How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session
/I want your time with me to be as stress-free, relaxing and FUN as possible! I know that you may be a little nervous about posing for intimate portraits like this… but don’t stress it. EVERYONE is a little nervous when they start, but, by the end of our session, I swear you’ll be having a great time and not even realize you have your clothes off!
What should I expect on the day of our session?
First, let’s back up a little bit… 24-48 hours before your session, I’ll be reaching out to you to confirm that we’re still “on”, discuss any last minute details, and answer any final questions that you may have for me!
On the day of your session, I recommend that you plan on arriving 10 minutes early to account for any traffic issues, and to make sure you have time to unpack a bit and take some breaths before your make-up artist gets to work!
As you’re getting your make-up done, we’ll chat and get together know each other a bit. I love taking this time to talk about what you’re hoping for from your session, and any special requests! I’ll also take a look at whatever “outfits” you brought with you so that I can start visualizing the flow of our time together!
When it’s time to start shooting, I will provide you with some posing directions, take a couple of shots to make sure the lighting/poses/angles all make you look amazing, and then we’ll get started! I’ll do my best to provide you with lots of feedback as we go. I’ll tell you were to look (you won’t always be looking at the camera!) and may even request some movements! So, be ready to flip your hair, play with your straps, and slip off your shoes!.
Occasionally I will have clients back to back, so I can’t guarantee that I will be able to push the end time of your session if you are running late. And, much like college, I have a 10-minute rule… if your session was scheduled ten minutes ago and you haven’t arrived and I haven’t gotten any sort of update from you, I will assume that you’re not coming. Please feel free to call or text if you are running late!
What should I bring?
The MOST important thing to bring is yourself… we can work with or without anything else! And really, with this type of session, I really DO mean “without”!
I recommend bringing 2-3 “outfits” (I’ll give you some ideas for what that may entail in the next section), a pair of heels, accessories (jewelry, hats, etc), and any props that you may like to include. I would also encourage you to bring your hair supplies… in case you need to do touch ups during the session.
My studio space is split into two rooms, and I will likely utilize both of them for your session! I’ll have a bed set up in one area, and have a variety of chairs and “living room” type furniture set up in the other. I have a small clothing rack where you can hang up your outfits and store other items. I have a small restroom available, and will have an area available for privacy while changing.
What should I wear?
Wear something that’s comfortable and “you”! Want to go out and get new lingerie for the session? Go right ahead, but grab something that you would normally wear even if your photo wasn’t being taken. We want to make sure that you are comfortable; discomfort shows up quickly in photos!
You may also consider wearing layers and/or accessories. They can add a fun pop of color or texture to your images! However, again, make sure it’s something that you would normally wear. Not only do I want you comfortable, but I want you to look back at your photos and see “you”, not some random person in a fedora and big hoop earrings if you’ve never worn either in your life!
There are SOO many options for boudoir “outfits”… you can go traditional with lingerie, bra sets, or just a white sheet! If that’s a little too risque for your taste, we can get some amazing, sexy shots in an over-sized sweater or button-up shirt as well! I’ve put together this lingerie guide to give you some ideas and inspiration!
Something else to consider… what is your “why”? Why are you having these photos taken?
Are you doing it for you? AMAZING! What makes YOU feel confident and sexy? What physical aspects of yourself do you LOVE? Let’s show those off! On the flip side, many of us have things that we’d rather not have too much focus on… talk to me about that! We can discuss outfit selections that may help put you at ease, and I’ll focus on posing you in the most flattering way possible!
Are you having the photos done as a gift for someone else? Maybe consider what lingerie/clothing items you have that really turn them on…or how to highlight those physical features that they can’t get enough of!
What do I do with my hands?
I get this question a LOT during sessions… the easiest answer is “interact with something”. Be intentional with where you are putting your hands, and don’t let them hang life-less to your sides. I’ll help remind you of this, too, but USE them for something. Play with your straps. Slide them up and down your body. Nibble on your finger. Run them through your hair If something looks off, I’ll tell you. Don’t worry about that!
While we’re on the topic of “posing” suggestions, here are a couple of other things to keep in mind!
If it bends, bend it. We don’t want you looking too stiff in your final images. We can help avoid this by creating bends and curves with your body. Bend a knee or an elbow. Jut your hip out. Curl your fingers. Arch your back.
Point your toes. It looks sleek and sexy, and it makes your legs appear longer!
Breathe through your mouth. That slight part between your lips can add a completely different look and feel to your images!
Exaggerate the pose. Whatever you’re doing… REALLY do it! This will help accentuate your curves, length, and lines!
Lift your chin and point it out a bit… this helps with the dreaded double-chin! =)
Is there anything that I should do BEFORE my session?
Totally up to you, but here are a couple of things to consider:
Your pre-session outfit… I recommend wearing some comfy sweats to your session and not your tight fitting jeans. Seams leave marks on skin that are challenging to hide or remove.
Body hair… wax, trim, shave, go natural… whichever you choose is fine, but I don’t want you to remember the night before that you were going to schedule a bikini wax and now it’s too late, or do a quick shave last minute and have some uncomfortable bumps.
Finger and toe nails… how do you want them to look? They will likely be in some of the shots, so think about desired shape and color.
You’ll Photoshop that out, right?
Well, that really depends… first off, do YOU want me to? I try not to remove any scars, moles, stretch marks, etc unless you specifically tell me that you’d like me to. These things can be seen as a symbol of strength, sacrifice, hard work, and beauty. The last thing I want to do is remove features that you love!
If you have a rogue pimple, loose thread, or some other “something” that has gone astray, I will do my best to remove/retouch that.
Now… one thing that means a LOT to me about this form of photography is the idea of body positivity and self-love. Every woman that has (and will!) hired me is amazing, beautiful, sexy, and so, so strong! There is NOTHING that I need to do to “make you” that way. This being said, I do not use Photoshop to change your shape or size. I may use it to “tuck” things back in, or fix wardrobe issues, but I’m not going to turn you into a size 2 if you aren’t already!