Have you considered having a boudoir photoshoot done but not sure if it is right for you? Learn more about how these Valentine’s Day boudoir ideas can help you gift something special for both you and your significant other!
As a military spouse, there were years when my husband was gone far more than when he was home. These long months apart can be such a hardship for intimacy. Not to mention the feelings of loneliness.
The deployments and long work trips away are always hard. Conversations can feel one-sided and may even lack depth. It’s easy to feel the intimacy part of the marriage slowly flutter away when your partner is gone. And the holidays- well, the holidays can feel even more lonely if you’re celebrating holidays such as Valentine’s Day alone.
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Rekindle the spark with a Boudoir photography session
Consider Valentine’s Day the perfect opportunity to try something new and surprise your significant other! It could be the perfect gift to help rekindle the intimacy while you two are in this long-distance relationship phase!
I have also consulted with Celia Jakobs (@celiajakob), a beautiful photographer, to discuss Valentine’s Day boudoir ideas and to answer some essential questions for this post!

What are boudoir photos
Think of sexy, classy, and beautiful photos. Boudoir photos should capture the beauty of the human body most tastefully.
What are the benefits of a Valentine’s Day boudoir photoshoot
The gift that keeps on giving!
While booking this Valentine’s Boudoir photo shoot as a gift for your spouse or significant other, you may find that this photo session is also a perfect gift for yourself!
Self Empowerment
Boudoir portraits are a beautiful expression of the human body! I never imagined that I would feel empowered after a boudoir session. I was shocked!
Despite any insecurities, these photos portrayed a beauty I had never seen in myself. They were beautiful, confident, and empowering. It provided me with a confidence boost I had never had!
This experience allowed me to reconnect with myself!
I have also met a couple of single ladies who have had boudoir photos taken just for themselves!
Strengthen the emotional and intimacy bonds
Gifting these beautiful images is an intimate way of reconnecting with your spouse!
Taking these boudoir photos for deployed husband opened the door for more conversations and connections! It rekindled the feeling of intimacy. If you’re a military spouse whose husband is deployed or away, it’s probably been a long time since he has seen your sexy side!
Boudoir photographer
Finding the right photographer is probably one of the most important aspects of a boudoir photo shoot.
To answer some essential questions, I have consulted with my photographer, Celia Jakob ( Instagram), who’s been my photographer while living in Germany.
- Checkout my maternity photo post here!
Celia says, “One of the most critical aspects of boudoir photography is lighting. The photographer should be able to work with natural light and lighting to enhance a body’s natural beauty and curves. The right photographer should also take photos from different angles to achieve that perfect shot.
Although this Valentine’s boudoir shoot will likely pull you out of your comfort zone, the right photographer should be respectful throughout the boudoir session. Celia says the photographer should avoid touching you, and if they feel like they need to move something, they need to inform you and ask for permission each time.

Finding the right boudoir photographer
Celia also suggests looking at the boudoir photographers’ portfolios. This will also give you some ideas of what you may like for your boudoir photography session. For example, some photographers may love capturing the classic style, while others capture more of a pin-up style with their vintage props.
Booking your Valentine’s Day boudoir shoot
Many photographers require you to book several months out. If you’re trying to surprise your lover with a Valentine’s boudoir shoot, plan months in advance.
Celia suggests , much like with the maternity photos, that if you’re a military spouse and concerned about scheduling conflicts or cancelations, be open and upfront with the boudoir photographer. Consider finding a military-friendly photographer, one who understands and is sensitive to taking Boudoir photos for a deployed husband. Because… everything happens during a deployment!
Also, talk about a full boudoir session and mini sessions. A mini session may be a great first step if you want to ease into it!
Valentine boudoir ideas
Start thinking about your Valentine Boudoir ideas. Consider what you love and what you will feel the most comfortable and confident in.
Some specific Valentine Boudoir ideas could include white, red, or pink outfit selections. Even black lace lingerie is very sexy! Consider a red satin sheet, rose petals, or candy hearts as your Valentine Boudoir props.
Do you have any photographic items with a special meaning? I would bring them to your photography session; they may be perfect to include with some other Valentine Boudoir ideas.
What to wear for a Valentine’s Day boudoir shoot
Ultimately, you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Do you and your husband have a favorite lingerie? Does he have a favorite outfit that you could include in the photos?
Start thinking about your style. If you want to wear more clothing and be less revealing, the photographer should be able to come up with some creative ideas to make the photos more sensual.
It’s a great idea to bring several outfits and props!
Here is a list of some items to consider bringing to your Valentine Boudoir photoshoot
- A couple pairs of heels
- Pantyhose
- A few sets of lingerie or your favorite outfit (lace lingerie is always so beautiful!)
- Different props (rose petals, red satin sheets, jewelry with pearls, and a champagne bottle or glass)
- A couple of your husband’s favorite shirts
- A bathrobe to wear in between shots
How to prepare for your Valentine’s boudoir photoshoot
Whether planning your Valentine’s boudoir photos for deployed husband or just surprising your lover who’s home, think of this as an exciting and fun way to get some much-needed pampering and self-care!
Scheduling hair and make-up
Don’t wait until the last minute to book hair and makeup if you wish to have it done. Again, be open about your schedule if you anticipate any military-related conflicts.
Many photographers will also have references for hair and professional make-up.
Waxing and shaving
If your skin gets really irritated like mine, keep this in consideration when planning your Valentine’s Day photo shoot. It may be better to shave the day before, and wax a few days before the big day.
Nails
Manicure and pedicures can be such a great idea to incorporate into your Valentine’s boudoir ideas! You can keep them simple with a solid sultry red or lovely pink or embellish them with hearts or rhinestones.
Mentally preparing yourself
This may be the most challenging obstacle to tackle,it certainly was for me!
You must overcome any negative intrusive thoughts or lies you may be telling yourself!
I don’t like my size
The photographera can capture you at different angles to capture these beautiful images.
I’m not attractive or pretty enough for a boudoir shoot
You are beautiful and enough!
Your spouse and lover finds you attractive, and the right photographer will work with lights and natural light to bring out your natural beauty.
I’m too awkward and have no idea how to pose
This is me in a nutshell! That’s okay; your boudoir photographer knows what looks great on camera! Be upfront with them with how you feel. For my boudoir photo sessions, I told them to tell me exactly how to position my body. Every single time!
I’m not sexy
Confidence is sexy! Once your comfort level starts improving during the shoot, you’re relaxation and confidence will start showing through the photos. After seeing your photos, you will feel both empowered and sexy!

My personal experience
I was incredibly nervous and overwhelmed with feelings of low self-esteem. I’m also a very private person, even considering a boudoir photo shoot was way beyond my comfort level.
For my first, I had one of my best friends take my boudoir photos while my husband was deployed. She has a fantastic eye, and is someone I love dearly. Even with her being one of my meat friends, I was still uncomfortable. I couldn’t let the this is just not me thought escape.
The photos came out incredible! And they gave me the confidence to be able to have a professional boudoir shoot done several years later! Both photographers made me look like I knew what I was doing in front of the camera.
Having these boudoir photographs taken served as a powerful way for me to overcome some insecurities.
Presentation and delivery of your Valentine’s Day boudoir shoot
How you want to deliver your professional album or photos can be so much fun!
Here are a few different gift Valentine’s boudoir ideas for the big day!
- A fun way would be to send your significant other a couple of photos throughout the day while he’s at work and give him the professional album at Valentine’s dinner.
- If your husband is deployed, you could have a selection of “open when letters or emails” or a countdown to Valentine’s Day letters with sayings and quotes, and have a photo in each. Be sure to make the Valentine’s Day care package extra special with a variety of candies and goodies!
- Bring the professional album to his work on his lunch break with a note of what he can look forward to
- Give it to him in a romantic setting for both you and him to enjoy
Frequently asked questions
Can couples do a boudoir shoot together?
Yes. It can be an excellent way to capture those intimate moments. It could also be a unique date night experience!
I know a couple who had them done, and they turned out great!
Do you bring your own outfits to a Valentine’s boudoir photoshoot?
Yes! Bring in some of your favorite lingerie and outfit selections. Be sure to include your props to ensure you have some great Valentine’s boudoir ideas to share with the photographer.
Is gifting a Valentine’s boudoir shoot a nice gift?
Yes! It’s a beautiful, personal, customizable gift for you and your significant other to enjoy.
Are the boudoir photography sessions awkward?
I think, initially, it can be. But the right photographer will pull you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to have so much fun with it.
My thoughts on surprising your loved one with a Valentine’s boudoir
A boudoir photoshoot is such a fun way to explore yourself and your own body. Seeing yourself more intimately can be a completely new experience. Don’t limit yourself to gifting this as only a Valentine’s Day gift either! These boudoir albums make great anniversary gifts as well!
Gifting a boudoir album can have such a special meaning. It’s a completely customizable and thoughtful gift that can be cherished for years to come.
Unleashing this sexy side and enhancing your natural beauty truly is a confidence boost and is so empowering! Seeing your natural beauty shine through these beautiful images is truly a special surprise for both of you to enjoy!
I would love to hear if you have any special Valentine’s Day boudoir ideas! Have you had a boudoir photoshoot? Are you thinking about getting one done for your significant otheror yourself?
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