The difference between these two styles of photography is subtle but important!

Boudoir and erotic photography are two distinct styles of photography that can be hard to tell apart. It's important to know the difference between the two, especially if you're looking for a specific kind of photo shoot or have questions about what it means when someone says they're doing a "boudoir" or "erotica" shoot.

The term "boudoir" comes from the French word boudoir, which means woman’s bedroom. It's used in English as a term that describes an intimate space where women can relax and feel comfortable alone or with their partner(s). Boudoir photography is all about celebrating your body — not just your sexuality. You'll wear lingerie or clothing that makes you feel sexy. Still, the focus will be on taking flattering photos of your body without being overtly sexualized in any way.

Erotica photography, on the other hand, is all about sex. It's not necessarily explicit — it could just be two people kissing or making out in bed. You'll likely see nudity and positions that would be considered risqué in mainstream media or social circles. There are many reasons why people do erotica photography. Some people like to use it for their own personal enjoyment, while others may want to share the photos with their partner or loved ones. It can be used as a way of exploring your sexuality and helping you feel more comfortable in your body — especially if you've never done anything like this before! Erotica is intended to arouse sexual desire. It features genitalia as the central focus, like full frontal nudity. Toys and props are used for their intended purpose. Also, a greater emphasis is placed on kink scenes. Erotica photography is sexually provocative.

Boudoir Photography Vs. Erotica Photography

Erotica tends to be visual, exploring the details of bodies more than emotions. In other words, while you might feel sexy in front of your partner or when someone compliments your body, erotica tends to focus on the experience of seeing another person's body. Boudoir is similar in that it's meant to celebrate womanhood and beauty but does so with a different emphasis.

Boudoir photography can also capture both emotion and sexuality—it just tends not to focus on one or the other as much as erotica does. Instead, boudoir photography captures women at their most confident, beautiful selves: smiling confidently into the camera lens (or sometimes even laughing), looking genuinely happy with themselves while they're getting photographed.

The distinction between boudoir and erotica photography is not always clear. Boudoir tends to be more refined, while erotica can be very raw and explicitly sexual. Both require the same skill sets from the photographer: an eye for beauty, an understanding of skin tones, posing techniques, lighting techniques, editing skills (for retouching), etc. 

Now that you know the difference between boudoir photography and erotica photography, click the button below to schedule your complimentary phone consultation for a boudoir session, because I am a boudoir photographer and not an erotica photographer.