Tattooed Models in Lingerie

When I first started shooting tattooed models in lingerie, I quickly realised there’s a fine line between rich detail and visual overload. Tattoos are incredible works of art on their own, and lingerie adds another layer of texture and personality-but throw in busy backgrounds or too many props, and suddenly the image feels cluttered. That’s not what anyone wants especially when, more often than not, clients wanting lingerie shots are hoping that the finished images show them in the best light possible. My goal is always to create images that feel balanced, where every thing has its place and the tattoos shine without distraction, while at the same time aren’t the be all and end all of the image.

How I Keep It Simple (Without Losing Character)

There are a few key things I keep in mind when putting together a clients lingerie shoot and even more to think about if that client has tattoos on display.

For me personally, what type of lingerie is always going to be the main thing to consider when doing a boudoir style photoshoot. Making sure we have something that is flattering for the client in my experience helps boost the confidence and that shows through the eyes and smile in an undeniable way. When you add tattoos in the mix, we now have to think about how the outfit sits on the client, making sure any prominent tattoos are not hidden or (even worse) partly covered by the lingerie. When the audience looks at the image, you don’t want them to be distracted, trying to figure out if something is a tattoo or a shadow or part of the outfit!

The Lingerie choice:

I usually go for pieces that complement the tattoos rather than compete with them. Solid colours, clean lines, sometimes a bit of sheer fabric that hints at skin and ink beneath. I avoid anything too busy or heavily patterned because it can make the photo feel chaotic (we decide all the outfit options you have in your wardrobe before the shoot day as part of the consultancy).

Backgrounds:

I like to keep things minimal here. A plain or softly textured backdrop lets the tattoos and the model’s expression take centre stage. Nothing too flashy or patterned, because that just fights with the ink. a plain sold wall or back drop always works, for that magazine cover like look, and if in a bedroom or apartment stye I try to make sure there aren’t things cluttering up the background and only things that make sense or enhance the feel of the image being a real home... think ikea showroom!

Lighting:

Lighting is everything. I prefer soft, natural. Sometimes this is very much focused on the the subject and sometimes it can be directional light that sculpts the body and brings out the depth in the tattoos. Personally I don’t opt for the harsh light.

Posing :

I don’t like to force poses that feel unnatural. Instead, I work with the model’s comfort and natural movements to show the tattoos in their best light. Sometimes a subtle turn or a relaxed pose is all it takes to highlight a sleeve or a back piece without distortion. With that said, if were going for a bit more of a extreme plain background magazine cover feel there’s nothing wrong with a little off the wall posing; (there’s a how to pose tutorial we do on the day of the shoot).

Props:

Less is more. If I use props, they’re simple and intentional-a chair, a blanket, or something that adds to the vibe without cluttering the frame. The tattoos and the model’s presence are the real props here; (we decide all the probs if any before the shoot day as part of the consultancy).

Focus and Depth:

I often use a shallow depth of field to blur out anything that might pull attention away from the model and their tattoos. It helps keep the image clean and focused, literally and figuratively.

Why This Matters to Me

For me, shooting tattooed clients in lingerie isn’t about showing off every single detail all at once. It’s about showcasing the ink in a way that doesn’t take away from the client as the main subject but instead gives you a glimpse into their personality and self expression, allowing you to see parts of them you may not necessarily see day to day. It’s about balance and respect for the art on the skin. When it all comes together, the result (i hope) is something most people find enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

If you’ve got tattoos and want to explore how they can be captured in a way that feels true and clean, I’m always up for a chat. click here to complete a contact form at the bottom of the next page