Boudoir shots are all about style. From light silhouettes to painterly moods, each approach creates a different visual story on camera

In this post, I’ll share a glimpse into the possibilities, bold, romantic, minimal, or dramatic, so you can see how different looks might reflect your personality and inspire your own session.

Light Silhouettes: Bold, Sculptural, Striking

a body outlined in light sitting down at an angle in a boudoir photography photoshoot

A sharp line of light. A body outlined in pure contrast. These images are bold — limited midtones, no distractions — just shape, strength, and shadow.

This style distills the human form down to its essence. It’s graphic, intentional, and powerful. The results feel less like portraits and more like statement pieces.

I named this style Dark and Sultry and you can see more images from the dark and sultry gallery 

Unapologetically Black and White

an asian woman in a white shirt with black underwear on boudoir shots

Black and white has endless possibilities and in my studio, I call it Bombshell Black & White. Some versions are bold and graphic, with high-contrast shadows that sculpt every line. Others are softer, monotone portraits that strip everything back to pure emotion.

This style is for when you’re done apologising. No colour to distract, just you. Raw, powerful, and unfiltered. It’s timeless, cinematic, and deeply honest.

See more at my gallery Bombshell Black and White 

Painterly: Rich, Romantic, Artful

a south asian woman in silk with yellow roses from boudoir shots in London

This style is especially close to me. Inspired by my own background — from years in museums to my journey into photography, Painterly boudoir is a symbol of where art and intimacy meet.

Muted tones, thoughtful lighting, and rich textures create portraits that feel like they could hang in a gallery. Romantic and timeless, these images have the depth of classic portraiture while still being entirely personal to you.

See more at my Gallery from Ravishing Renaissance 

Old Hollywood: Glamorous, Sculpted, Iconic

a woman with a pearl necklace down her back with old hollywood lighting designed from a collection of boudoir shots

This look channels the drama of vintage cinema, bold shadows, sculpted curves, and a cinematic edge. It’s perfect for celebrating your strength and timeless beauty with a touch of red-carpet glamour.

Inspired by the golden age of Hollywood portraiture, the style is all about striking contrasts and elegant posing.

Whether it’s the shimmer of pearls, a sweep of eyeliner, or a perfectly placed spotlight, Old Hollywood boudoir brings a sense of performance and allure into the frame.

Clients often choose this look when they want portraits that feel like film stills, capturing not just how they look but how they command attention.

Sumptuous Sunshine: Warm, Radiant, Joyful

a close up of a tummy in a sunset sunlight boudoir photography experience

This style is all about capturing the glow of natural light or, in the studio, recreating that golden-hour radiance with precision.

I designed Sumptuous Sunshine to celebrate warmth, openness, and joy.

The light wraps around you in a way that feels effortless and alive, softening edges while highlighting your natural shape.

It’s become one of my most requested looks because it feels both cinematic and personal,  like stepping into your own beam of sunlight.

Minimal Nude: Clean, Expressive, Movement-Led

For those drawn to simplicity, this style uses soft light and uncluttered composition to highlight shape, gesture, and grace. It’s about stripping everything back to the essentials, letting the body speak for itself with honesty and strength.

This approach is also deeply connected to my teaching. I lead a  Art Nude Photography course at City Academy, where we explore the ethics and artistry of photographing the human form.

For me, this isn’t just a style, it’s a practice rooted in respect, storytelling, and the beauty of nuance.

If you’d like to dive deeper into my perspective on working with the nude form, you can read more in my blog → Nude Photography

a black woman with long hair on the floor with knees up in a black and white boudoir photography photoshoot

Every Boudoir Shot Is a Collaboration

All boudoir shots starts with inspiration. We’ll experiment with light, styling, and angles to create a range of striking looks.  Most clients leave with a variety that feels like multiple shoots in one.

a black woman on a white cube from a boudoir shots photoshoot

Want to find out more?

If you’d like to explore the empowering side of these images, read my blog on Boudoir Photos.

And if you’re curious about how to treasure your images afterwards, explore keepsake options in my Boudoir Pictures blog.

Inspired by these styles? Your session can be tailored to blend one, two, or all of them, creating portraits that feel distinctly you. Explore the full boudoir experience, with packages, styling support, and my signature approach → London Boudoir Photography