It’s no secret that boudoir photography is something I am very passionate about. I love boudoir because it celebrates women as individuals and provides an empowering and unique way to commemorate womanhood and special milestones in life. But where did it come from, and how did it all begin? As a passionate luxury boudoir photographer in Denver, Colorado, I wanted to dive in and learn more about how this beautiful art form came to be. Here’s what I learned:
Boudoir’s origins can be traced back to France in the late 19th century. The word “boudoir” is derived from the French word “bouder,” meaning “to sulk,” and it refers to a woman’s dressing room or bedroom where the earliest boudoir pictures were taken. Shooting pictures in the privacy of their home gave women the opportunity to capture their beauty and sensuality in a private setting. It’s fascinating to think that hundreds of years later, boudoir still primarily takes place in the same setting. Beds, couches, and bathtubs are vital pieces of furniture to have on hand in any boudoir studio.
What has changed since the late 19th century is the popularization of the art form. In the late 19th century, boudoir sessions weren’t intended for the public eye. However, that shifted in the early 20th century. At the beginning of the Golden Age, actresses like Marilyn Monroe became beauty icons, and photographers began capturing these stars in more intimate and alluring poses, leading to the popularization of glamour photography. Along with glamour photography, more sensual and sexually appealing images were promoted to the public at the start of WWII. The government used pin-up girls on posters as a way to recruit men into the military, and guess what—it worked! Not only did the posters boost morale for men to enlist, but they also became iconic representations of the powerful femininity and sexuality of women.
In the late 20th century, technological advancements and social media's emergence changed the boudoir culture even more. Instead of heavily stylized boudoir photos like the ones used for pin-up girls, photographers moved towards a style that celebrated a woman’s natural beauty. The pictures were less staged, and the images weren’t retouched significantly to make the women look like perfect Barbie dolls.
Today, boudoir photography promotes women's natural beauty and has grown to be an all-inclusive art form that fosters a culture of body positivity and self-empowerment. Intimates by Zara the Zara Ashby Photography Boudoir Brand was built on the belief that every women should fall in love with themselves first.
Our studio aims to highlight not just what you look like on the outside but your whole TRUE self - inner and outer worlds meet during our boudoir sessions. When you come into our studio, the main goal is for you to feel safe and in a place of understanding. The studio is a place where you can be yourself, let out your true self and know that you will always be supported and loved for exactly who you are.
Are you inspired by the journey of boudoir photography and ready to celebrate your own beauty and confidence? Book your personalized luxury boudoir session with Zara Ashby Photography at our studio in Parker, Colorado, today!
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