How joyous it is to be thoroughly you.
Patrick Falaniko • 23 August 2020
I'm happy if my job as a boudoir photographer helps women undo years of being made to feel ashamed of their bodies or sexuality. That's where I think boudoir and burlesque have a lot in common.
Pictured: boudoir inspired sketch for @bollyditz.dolly
Burlesque and the Boudoir
. People call different images to mind when they hear the word ‘burlesque’. Some think of Natalie Wood as famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. Others think of big feather boas and Mae West one-liners. For others still, the word may only ring recent bells, if they’ve taken it upon themselves to watch the 2010 film of the same name, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.
Whatever springs to mind for you, amongst the many varied women who may treat themselves to a boudoir photography shoot, you will almost certainly find burlesque performers dotted amongst them.
In many ways, this is unsurprising: you’d expect burlesque performers to be comfortable enough with their bodies for such a shoot, and they may well need portfolio material for the modelling side of their careers. But there is another, purely empowering side to both burlesque and boudoir.
For those of you unfamiliar, here’s a potted history:
The word “burlesque” initially meant ‘to mock, satirise or make fun,’ and is recognised as a theatrical trope since ancient Greek times. It was a long road to get from there to the Dita von Teeses of today! While the satirical burlesque of ancient Greece and Europe was still bawdy, the striptease element of burlesque came more by way of America.
Burlesque arrived in USA in the mid-1800s via the Victorian music halls of England and an enterprising lady by the name of Lydia Thompson and her British Blondes.
USA had been familiar with “leg shows” since the Civil War, but this was something different. From there, producers such as Florenz Ziegfeld (whose Follies you will doubtless have heard of, if only from Twenties/Thirties themed birthday parties) and the Minsky Brothers capitalised upon and adapted this controversial art form.
As you can imagine, the backlash was huge, and eventually drove burlesque out of public spaces and favour. It wasn’t until the 1990s that what is thought of as “neo-burlesque” arrived on the scene. Neo-burlesque took the vintage ‘cheesecake’ striptease, and gave it the punk power of the Nineties’ Riot Grrrls and much more besides. Whereas early burlesque performed femininity, Neoburlesque interpreted and interrogated it. Loads of subsets and different styles emerged, borrowing from all realms of pop culture.
Nowadays, burlesque dovetails into many ‘scenes’, from the BDSM and kink community, to cosplay, to “burlesqercise” classes at your local gym.
The modern-day understanding of burlesque is also infused with inspiration from ‘la belle epoque’ and the Moulin Rouge (the famous Parisian nightclub and the film!).
It’s impossible to give only one answer as to why burlesque made quite the comeback that it did, and why many women are now just as likely to go see a burlesque show as their male counterparts. A lot of performers are attracted to tasting burlesque for themselves because of the old movies they loved watching growing up, or the vintage ‘pin-up girl’ fashions, or retro music. Others love the expressive musicality and personality, something good burlesque choreography does very well.
One reason which unites many new performers, is that they want to undo years of being made to feel ashamed of their bodies or sexuality. It’s this point where there is huge cross-over between burlesque and boudoir photography. In a good boudoir session, women are given permission to be who they always were: sensual, wild, untamed, creative, expressive, and whole. The wide and diverse range of burlesque you can see in your local theatre allows women to be all of these things too. Modern burlesque also prides itself on being a welcome space for every size and shape of woman – just like the Goddess Studio!
One big misconception is that boudoir and burlesque have to be sexual. This is not the case, although both are usually sensual in one way or another by nature of the art forms. Both boudoir and burlesque also have a performance element, though no one audience is specified. Boudoir and art nude photography and burlesque performances can often be for the ‘performer’ themselves, an audience of one.
Importantly, burlesque and boudoir photography at the Goddess Studio both have this one other factor in common: JOY. Celebrating yourself, celebrating your body through movement (no matter what it looks like), celebrating the strong and divine in you, and hopefully reminding you of how joyous it is to be thoroughly you.
You don’t have to be a pin-up starlet or burlesque babe to be welcomed at the Goddess Studio boudoir! One of my great privileges is working with clients who are brand new to boudoir, who are ready (even if they’re still nervous!) to make the commitment to loving themselves through the experience of the shoot. Of course, aspiring Teases are more than welcome too – I’ll look forward to chatting hair and makeup with you as you get ready for a shoot you’re guaranteed to love!
Increasingly I get bookings from professionals, I am also experienced in glamour photography, including artistic and tasteful work with nude or semi-nude models. And you're very welcome, our studio is open to all women.
The Goddess Studio is a judgement free zone and safe place for women to express themselves and we happen to create beautiful boudoir photography, portraits & body love art nudes too. If you'd like to book a shoot, it's only a £120 reservation. or click on the email icon below.
Clients are invited to submit their favourite Goddess Shoot images and a guest blog to our Goddess Life Blog/Magazine absolutely free.
If you like what we're doing here and would like to support us why not buy me a coffee. Thank you.
Share with your fellow goddesses
Love what I do? feel free to share this with a goddess you know :)
It must be getting close to 95% or more of clients choosing to go nude, whether body love confidence or more sensual and free expression. It has been very interesting, that although clients often bring dozens of cute lingerie outfits, often they are just launching points to a freer form of expression.
There are a thousand ways to express and capture erotic themes and sensuality—through movement, light, texture, and emotion. Whether you’re drawn to the raw intimacy of nude and erotic photography , the elegant allure of boudoir nude photography , or the timeless beauty of nude photography boudoir , every session is about capturing what makes you feel powerful, free, and uniquely yourself. When I launched as a photographer Sensual photography quickly became one of our most popular requests and we set up a page especially here .
Our unedited boudoir photography gallery is our most popular package add-on! Women love having a record of their day pre-edit. Honestly, some days I feel like I could be a completely Photoshop-free photographer—especially when it comes to body love photography.
One thing people don’t always realise about boudoir sessions? They are not all serious affairs. There is a LOT of laughing, unexpected moments, and the very rare wardrobe situations. They are celebrations of you, and especially birthdays, often there’s cake and balloons and the occasional glass of Prosecco too.
We always love it when clients share their stories and experiences. "I couldn't have been happier with my photoshoot experience, and I highly recommend working with Patrick. From the moment I arrived, he created a comfortable environment and took the time to understand what I wanted from the session.
Reaching your 40s is a powerful milestone, often bringing with it a deeper sense of confidence and freedom. If you’re a woman embracing this era of your life, a boudoir and nude photography session can be the perfect way to celebrate who you are—bold, assured, and unapologetically yourself. (The images above are just a selection of women in their 40s, 50s & 60s who have graced our lens) Owning Your Power By the time you hit your 40s, you know what you want and what truly matters. Whether you’re exploring sensuality in a new way or simply feeling more comfortable in your own skin, one thing is clear—women only grow stronger with time. Boudoir nude photography offers a beautiful way to express your confidence, sensuality, and joy in a space that is entirely yours. Our home-based London boudoir studio provides a relaxed, intimate setting where you can explore your unique beauty with ease. Whether you’re drawn to a classic boudoir session, an artistic nude photoshoot, or something with an erotic or spicier vibe, every session is tailored to reflect you. Your Body, Your Rules We believe that beauty and sensuality have no expiration date. Whether you’re posing in lingerie or embracing the power of nude photography boudoir, your experience is about celebrating yourself on your own terms. Our very first clients were women over 40—some in their 50s and 60s—who set the tone for everything we do. Their confidence and self-expression have even inspired a new generation, with our under-30 client base growing as well. You never know who you might inspire simply by owning your moment. Women over 40 have featured extensively in our Body Love group days and charity calendar shoots, stepping into their power in every way. From elegant boudoir portraits to bold nude and erotic photography, this is about you—your story, your beauty, your rules. This Is Your Time Our clients range from 20 to 70, all with a shared desire to embrace their bodies and express themselves through photography that feels empowering and liberating. Whether you’re stepping into a nude erotic photoshoot for the first time or continuing a sensual journey of self-expression, we’re here to capture the confident, radiant woman that you are today. Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together We have become known for beautiful studio nude photography, but what truly sets us apart is the personal connection we build with each client. This isn’t just about creating stunning images—it’s about creating an experience that leaves you feeling strong, radiant, and truly seen. Ready to book your own boudoir and nude photography session? Head over to our Contact Form – let’s make it happen, whether at my home studio in Walthamstow or on location in London, the Southeast, or beyond. Patrick Falaniko Owner & Lead Photographer | Goddess Studio
Motherhood is an incredible journey, but it’s easy to lose touch with your own sense of self in the midst of caring for your family. If you’re a mum looking to reconnect with your body and reclaim your confidence, a boudoir photoshoot could be the perfect way to do just that. Rediscovering Your Sensuality At our home-based London boudoir studio, we offer a personal, welcoming space where you can rediscover your sensuality on your own terms. A boudoir shoot isn’t about fitting into a specific mould—it’s about embracing the unique beauty that comes with your life experience. As your photographer, I’ll work closely with you to create an environment that feels comfortable and supportive. Whether you choose to wear lingerie, opt for a nude photography session, or something in between, the focus is on capturing the real you. This experience is about more than just photos—it’s about reclaiming your body, your confidence, and your sense of self. Embrace Your Body, Your Way Every mum’s body tells a story, and every curve, line, and mark is part of that narrative. Our boudoir and nude photography sessions are designed to help you embrace your body as it is, creating beautiful images that celebrate your journey. Whether you’re interested in a traditional boudoir photoshoot or want to explore something more daring like an erotic nude photoshoot, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our clients, who range from 20 to 70, all share a common desire: to celebrate themselves through joyful, free-flowing photography. This is your time to focus on you and celebrate your own beauty. We love celebrating women at every stage of their lives, We also provide maternity portraits , and of course once the little darlings fly the nest? We can talk about Unapologetically You: Boudoir Photography for Women Over 40 :)
Your 20s are a time of exploration, self-discovery, and making memories that last a lifetime. As you embrace this vibrant period of your life, what better way to capture your confidence and sensuality than with a boudoir shoot? One caveat here, we get many young women who want to explore modelling. Boudoir is not lingerie modelling, fashion or glamour modelling, at least as far as we and our clients are concerned it is intimate and sensual form of self expression. If modelling is your goal, we can discuss and provide you with the appropriate package. Right! let's get back to boudoir photography sessions :)
So what happens if you really only require one or two images? Yes, I get do get many inquiries for actor and modelling online applications, and Linkedin and Business Profile images, the Ice Breaker session is ideal for you.
Of course you can treat yourself to a luxurious and empowering experience, simply because you deserve it. Here's a few more wonderful reasons to book a boudoir photo shoot or photo session with us... 1. Self-Love: Take time out to embrace self-care and celebrate your own unique beauty. 2. Empowerment: (Re)discover your confidence and an inner strength you may have not realised you had all along. 3. Milestone Celebrations: Whether it's turning 30, 40, or 50, any significant milestone, a boudoir session can serve as a beautiful reflection of your personal growth, strength, and resilience. 4. Body Positivity: Embrace and appreciate your body just as it is. 5. Love Letter to Yourself: Create a visual reminder of self-love and acceptance. 6. Pre-Wedding Confidence Boost: Feel stunning and confident before your big day, Before you say "I do," treat yourself to a boudoir session as a reminder of your beauty, confidence, and the amazing journey you're about to embark on as a bride. 7. Anniversary Surprise: Gift your partner an intimate and meaningful surprise. 8. Post-Baby Rejuvenation: Celebrate your journey into motherhood with a revitalising session. 9. Relationship Refresh: Reignite the spark and create beautiful memories together, there's nothing like sending a boudoir photo (or two) to your lover. 10. Empowering Gift: Surprise a loved one with a unique and empowering experience. 11. Bachelorette Party Fun: Enjoy a memorable and empowering activity with your closest friends, hey girl! up for a boudoir photo shoot?. Ask about our Refer a Friend and Share a session vouchers. 12. Body Transformation: All our photo shoots can be transformational, if you're ready to celebrate your personal fitness milestones or body-positive journeys, just type in 'boudoir shoot near me' and let's take that first step :). 13. Boosting Self-Esteem: Enhance your self-esteem and see yourself in a brand new light, with beautiful boudoir nude photography to take home . 14. Embracing Vulnerability: The most courageous things you can do, when you feel the fear, get up and do it anyway. Overcome insecurities and embrace your vulnerability. 15. Channeling Your Inner Goddess: Tap into your fierce, empowered, and feminine energy, I love this sooo much, you are goddess, it's time to roar. 16. Personal Reflection: Capture a moment of 'close your eyes and feel the sunshine' sensation of pure joy. Slow and sensuous movements and poses is a wonderful opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, go deep and stir your soul. See it shine out through your boudoir photos. 17. Embracing Sensuality: Reconnect with your sensual side and embrace your femininity, from fine art nudes to spicy mama vibes, love yourself in your own way. 18. Overcoming Body Image concerns: Challenge and overcome those negative body image thoughts, let's draw them out & pop them in the trash. 19. Just Because: Treat yourself to a fabulous and empowering experience, simply because it's so much fun. 20. Forever Memories: Create stunning and timeless images that you can cherish for a lifetime. How did we do, did we mention any you resonate with? I'd love to hear your reasons for doing a goddess session. Why not fill out our questionnaire and let's have a chat. Patrick Falaniko Owner & Lead Photographer | Goddess Studio | Boudoir Photography London, UK & Beyond
