How to prepare for your boudoir session
So you’ve taken the leap and booked a boudoir session. Get ready to feel like a supermodel! A boudoir session can feel like a huge step outside of your comfort zone, but it can lead to newfound confidence and empowerment.
If you feel nervous, that’s totally okay, it’s normal. In fact for most of our clients this is the first time they have booked a boudoir shoot or a couple shoot and everyone feels a bit normal.
This guide is designed to help you feel more prepared for your session so you can rock every shot.
Know what you want
Every woman wants something different from her boudoir session. Whether you want to bare it all or would rather stay mostly clothed is up to you. We will send you a questionnaire before hand to find out what your comfort zone is in regards to nudity. And on the day of your session we will have a quick chat before the shoot about what images you do and don’t want and what poses and state of undress you are comfortable with. The more we know about your needs and expectations, the more prepared we can be be and the more comfortable you’ll feel during your session.
Of course you can change your mind at any time during the session.
If you find it tricky to articulate what kind of images you want feel free to send us inspo images beforehand via email or you can even show us on the day on your phone.
Check out some of our favourite images from previous sessions to get an idea of exactly the style and type of images you want.
And check out this blog post that explains the different styles, eg what’s the difference between implied nude and artistic nude?
Choose your wardrobe
Not sure what to wear for your session? Bring items that make you feel sexy and stunning. That can be lingerie, an oversized sweater, or even a pair of jeans and a crop top. Boudoir is all about what makes you feel hot and strutting your stuff in your favourite outfits.
We suggest bring a variety of styles of outfits if you can. bring some 2 piece sets as well as bodysuits if you have them, bring different colours. If you want to bring a corset that’s ok too of course. Some people love baby dolls, although we are not huge fans of them to be honest. They don’t provide a lot of support for the breasts and the lose material at the bottom ends up looking pretty shapeless.
If you are worried about your tummy showing check out some of the bodysuits, they are very flattering and there are some very sexy styles out there.
If you are a plus size, please don’t stress, 2 piece sets and bodysuits look great and trust us, we will make you look amazing.
Make sure everything fits well, if it’s too tight it will dig into your skin and actually make you look bigger that you really are. Especially thin straps will dig in and create little ‘muffin tops’ :)
If you are wearing stockings for your boudoir session we suggest wearing them with a garter belt and make sure they are not stay-ups. Stay-up stockings have a thicker rubber section at the top designed to grab your skin. This makes it really hard to get the garter clips through the material. And if you are wearing them without a garter they tend to create ‘muffin tops’ because they are designed to grab your skin tightly to stay up. If you haven’t used a garter belt before, don’t worry we can help you put it all together.
Dress comfortably to your session
When you get dressed to go to your photo shoot, be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothes that won’t leave marks on your skin. That means no jeans, no bras, and no clothing with elastic bands. Those red marks from tight clothes will show up in your photos, and you want your skin to look as fresh and smooth as possible.
Don’t forget the accessories
Sometimes it’s the little things that make us feel the most beautiful. Maybe you have a glamorous piece of jewellery or a pair of six-inch heels that make you feel unstoppable. Actually definitely bring some heels if you have some! Choose accessories for your session that show off your personality and capture you at your most confident.
If you have any naughty accessories feel free to bring them too. Handcuffs, restraints, riding crops etc are pretty normal and we can create some really sexy and stylish images.
Hit the shops
If nothing in your closet screams sexy or makes you feel amazing, then it’s the perfect excuse to go shopping. Grab your best friend and pick out outfits and lingerie that you love. Just be sure to try everything on before your session, in case something doesn’t fit or doesn’t look the way you want it to.
The Week Before Your Session
Get pampered
If you wax, make sure to do so at least four to five days before your session to avoid any unsightly bumps or redness. This is also a good time to have your eyebrows done and visit the salon for a touch up, if you need one. Make a day of it and get a manicure and pedicure while you’re at it!
Tanning
In the days leading up to your boudoir session, avoid spending a lot of time out in the sun. While a nice healthy tan is great, sunburn or tan lines won’t look good in your photos unless you really like tan lines. And absolutely don’t spray tan just before the photoshoot or the day before.
A boudoir session is a big deal, it’s not something you are going to do every day so if you are going to get a tan we suggest getting it done professionally. Unfortunately we have seen too many diy tanning disasters such as clients turning up with orange hands, patchy tans, strange textures where the tan got wet and missed spots.
If you are getting a tan, fake or natural make sure it’s as even as possible. While a tanned face and pale body looks great if you are just walking around normally it will be noticeable once you are in your lingerie.
Stay hydrated
This is good advice for life, but especially for looking your best in your boudoir images! Drink plenty of water the week before and the day of your shoot to ensure your skin looks healthy and hydrated. You should also avoid alcohol and reduce your salt intake.
Try on everything one more time
Slip into those sexy new (and favourite) outfits once more to make sure they all fit. Remove any tags and labels and make sure every piece is clean and ironed or steamed. Hang up each outfit after ironing to make sure they hold their shape when you take them to the studio.
If you purchased any outfits online definitely make sure you try them out beforehand. We have had some funny situations in the studio where the client opened their online purchase for the first time in the studio only to find that it wasn’t quite what they expected.
The Day Before Your Session
Pack everything up
Make sure all your outfits are gathered together, and you’ve packed everything you need for your shoot. It’s a great idea to write out a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. Pack any props and accessories, as well as extra deodorant and lotion, just in case.
If the photoshoot is a surprise for your partner maybe put everything in the car the day before to avoid any awkward questions in the morning :)
The Day of Your Boudoir Session
Look fresh and clean
Arrive to the studio with clean, dry hair and a moisturized, makeup-free face. Our makeup artist will ensure you look your best, so give them a blank canvas to work with. And be sure to wear clear deodorant so it doesn’t rub off on your clothing.
Give yourself plenty of time
Rushing leads to stress, so be sure to leave early for your session and give yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot and get to the studio. Check the traffic when you get up in the morning to know if you need to plan a little longer driving time.
Our session confirmation email that you receive after booking your session will have instructions on where to park.
Don’t forget to eat
You have a long day of posing and strutting your stuff ahead of you, so be sure to eat before you go. A full breakfast may make you tired or cause you to feel bloated, so eat something light and filling.
Take a deep breath and relax
The most important thing you can do on the day of your session is relax and enjoy it. Feeling nervous is completely normal! We will be there to guide you through poses and positions, making sure that you feel comfortable.
Remember, like most of our clients they have never done anything like this before either but we always get great photos that will make you fall in love with yourself :)