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The best way to rid yourself of nerves before a boudoir photo shoot is to be totally prepared. If your boudoir photo shoot has you feeling a little intimidated, you can rest easy knowing your boudoir experience will be a fabulous one. Following just a few simple preparation tips will have you feeling sexy, glamorous and confident.
Boudoir is a celebration of you. It’s a place where you can be bold, modest, sensual, funny, empowered, limitless, joyful, and, most of all, you. You don’t need to diet or work out before a session.
Not all “Boudoir Photographers” Are Made Equal
Do your research! Take advantage of free consultations, read reviews and testimonials, scour through online galleries and portfolios.
This is often a once in a lifetime event, you should do it the right way. Choose someone who is talented, professional, and trustworthy, someone whose style you love and someone you will feel comfortable with. Keep in mind that you will usually get exactly what you pay for.
This is an investment; give it the attention it deserves.
Before Your Shoot
Spend Time Trying On and Testing Outfits
As we all know our bodies change over time, we gain weight, we lose weight, we have children, we spend more time at the gym. Things that used to look great, may not anymore, but then again, some things that we couldn’t quite squeeze into, we will rock now! So, try on EVERYTHING in advance so you’re not in for a surprise.
The more you bring the better, because options are always good. You want to feel confident, sexy, on top of the world. Bring only those outfits. Don’t feel like you have to drop a ton of money on new items for your shoot. Although it can be nice to have one really elaborate piece of lingerie, we can create stunning images with the items you already have in your closet and affordable pieces from wish or amazon. But if you really want to find that special something, maybe shopping is in your future.
I suggest bringing a variation of the following combinations:
- One piece set (bodysuit, teddy, fitted slip dress or shapewear)
- Two-piece set (bra/undies, high waisted skirt/bra, garter belt set/bra/stockings)
- Thigh high stockings and heels
- Cover up/wrap/shawl/cardigan/off shoulder shirt/kimono/silk robe
- Something from your partner’s wardrobe. One of his favorite ties, or a button-down shirt
- Something you LOVE – Anything that makes the photos more personal.
- Accessories/props that speak your language (jewelry/blindfold/ribbons/boa/something from the kink chest)
Make sure to cut out all tags from your clothing options including the laundry instructions inside the garment (little white tags with care instructions).
Invest in at least one cute bra/panty set (Red is a great option for black and white pictures.) Consider high waisted undies, corset belt, or bodysuit options if your tummy is area of concern.
Plus size recommendations: High waisted undies, under bust waist cincher, corset garter belt, and/or bodysuits. Pair with off the shoulder cardigan, button down shirt or lace robe.
Don’t wear anything that is too small and digs into your skin. Even if you love it you won’t love the picture if it has the dreaded “muffin top.”
Consider “normal” clothing if you’re too nervous about being revealing, such as off the shoulder tees, cardigans, tank tops, a fitted button-up shirt, or a high slit skirt/dress. Many of these items can be paired with cute undergarments to make a very sexy (but less skimpy) outfit. Let your own personality shine through.
Steam or iron your ensembles and hang them properly so they keep their shape as you travel to the studio.
Bring something meaningful to you or your significant other–this is a great way to personalize your boudoir photo shoot. It may be lingerie your hubby gave you for your first anniversary, or the corset you wore under your wedding dress, or a vintage charm bracelet you found on vacation.
Bring lots of accessories. Pearls, long necklaces, gaudy costume jewelry, hats, fishnets or sheer black hose, and most importantly–cute shoes!! High heels are a nice way to extend the length of your legs.
Loose fitting and flowy (baby dolls) busy patterns, neon colors and costumes do not photograph well.
Don’t Fake Tan
As much as you’d love that beach tan in January, no sprays, gels or lotions, as they inevitably will look blotchy in your photos. If you really hate the winter white look, book some sessions in a professional tanning bed. Hot tip: do it in the nude (no unsightly lines this way).
Touch Up the Basics
If you’re coloring your hair, stick to a color that you know you’ll love! You want to feel like yourself throughout your photo shoot so keep this in mind when visiting the hair salon.
Get your hair done the week of your Boudoir Session. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi. Wax everything!!! Book facials or waxing 1-2 days before your boudoir session, as they can cause redness or blotchiness. Or if waxing is not your thing, shave the day of your boudoir shoot. The last thing you want is hair showing up in places you’d rather not see.
It’s amazing how these little details can make or break a photo shoot. You want these pictures to be around for a while, reminding you of just how awesome you look, don’t skimp the small stuff
Drink plenty of water for luminous skin. Lower your salt intake and avoid alcohol if you’re worried about retaining water.
Double check everything
Double-check everything is properly packed and ready for the shoot: heels, jewelry, accessories, props. Make sure you bring some makeup along with you, especially if you’re forgoing our makeup artist. During the shoot, you’ll want to touch up the look so that you stay looking fresh and glamorous.
Bring extra stockings; the last thing you want is for you to poke a hole through your only pair of stockings while you are putting them on. Put all your items that you want to bring together, relax and enjoy!
Practice Hair and Makeup
If you are planning to do your own hair and makeup, make sure you practice ahead of time to get comfortable with the look you want to create. Remember these portraits are meant to be glamorous and striking, work on building drama and contour with your make up look.
Check out our blog on Makeup Tips for Great Phot
Communicate with your photographer
Communicate your fears, anxieties, and hang-ups with me ahead of time. We can schedule a call a week before your session to discuss everything or send me an email. Let me know what kinds of images you like, what parts of your body you think are the most beautiful, and what you don’t like. Email me pictures that give you inspiration and poses you’d want to capture among other things. The more you communicate, the more comfortable you will feel and the better your images will turn out.
The day of the shoot
Use clear deodorant please.
Wear loose fitting comfy clothes to the studio. Skip the bra, skip the socks, skip the watch, and forget that belt, those tight jeans, and anything else which could leave a marks on your skin. It seems like a small thing, but those lines can really wreck the look of a great negligee.
Eat something light but filling before you leave the house.
If you are using our professional makeup artist arrive with a clean and moisturized face and CLEAN HAIR (important!).
Relax and Have Fun
Most important: Take a deep breath and RELAX. It’s completely normal to be a tiny bit nervous before your shoot, but please don’t worry because you will be in very good hands. We will show you exactly how to pose and work with you to get the perfect shot.
Check out the Captured Photography Gallery Page for endless inspiration. You can see other women who have embraced their femininity, beauty and innate sexiness in front of the camera. We have also arranged some stunning boudoir looks on our Pinterest Page you may want to borrow for your boudoir photo shoot.
Create your own Pinterest board and start pinning your ideas – be sure to share it with us so that we can get a feel for the vibe you’re going for.
And most of all, prepare to see yourself in a new light!