BouDIY® DIY Faux Shower Training: How to Create WAP Shots Without a Real Shower

 
This training proves you don’t need a luxury space to pull off high-impact, editorial-style shower shots. It’s all about smart setup, careful lighting, and knowing how to use everyday materials like a pro. Once you get your angle, aperture, and lighting locked in, it becomes an easy, repeatable setup that delivers stunning results every time.

In this training, you’ll learn how to create a stylized faux shower setup using simple, budget-friendly tools—think plexiglass, oil, water spray, and smart lighting.

Learn how to use your aperture and lighting to bring out skin texture, photograph water droplets like a pro, and make your faux shower actually look like a real one. Because let’s be honest—if you don’t know how to control those elements, your setup’s gonna look less “steamy editorial” and more “hot mess express.”

Whether you’re shooting in a full studio or winging it in your garage, this method gives you glossy, high-drama results without plumbing, tile, or a five-figure budget. I’ll show you exactly how to light it, shoot it, and style it so you get crisp droplets, glowing skin, and sexy reflections

And hey—if you're serious about mastering skin texture and elevating your boudoir photography across the board, Nudescapes is a must. It’ll take everything you learn here and push it even further. You can learn more at ShootNudescapes.com.

Topics & Timestamps

Want to jump to a specific part of the training? Here’s your timestamp guide:
Skip the scrolling—go straight to the part you need.

Creating the Faux Shower Setup – 0:00
Lighting Your Shower Scene – 3:54
Making Water Droplets (for Skin & Glass) – 4:29
How to Photograph Water Droplets – 10:05
Shooting Through the Faux Shower – 17:36
No Plexi? Faux Shower Alternatives – 56:50

Breakdown of What’s Covered (And How to Pull It Off):

1. The Faux Shower Setup

• Use a basic 3x4 plexiglass sheet (available at Lowe’s or Home Depot)
• Mount it with a C-stand, cheap clamps, or even copper pipe or PVC frames
• Add peel-and-stick tiles or Society6 fabric as a fake shower wall background
• Position your model behind the plexi and shoot through it to mimic a glass shower door
• Don’t stress about perfection—it just has to look good in camera

2. Budget Lighting Techniques

• Use window light, ring lights, or constant LED panels—no flash required
• Place lights behind or to the side of your plexi for glowing water effects
• Add feathered loop lighting for clean highlights and shadows on the model
• Add a second rim light or use reflective walls to bounce light for depth
• Optional: Add cheap RGB or color gels for stylized looks

3. Water Droplet Application (and What NOT to Do)

• For defined, non-dripping droplets: Use Shea Moisture dry oil spray + water mist
• For super dramatic wet skin: Use baby oil, coconut oil, or even petroleum jelly (carefully)
• Spray water directly onto plexi in a controlled area—avoid spraying the floor
• Use a towel underneath to avoid slipping or damage
• For best results, spray the model lightly too for consistency

4. Camera Settings & Angles

• To capture both the droplets and the subject clearly: Shoot at f/11 to f/16
• If you only want parts of the scene in focus: Go down to f/5.6 or f/2.8
• Avoid f/1.4 unless you're isolating a very small focus point
• Step back and shoot at an angle (about 45–60 degrees) instead of head-on
• Watch out for reflections—wear dark clothing and shoot off-center when possible

5. Add-On Effects & Reflections

• Incorporate copper lights or fairy lights in front of the plexi to create glowing bokeh
• Use reflections and lighting to add natural vignetting and color layering
• Consider color theory when mixing gels—some combinations can get muddy
• Move the glass or your light instead of the model to fine-tune your angles

6. Safety & Cleanup Tips

• Always place a towel or waterproof mat under the plexi to catch drips
• Let clients apply oils themselves to prevent slipping or residue on your hands
• Use sandbags or weights to secure C-stands or frames
• Test everything before spraying to make sure light placement and focus are dialed in

Alternatives to Plexiglass (When You’re Ballin’ on a Budget)

If you don’t have the funds—or the space—for a plexiglass setup, no worries. You can still create stunning, wet-look, reflective-style shots using things you already have access to. These alternatives may not give you the exact same look, but they still deliver texture, shine, and mood when styled with intention.

Window or Glass Doors

• Use an existing window or glass storm door in your studio, home, or rental location.
• Spray water or mist directly onto the glass.
• Place your client on the opposite side of the glass (from outside or another room) and shoot through it.
• Use natural backlighting or position lights on the other side to highlight droplets and create reflections.

Wet T-Shirts or Fabric as Texture

• For a “wet” look without glass, spray water or mist directly onto clothing or sheer fabric.
• Wet fabric clings to the body and creates natural highlights and texture.
• Add backlighting or rim light to enhance the wetness and shape.
• Use black or colored tees for moody vibes—just make sure to get creative with drape and shape.

Wet Skin Only (No Glass Needed)
Skip the plexi and spray the client directly using Shea Moisture dry oil followed by water mist.
Shoot tight crops or torso shots to highlight glossy, glistening skin without needing a background or prop.
Use a single light source from the side or back to enhance the skin’s sheen and curves.

Plastic Shower Curtains or Trash Bags
Drape clear or semi-opaque plastic shower curtains as a barrier or backdrop.
Spray it down and light from behind to create glow and depth.
Black trash bags can create a moody, reflective backdrop when lit from a low angle or behind the model.

Ice Cubes (Yes, Really)
Rub ice directly on the skin for a temporary glossy effect.
Use with oil-based sprays for high-shine, cooling texture—great for lips, shoulders, collarbones.
Best used for short bursts—this look fades fast but adds a unique shine in macro or close-up shots.

Glass Tabletops or Picture Frames
Lay a glass panel flat between your lens and the subject.
Spray the surface and shoot from above or at an angle.
Great for abstract, artistic shots or moody reflections.

Photoshop Overlays in Post (Download Free HERE)

In Post, Using Overlays that mimic the look of water droplets on a shower. 

These hacks don’t just save money—they also let you experiment without committing to a full set build. The key is playing with light, water, and reflective surfaces in creative ways. Once you understand the principles, you can shoot magic with or without the gear.

Freebies

Download Free Shower Overlays HERE

Got Questions?

Click HERE to head over to the BouDIY® Facebook Group and join the official DIY Shower Q&A Thread. Please check the thread first to see if your question has already been answered—then drop your comment so I or the community can help you out!

Supplies:

🧱 Setup Materials

• 3x4 Plexiglass Sheet (Home Depot or Lowe’s)
• C-Stand or Basic Light Stand + Clamps
• Optional: PVC or copper tubing frame for support
• Towel or mat (placed under plexi for safety and water control)
• Society6 or other backdrops (optional for styling)
• Peel-and-stick wall tiles (optional for faux “shower” wall)

💧 Water & Skin Products

• Spray bottle (Dollar Tree or similar)
• Shea Moisture Dry Oil Mist (for skin glow and water bead control)
• Optional: Baby Oil, Coconut Oil, or Petroleum Jelly (for bold highlights)
• Water mixed with oil (25% oil to 75% water) for extra defined droplets
• Glycerin (alternative to oil, used at 1:4 ratio with water)

💡 Lighting Tools

• Faux Window
• Ring Light (RGB or standard, Amazon)
• Constant LED Panels (e.g., Neewer 360s or cheaper $20–$30 options)
• Lume Cubes (waterproof, portable constant or slave flash)
• Clamp or Suction Mounts (for Lume Cubes or speedlights in showers)
• GorillaPod or Spider Mount (for mounting smaller lights or panels)
• Reflective surfaces (like mirrors or walls) to bounce light

📷 Camera Gear & Shooting Tools

• DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
• Recommended lenses: 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm
• Depth of field calculator app (optional, for dialing in f-stop & focus)
• Aperture guidance:
• f/11 to f/16 for full clarity (drops + model’s skin)
• f/2.8–f/5.6 for artistic blur or selective focus
• ISO Range: 4000–12000 depending on light and camera capability
• Optional: $50 Faux Window (for mimicking daylight)

🌈 Styling & Effects Add-Ons

• Fairy lights / Copper wire lights (for bokeh and glow)
• RGB gels or built-in color-changing LEDs
• Black hoodie or dark clothing (to reduce visible reflections in glass)
• Optional: Props or reflective surfaces to add visual drama

Resources

 Click the Pink Text to check out: 

 The OG Faux Shower Tutorial by Lori

The OG BouDIY® Faux Window Tutorial 

Deets on Nudescapes®

Since You’re Here… I Figured You Might Love These To

If you’re vibing with the DIY Demo, there’s a good chance you’ll want to check out these other resources too. Whether you’re ready to dive deeper or just want a shortcut to high-impact effects, these are solid next steps.