Boudoir Photography Guides & Prep Tips

Not sure what to wear, how to pose, or whether you’re “really the kind of person who does this”? You’re in the right place. This is your all–in–one hub for every boudoir guide I’ve created. From what to pack in your bag, to privacy and pricing, to bridal boudoir timelines and body confidence pep talks.

What to Expect Matthew Hamm What to Expect Matthew Hamm

Instant Film Boudoir Photography: The Magic of Polaroid & Instax

Imagine finishing your boudoir session, heart still racing, and instead of just seeing yourself on a screen… you’re holding a Polaroid of you. Watching your image slowly appear on that little square of film. Soft, grainy, timeless. Feels completely different to scrolling a camera roll.

I break down what makes instant film boudoir (Polaroid & Instax) so special: the nostalgic film aesthetic that flatters every body, and the magic of watching your photos develop in real time. We’ll talk Polaroid vs Instax, how instant film works alongside your digital images, and why these little prints become heirloom keepsakes long after your phone has been upgraded.

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What to Expect Matthew Hamm What to Expect Matthew Hamm

Why Women Choose a Male Boudoir Photographer

Wondering if it’s really a good idea to book a male boudoir photographer? You’re not the only one. This guide unpacks why so many Brisbane women intentionally choose a man behind the camera.

We’ll talk honestly about trust, safety, and comfort, with real client stories from women who walked in nervous and walked out feeling like the most confident version of themselves. If you’ve ever wondered whether a male boudoir photographer could really “get it,” this is your deep-dive into how my approach at Belle-Vous blends professionalism, hype-man energy, and a distinct artistic eye to create images that feel raw, untamed, and unapologetically you.

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What to Expect Matthew Hamm What to Expect Matthew Hamm

What to Expect at Your First Boudoir Session

Booking your first boudoir session can feel a little like jumping into the deep end, equal parts “this is exciting” and “what the hell am I doing?” This guide walks you through exactly what happens at a Belle-Vous boudoir session in Brisbane, from the moment you book online to the second you’re holding your finished photos in your hands. You’ll see how the day flows: arriving at the studio, sipping something bubbly, getting pampered by my hair and makeup artist, and being fully guided through every pose so you’re never wondering what to do with your hands, your face, or… anything.

We’ll also unpack the big worries most women have before they arrive. “I need to lose weight first,” “I’m not photogenic,” “I don’t know how to be sexy” and I’ll show you how the experience is designed to make you feel comfortable, safe, and completely yourself.

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What to Expect Matthew Hamm What to Expect Matthew Hamm

The Ethics of Retouching in Boudoir Photography

Retouching should polish your images, not rewrite your face or body. At Belle-Vous, I keep skin real: I’ll remove temporary distractions (like pimples, lint, razor bumps and bruises), but I won’t shrink your waist, change your features, or blur your skin into plastic. I use light, posing and subtle dodge & burn so your freckles, pores and stories stay visible. You’re involved in every decision, and nothing is heavily edited without your say-so. The goal is simple: images that look like you on your best day. Confident, powerful, and utterly real.

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