Hi friends!
As many of you might know by now, I am on a mission to make the boudoir photography experience a truly accessible and approachable one. I absolutely love answering all of your questions about the art, the process, and how it all comes together to show off your beautiful fierceness. Keep the questions coming, and I’ll keep answering them here for you!
Something that comes up quite often in my conversations with you all is the difference between pinup and boudoir photography. What is it?! Well, let’s dive into that one today, shall we?
Pinup vs. Boudoir Photography
The roots of pinup photography date back to the early 1900s when the images of women were thought to be “pinned up” on a wall and admired. It was common for burlesque performers to take pinup images to help market and advertise themselves. Most of them fashioned tight and suggestive clothing, but they were never nude or too revealing. And to create an alluring sense of sex appeal, they used playful poses and facial expressions of surprise to entice onlookers.
In many ways, boudoir photography can be considered the modern take on pinup culture. It, too, can include sexy ensembles, suggestive posing, and flirty glances. But there are some key differences.
First, boudoir is in no way intended to be an advertisement. It is intimate photography celebrating you in all the ways you want to be celebrated. It’s all for you as the individual — not your audience.
Second, boudoir is not about representing a beauty standard, but rather showcasing what is beautiful to you. It is about loving yourself for who you are and expressing that love with the help of a camera lens.
Third, boudoir encompasses so many more moods and emotions than pinup. You aren’t limited to playful poses. You don’t have to stick to flirty smiles. And you don’t have to keep all your clothes on. Boudoir is far more sensual and authentic than pinup, meaning your photos really can be whatever you want them to be.
Catering to Your Style
Maybe you have a flair for all things vintage and like showcasing your playful and flirty side more than anything else. And that’s totally okay! We can easily incorporate those pinup vibes into a boudoir photoshoot for you.
Just remember that you aren’t restricted to the old-school rules of pinup. You can reveal as much of yourself — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — as you want with boudoir, and that’s really what makes it such an empowering experience.
Ready to start working on your boudoir shoot vision? Feel free to reach out to me — I’d love to help in any way you need. 🖤
Be Fierce, Friends.
Sarah Keenan, Photographer
Boudoir Studio Knoxville
The Queen and the Key
