It happens more often than you’d think: a client reaches out for “glamour photos,” but what they’re really imagining is a bold, sensual boudoir session. Or vice versa. While both boudoir and glamour photography celebrate beauty and confidence, they’re designed for very different purposes, and understanding the difference can completely transform your experience in front of the camera.

At Fontaine Photography Studio in Port Coquitlam, we’ve guided hundreds of women through both boudoir and glamour portraits. Some come in for one, and end up loving both. Others want to be sure the experience they book reflects exactly how they want to feel, look, and express themselves. Before we dive in hear what one of our boudoir clients had to say about their experience working with us:

“I had an absolute BLAST in this photoshoot! From the moment I walked in, Lyndsey and Emily felt like friends. We chatted a bunch while getting ready, so I felt very comfortable by the time the shoot started. Emily guides you through every..single..pose. She checks your hair, your hand and feet placement, your head tilt.. you don’t have to worry about a thing! Olivia was also wonderful to chat with in my phone interview and photo appointment. She was so warm, and helped me when I was stuck choosing photos! I couldn’t have asked for a better team of women to share this experience with. I’m incredibly thankful”

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what sets boudoir and glamour sessions apart, what’s included in each experience at our studio, and how to choose the right fit for your style, comfort level, and goals.

What is Boudoir Photography?

Boudoir photography is a deeply personal and empowering experience designed to capture the subject’s confidence, sensuality, and unique beauty. These sessions often include lingerie, soft robes, or tastefully styled outfits and are typically shot in a private studio setting where clients feel safe, supported, and celebrated.

At Fontaine Photography Studio, boudoir photography sessions are about more than just beautiful photos. They’re about owning one’s femininity, celebrating milestones, and reclaiming self-love. Clients book boudoir shoots for anniversaries, bridal gifts, personal milestones, birthdays, or simply because they want to feel powerful and radiant.

This experience is intentionally intimate. Lighting, posing, and styling are crafted to highlight natural beauty and confidence while honoring your comfort level. Whether you're going for sultry, soft, playful, or bold, boudoir portraits create lasting memories and stunning images that reflect your inner and outer beauty.

What is Glamour Photography?

Glamour photography is all about capturing polished, high-end portraits that highlight your elegance, strength, and personal style. Unlike boudoir, glamour sessions typically involve more wardrobe variety — think cocktail dresses, sleek blazers, flowing gowns, or fashion-forward pieces. These shoots focus on sophistication, confidence, and timeless beauty.

At Fontaine Photography, glamour photoshoots are designed to make every client feel like they belong on the cover of a magazine. With expert lighting, flattering poses, and professional guidance every step of the way, the final result is a set of striking, editorial-quality portraits that celebrate individuality and power.

Many clients choose glamour photography for birthdays, professional milestones, personal branding, or simply as a way to reconnect with their most radiant self. The atmosphere is fun and confidence-building, with the goal of making you feel as incredible as you look.

Key Differences Between Boudoir and Glamour Photoshoots

While both boudoir and glamour photography celebrate beauty and self-expression, they differ in purpose, styling, and tone. Here are the most important distinctions to help clarify which type of session might suit your goals best:

1. Mood and Intention
Boudoir sessions are intimate and personal. They often explore sensuality, confidence, and vulnerability in a tasteful and empowering way. Glamour sessions, on the other hand, focus on elegance and strength, presenting a refined and editorial-style version of you.

2. Wardrobe and Styling
Boudoir photography usually includes lingerie, robes, or other soft, body-hugging outfits designed to showcase curves and femininity. Glamour portraits feature a broader wardrobe range — such as formal wear, statement fashion pieces, or even personal branding looks — all styled for impact.

3. Posing and Expression
Boudoir poses tend to be softer, more emotive, and often shot reclining or close-up to capture a sense of intimacy. Glamour photography uses power poses, strong posture, and direct camera engagement to highlight presence and confidence.

4. Purpose and Use
Boudoir is often booked as a gift for a partner, a celebration of self-love, or a personal milestone like a bridal moment, postpartum transformation, or body confidence journey. Glamour photography is usually geared toward timeless portraits, personal branding, or simply capturing a more polished version of yourself.

5. Setting and Atmosphere
At Fontaine Photography Studio in Vancouver, boudoir sessions are done in a cozy, private environment that makes clients feel safe and empowered. Glamour photoshoots are more stylized, often using clean studio backdrops, dramatic lighting, and fashion-inspired setups.

Which Style Is Right for You?

Choosing between a boudoir or glamour photoshoot depends on the story you want your photos to tell. Both styles are powerful in their own right, but each serves a different purpose and feeling.

A boudoir session is ideal for someone who wants to express sensuality, self-love, and vulnerability. It is often chosen as a personal empowerment journey or as a gift for a partner, especially for milestones like anniversaries, weddings, or body transformation celebrations. If you’re ready to embrace your femininity in a raw, intimate, and empowering way, a boudoir session is the perfect choice.
A glamour session is best for those who want to highlight confidence, strength, and timeless beauty. These photos often have a more polished or editorial feel and are great for professional portraits, birthday gifts, or simply treating yourself to an elevated portrait experience. If you love bold makeup, fashion-forward styling, and being the star of a magazine-style shoot, then glamour is likely your fit.

Still unsure? Many clients at Fontaine Photography Studio in Vancouver book a session that blends both styles so they can have a variety of looks. From soft and sensual to bold and striking, all in one unforgettable experience.

Can I Do Both in One Session?

Absolutely. Many clients at Fontaine Photography Studio choose to blend boudoir and glamour photography into a single session. This hybrid approach allows for multiple wardrobe changes, varied backdrops, and a wide range of emotional tones, from bold and fashion-forward to soft, sensual, or intimate.

Combining both styles offers incredible value and versatility. You can showcase different sides of yourself within one beautifully curated gallery. Start with elegant dresses or a power suit for your glamour portraits, then shift into lingerie or a silk robe for your boudoir look. The final collection feels dynamic and personal, like a visual storybook of confidence, beauty, and authenticity.

This option is perfect for clients who want to celebrate themselves in multiple ways or are unsure which session fits them best. You don’t have to choose just one; you can have both.

Why Clients Choose Fontaine Photography for Boudoir and Glamour Portraits

At Fontaine Photography Studio, we specialize in creating unforgettable portrait experiences that reflect the essence of who you are — whether that’s soft and sensual, bold and glamorous, or a beautiful mix of both.

What sets our Vancouver photography studio apart is the customized, guided process we offer every client. From the moment you inquire to the day you receive your final gallery, we’re here to help you feel prepared, confident, and celebrated. Our award-winning photographers know how to bring out your most authentic expression, using flattering angles, expert lighting, and a calm, encouraging presence.

Clients consistently choose us because they don’t just want photos. They want a transformational experience. Whether it’s your first time in front of the camera or your tenth, we design every session to help you see yourself in a new, empowered way. Your shoot is fully tailored to your comfort level, aesthetic, and goals, ensuring you walk away with portraits that feel elevated, intentional, and deeply personal.

Boudoir Portraits or Glamour Photoshoot Wrap Up

Whether you're drawn to the soft elegance of glamour photography or the bold intimacy of boudoir portraits, both experiences offer more than just beautiful images — they’re a celebration of self. At our Vancouver boudoir studio, we believe every client deserves to feel confident, radiant, and truly seen.

You don’t have to fit into a category. You get to define how you want to be photographed. Our team is here to guide you, support you, and create a customized experience that honors your story and your vision.

If you’re unsure which type of session fits you best, let’s talk. We’ll help you explore what you want from your photos and design a shoot that feels right for you. Inquire about a photoshoot with our award-winning Vancouver portrait photographers today, and let’s bring your vision to life.

Vancouver
Boudoir Photographers

We know it takes courage to step out of your comfort zone, but a Boudoir Photoshoot is more than just pictures—it’s an empowering, life-changing experience that celebrates you! Let’s create something beautiful together. Reach out today and let’s start planning your dream session!

Boudoir Portrait Sessions

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Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Annacis Island, Port Moody, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Anmore & Surrounding Areas

Our photo studio is conveniently located just outside of Vancouver, in Port Coquitlam.