Just like some other forms of Photography, the niche of Boudoir photography actually covers a very wide range of possible scenes, types of lighting, types of clothing, and types of photographic treatment. One common definition of the word "boudoir" is "A woman's private sitting room, dressing room, or bedroom." So to most people the area of boudoir photography involves bedroom clothing and scenes, dressing room scenes and activities, and views of other private moments.

Most people classify an image as boudoir, intimate, or even glamour photography if it shows the woman in lingerie. But keep in mind that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show involves lingerie, but it's not boudoir photography -- for one thing the large crowd at the shows takes what they are wearing out of the bedroom and into the public. So another aspect of the boudoir photograph is the feeling of being in private, not in public, when you see this lingerie. Doesn't matter how flattering, how new, or how frilly the underthings are, it's the feeling of getting a peek into her private space that makes it boudoir.

This doesn't mean that boudoir photographs can't be taken of someone who is more covered up. Think about a shot that shows a woman in jeans and a shirt where her buttons are slightly undone. This may not fit the standard definition, but if her expression is right and the scene looks private, this type of photo can definitely be a true boudoir photo if it feels intimate. And a woman in a tank top and little tap pants that cover more than your typical bikini can be seen as boudoir if it's obvious she's in the process of getting dressed or putting on makeup (like a bride on her wedding day who is not yet in her dress). For these types of photos it's the scene and the expression that make the photo intimate.

At its most basic, a photo qualifies as a boudoir photograph if the woman in the photo looks sexy, romantic, or flirty. It doesn't matter what (or how much or how little) she's wearing as long as the mood is right.