It’s safe to say we all get a little awkward when we take sexy selfies. How do we arch our back just so without looking like you had an accident (or creating one in the process)? How can you bite your lip in a way that looks hot and not hangry? Basically how can we look sexy as hell without feeling like a complete failure in the process?
For some pointers, we turned to NYC-based professional boudoir photographer Andreea Burciu-Ballen who knows a thing or two when it comes to making women look and feel their sexiest. For those who need a little refresher: Boudoir photography is a photography session with a sensual, intimate, and sometimes erotic aesthetic in which the subject wears sexy outfits, lingerie — or even nothing at all.
While boudoir photography has been around for years, it’s recently been trending on TikTok in an effort to help us all mere mortals feel more like goddesses when sending nudes or tease-y little photos to our partners.
According to Burciu-Ballen, in order to create sexy, visually arresting photos “that will stop your partner in his or her tracks (in the best, hottest way possible), there’s a trifecta of three ‘T’ elements that will take your selfies to the next level of art and seduction: Tension, triangles, and tippitoes!”
Tension: Look #1
“Tension creates tons of gorgeous emotion,” Burciu-Ballen says. “Tension is best achieved when you move with intention and allow the stretch or movement to go as far as it naturally will.”
Think: Pushing against something (example: your head pushed back into the bed while chest is pushed to the ceiling), pulling at something (example: sheets, your hair, clothing), tugging up or down (clothes or straps on clothes), moving apart (ex. knees far apart from each other), arching back, tilting head to the side.”
Another tip: For these poses, position the camera diagonal to your body — not straight-on, not full side-on, but three quarters-on.
For this first pose, sit down between the knees pushed far apart from each other, head tilted to the side. Looks as good if your body is turned to the camera, as it does if your back is to the camera and you are turning back towards it while looking over your shoulder.
“Using the soft flat part of your fingertips, move hands across the chest, starting at your collar bones and tracing the skin in an outward motion and your eyes looking down towards your hands,” Burciu-Ballen says. “Head tilted to the side, chin down towards your collar bone. Perfection.”
Tension: Look #2
For this look, pull up at the sides of your underwear, making sure to squeeze your shoulder blades back while keeping your shoulders down.
“Meanwhile look away and think of a sexy secret — and imagine your partner walking into the room as you’re about to let them in on what that secret entails and how they’re going to enjoy the delicious details.”
Tension: Look #3
For a great, super-seductive pose with tons of tension, emotion and engagement, think again of placing camera “over the shoulder,” lay on your back with your knees bent and staggered (one higher than the other), top of the head pushed back into the mattress and chest pushed to the ceiling, thumbs pulling your bra straps up and away from the body.
“This one is hands down a client favorite and guaranteed to set your partner on fire,” Burciu-Ballen says.
Triangles: Look #1
“Triangles create visually interesting shapes that draw the eye into the photo. Remember to stagger the legs (both legs bent, but one higher than the other) to create even more triangles and visual interest,” Burciu-Ballen says
Stand firmly on one leg, the other leg bent and knee dropped across the standing leg. One arm bent up into your hair, other arm down and bent, hand on hip or on belly. As always, head tilted slightly to the side, this time looking up as though to meet your partner’s gaze.
Triangles: Look #2
Stand with feet wide apart, facing the mirror but looking back over your shoulder — arm further away engaged with your bra or hair, arm closest to camera by your side or at your hip. Set the camera on the ground looking-up for this one.
“High heels (or tippitoes) make this one fire,” Burciu-Ballen suggests. “Also don’t forget: Something totally sexy about you peeking through the crock of your arm. Yup — triangles there, too — with the gorgeousness of you on preview peeking through. Well, hello, beautiful!”
Tip-toes: Look #1
According to Burciu-Ballen, standing on your tip-toes “elongate the legs and engage the leg muscles for a super sexy result. Whether you are sitting, laying down or standing — always activate your ballerina toe stance. You’ll be glad you did.”
For this position, sit close to the edge of the seat, knees pushed out far apart, feet pointed and forward. Arch your back, tilt your head to one side for tension and drama — hands tugging at your clothing by your chest. The camera is this time pointed straight on, below you for most drama (and longer legs too).
Tip-toes: Look #2
Stand by a window, full on side view to the camera, sheets up onto your body, billowing out between your legs.
Begin pose by standing firmly on your leg closest to the window (and farthest to camera) — while bending the leg closest to the camera and going up on pointed toe. With the arm closest to the window, hold bed sheets against your chest – while the arm closest to the camera, hold sheets down by your hip. Arch back, throw your head back, breathe through parted lips.
Tip-toes: Look #3
Stand close to the wall and lean into it, arm high up. Cross your legs and go up on your toes. Tug away or down at your bra strap for added tension.
Whatever pose you do, Burciu-Ballen says don’t hesitate about taking those sexy selfies. “Stop being shy, start taking a few selfies now. The more you practice, the better you will get. Your partner — and your love life — will thank you.”
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