Families, Engagements, Seniors & Portraits, Newborns, Boudoir, Weddings
How to Prepare For your Boudoir Session
Boudoir sessions are an incredible way to feel empowered in your own skin–but it can definitely put you out of your comfort zone, especially if this is your first time! Here are a few tips and recommendations to help you prepare to feel comfortable and prepare for your boudoir session.
Welcome
First let me start with how much I love photographing boudoir sessions. I am SO happy you have decided to take part in this experience! As a photographer it is so incredibly fulfilling to see the process a woman undertakes with a boudoir session; finding beauty and comfort in your own beautiful skin. Nothing is better than seeing a client (& hearing afterword) how the process made them feel so empowered and free.
I get it, being intimate and opening yourself up in front of a camera can give you butterflies! BUT I promise you, we will work together to make you feel comfortable, beautiful and most importantly have FUN! In our time together I will work with you through a series of guided poses to make you not only look great, but also feel great. Think lots of “smizing” and channeling your inner Kim K [and if you don’t know what either of this is, don’t worry you will be a master after your session]! I work with each clients’ comfort level, beauty is not defined by the amount of skin that is shown. So whether you are doing this as a gift for a lover, a celebration of your awesome self, or as a just because…. let’s do this together.
What should I Have ready for my session?
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Outfits: For your session I recommend having around 3 outfits. You’re also welcome to have more than that and we can talk through the options together!
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Extras and Accessories: Shoes (high heels), garters, robes, stockings, knee-high socks, jewelry, etc. You can also bring something of your partner’s–like a button down shirt–to wear, or an oversized sweater.
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Hair, make-up, skin! Will want your hair and makeup done before your session, always recommend having nails painted or done for your session, and skin well moisturized!
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Theme- Some people like to incorporate a theme, sports, career, or bridal accessories!
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Have your home ready for your session!
Preparation for your session
Weeks Before you Session
Days before your Session
Days before your Session
Day of your session
1. Begin dreaming about your ideal boudoir outfits.
Shop your closet for your favorite pieces you already own and look at magazines and brands you love for inspiration. Decide on what kind of looks you want to go for! Dark and sexy, Light and flirty, delicate and girly!!
2. Go shopping!
Ask a girlfriend to join you and help you find pieces you not only look good in, but feel good in! Think outside the box and don’t be afraid to try something that’s a little out of your comfort zone. You never know, you could love a new piece!
3. Choose 3-5 Outfits
Begin to narrow down your outfit choices to 3-5 favorite outfits. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine!
4. Schedule professional Hair and makeup appointments.
This is not necessary but a lot of people like to schedule professional hair and makeup before their shoot. If this is you, schedule this weeks before your session!
5. Think Beyond the Shoot
Think about how you want to preserve your photos.
An album and prints are my favorite way to show off my boudoir photos!
3-5 DAYS PRIOR
1. Wax or shave and moisturize.
avoid waxing or shaving to close to your session to prevent red bumps or skin irritation before your session.
2. Avoid spray tans or tanning lotions.
No matter how natural tanning sprays and lotions may seem, they create an orange glow that cannot be retouched after your session.
3. Eyebrows: Make sure your eyebrows are nicely shaped and groomed.
4. Salon: If you’re planning to visit the salon for a haircut or color, then give yourself a few days to make sure you are happy with it.
5. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin.
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6. Remove all price and sizing tags from lingerie. Even the permanent ones.
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7. Choose your final outfits.
1-2 DAYS PRIOR
1. Get a fresh manicure! Avoid bright colors, neutrals are best.
2. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin!
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3. Moisturize your skin.
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4. Have everything ready the night before to ensure the essentials aren’t forgotten.
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5. Double check your list, relax, and get ready to have fun!!
1. Have Hair and make up done and ready by the time I arrive!
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2. Moisturize your entire body!
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3. Use clear deodorant
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4.While you are waiting for the shoot to start wear loose fitting clothing and undergarments to avoid impressions on the skin.
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5. Eat a light meal that will ensure you’re satisfied but not bloated.
​6. Most important: Take a deep breath and RELAX. It’s completely normal to be a wee bit nervous before your shoot, but please don’t worry because you will be in very good hands. I will show you exactly how to pose and work with you to get the perfect shot.
In home boudoir photo sessions: How to make your familiar space photo shoot ready
Experience the convenience and comfort of a professional photo shoot without leaving your home! Say goodbye to the hassle of packing everything and lugging it to a studio. I'll bring the entire photo studio experience to your doorstep, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for your session.
Preparing your Home
1. Minimize the negative distractions
There are certain items in everyone’s household that will always detract for your photos. Remember photographers want your photos to emphasize you and not anything else. Small items such as clocks, small radios, waste baskets, personal photo frames, surge protectors, animal toys, human toys can be so distracting but easily put away until after the shoot. Clear off night stands and dressers and think less is best!
2. It’s all about the fabrics
You don’t have to purchase those 400 dollar name brand silk sheets to make your bed look fancy. A simple white comforter makes all the difference. Again, we want the focus to be on you so the more distracting the worse. Solid warm earth colored sheets are also a great addition. A neutral colored accent blanket and or pillows are also a great touch to add depth and texture to your bedroom photos! White comforter also really helps brighten up a dark room! So keep that in mind if you feel like your bedroom is dark!
3. Windows are the eyes to the…lingerie?
If you feel like your house, apartment, pad just isn’t photogenic enough don’t worry. Most everyone I know owns a window!! Windows offer some great tricks. Posing in front of windows help produce those beautiful silhouette photos everyone loves! As well as some other beautifully glowy photos! As long as the curtains you have aren’t blackout curtains they will do wonderful job diffusing light around you. Photographers have this phrase. It’s called “blowing out the highlights.” We won’t get technical here but it simply means overexposing(making brighter) the background so it looks pure white. This will give any space a glow and bath you in gorgeous light. This will essentially work at any time of day as well.
4. Mirror Mirror on the wall...
I am a huge fan of mirrors. Why? They double the space you’re in and also double you. Again, as I hammer this home. Boudoir is about you! So why not more of you? A simple mirror, big or small maximizes the artistic aspects of your shot. There really is countless ways you can angle it to create more of lovely you. You don’t need some large space to do this in either. Try focusing on different body parts or fogging it up by breathing on it for a very cool effect.
5. Boudoir isn't just for the bedroom
The essence of boudoir is intimate but the bedroom isn’t the only space you can have your session. Almost any bathroom can have potential if it has some window light. Kudos if you have a sheer shower curtain or frosted glass doors to your shower. Don’t have a window in the bathroom? Candles work great.
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Can also have a lot of fun doing fun and flirty photos in a home office, Kitchen or living area!! Really anything is possible!
Outfits
A boudoir shoot doesn’t necessarily need to be sexy lingerie. You can wear anything that makes you feel strong and beautiful! For some folks, that’s comfy sweaters or shorts with an open flannel shirt. For some, that’s a cute lingerie set. And for some–it’s tastefully nude! All are welcome here!
Where to Find outfits
For lingerie, here are a few of my favorite places to shop:
Outfit Ideas!
1. Lacey Black Body suit or solid colored body suits
2. Matching Bra and Panty Set
3. White Button up or t-Shirt
4. Top-less
5.Something extra or unique!
Add a bridal touch!
with a veil, white Lacey set, sheer robe, pearls, etc.
Add something of your mans!
add a Jersey of your mans favorite sports team, wear your mans favorite shirt, his cowboy hat, etc.
Add anything that expresses you!
add something unique! Add books, pizza, flowers, favorite hat or jewelry! Make your session extra personal!
Make up Tips!
Some tips to think about when getting ready if you are NOT hiring professional hair and makeup!
1) When doing Makeup for Boudoir Photos, make sure to choose a skin tone correct shade of Foundation. The skin is so important for a Flawless look so be sure to choose a color that is not lighter or darker than your skin.
2) Concealer is a must! Try using two shades… something pink or peach first to cut dark under eye circles followed by a skin tone shade to brighten
3) Use Bronzer to give skin a Golden Hue. Brush Bronzer on “High Points” which means the areas where you tend to tan fist ( Forehead, nose, cheekbones and chin).
4) I always like a pop of color on the apples of the cheek because makeup appears so much softer in photos.
5) Sultry Eyes are necessary for every Boudoir Shoot! Use a light shadow on your entire lid, a medium tone from the crease to your lash line and a darker tone in the crease. Add a deep liner to the top lash line and a smokey line on the bottom. Add Mascara and to finish it off apply False Lashes!
6) Last, choose a lip color that you feel good in. I suggest using a gloss so you don’t have to worry about reapplying as often.
Extra Helpful tips
1. Practice Your sexy face in the mirror!! It can sometime be hard to make those bedroom eyes when you can't see your self! Practice your faces so you feel confident in front of the camera
2. Browse boudoir websites or Pinterest to get an idea of poses YOU like! I will help you with all the posing but it is helpful if you also have some ideas on how people pose and if there are any poses you absolutely love!
3. Communication!You feeling confident and comfortable is my top priority! So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to me about anything you feel uncomfortable about or if you have any question!
4. liquid courage! If you need a little boost of confidence to help get over your never you can try a few shots of liquid courage! Just want to make sure it's not too much so you still look your best!