Draped in Simplicity: Why Throws, Sheets & Robes Are My Secret to Effortlessly Elegant Boudoir

Aug 30

After photographing people for a while and digging through all the signup forms that landed in my inbox, it became obvious that boudoir was the one style everyone was asking about most. Time and again, women would message me, saying how much they loved images of previous clients—and the interesting thing was, they weren’t drawn to professional models, but to regular people who looked like someone they might actually know.

That’s when it clicked: by photographing people who didn’t think of themselves as models, I was giving their friends, family, and even strangers following along online, a window into what was possible for them too. It was a chance to see themselves in that same flattering light.

Balancing Confidence and Vulnerability: The True Heart of Boudoir

What’s really struck me though, is how boudoir shoots are often equal parts alluring and nerve-wracking. A lot of women see it as an opportunity to explore a more sensual (sometimes more submissive) side of themselves. But almost in the same breath, they tell me about the bit of their tummy they don’t love, or how self-conscious they feel about their hips or some other aspect of their body. So it became clear that my real job wasn’t just taking flattering photos—it was making people feel bold enough, and safe enough, to take the leap their sister, friend, or Instagram crush had already made by stepping in front of my camera.

Finding the Perfect Fit:

As part of my consultations, similar themes would come up, stomach, hips, stetch marks, cellulite, cup size, the list goes on! A lot of it I couldn’t see but after hearing the same things so often, the typical male part of my brain switched off and the IT programmer in me started to think about how to solve the problem… we need something that’s tight in the right places and loose in the areas we need it to be. Research started and a month later I saw a Kim Kardashian GQ magazine cover and it clicked! Just drape the girls in fabric!

Flatterer will get you everywhere!

Throws, sheets, and robes gently blurring out those areas you feel less confident about, whether that’s the tummy, hips, scars, or anything else. At the same time, they let you spotlight what you love: a graceful neck, long legs, glowing shoulders, or that playful smile. They can add texture for a richer setting or can be classical and light.

Affordable Doesn’t Mean Basic
Most of us have a bed sheet, robe or even just a pieve of fabric! There’s something wonderfully democratic about working with pieces you probably already have at home. One or two quality white sheets or a luxe satin robe can become a wardrobe of possibilities—no expensive shopping spree necessary. And what you save on outfits, you get to invest in what really counts: time, confidence, collaboration, and a connection that shows through the lens.

Timeless Elegance
Minimalism in styling is anything but dull—it’s a statement. A draped white sheet can evoke the glamour of old Hollywood or the timeless beauty of Renaissance art, never feeling dated. And robes—especially in silky or velvety fabrics—can switch effortlessly between understated luxury and delicate vulnerability depending on the mood we want to create.

Less Is More (Props, Backgrounds & All That Jazz)
If props are going to be part of the shoot, they need to serve a purpose—no random clutter. Think a carefully chosen blanket or a simple chair that adds atmosphere rather than distraction. Clean, minimal backgrounds keep all the attention where it belongs: on you and the soft textures draped around you (or barely there). No competing patterns, no chaos—just elegant simplicity.

Comfort That Sets You Free
These aren’t restrictive pieces designed to squeeze or constrain. Instead, the model gets to wrap, drape, and move freely, creating moments that feel playful and authentic. When you’re comfortable, confidence naturally blossoms—and that’s the real secret ingredient behind photos that truly shine.

The Magic of Light, Pose & Suggestion
It doesn’t take much. Soft, natural light paired with relaxed, unforced poses lets the fabric flow with your body. Small turns, stretches, and easy reclines do the heavy lifting, revealing enough shape and skin to tease and suggest without ever shouting. It’s all about subtlety and grace.