Outdoor Boudoir Photography

Take your boudoir session outside

Doing an outdoor boudoir session is a fun and unique way to spice up a stereotypical, indoor boudoir photo shoot.

Scroll down to see more information on what this type of session entails, location ideas, the experience, and to see if an outdoor boudoir session is right for you!

boudoir session in a creek of a girl in a black bikini

Why should you do an outdoor boudoir session?

The first, obvious reason, is that nature is beautiful. Do you have a favorite spot that you go to when you are wanting to get away? That could be the perfect spot for you to shoot your session.
Doing a boudoir session outdoors gives me, as your photographer, a huge variety of backdrops to get creative with. So in return, you get a multitude of different images to choose from as the client.
If you feel at home in nature, I would highly suggest doing an outdoor session instead of indoor. You will probably feel more relaxed and at ease, which can make you more confident and comfortable during your shoot.
Lastly, outdoor boudoir photography is unique! If you are wanting something more than the typical indoor session or feel more like yourself outdoors, then this type of photo shoot is for you.

Cons of outdoor boudoir

If you are still on the fence about what outdoor boudoir has to offer, here are some possible cons.

Sadly, we can’t control the weather. Sometimes there are unpredictable changes that will lead to rescheduling, but we will teamwork to keep a close eye on the radars leading up to your session.
Unless you are in your backyard, there is always a chance that your session will not be completely private. We can’t control where people go in a open space. If you are okay with someone passing by during your session, then I wouldn’t let it stop you! Most of the time people just wave hello as they pass, and then they are on their way.
One word: bugs and critters. If you aren’t a fan of the possible interaction with bugs, then I might stick to an indoor boudoir session. I always carry bug repellant with me though!

close up of a woman's body in a creek in a black bikini with her hands in her hair

Where do outdoor boudoir sessions take place?

The choice is yours. If you have a location in mind, we can go anywhere.. in the North Houston area or beyond! (**Please take me on a magical boudoir photo shoot adventure!)

Forests: If tall trees and never ending greenery is your jam, then going to your favorite forest spot is probably right for you! Here in The Woodlands, Texas area, we are surrounded by great forest options.
Mountains: If you are looking for something more adventurous, consider going to the mountains. With the grand views and contrasting scenery, your body would be a perfect addition to the landscape.
Water: Consider going to a spot where you can get into the water if you are a water lover. Think about the ocean, a lake, or any rivers/ creeks. Water photo shoots are some of my favorite to do. The reflections, and the extra layer of sensuality that water offers during the shoot always lights up my creativity.
Fields: Tall grass or flowers is always a beautiful addition to any photo shoot. With the wind blown grass and openness of a field, you will surely be the star of the image.
Urban: If you are wanting a more edgy feel to your photos think about doing an outdoor boudoir session in a more modern setting. We can go to an abandoned building with cool wall textures, or find a spot with bright colors and lights, or even right in the middle of a bustling city.
Your back yard! You don’t have to go somewhere different to have a successful outdoor session. We can stay in the comfort of your home.

What do I wear to an outdoor boudoir photo shoot?

girl in a red bikini in a river with her hand on her hip and in her hair — This is a frequently asked question I get and the answer is: ***whatever you want!*** It really depends on the location and what you are comfortable with.
Many people opt for **swimwear** but there are no rules. Here are other options:
**Athletic gear**
**Cardigan and underwear**
**Bodysuits** (like the kind you wear with jeans or lingerie style)
**Bra and panty set**
**A dress**

Raegan Clapsaddle Boudoir - Outdoor Photography Experience

So you’re thinking about taking the leap to booking an outdoor boudoir photo shoot.

I curate every experience differently depending on my client’s hopes and vision for their session and strive to make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible!

Here are the next steps and what to expect. Sometimes clients like to do multiple locations. For example, we do half of the session outdoors, and the other half takes place in their home. This is definitely an option.

woman in a river on her knees in a black bathing suite

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Booking and planning your session

The Raegan Clapsaddle Boudoir Experience, which you can read more about here, starts with your initiative to contact me by email or phone call. Click here to book your session. You will fill out all of the information and give me some insight on what you are thinking for your shoot. You can also schedule a phone call if you would like to talk about your vision instead. From there, I will get back to you and discuss things like why you decided to book a session, what your vision is for the session, and I will ask questions to get to know you a little better.

Once we get the initial conversation going, we will discuss the photo shoot date, figure out your outdoor photo shoot (or indoor) locations, and talk about outfits.

When you are booked, I’ll send you a link to my RCB Welcome Guide, which has lots of tips and planning resources for you to read over before your session.

THE WEEK OF YOUR SESSION

Finalize our plans

During this time we will check on things like weather. I will be watching constantly in the days leading up to your outdoor boudoir session to make sure we have optimal lighting.

I’ll be there for you to talk through your nervous thoughts and discuss your outfit choices or whatever else you need help with!

SESSION DAY

Empowering photo shoot

woman sitting on her knees in a creek with smiling in a black swim suit — Depending on if you chose to do half of your session indoor and half outdoor vs. all of your session in one spot, the timeline will differ client to client. If you have chosen to do your photo shoot all outdoors, we will spend 1-2 hours taking your pictures. Most clients choose to do 2-3 different looks for their session, which we would have already talked about beforehand.
Two hours sounds like a lot of time taking pictures, but I always want your session to be relaxed and never rushed. It also gives me plenty of time to get different kinds of images for you.
I am an expert in posing you in ways that are flattering for your body type. We talk about things you aren’t as confident in and things that you love about your body so that I always have an idea of what you like. You will never have to worry about what to do during your session, because I will be leading the way! You’ll just have to listen to instruction and have fun while looking beautiful.

AFTER THE SESSION

Image reveal and ordering session

A couple days after your session, we will hop on a Zoom call together. I love this part. You will get to see all of your gorgeous images through a slideshow.

It is such a different experience for all of my clients. Some people feel really emotional, some get sentimental, some feel like a badass, and others feel very proud. Sometimes its a combination of them all! Whatever you are feeling its valid.

We will look at them all multiple times together, while talking about what kind of products you are wanting, whether its a beautiful album, prints, or just the digitals.

Then we will plan out your order! Most often my clients go with one of my collections, which usually features an album or a box of prints.

The last step is receiving your beautiful order, that will be shipped right to your doorstep. Prepare to be in awe as you get to see your images come to life in a holdable form to cherish over and over again.