Boudoir Session – Tips to Help You Get Ready for Your Boudoir Shoot
Preparing for Your Boudoir Session
These are just a few questions my clients wonder about in the weeks or days leading up to their boudoir photo shoot. As your boudoir photographer, it’s my job to be sure I’ve answered as many questions as possible before you even ask them! I know that this can be intimidating for newcomers, especially if you don’t know how to prepare for your boudoir session! In the efforts to help you better understand what preparing for a boudoir photo shoot entails These boudoir tips should help you get ready for your photo shoot.
The Week Before
A healthy body is a beautiful body. Caring for yourself the week before your shoot is the best way to ensure you get stunning pictures. The most important thing to do is stay hydrated. Hydrated skin is soft and dewy, which will give you a gorgeous glow in your photos. Moisturizing frequently will give your skin a smooth, pretty look. Catching up on sleep is also a must. Proper rest gives your body time to rejuvenate itself and gives you a healthy glow in your photos.
If you wax, be sure to make that appointment a few days before your shoot. Getting a manicure and pedicure is also a great way to look clean and fresh. Painted nails look wonderful in boudoir, but French tips or even natural nails might complement your planned outfits better. Please don’t use any artificial tanning before your session. Not only does it not photograph well, but there also won’t be time to fix it should anything go wrong. Natural, clean skin is ideal for your photos.
Pin some of your favorite boudoir shots and poses on Pinterest & send them my way. The idea isn’t to duplicate the exact photos but it will give me a good feel for what you like (and we can always try to get close to the inspiration). Follow me on Pinterest @ColoSpringsBoud and we can even create a “secret” mood board together.
The Day Before
Moisturize and shave – Unless you’re going for that au naturel look, which is totally fine by me! However, if that’s not the style you’re looking for, please do remember to shave and moisturize prior to the session. A few stray hairs can be removed here and there but we don’t want to rely on that.
The Day Of
Make sure to arrive at your shoot with a freshly-washed face, but please don’t wash your hair or use any product. Our stylists work best on clean skin and untouched hair. Be sure to eat something light before your appointment. You don’t want to eat anything that will leave you feeling uncomfortable, but you also don’t want to be hungry. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to the studio with a bag of your outfits and accessories.
Wear loose-fitting clothing like yoga pants, leggings, or a jumpsuit to your shoot. Don’t wear anything tight-fitting that will leave red marks on your body (such as skinny jeans or fishnets). Wear a loose-fitting shirt and either a sports bra, tank with a built-in bra or no bra at all! The goal is to avoid red marks or indentations on the skin.
Put yourself outside of your comfort zone. Many people plan to be entirely covered up during their session, and that’s totally okay if you want to go that route! But once the session gets going, many ladies start to have fun and get a little more daring! It’s all up to you how much you want to show. I highly recommend pushing your comfort level because there is no one to judge you and this could be a once in a lifetime experience for you. Remember, this session is for you and about you. So regardless of how much you decide to show or not show, it’s all about creating fun, sexy, and classy photos. Many times the magic happens when you let your guard down and let all those pesky insecurities go.
What to Wear
The short answer is: whatever makes you feel confident! There’s no right or wrong option when it comes to your outfit during your photoshoot.
A sexy bra and panty set is always a great choice. Classic lingerie, either in a set or one-piece slip, is also a favorite (and we have a guide to help you pick the best lingerie for your body type). Some women prefer to be a bit more covered up in their session, with just some cheeky hints of exposed skin. If that’s the case for you, consider throwing on your favorite button-up or cardigan over your undergarments.
Using a prop as a wrap, like a blanket or a towel, can also add some extra layers. Trying out some outfits at home before your shoot is a good way to find what makes you feel best about yourself. As long as you’re confident, there’s no way to go wrong with your clothing.
What to Bring
In addition to the outfit you wear in, consider bringing a few alternatives to change into. Lingerie sets of different colors or patterns can be a nice way to vary your pictures. Any props you want to use are also a must-have. Jewelry and other accessories to mix and match will make a nice array of different styles, so if you have nice pieces to wear, be sure to bring them as well.
MOST IMPORTANTLY – Relax and take a deep breath! It’s okay to feel a little nervous before your session but please don’t worry – you are in good hands!
A boudoir session is unlike any photo shoot you have ever done before and it does require a little bit of preparation! My goal is to ensure that you feel great, look great and that you fall in love with yourself in the process. Hopefully this post helps you feel more confident about preparing for your shoot and ease any doubts you may have, and this is just a small portion of it. Don’t worry — I got you!