by Mandie Mutchie
A new craze going on is Boudoir Photography – I’ve seen cards in boutiques, and even specials on Good Morning, America. If you are somehow unaware of what Boudoir Photography is, let me spell it out for you! Basically, it is the chance for women to make their significant other realize how lucky they are… She does a photoshoot in the style of Maxim (or for the more daring, Playboy), or a pinup shoot, and gives the final photos as a gift to their lover. it is a chance for the women to remind themselves of how sexy they are by getting dolled up like a supermodel and showin’ what she’s got! I did makeup and hair for a maternity boudoir shoot the other day, and it was awesome to see the subject’s transformation as she went from a shy Middle School Math teacher (just like I used to be – haha!) to a vampy siren! Her personality changed, and and she began giving poses and facial expressions I’m sure her students never imagined were possible!

You may be wondering – what does this have to do with me?

As a lingerie boutique or manufacturer, you could definitely make the best of this craze. How?

Contact local photographers that do boudoir photography and offer a flyer share (each can put the other’s flyer in a prominent place at their business or on their websites) and/or discount share. Provide catalogues, items and accessories for examples for during the consultation in exchange for mentioning your name, or even offer boudoir consultations yourself! One thing that I have been very surprised for, during the time that I have spent working in a lingerie boutique is that WAY more women than I would ever expect are clueless and afraid when it comes to lingerie! I guess I took it for granted that most women thought like me – a lingerie model! I am sure that many women would appreciate the help of a professional when choosing what lacy bra to wear under the classic white button-down! The specific shoot that I was a part of was a woman and her friend (who had done the same thing before – a maternity boudoir shoot) was there for moral support and to offer tips. This makes me think that it would be fun to have a boudoir-driven party! You could even possibly take the pictures the same night, if there is ample space for a portable pop-up studio or pretty locations for the shoot.

Boudoir photography is taking the country by storm – this is a perfect opportunity for the lingerie industry! Best of luck incorporating it into your marketing!

Amanda Mutchie began her professional modeling career nearly ten years ago, and has appeared in many national and international publications, and commercials. Over the course of her modeling career, she worked with many acclaimed makeup artists, learning from them along the way. She eventually became a makeup artist herself and started FaceScape Artistry. Now she works with incredible photographers, models, brides, and other clients to create glamorous as well as natural makeup looks. She also channels her passion for fitness and nutrition and desire to help others into her work as a beachbody coach, and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
For more information on Mandie go towww.MandieM.com, www.facescapeartistry.com, email Mandie at mandelicious@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @mandelicious.  Don’t forget to “like” her pages on facebook, too!  www.facebook.com/MandieLM &www.facebook.com/FaceScapeArtistry
*Photo by Rafal Krolik of Seville Media