Boudoir Outdoors: A Guide to Your Missoula Outdoor Boudoir Photo Shoot
Outdoor boudoir sessions are a powerful way to connect with your body, nature, and yourself. They combine the beauty of nature with the beauty of you — they’re earthy, intimate, and a little adventurous, in the best possible way. If you're considering stepping into the wild for your boudoir session, I created this guide to help you know what to expect, how to prepare, and why this experience might be exactly what you're looking for.
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Topics Covered
1. Why Choose Outdoor Boudoir?
2. The Calming Power of Nature
3. Favorite Outdoor Boudoir Locations in Missoula
4. Client Stories to Inspire You
5. How I Approach Outdoor Shoots
6. What to Wear + Pack for Your Session
7. Getting There: Meeting + Accessibility
8. Other Location Ideas: Beyond the Woods
9. Can I Have a Drink to Calm My Nerves?
10. A Quick Note on Ticks
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
In this article...
Outdoor boudoir isn’t the traditional route — but that’s part of what makes it so special (and fun!). Shooting outdoors gives your photos an organic, natural feel that’s impossible to replicate indoors. Instead of polished, indoor lighting, we'll work with the natural available light. Instead of posing in a classic “bedroom” setting, we'll work with the natural environment. We’ll pose utilizing elements from the surroundings — like a patch of wildflowers, a fallen tree, or the sandy shoreline along a river.
This style of shoot appeals to people who feel more connected to nature or who want images that are a bit more raw and organic. There’s a wonderful sense of freedom that comes from being outside, and it’s just as beautiful and empowering as traditional indoor boudoir — just in a different way.
Why Choose Outdoor Boudoir?
The Calming Power of Nature
It’s totally normal to feel nervous before a boudoir photo shoot — I hear that all the time from clients (and I was especially nervous before my own boudoir shoot a couple years ago!). But being out in nature has a way of settling the nerves. The fresh air, quiet surroundings, and stillness of the scenery all can bring a calm energy that helps you feel more centered in your body. Many of my clients say that being in nature helped them relax and feel comfortable during their session — which definitely comes through in the photos.
Where We Shoot: Favorite Outdoor Boudoir Locations in Missoula
There are so many beautiful locations in Missoula, and over time, I’ve found some secluded, low-traffic spots that work perfectly for outdoor boudoir. A couple of my favorite locations are Pattee Canyon and along (or in!) the Clark Fork River.
Pattee Canyon
Clark Fork River
This is one of my favorite spots. The tall Ponderosa pines and larch trees are beautiful year-round, but especially in the fall when the forest is covered with yellow pine needles and red leaves. In spring, at just the right time, the forest floor will be filled with wildflowers — glacier lilies, balsamroot, lupine, and Indian paintbrush. It’s a short-lived window, so if you want a spring wildflower session, reach out early to secure your date.
I also love shooting along the Clark Fork River. There are trees, smooth river rocks, and even some sandy patches that are perfect for a beachy look and feel. These areas can be more public, so we’ll be thoughtful with timing and wardrobe for the right balance of comfort and creativity.
What to Expect: How I Approach Outdoor Shoots
When we plan your shoot, I’m with you every step of the way. We’ll talk through your vision, location options, outfits, and any props or ideas you want to include. I’ll help you create a mood board, and I’ll guide you through comfortable, flattering poses during the shoot — utilizing all that the natural environment offers us.
Some outdoors poses might include:
- Leaning against a tree trunk
- Sitting or laying on a fallen log
- Standing or sitting in a field of tall yellow grasses
- Standing barefoot in the river, or lying in the sand at the river’s edge
- Sitting or laying on a blanket on the ground
I always prioritize your comfort and privacy. I’ll bring along and hold up a blanket for you while you change, and watch for other hikers or walkers if we’re in a semi-public area so you have time to cover up. I also always bring along a small pair of scissors for trimming tags off lingerie and clothing.
Most of the time, we shoot about 1–2 hours before sunset to get the softest, most flattering light. And I often like to keep shooting right into blue hour, which is the 30–60 minutes after sunset. It’s that cool, moody time where the sky turns deep blue, and it’s perfect for silhouettes and dreamy, atmospheric shots. A lot of people pack up once the sun goes down — but that’s a huge mistake! A lot of the magic can happen during blue hour, as in the images below!
What to Wear + Pack for Your Outdoor Boudoir Session
You don’t have to stick to traditional lingerie, although you definitely can! As I repeat time and time again, what’s most important with wardrobe is that you feel completely comfortable and like you! Here are some alternatives to traditional lingerie that you could consider for an outdoor boudoir shoot:
- A sheer robe or kimono that’s both beautiful and functional (you can use it to cover up in event of foot track where we’re shooting)
- A cute bralette and cut-off jean shorts
- A bodysuit or one-piece swimsuit, with or without a sheer/flowy swimsuit cover-up
- A button-up shirt layered over lingerie or a matching bra and panty set
- Oversized sweater paired with high socks or bare legs
- A flowy dress or skirt with halter top
Also bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for getting from the car to our shooting spot
- Dressy shoes to change into for shooting — or you can go barefoot (just make sure finger and toe nails are trimmed and clean)
- Bug spray (a must if shooting near water), sunscreen, water, and lip balm or gloss
- A blanket (I’ll bring one too!) for sitting or kneeling on
- A small towel or wipes for cleaning dirty feet and hands
- A towel to dry off, if we’re shooting in water
- Portable speaker or phone for music, if you'd like
- Any props that help tell your story — a bouquet of fresh flowers, stylish hat, sunglasses, scarf, your partner’s favorite flannel shirt or sports jersey, etc.
- A backpack or tote bag to carry everything!
Getting There: Meeting + Accessibility
If you’re from out of town or unfamiliar with the area, don’t worry — we’ll keep it simple. Usually we’ll meet at an easy-to-find location in Missoula, and you can either follow me in your car or ride with me if that feels easier. I’ll sometimes also send a pin drop so you don’t get lost and know exactly where you’re going.
While I love exploring beautiful areas, I also try to keep our locations accessible — no long hikes or steep climbs. I’ll be carrying gear and you’ll have your wardrobe and props, so we’ll stick to spots that are easy to reach by foot. Comfortable shoes are helpful for walking in, and then you can switch to barefoot or dressy shoes once we’re set up.
Other Location Ideas: Beyond the Woods
Outdoor boudoir doesn’t have to take place deep in the forest or even on public lands at all. We can also shoot:
- In your own backyard
- On private land or property
- At an Airbnb with outdoor space (always check the photography policy before booking)
- During a boudoir party with friends — gather a few girlfriends and split the cost of an Airbnb rental for a day of fun, rotating shoots (and a discount on the boudoir session fee)! Inquire with me directly to learn more.
Can I Have a Drink to Calm My Nerves?
For sure. You’re more than welcome to bring along a small bottle of champagne or other drink of choice to help ease pre-shoot jitters. I don’t drink while I’m working, but if a few sips help you feel more relaxed, that’s totally okay by me.
A Quick Note on Ticks
If we’re shooting during tick season (typically spring through early summer), I always recommend doing a quick tick check before loading up back at the car. I usually do a quick scan myself and remind clients do the same. It’s just a smart part of being outdoors!
Yes, outdoor boudoir is legal as long as it takes place in public spaces where photography is permitted and we’re not violating laws & regulations related to obscenity or public indecency. We’ll always be respectful of our surroundings and choose times/locations with minimal chance of interruption.
Is outdoor boudoir legal?
Not at all. Boudoir is about how you want to feel and express yourself, and what you feel comfortable with. You can be fully covered, partially covered, or somewhere in between.
Do I have to be nude?
While privacy can never be fully guaranteed when working in nature, we will specifically choose secluded spots and plan timing carefully. I also always bring along a blanket to help you cover up quickly if needed.
What if someone walks by?
That’s what I’m here for! I’ll guide you through poses that feel natural and that are flattering. Most clients start out nervous, but quickly relax and by the end of the session are beaming with confidence. 😊
What if I don’t feel confident posing outdoors?
I will keep an eye on the forecast and be in touch with regard to the weather. If the forecast is poor, we’ll either reschedule or decide to brave the elements! Inclement weather can actually be a wonderful enhancement to outdoor boudoir images, depending on the look and vibe you’re going for.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Totally up to you. Outdoor boudoir works beautifully with more natural styling and makeup, but professional makeup always looks gorgeous and I’m happy to coordinate a makeup appointment for you if you’d like. Just ask!
Do I need professional hair/makeup?
frequently asked questions
Final Thoughts
Outdoor boudoir is about more than just beautiful photos — it’s about stepping into your confidence, connecting with nature, and creating something personal and empowering. Whether you’re surrounded by wildflowers or standing in a river, these images will tell your story in a way that’s raw, honest, and unforgettable.
