When most people think of boudoir, they picture a woman in lacy lingerie on a bed or chaise, maybe wearing heels or a silk robe. And while that can be boudoir—it’s only one version. The truth is, boudoir photography is far more flexible and personal than most people realize.

The core of boudoir is about how it feels: grounded, sensual, vulnerable, empowered. It’s about being fully present in your body, however you choose to show up. Some sessions lean soft and cozy. Others are edgy or artistic. Some happen in nature. Some don’t include lingerie—or even clothes—at all.

This post breaks down some of the different styles of boudoir I offer—from casual and lifestyle sessions to outdoor and artistic nude—so you can see just how much space there is to be yourself.

(You can also check out What to Wear for Your Boudoir Session and Boudoir FAQs for more practical tips.)

Casual & Lifestyle Boudoir

This style feels like Sunday morning. It’s cozy, natural, and effortlessly sexy without trying too hard. Think warm light, soft fabrics, and real moments.

Oversized tees, sweaters, or tank tops
Loose hair, bare feet, minimal makeup
Natural poses—lounging, stretching, laughing mid-sip of coffee
Works beautifully in-home or in studio with soft textures

Best for: clients who want to feel relaxed, flirty, and completely themselves

Urban Boudoir

Urban settings bring contrast—hard lines, soft skin, a little bit of edge. These sessions play with light, texture, and confidence.

Bodysuits, jackets, heels—or sneakers with nothing else
Stairwells, rooftops, windows, or gritty textures
High contrast lighting and unapologetic posing
A great choice for those who want something bold but grounded in style

Best for: clients who love fashion-forward or editorial energy

Beach Boudoir

The beach offers movement, softness, and a sense of freedom you can’t fake. These sessions are fluid, cinematic, and full of light.

Sheer wraps, wet-look swimsuits, or implied nudes
Hair tousled by wind and waves
Sunlight through fabric, water glinting off skin
Often shot at sunrise or sunset for golden light

Best for: clients drawn to dreamy, sensual, and natural imagery

Nature & Outdoor Boudoir

Wild, quiet, grounding—outdoor boudoir in forests, fields, or meadows carries a different kind of power. There’s a stillness to it, even when you’re in motion.

Flowy robes, natural textures, bare feet
Ferns, wildflowers, tree trunks, or cliffs as backdrops
Earth tones, soft movement, lots of negative space
Great for clients who feel recharged by nature or want something more organic

Best for: clients craving stillness, symbolism, or a sense of reconnection

Artistic Nude

These sessions aren’t about shock or exposure—they’re about form, light, and emotion. Artistic nude work is intentional, expressive, and often more about what’s not shown.

Clean backdrops or textured outdoor settings
Emphasis on pose, gesture, and silhouette
Can be minimalist, dramatic, or abstract
Always guided, always collaborative—never performative

Best for: clients drawn to art, self-trust, or deeper creative expression

What It Comes Down To

There’s no one way to do boudoir. You don’t have to show a certain amount of skin. You don’t have to wear lingerie. And you definitely don’t have to fit someone else’s idea of what’s “sexy.”

Whether your shoot takes place on the beach at sunrise, in your favorite worn-in tee, or surrounded by trees and filtered light, boudoir photography is about being seen—as you are.

If you’re curious what your version might look like, let’s talk about it.