My Approach to Boudoir Photography Editing in Photoshop

How I Keep Every Edit Honest, Beautiful, and True to You

Let’s be real, Photoshop has a reputation. And in boudoir photography, it’s easy to assume every photo is filtered and reshaped until it barely resembles the real person. That’s simply not how I work.

My approach to editing is simple and intentional. I’m here to enhance what’s already beautiful, not erase what makes you uniquely you. I’ll clean up distractions, adjust lighting, and gently polish where it’s needed, but you’ll still recognize yourself in every image, just looking like you on your best day.

Editing is part of the art, but so is honesty. Let me show you how I approach it, with care and respect for every body I photograph.

How Are Boudoir Photos Edited?

Boudoir photos are edited to enhance natural beauty while keeping your features authentic. I remove temporary blemishes, adjust lighting, soften shadows, and polish the small details, but I never reshape your body or erase what makes you uniquely you.

Temporary Blemishes:

If you have spots, bruises, or scratches that weren’t there last week and won’t be there next week, I’ll remove those for you. I also tone down distractions like darker moles or blend freckles, I won’t remove them because they’re part of your unique beauty.

Dark Circles:

Using a process called dodge and burn, I lighten dark circles and adjust shadows to create a soft, flattering look. Funny enough, I once had a model’s mom fall asleep on my shoulder while watching me do this. It’s a relaxing process!

Makeup Fixes & Stray Hairs:

If a little makeup correction is needed or there are stray eyebrow hairs, I’ve got you covered.

Hair Adjustments:

If your hair has been flattened after lying on one side too long, I gently use Liquify to bring back its volume and balance.

Wardrobe Smoothing:

Sometimes the outfit needs a little love too. Whether it’s smoothing out lumpy fabric or extending a dress or robe, I handle those details with care.

By Request:

If you ask for specific changes, I’ll happily show you a preview so you can decide if it’s something you want done.

But most importantly, you’re stunning just the way you are. My approach to every boudoir session is to capture your natural beauty so I hardly need to edit at all. I may spend extra time perfecting a single image, but my goal is always to keep it clean and subtle, leaving everyone wondering if any editing was done at all, “Did she or didn’t she?”

If you’re curious about the full experience from start to finish, read What to Expect with Your Shelly Erwich Photography Photoshoot Experience.

Quick Guide to Boudoir Photo Editing

Are boudoir photos heavily edited?
No. My approach is to enhance, not change. You’ll still look like you, just on your best day.

What gets edited in my photos?
I remove temporary blemishes, adjust lighting, soften shadows, and polish small details while keeping everything natural.

Will you change my body shape or features?
Never. I don’t reshape bodies or erase what makes you uniquely you.

Can I request specific edits?
Absolutely. If you have something in mind, I can show you a preview so you can decide what feels right.