Boudoir Photography- a photo history from Jennie Harlow
“Traditionally the ‘boudoir’ was a lady’s private bedroom or dressing room. The word derives from the French ‘Bouder’ meaning to pout”
I remember watching the movie Swing Kids, which is set in WWII Germany, and at one point one of the guys shows the other guys a set of “trading cards” he has. They have sexy boudoir style images on them. After having so many clients ask where boudoir photography comes from, we decided to do a little research and give credit where credit is due! 
After spending the better part of my Wednesday afternoon researching the history of Boudoir, I decided something. Instead of throwing a bunch of words at you, I’ll let the photos of the past speak for themselves 
But first, just a few words!
Boudoir photography is nothing new. Looking back in history, tastefully done paintings of women in various states of undress have been done for centuries.
With the invention of the camera, the photographic process and then mass production printing, photographs and pictures of women in various states of undress became more widely available. The ‘pinups’ girls have been around since the early 1900’s and as the century evolved the photographs became more risqué. (seattleboudoirphotography.com)
As I was looking for my photographic history of Boudoir SO MUCH came to mind! From the iconic Marilyn Monroe pose, to Bettie Page, to the modern classic Dita Von Teese, and to my own photography idol George Hurrell! I found sooo many fantastic images! Boy are you all in for a treat!
*Disclaimer* none of the below images were taken by Shadow Boudoir~
1909 “Risque Boudoir Photocards”
1924 Hollywood Starlet Kathleen Meyers photographed by Edwin Bower Hesser
Silent Film star Clara Bow
A late 1920′s boudoir photograph of soon to be original blonde bombshell Jean Harlow
Irving Thalberg wasn’t certain that Norma Shearer (his wife) was sexy enough for The Divorcee. Norma’s first sitting with George Hurrell proved him wrong. She got the part. And! She loved the photos Hurrell took SO much that she insisted on only being photographed by him and demanded that he be contracted to M-G-M. Thus starting his amazing career!
I read a quote about Mae West once- “Mae West gave good boudoir!”
This was taken by Tony Frissell and was featured in a 1938 issue of Vogue!
That iconic Marlilyn Monroe shot.
By the mid 60′s, everyone was doing it! Even Sophia Loren!
Also the mid 60′s.
A 1970′s boudoir shot!
Another 1970′s shot. How different are these two?! I guess that really says a lot for the 70′s!
A late 90′s boudoir shot of future Burlesque Queen Dita Von</Teese!
A mid 2000′s photo of Dita Von Teese
I just found waaaay too many amazing shots of Dita to use only one
And last, but certainly not least, my friend, model Emily Marilyn, rounding out 100 years of boudoir.
What I like the most about using that image for last? It does exactly what we’re all doing. Using the past for inspiration, giving it a modern twist and making it our own all while paying homage to it.
Hope you all enjoyed todays history lesson!
