Boudoir photography is nothing new, but it's definitely been enjoying a boom in recent years, with women from all walks of life participating in it both in front of and behind the camera.

Do a search on the term and you'll discover a bazillion photographers that specialize in tasteful but sultry shots. You'll even find one-night courses that help prep you for the experience before putting you through your photographic paces.

But the question remains: why is it such a hot ticket these days?

"People who seek out boudoir photography are at a time in their lives where they're feeling positive and want to remember that moment in time," says photographer Marnie Goodfriend. "It has less to do with bodies and more to do with what's happening mentally, whether it's being engaged, feeling independent, losing or gaining weight ... it varies by the individual."

Goodfriend expanded her business to include boudoir photography through her own experiences in planning her wedding and learning of women who were doing it as a gift to their husbands. But for Goodfriend, it's more than just a sweet and sexy gift option. "My core interest is in really loving your body, and debunking both the myth of perfection and any one particular body type as being beautiful."

So what's the key to finding a good boudoir photographer? Goodfriend notes that many boudoir photographers (including Goodfriend) "hide" their boudoir work as it's private, unless the client opts to let the photographer use their work for their advertising. So if you find a photog you like, ask them if they have examples of what you're looking for.

Then, try for a face to face meeting. Says Goodfriend, "Personality and comfort level should weigh in just as much, if not more, than the images you're seeing on the Web site. Trust your instincts. You know if someone is going to make you feel comfortable and confident."

Goodfriend often consults with her subjects to learn more behind the inspiration of the shoot, and advises them to do what they feel is necessary in prep to feel good for the shoot, be it a mani pedi, lingerie shopping or getting their hair done. She also recommends approaching the experience just like a model would – drinking lots of water, getting a good night's sleep the evening before the shoot, and relaxing in preparation. But most of all, don't forget to have fun.

Says Goodfriend, "The experience is really about three gifts – one is the shoot itself, the second is having those images forever, and the third is giving them away to someone who will appreciate them as much as you do."