The Best Colours for Boudoir Photography

Colour is one of the most underrated elements of a boudoir session. The right choice can elevate an image from beautiful to breathtaking. The wrong choice can distract from the person wearing it. Here's what we've learned from hundreds of sessions.

Neutrals are your friend

Black, white, ivory, blush, and nude are classics for a reason. They don't compete with your skin or the background. They draw the eye to you — your expression, your posture, your confidence. When in doubt, reach for a neutral.

Deep, rich tones photograph beautifully

Burgundy, forest green, midnight blue, and chocolate brown add drama without overwhelming the image. These work especially well if you have darker or olive skin tones. They create a sense of warmth and depth that lighter colours can't always achieve.

Avoid very bright colours

Hot pink, electric blue, and neon colours can be beautiful in person but tend to overwhelm the eye in photographs. They can also cast colour onto your skin in unflattering ways under studio lighting. Save the bold brights for everyday wear and bring something more tonal for your session.

Consider the background

Our studio has warm, neutral tones — creams, taupes, and soft greys. This means most colours will complement rather than clash. If you're shooting outdoors or in a different location, think about what you're likely to be surrounded by and choose accordingly.

What works for your skin tone

Cooler skin tones (pink or blue undertones) tend to look stunning in jewel tones and true whites. Warmer skin tones (golden or olive undertones) are complemented beautifully by warm neutrals, terra cotta, and deep reds. Not sure? Bring both and we'll decide on the day.