Style Inspiration: Soft and Romantic
How do you want your portraits to look and feel?
This is a question that I ask each of my boudoir clients as we begin planning their session. Some clients have a very clear sense of direction -- they’re drawn to portraits with a romantic and cozy energy, or they want portraits that emit a casual and relaxed energy. Other clients like the idea of a mix of styles, aren’t sure how to put words to their ideas, or want guidance in how best to reflect their current chapter of life in their portraits.
Over the course of photographing 100+ boudoir clients, I’ve noticed that there are four categories of styles my clients tend to be drawn to. In the upcoming months, I’ll explore each of these four common styles to use as an inspiration. You might find that one of these styles perfectly encompasses what you’re looking for, which is awesome -- that gives us a clear direction to head towards! With that in mind, it’s equally okay if you’re drawn to a mix of things or have a completely different idea. These explorations are here as a starting point for your inspiration, but I’ll always be delighted to explore an entirely new direction with you!
When I talk to clients about what style they’d like to channel in their boudoir portraits, the most common answer I hear is “soft and romantic.” My photography style is infused with warm, feminine energy as it is, and it’s always lovely when my clients really want to lean into that aesthetic!
Energy and vibe
I’ve found that the style of ‘soft and romantic’ can be interpreted in many different ways by my clients! Some clients view this style fairly literally and think of it bringing romantic energy into their portraits. I find it helpful to ask these clients questions such as, “How do you feel when you’re with someone that you love?” These clients are often excited to bring in a sincere sense of tenderness and intimacy into their pictures. Other clients view the ‘soft and romantic’ style as portraits that feel light, airy, and soft. These clients may also want their pictures to feel self-loving and gentle.
While this style can be interpreted in a lot of different ways, I’d say that it generally feels warm and feminine across the board. The variety that my clients add into these warm, feminine portraits -- making it dramatic or casual, joyful or calm, literal or interpretive -- is what gives this style such a beautiful range of possibilities!
Inspiration for hair/makeup + outfits
A go-to romantic style is keeping hair down with a little texture and volume without feeling over-done. Soft waves are often a lovely choice! For make-up, clients often choose a look that is neutral or more clean-faced. I’ve also found that clients who gravitate towards a soft and romantic style often choose to highlight their eyes, particularly with a softer smokey eye done in warm, earthy tones (think gold or copper instead of darker colors). Emphasizing your eyes in boudoir portraits feels intimate and draws in connection.
When I think of ‘soft and romantic’ outfits, my mind immediately thinks of lace and silk -- this style is their home! This style plays really well into bralettes and lingerie as they generally have a feminine aesthetic. Scalloped edges give a lovely, feminine feel to lingerie and underwear (rather than clean, straight lines which feel more bold).
For colors, I find that muted tones tend to feel really soft and romantic! For example, soft rose, heather gray, pale earthy turquoise, and sage green feel more romantic to me than hot pink, bold yellow, or high-energy cyan. Delicate floral prints on lingerie or a robe also feel super feminine and soft, especially those that are larger in scale (small-scale patterns sometimes feel a little distracting, whereas oversize prints can be a lovely way to bring in color and texture). ). For a bridal look, white or pale blue pieces naturally fit into the soft and romantic style.
I love recommending layers of clothing when it comes to a ‘soft and romantic’ style; for example, think of the soft texture that over-the-knee socks, leggings, and an oversized cardigan or sweater give. If you’ve ever worn a sundress or bridesmaid dress that you loved, that could be lovely to wear -- something with a romantic drape or flowy fabric! Some clients have brought in a long, flowing scarf or piece of linen to wrap around themselves, and I always have clean sheets on hand to use for this purpose too! I also think that jeans and a bralette could be really great in this ‘soft and romantic’ category, as well a cotton or silk nightie with lace trim
There really are so many beautiful ways to channel a soft and romantic style in your wardrobe choices! Ask yourself what feels feminine and warm to you, and follow where your intuition leads.
Posing
I love to emphasize curves in soft, romantic portraits, always aiming for you to look effortless and relaxed! I also really enjoy mixing figure details with full-body portraits. When I’m focusing on a soft and romantic style, I like to photograph clients expressing a mix of emotions -- there will be pictures that feel really joyful and happy, as well as pictures that feel grounded and peaceful. I love creating that mix and using lots of warm light to create portraits that have a tender, feminine energy.
Combining the ‘soft and romantic’ style with other styles
I find that the ‘soft and romantic’ style pairs beautifully with the ‘strong and empowered’ style! When combined, these two styles create a sort of photographic synergy and capture all of the different facets of someone’s personality, telling a full, complete-feeling story. Pairing the ‘soft and romantic’ style with a more ‘relaxed and casual’ style is a match made in heaven! This combination feels easygoing and femnine, romantic and chill. It brings a glowy and self-loving energy while feeling still grounded. Finally, mixing a ‘soft and romantic’ style with a ‘bold and dramatic’ style is a ton of fun -- it can feel so sexy and powerful! These portraits often come across as simultaneously feminine and strong.
For more inspiration…
Sarah's session is a perfect example of soft, romantic style overall, especially in her outfits.
K's session beautifully mixes a casual, laid back style with soft, romantic details.
Corrah's session is a great example of a soft, romantic style rocked with total confidence and energy!
Stephanie's session channels a soft, romantic style and mixes it with a bold and joyful vibe!
Explore the other boudoir styles:
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