Hints and tips for your Boudoir Session
Excited yet?
You’ve booked your boudoir session and you’re all full of nerves and excitement so… now what? What can you expect on the day? What do you need to know before you head out to get these amazing pictures of yourself?
First of all, please remember that most women feel nervous about their shoot, and that’s perfectly normal. You’re about to get into some sexy outfits for a complete stranger who’s going to record the whole thing and that’s kinda weird when you think about it - of course you’re nervous! However, while this is completely new to you, I’ve been shooting boudoir for over a decade so you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take things slowly and you’ll be comfortable throughout. I’ll never ask you to do something you’re not happy with. We’ll start off with you in the most layers of clothing and pare down. We can end up at nude or implied nude but only if you want to; you’re in the driving seat here, not me. This is your shoot and my job is to make sure that we get the images that you want. This is not cookie-cutter boudoir-by-numbers: I tailor every shoot to each individual so that your images are personal and unique.
I’ve pulled a few ideas together below about how to prep for your shoot but if anything isn’t clear, or you have other questions, you can DROP ME A LINE any time.
The Run Up
You don’t want to over-plan, but equally you don’t want to be worrying that you’ve forgotten anything. So what can you do to make sure that you’ve got your head in the game, but you’re not over-thinking it all?
This isn’t a huge production that requires stacks of detailed planning, but if you want to get your hair and makeup done then make those appointments in plenty of time so that you can book the professionals you want. Hair cuts, manicure, pedicure, and waxing should happen a day or two before the shoot; makeup and hair styling are done on the day.
I didn’t mention tanning in there, did I? Well, that’s because fake tan tends to look less than great on camera. Natural skin looks much better. If you absolutely can’t be without it then make sure it’s fresh.
While we’re talking about spending money on yourself, it’s a perfect excuse to buy new lingerie.
Just sayin!
The Bigger Picture
The big thing you’re going to want to do is decide what kind of boudoir pictures you want to create; that will help you in selecting your outfits, accessories, look, and poses.
If you would like a bit of a theme to your pictures or have a strong aesthetic in mind you can absolutely do that. I advise all my clients to create a mood board or gather some ideas together so that I can work with you to get pictures that YOU think are sexy. Pinterest is great for that, and if you’re looking for somewhere to get started you can check out my inspiration board HERE. All you need to do is send me an email to show me your ideas, and if there’s a picture, pose, theme, or mood that you’d like to recreate we’ll see what we can do.
It’s all about you.
If you want to do a shoot with a strong aesthetic then lean into it! Do not be afraid to be uniquely you. You want to be a sexy fantasy necromancer witch? Let’s do it with bells on!
I love the opportunity to be creative, so if there’s something you want but can’t quite visualise I’d be happy to help you work it out and make some stunning personalised art with you.
What in the World do you Pack?
We typically go through around five outfit changes so try to aim for around that number. But within that number, what should you bring?
A selection of lingerie in different colours (don’t forget to remove the tags)
Accessories like jewellery, or a veil if you’re doing bridal boudoir
A robe
Tights, stockings, knee-high socks
Shoes
An oversized shirt/cardigan/jumper
That outfit you wear for special occasions?
If you’re doing the shoot for your partner you could bring something of theirs to wear. You can also bring any props you think might be fun, as well as things to keep you comfortable throughout the shoot like water and snacks. I try to be a good host, but I might not have the things you like so feel free to bring along anything to make your shoot enjoyable. You can bring your girl bestie along to cheer you on too if you like.
On the Day
The first thing you’re going to want to do is make sure that you’re clean, and moisturised, and if you shave you don’t want any stubble. It’s a great excuse to pamper yourself first thing.
Wear loose fitting clothing. You want to avoid anything that will leave impressions on your skin.
Eat a light meal. I typically schedule boudoir shoots for early afternoon so that you have time to get ready and to eat something. You don’t want to be hungry, but you don’t want to be bloated either.
Hydrate! Water is great for the skin, and it’s super important.
Check your nails. Do they need filing? Do you want a colour? Do they need a buff? Fingers and toes - don’t forget your pinkies!
Makeup. If you've chosen to go to a professional MUA (like my amazing friend Nicola), make sure you book in plenty of time. If you’re doing your own makeup ensure that your foundation is designed to work under flash photography, and put your colours on a bit bolder than usual so that the camera captures them properly - colours can look a bit washed out under the big professional lights.
Grab that bag of pretty knickers and head on over! Blast your favourite tunes, hype yourself up, and let’s get going.
Final Thoughts
Yes, a boudoir session ultimately aims to get you a series of gorgeous photographs of yourself, but it’s also supposed to be fun. So don’t get too caught up in all the dos and don’ts of it.
