Read on to see the 6 main differences between pinup and boudoir photography. I am co-owner of Iconic Pinups in Los Angeles, and we have made pinup and boudoir photography our business since 2009.
Pinup and boudoir photography are a very popular gift for a groom-to-be, a significant other, or just for yourself, to feel beautiful and empowered!
If you are a bride you may possibly be looking into doing a boudoir or pinup style photo shoot as a groom’s gift before your wedding.
After all, these photos are intimate and just for him, to let him know what a “catch” he is marrying!
I like to think that we absolutely combine the BEST of both pinup and boudoir at Iconic Pinups.
I like to call it “vintage boudoir” photography.
It is sexy and sultry, while being vintage and classic and timeless.
But let’s take a look at the traditional differences between pinup and boudoir photography. There are at least 6 principal differences between the 2 styles, and I hope I can help you make the best decision when choosing a photo shoot for your wedding or special occasion.
And for the absolute best in pinup lingerie for your photo shoot, try What Katie Did.
The 6 differences between pinup and boudoir photography
1. Pinup is more flirty.
It is more about the props and outfits, the makeup and the hair; It captures your true personality. For more reasons why you should consider doing a pinup photo shoot, read my article 8 reasons to do a pinup photo shoot.
Boudoir is all about sultriness and sexuality, whereas pinup isn’t always that overtly sexy.
2. Pinup is usually standing or sitting
When you see a pinup style photo shoot, the model is typically sitting on a barstool, a hot rod, a kitchen counter, etc., wherever the shoot happens to be taking place.
Boudoir positions are typically reclining, and outfits are almost always lingerie and or partial, tasteful nudity.
3. Pinup shoots are almost always bright!
They tend to usually be brightly lit, with brightly colored clothing, sets, and props.
Boudoir can have more moody, noir-ish lighting, and are often black and white.
4. Pinup is typically theme oriented and performed toward an audience.
Pinup shoots can have a rather “staged” quality to them. The model is engaged in some activity, and playing to an audience. Examples are barbecuing, fixing a car, painting a picture… You get it.
Boudoir is more intimately engaged with just the viewer: setting a one on one tone.
5. Pinup uses variety of sets and scenarios
We have all seen the traditional pinup photo shoot with themes such as kitchen, tiki bar, hotrod, motorcycle, etc.
The boudoir shoot typically takes place on a bed or upholstered furniture, and uses sumptuous “sensual” textures in the photos, such as satin, velvet, and fur.
6. Pinup shoots most often are VINTAGE
Boudoir is almost always contemporary: contemporary clothing, makeup and hair and sets.
Similarities:
Both are sexy and gorgeous, and are designed to help you connect with your inner femme fatale!
They are both empowering: you will own and claim your own sensuality , beauty and power!
Both will help you feel more confident, alluring, and beautiful. You will carry yourself differently after one of these photoshoots, and people will notice.
Both types of shoots will capture a period in your life that you will look back upon with great fondness: you will definitely say “I was a knockout!”
If you were looking around trying to get a feel for what kind of gorgeous, empowering photo shoot you would like to do, I hope this post helped you get a little better idea of what you are looking for.
As always, feel free to leave a comment with any ideas for future blog posts that you would like to see.
Hi there! My name is Stacy Lande, and I am a Los Angeles based hair and makeup artist. I have been transforming women into the most glamorous versions of themselves for their weddings and events since 2009.
