Is It Body Empowerment If You Edit Boudoir Photos?

Does editing a boudoir photo mean you’re not embracing yourself?

I believe it comes down to what you mean by editing. As a professional boudoir photographer, my work doesn’t stop when I press the shutter. It begins long before—when we discuss your vision, mood, and poses. The photoshoot itself is just one step. After that, I edit your photos with the same care and thoughtfulness that goes into capturing them.

My Approach to Editing Boudoir Photos

My philosophy? I want to take a photograph of you on your best day. But let’s be honest—sometimes your scheduled boudoir photoshoot doesn’t align with that best day.

Maybe a pesky spot, a bruise, or even your period shows up uninvited. But when your loved ones think of you, they don’t picture that random cold sore from last winter or the bruise from walking into a doorframe (yes, that’s me!). So, should those fleeting imperfections be permanently documented in your boudoir photos? I’d argue no—but at the same time, I respect those who prefer their images to be as raw and untouched as possible.

a lingerie photography to show edit boudoir photography

"Editing boudoir photographs is a conversation."

My standard boudoir photography editing.

Lighting plays a huge role in my photography. I use studio lighting to sculpt the body and create beautiful shadows. Because of this, I always make slight adjustments in post-production to enhance colour and exposure. Technically speaking, I also underexpose my images slightly (a personal habit), which means I always adjust the light levels afterward.

Standard edits I make in every boudoir session:

✔ Adjust light levels for the best exposure
Correct skin tone to reflect natural hues
Refine makeup so it looks flawless under studio lighting
✔ Remove stray hairs
Smooth clothing for a polished look
✔ Convert to black and white, if requested

Things I’ll remove unless you ask me not to:

✔ Bruises
✔ Spots

suspender belt and stockings with heels in the air to show what are the best tights for boudoir

Things I leave unless you request otherwise:

✔ Freckles & moles

I personally have tons of moles (seriously, I’m 50% mole!), and while I love some, others I prefer to remove in photos. That’s just my choice. If there’s something on your body that doesn’t feel like part of your identity, I have no problem removing it. I get it.

freckles and moles from a boudoir photoshoot with no edit boudoir photographs

The top 5 body edits for boudoir photography

While my approach is subtle and natural, some clients request minor tweaks to help them feel their best. Here are the most common adjustments I’m asked to make:

  1. Add volume to hair
  2. Slim arms slightly
  3. Define or shape the waist
  4. Smooth skin for an even texture
  5. Reduce fine lines

Again, editing is a conversation, and you are always in control of what changes—if any—you’d like.

So, Do I Edit Boudoir Photos? The Answer is Yes.

I’m not an expert in body positivity or self-acceptance—I’m someone who is on my own journey, just like you. Boudoir photography helped me connect with my body for the first time in 20 years, and it was powerful. I want to share that experience with you.

When I edited my own boudoir photos, I slimmed my upper arms slightly—not because I dislike them, but because during the shoot, I accidentally pressed them too close to my body, making them look wider. A small tweak made me feel more confident in the final image.

Would I have needed that edit if I had noticed the pose during the shoot? Probably not. That’s why during your session, I’m constantly guiding you through posing, making sure you feel amazing before any editing even begins.

So, do I edit boudoir photos? Yes.
How much? That’s entirely up to you.

Your photos, your body, your choice.

a woman holding feathers and sequins from an olf hollowood style boudoir photoshoot

Final Thoughts: Boudoir Photo Editing is a Conversation

Whether you prefer zero edits or a little fine-tuning, the choice is always yours. My job isn’t to change you—it’s to highlight what makes you feel like your best self.

At the end of the day, the goal of boudoir photography isn’t perfection—it’s empowerment. And that looks different for everyone.

Have questions about editing? Let’s chat! Your boudoir session is all about you, and I’m here to make sure you love the final result.

Take a look at my Boudoir Gallery to see some more client photographs.

If you’re interested in finding out more about your own boudoir experience I’d love to hear from you.

Contact me