The History of Boudoir Photography
The History of Boudoir Photography
By Jill
March is Women’s History Month and a fantastic time to dive into the history of boudoir photography! Nude art isn’t anything new. People have been creating nude art with clay, marble, ink, and more for centuries. Even 28,000-year-old charcoal cave drawings were discovered in Australia! It seems like as long as humans have existed, so has our fascination for creating and preserving nude art. Here is a brief look into the history of boudoir photography.
What is Boudoir?
The word boudoir is a French term otherwise known as a woman’s private sitting room. Think of it as today’s big walk-in closet! Usually, a woman’s boudoir is beautifully furnished with more than just clothes. She may have dressers, chairs and it can even be furnished as a private bedroom. Most people in the 18th century would consider a boudoir as a great wedding gift from their spouse. During this same time, a woman would use her boudoir to entertain her BFF’s privately. Men were allowed into the boudoir, however, by invitation only. It seems as though as soon as the idea of a boudoir room was manifested, so did its sensual intrigue.
great-sexy-photo-studio-new-york-30.jpg
The Early Boudoir Photography Days
Boudoir photography is a niche group that emerged on the scene around the 1920’s, thanks to Albert Arthur Allen. This American based photographer was wrapped in scandal because his style of nude photography wasn’t quite accepted yet. In fact, Allen was indicted for sending obscene materials through interstate mail and spent years in litigation. All of which was eventually dropped. Once photography became popular, so did the desire to capture a woman's natural beauty rather than setting a societal expectation of what a perfect woman’s body should look like.
Women who changed Boudoir History
Before Marilyn Monroe, there was Betty Grable. Betty was the face of the iconic pin-up-girl-look that was created in the 30’s and 40’s, right around the beginning of World War II. Our government actually used a pin-up of Betty as propaganda to persuade young men to enlist into the war. Women started commissioning their own pin-up drawings and photographs to send to their husbands away at war as motivation for their safe return. Betty Grable achieved so much more than just becoming the government’s pin-up girl. Betty was also the highest-paid actress and woman in her time. In 1946 and 1947, she was certified by the U.S. Treasury Department as the highest-paid woman in the entire country, earning $300,000 a year. She was also the first person (man or woman) to insure a body part. After winning a beauty contest for “best legs,” her studio, Twentieth Century Fox, insured her legs for 1 million dollars!
sexy-photos-boudoir-fairport-50.jpg
The Sexual Liberation
Some would argue that Marilyn Monroe kicked off the sexual liberation of women. While she is one of many women, Marilyn definitely normalized female sexuality and is still a household name 50+ years later. It wasn’t just the photos of Marilyn that made her so popular and intriguing. Marilyn was also outspoken, charismatic, humorous and she embraced her femininity with ease. Although Marilyn’s childhood wasn’t easy, her perseverance to be loved and accepted resulted in the entire world falling in love with her. During the 60’s and 70’s Marilyn was idolized for her curves and short blonde hair . . . however, what is truly remarkable about Marilyn is that she could’ve been the girl next door. Her confidence, genuine innocence, and playfulness in front of the camera caused her to become an icon. Even though she had her own struggles, Marilyn Monroe was a role model for women everywhere by unapologetically embracing her sexuality and bravely allowing the world to see that side of her.
Boudoir Photography Today
While some people are still uncomfortable with the idea of having a boudoir session, boudoir photography is widely accepted in today’s standards. Women have a variety of reasons why they chose to do a boudoir session. It may be a gift for a significant other or celebrating a milestone in life. However, a surprising number of women take these photos just for themselves. One thing that happens with all women is that a boudoir session allows them to see themselves differently. There is an unexpected journey that clients go through from the planning stages, showing up the day of their session with great bravery and finally putting their own self-criticisms aside to truly appreciate the beauty that has always been there.
pittsford-ny-beautiful-boudoir-2019-03.jpg
Never miss a blog post again!
Join our email tribe and stay in the loop!
First Name
Last Name
Email Address
Sign Up
By submitting your email, you agree to receive occasional emails from The Boudoir Studio. We will never sell your email to a third party and you may unsubscribe at any time.
Thank you!