More props
So what do you do if you don't want to use your bed as a prop? Do you have an old bed sheet? If you want to take a standing picture or sit on the ground, just take an old bed sheet and pin it to the wall. It doesn't need to be perfect, in fact, having some ripples and bunching will give your picture some depth, as you can see in Figure C. Hang the sheet about halfway up the wall and let the bottom roll out. This way if the shot is low to the ground, you won't see the wood trim or carpet.

FIGURE C


A simple sheet can make a great backdrop. Roll over picture for a larger image.

If you want your backdrop to have more depth and texture, grab a few rubber bands. Gather a small "ponytail" on the backside of the sheet and secure it with a rubber band. This will give the fabric a "puckered" look, like the one in Figure D. Add as few or as many as you like to achieve some texture.

FIGURE D


Pucker up, Baby! Roll over picture for a larger image.

Simply repeat the same steps as you would have for the bedroom set. Use soft lighting with candles, as shown in Figure E, and add some throw pillows into the scene. Don't over do it. You want the focus of the picture to be you, not your pillows.

FIGURE E


An easy-to-do studio setting. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You'll need the camera to be a little lower to the ground for this one. It looks better if the camera is up higher and tilted down. This can be tricky if you don't have a tripod, so you may want to consider purchasing one. They are relatively inexpensive. Remember to use your self-timer and nix on the flash. Take at least five shots of each pose.

Once you've completed taking your photos, load them up onto your computer and take a look. Here are some tips you can consider when editing the pictures:

• Use image-editing software to lighten the pictures. They may look too dark, but you can fix that with a click of your mouse!
• Use effects like "soften" or "blur." These effects will give a soft, romantic feel to your pictures, and you'll look fantastic!
• Try Black and White. Converting your pictures to black and white, or even sepia toned make them look nostalgic and very sexy!
• Use high quality paper. If you plan to print them out, get a glossy paper and set your printer on its highest quality setting. This will make the pictures look even more professional.

Finally, here's an advanced tip. If your camera as RAW mode, take the pictures in RAW mode. This captures all the data available to the camera, so if you want to lighten the image, there's more data to work with, and the picture will come out better.

Also, please remember to be careful when taking risqui pictures of yourself. I always say, "don't take a picture of yourself you wouldn't want your Grandmother to see." Though that may be a little extreme, it's sound advice nonetheless. Just be cautious if you send pictures like this to your loved one over email.

Also, keep in mind you do not have to be nude in these pictures. Boudoir photographs are meant to leave something to the imagination, and often do not expose any private areas. Do what you feel comfortable with, and remember to have fun! Finally, remember Boudoir photos aren't just for Valentine's day. You and your partner deserve to celebrate your love every day.

David Gewirtz is the author of How To Save Jobs and Where Have All The Emails Gone? For more than 20 years, he has analyzed current, historical, and emerging issues relating to technology, competitiveness, and policy. David is the Editor-in-Chief of the ZATZ magazines, is the Cyberterrorism Advisor for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals, and is a member of the instructional faculty at the University of California, Berkeley extension. He can be reached at david@zatz.com and you can follow him at http://www.twitter.com/DavidGewirtz.