Boudoir Photos for Yourself: Because You Look Fucking Good and Deserve Proof

You put on the black lace, turn towards the mirror and think, "Fuck, I look good." You stand there for a while. You turn around and look over your shoulder. You've got a very nice arse, and nobody's around to see it, which seems like a terrible waste. So get a photo. Actually, get forty.

Boudoir photos are intimate, usually flirty pictures of you, in lingerie, a robe, a shirt or nothing at all. They don't need a wedding, an anniversary or an audience. Sometimes the person you're seducing is you.

Wear what you want to show off

Maybe it's how a bra frames your cleavage. Maybe the back of those knickers makes you want to send yourself a thank-you note. Make that the point of the photo. You don't need suspenders, heels and three other things unless you love them. If you do love dressing up, go for it, and stockings, straps and sheer fabric all look very different on camera. Our lingerie guide helps with cut and fit, and you can browse the lingerie range for ideas.

Sit down in it before you start

Standing at the mirror, everything looks brilliant. Sitting on the bed, one strap starts cutting in, and the knickers are heading somewhere private. Try your outfit sitting, turning and lifting your arms. Adjust what needs adjusting, and start with whatever you feel best in.

Good light and a tidy corner are enough

You take a test shot. Great light, gorgeous lingerie, and an excellent view of the pile of washing behind you. A plain wall, a chair or one tidy part of the bed is plenty. Try soft window light from the side, as it's the most flattering thing you've got and it's free. Use a stable phone stand and a timer, and give yourself time to get into position.

Start with a pose you can hold

The camera's ready, and suddenly you've got no idea what hands are for. Start with something simple: sitting on the edge of the bed, lying on your stomach with your feet up, or standing side-on with one hand on your hip. Then shoot from slightly above. A prop gives your hands something to do, and a Veiled Vision Lace Blindfold adds some real mystery, as well as privacy.

If a pose hurts or feels ridiculous, drop it. A shot of you laughing at yourself might end up as your favourite. Take a lot of pictures, as one awkward frame doesn't mean anything.

Using a photographer?

Choose someone whose photos look like what you want. You can decline a pose, ask for spoken directions rather than hands adjusting your clothes, and bring a friend. Ask in writing how your images will be stored and used. Taking sexy photos doesn't mean agreeing to become someone's website banner.

Keep them for yourself

Later, you're scrolling through and you stop at one you love. Save it. Keep an eye on shared galleries and automatic backups, and move your favourites to a locked folder. If you decide to send one to someone, our guide to sharing nudes covers that. Then wash the outfit with our lingerie washing guide.

You started with a mirror and a good pair of knickers. Finish with a few photos you can look at when you're eighty, and think, "Yep. Fair enough."