From The Straits Times    |
It’s sexy, intimate and “far from commercial eroticism. In fact, it’s about body positivity, and how every woman has that beauty and allure. I’d like to bring it out, and show them, and let them know they were always beautiful,” say fashion photographer Skyy Woo, who’s ventured into boudoir photography with Anteroom. She tells us more about this rising bridal trend, and its misconceptions. 
 
 

 

 
 

#1 HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT

It’s an entirely different side to bridal photography, it’s an intimate look into women, and how their partners see them. Cohabitation is quite common now, the days of seeing each other for the first time in the bedroom can be considered a bygone era in Singapore and more westernised countries. Having said that, the miracle is that we will always still anticipate the wedding day and night. That excitement in the air never did go away regardless of our westernisation. Husbands see their wives in a different way from how we women see ourselves, in that no matter how we appear, or what body type we are, our partners see us as beautiful. I want to promote that positive body image and let couples know how gorgeous they can look inside and out. 

 

While husbands would normally not join in the session, I do get a few couples who are game for a couple shoot. The pictures help them remember the passion and intimacy they have with each other, and hopefully it will never go away.

See also: 6 BRIDAL LINGERIE BRANDS TO CHECK OUT FOR A SIZZLING HONEYMOON NIGHT

 

 
 

#2 DON’T BE TOO CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR FIGURE 

Brides always worry that they look fat in front of the camera! I reassure them that their figure is part of who they are, and these curves here and there are what makes women… women!

(But if you’re looking to tone up before the shoot, here are 8 effective body weight moves to try)

 
 

 
 

#3 GET A RELIABLE PHOTOGRAPHER, AND WORK IT! 

To get my clients comfortable, I take away the need for them to think about how to behave. I direct them every single step of the way so their focus is on following instructions rather than worrying if their “problem areas” are on display! After a few seconds, they aren’t as concerned about their insecurities, and it is just them and the camera. You’ll be amazed how easily you can fall into a comfort zone and channel your inner model. It helps that I am a girl too!

 

#4 THINKING OF GOING FOR A BOUDOIR SHOOT BUT HESITANT TO TAKE THE LEAP?

I would encourage brides or couples to have a chat with me so that I can sound out their worries. Even if they do not wish to proceed with the shoot, at least they can understand more about the nature of boudoir photography. I will reassure them that the setting is very private, and the images would not be exposed as it is their intimate memories to keep.

 

 
 

 

#5 THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY IS…

Getting the partners to join in! And convincing people the line between art and porn is very clear. What I do is create an artistic form of a woman’s body, helping her discover another side to herself.

 
 
 
 
 

AND HER MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE WAS…

A groom bought my package for his fiance without telling her. She turned up thinking it was a casual pre-wedding shoot, and was very distraught when he told her what it actually was. She was very conscious of her body and how she looks in front of the camera. He thought otherwise, and that was why he wanted me to photograph her. They even got into a bit of an argument, but we managed to convince her to stay. With just her T-shirt, and no fancy lingerie involved, I captured angles that showed different sides of her. There were close-ups of her features, like her hands, her eyes, her lips, etc., and imagery of her smiling intimately. It was exactly how her husband saw her, and she never saw herself in that light. 

 

I constantly showed her the photographs just to reassure her. She became relaxed and started enjoying being in front of the camera. I managed to get her to do a back shot without her T shirt! It was a very dramatic beginning, and it ended with the both of them hugging each other at the end of the session. Really an “awwww” moment.

 

See also: ROMANTIC AND SEXY – REAL BRIDES SHARE THEIR WEDDING AND HONEYMOON NIGHT EXPERIENCES

 

Photography: Anteroom/ Skyy Woo Photography