Plus-Size Boudoir Photo Ideas 

Boudoir photography is a popular style of photography that showcases the more intimate side of life for many women of all shapes and sizes. There are so many options for different plus-size boudoir photos that you may need to book more than one session.

Most boudoir photographers know about some or many of these ideas, yet, there may be some you have not thought of yet. These are excellent tips for photographers as well as plus-size boudoir subjects.

19 Great Plus Size Boudoir Photo Ideas

The following ideas will help make your next plus-size boudoir photo shoot a real success.

Point Legs to the Side

Subjects should sit on the floor with their legs both pointing to the side. Their knees can be slightly bent with their toes pointing out.

It is important to always be aware of the subject’s legs during a boudoir photoshoot. The entire body should be the focal point of the photo and just slightly posing the legs correctly can improve the photos tenfold.

Move One Leg in Front of the Other

When posing in a straight-forward standing position, consider placing one leg slightly in front of the other. This helps to accentuate the model’s gorgeous legs and help move focus to their whole body.

Pay attention to how movie stars and other famous women pose for photographs on the red carpet. You will notice, one leg is almost always slightly forward.

Take Photos From Above

Photos taken from above or in a higher position produce a better photo than those taken from below. Many photographers bring or keep a ladder on site just for this purpose.

This is the same reason we take our selfies from slightly above our faces and not straightforward. Most photographers are well aware of this trick of the trade because it is a vital part of boudoir photography.   

Point the Toes

When the legs are a part of the photo and the subject is not standing up, make sure they are pointing their toes in the pose. Pointing the toes in a boudoir photo will help elongate the leg and foot, highlighting the muscular curve of the lower leg.

Remind models to do this throughout the shoot, it will really make a positive difference in the plus-size boudoir photos.

Raise Those Arms

Raising the subject’s arms in a plus-size boudoir photo not only creates stunning photos but also helps to boost confidence. Raise one or both arms to or above the head when posing.

Arms can be a sore spot for many plus-size models. With a little reassurance and confidence-boosting, most plus-size boudoir models will come to love raised arm poses.

Chin Up or Pushed Out

To get rid of any unwanted extra chin area, encourage the subject to keep their chin slightly raised and pushed out during the shoot. This will not only boost any subject’s confidence but will also create strong, fierce images.

Double chins are a part of life, but they can be disconcerting to women of all sizes. Thankfully, this simple trick of raising the chin ever so slightly and pushing it outward will alleviate most worries.

Do Not Be Afraid to Lean Toward the Camera

Leaning the upper body towards the camera is a great idea for plus-size boudoir photos. It may seem counterintuitive in your head, but actually, when the subject leans into the camera it creates a better image than if they lean backward.

This does not mean subjects should lean dramatically into the camera. Instead, slightly moving the upper body towards the camera will do the trick.

Wear a Corset

Another plus-size boudoir photo idea is to simply wear a corset. Corsets are amazing lingerie options that really work to accentuate a woman’s natural curves.

Corsets can get expensive, but there are usually some great low-cost options available for purchase online. The photography may even keep a closet of plus-size corsets for models that will fit the bill.

Show Some Cleavage

Do not be afraid to encourage plus-size boudoir subjects to be confident and free with their own bodies, including their cleavage. If they want to show some cleavage, pose them in ways to help them with their goal.

Crossing the arms under the chest area will help push the girls upwards and together, if needed. Although, corsets that are well-made and fitted properly will achieve the same goal.

Arch the Back

Simply standing straight up, in a relaxed manner, will not create the best bod-centered photos, that is a fact. Instead, encourage models to arch their back to help improve the image.

Most of us do not have the best posture to begin with, but arching the back will accentuate those beautiful curves. This is especially true for the derriere.

Embrace the Curves

Do not hide curves, especially when it comes to plus-size boudoir photos. Encourage subjects to embrace their curves and help pose them to really show those curves off.

Take photos from all angles to help bring focus to the curves, especially photos from behind. Have the model pose facing away from the camera in a manner that accentuates their curves and shows off their gorgeous hairdo. 

Bend the Knees Slightly When Posing

Bending the knees in boudoir photos is much more important than you may think. Slightly bent knees help to show off the legs and the knees in the best light.

Always pay close attention to the knees and legs when posing for plus-size boudoir photos. It can really make a world of difference.

Hands on the Hip

Placing the hands or at least one hand on the hip or hips will help accentuate those lovely curves. Make sure the fingers are close together, not spread apart.

With one hand on the hip, models can arch their backs and move one leg in front of the other to really bring focus to the whole body.

Use a Chair

A chair is a great prop to use other than the go-to bed boudoir posing. Use the chair to do numerous different poses, all of which the camera lens will love.

Do not let models hide behind the chair; it should not be the focal point, the model should be. Models should use the chair to lean against and sturdy themselves for a curve-defining photo.

It is especially important when using props like chairs to pay close attention to the legs. Point the toes and bend the knees when necessary to showcase those gorgeous legs.

Sit, Lean Against, or Lay on a Couch

A Victorian or other unique era couch can add a little flair to your boudoir pictures. Shoot some sitting, leaning, and laying down poses with the couch as a prop.

The right couch can really add some ambiance to a boudoir photo. Pose the subject with their curves accentuated, their arm or arms up, and their chin pushed forward.

This is a great opportunity for photographers to capture their model’s images from above, as previously suggested.

Pose Against an Antique Car

Consider scheduling an antique car to pose against and in. Use the tips given above and apply them while posing with the car to create some absolutely divine plus-size boudoir photos.

Plus-size models take some of the most beautiful boudoir photos by themselves, however, add in a gorgeous antique car and the sky is the limit. The results will be breathtaking, to say the least.

Use a Bathtub

Bathtubs are amazing props for plus-size boudoir photoshoots. If being clothes-free is not desired, then the bathtub can help create a birthday suit illusion.

Use bathtubs for photos indoors, or outdoors when possible, during plus-size boudoir photo sessions. A new metal livestock tub makes for spectacular boudoir photos and the model can wear clothes if wanted.

Utilize a tube top to create the illusion of a clothes-free boudoir photo with the right angles. At the right angle, the tub sides can hide the plus-size model’s clothing.

Get Hair and Makeup Done Beforehand

Having hair and makeup done before a photoshoot can help boost confidence which will in turn help create some gorgeous photos. Keeping the hair down is ideal for boudoir photos, but it is really up to what the model prefers.

Confident models that really feel comfortable are key to acquiring the best plus-size boudoir photos. Many professional photographers offer hair and makeup services with the session price.

Do a Theme-Centered Boudoir Shoot

Consider doing a theme and letting your subject pick out or create their own theme outfit. This will make the shoot extra fun and maybe help take some of the pressure off.

Vintage themes are often a hit, however, Halloween or other holiday-themed plus-size boudoir photoshoots can be extremely successful. Models should feel happy and excited about the session, so a theme might help.

Final Thoughts

Taking plus-size boudoir photos is easier than many photographers and models initially believe, as long as both parties are willing to work together.

There are so many ideas that both the photographer and the subject can apply during a plus-size boudoir photoshoot to make it a real success.