag and pull out your favourite pieces. You’ll hear me ask what you feel most comfortable and confident in, what you’re most excited to wear, or if there’s anything you brought that feels a bit daring that you may want to include.

Then, we’ll begin shooting! I focus on keeping you relaxed and giving you plenty of guidance from head to toe (even breathing advice!). We settle into a flow and I promise it’ll feel more natural than you think it will. We’ll pause anytime you need a break, drink, or snack. You’ll also have time to swap into your next outfit.

after your session

Before you know it, our session will be over and we’ll be saying “bye for now!”

I recommend you take yourself out for lunch or dinner or go on a hot date with your partner. Meanwhile, I’ll be getting to work on your images! You’ll receive a preview within 72 hours of your session, and if you’ve chosen the all-inclusive collection, I’ll jump right into editing!

If you’ve chosen my smaller package, you’ll receive a proofing gallery of unedited images and you’ll have 48 hours to review and make your selections. Additional photos are available to purchase at this time if you decide you’d like more! I will then edit your selected photos in the style of the preview you have been sent.

Once the retouching has been completed, you’ll receive a link to your private gallery where images are only available for download by you. Your gallery will include a shop from which you can order prints directly. While you do have printing rights included and may print wherever you wish, I strongly recommend getting them printed through myself. I print via a professional printing lab that caters only to professional photographers. Another option would be to print through your gallery. (You don’t really want the 15-year-old at Walmart processing your images, do you?).

If you are ordering an album, we will begin the design process at this time. More information about albums and print products will be provided, and an order form will be sent to you. 

And finally, you get to celebrate being the beautiful, confident, glowing, courageous badass that you are! Go off and take this energy we’ve created into the world because we definitely need more of it out there!

READY TO BOOK?

LET'S GET STARTED

Edits, Privacy, & Photo Sharing

Boudoir Photo Retouching & Editing 

If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say, “You can fix that in Photoshop, right?” I wouldn’t have to work anymore.

The answer, simply put, is no.

Boudoir photography is a celebration of you, exactly how you are. I will not make you three sizes smaller or wipe away every freckle and pore on your skin. My photographs come alive while I’m editing, but I do not use Photoshop to skew reality. It’s always a goal of mine to create a beautiful image in the moment, as-is. Photoshop is simply a tool in my toolkit I use for fine-tuning and finishing touches.

When it comes to retouching my boudoir images, my policy is as follows:

For temporary marks gone in two weeks, I will edit that out for you. This includes things like bruises, scratches, pimples, etc.

Things that do not go away in a matter of days or weeks will remain in your images. This includes things like tattoos, scars, piercing holes, cellulite, stretch marks, etc.

I am flexible with certain aspects of my retouching policy so please raise any questions with me when you’re booking. Please note that I will not do any major body modification and I reserve the right to refuse retouching requests if they do not align with my values.

Drag for before — after

Privacy & Photo Sharing

Trust me, I get it. Boudoir photography is fun, but you might not want to feel like you’re on display for everyone. Some people need to keep things private because of their profession (but WOW is that a topic for another day). I would say 80-90% of my clients choose to keep their images private and I fully support you if that’s what you choose! In my boudoir contracts, I offer the following five options for varying levels of privacy. The privacy of your session is always in your control. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to reach out to me at any time.

Share any and all photographs taken on social media, blog, portfolio, etc.

This is for those who are comfortable with me sharing your images for marketing purposes. It’s also to show your images off as inspiration for other boudoir-curious people to book with me (much like the images you see on this page!).

This is a huge help to my business and I appreciate it more than words can express. Thank you endlessly for sharing your courage and experience with others.

Share any and all photographs taken on social media, blog, portfolio, etc. after the date of (date).

This option is for when you’re okay with sharing your images, but are perhaps planning on gifting your photos to a loved one for a special occasion. I will not share any images before the date you specify so your gift can remain a surprise!

One of my favourite things on a wedding day is being able to photograph a partner opening up a boudoir album! Their reaction is always so priceless and heartwarming to see. If you found me through the search for Edmonton wedding photographers, a boudoir session would make a great addition. You can email me or contact me here to add your boudoir session to your wedding package!

Reserve the decision for a later date after seeing all photographs when they are delivered. A model release will be signed post-session.

If you’re not sure about whether or not you’d like to share your boudoir photos yet, no worries! Select this option and you’ll be able to view your finished gallery before deciding.

I’ll follow up with you afterward and if you choose to share your images, you’ll be sent a model release to sign. You may also choose to share only a select amount of images from your session. If you choose not to share at all, that’s entirely okay!

Only photographs not showing any facial features or defining characteristics may be shown on social media, blogs, portfolios, etc.

I call these “anonymous” images. They will not show your face or any unique characteristics (birthmarks, tattoos, etc.). These images will be approved by you before sharing.

No photographs taken may be shared on social media, blogs, portfolios, etc.  

I will not share any images in any capacity. If you want to keep your images private, but would still like to express your thanks and help a small business out, leaving a Google review or emailing me a testimonial directly to use on my website is appreciated!

Albums & Physical Products

You matter. Take up more space in your home with prints and albums

I take pride in having all of your Edmonton photography needs covered, including physical products! Life beyond a hard drive after your session is so important for your images, especially if you are planning on giving some as gifts!

I have a variety of custom options for albums and loose prints available to order. I also create your album design myself and will personalize almost every detail of an album inside and out for you, so that you can have something truly unique to display your special images in!

These albums are the more modern version of those old family photo albums you may remember – ones that you’re definitely not going to want to stash away in a dusty old box! With gorgeous archival inks printed onto some of the best photo paper that will withstand the test of time, luxuriously touchable fabrics, and custom cover designs, you’ll want this out on display all of the time – all the better to look at it again. And again. And again.

“ I was so nervous and I have a hard time accepting the way I look at times and how I feel like I should look. Janine was able to capture and show me that I am beautiful the way I am. I don’t think I’ve had a chance to look at a photo of myself and actually say I love that photo of me until I did the boudoir shoot. It was an empowering experience and I highly recommend it to anyone! It may seem super nerve wracking at first but Janine makes sure that you’re comfortable and gets you laughing easily. ”

– S.H.

EDMONTON boudoir
PHOTOGRAPHY INVESTMENT

give yourself the gift of feeling powerful and strong in your own skin

The All-Inclusive

$2200 + GST

Professional hair and makeup arranged for you on location at my home studio.

Refreshments and snacks during your session.

Up to two hours of photography with 3-to 5 outfit changes.

A preview within 72 hours of your session.

40+ fully retouched digital images of the photographer’s choosing delivered in a private, online gallery within 4 weeks of your session.

Printing rights to your images.

A custom heirloom 8”x 8” French velvet album with 20 pages to showcase your beautiful images. The most perfect, luxurious keepsake and gift to hold in your hands! Includes one complimentary album design and one complimentary design revision (two design drafts total).

The Teaser

$900 + GST

Professional hair and makeup arranged for you on location at my home studio.

Refreshments and snacks during your session.

A one-hour session with 2 outfit changes.

A preview within 72 hours of your session.

20 fully retouched digital images of your choosing delivered in a private, online gallery within 4 weeks of your session.

Printing rights to your images.

Additional images available for purchase from your proofing gallery for $25/image.

HOW TO BOOK

Fill out my contact form or email me directly and we’ll get you all set up! A 50% non-refundable booking fee and signed contract are required to schedule a session into my calendar. The final payment is due by the day of our session.   

Information on payment options, rescheduling, and other terms will be outlined in your contract.

Are you ready to be captured in a way that’s memorable, intentional, AND empowering?

LET'S BOOK YOUR SESSION NOW

Gift a Session

If you wish to purchase a session for a loved one, we can absolutely arrange that for you! However, as boudoir photography is such an intimate and personalized experience, the person you are gifting it to must be notified and provide their signature and privacy preferences in my booking contract.

Destination Boudoir Sessions

From Edmonton photography, and beyond!

Some clients bring me to other cities for their sessions. I would absolutely LOVE to take more destination boudoir photos in places around the world!

Can you imagine a Parisian-inspired session on a balcony overlooking the Seine? (I know I have). How about lounging on a terrace drinking an Aperol Spritz in Positano? Or poolside at a private villa in Tulum? We can make it happen!

Contact me directly here for custom quotes and information on travel fees.

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always

comfortable, but they are never weakness.

Brene Brown

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