Getting ready for a boudoir session is such a mix of excitement and maybe a bit of nerves. It’s all about getting set for a shoot that’s all about celebrating you—your confidence, your connection, and your own style. From picking out outfits that make you feel amazing to getting pampered with hair and makeup, every little detail adds to making it a relaxed and empowering experience. Prepping for a boudoir shoot isn’t just about how you look; it’s about feeling great, having fun, and capturing moments that really show who you are and the love you share. So let's dive in to my top tips to make your boudoir session great!
Guzzle. That. H2O. Babe.
I KNOW I KNOW, go ahead and roll your eyes all you want, but the simplest and most effective thing you can do right now is drink loads of water! Not only does it flush out toxins from your body, but it also helps clear up your skin, leaving it smooth and glowing for makeup application by our professional artistry team. Plus, you won’t be dehydrated on session day if you've been hydrating since the day you booked. Not to mention, it'll really help prevent cramping when I'm bending you into a pretzel all day!
Skip the tanning bed and especially the self-tanner.
I totally get it, we live in the Midwest and we don't see the sun for six months out of the year but please don’t fight me on this! I promise that your natural skin complexion is gorgeous and using a tanning bed not only destroys your skin and can make the application of makeup products trickier. And with self-tanner we both know you may not come out how you expected (think carrot 🥲). Also, please for the love of all things, WEAR SUNSCREEN! There is nothing harder to edit than tan lines, so please lather that skin up with some SPF baby. With the help of some amazing editing software and the fact that I tend to edit a bit warmer, I promise you will not look like Casper the Friendly Ghost at your final reveal.
Eat something before your session!
This is definitely a do as I say, not as I do sort of situation. I am notoriously horrible about not eating before a session and then my assistant has to feed me. So if you're anything like me, throw a snack in your bag so you don't end up hangry. It's hard to feel sexy with a growling tummy.
Give yourself a little spa time!
Getting pampered is the best part, and with our amazing MUA Katrina Christine, you'll definitely be feeling it on the day of your session. If you want to kick off the excitement early, treat yourself to some self-care! Whether it’s waxing, doing a face mask, exfoliating, or shaving, try to do it a few days ahead. This gives any redness or bumps time to settle down before your session. Also, check your fingernail and toenail polish—chipped polish stands out in photos!
Make sure to see your hair stylist at least two weeks before your session. If you regularly color or cut your hair, this is the time to touch up, just in case any adjustments are needed. This is NOT the time to experiment with new hairstyle or color! We want you to adore your photos, and a last-minute hair disaster could be a real disappointment every time you look at your images.
Look for Inspo!
Want to shop around for ideas when it’s your turn in front of the camera? Then head to my instagram!! Feel free to screenshot or create a saved folder within the app. Want to try something you haven't seen on my page? AWESOME! Head on over to Pinterest and build a stockpile of inspo photos to bring the morning of. I absolutely LOVE seeing your vibe because it helps me customize your session to be as unique as you are! Don't have ideas or time to look for them? That's fine too! Trust me, I have more than enough inspo pics saved up for us both!
Speaking of posing, start stretching!
Don’t be like me and skip this, trust me 🤣 I always regret not stretching before a session because even I start to get sore (and I’m not the one holding these crazy poses)! So please, if only one thing gets taken away from this, stretch for 10 minutes every day the second you book your photoshoot. The day of your session, I will absolutely remind you at least 5 times throughout the day to stretch it out. Your back, legs, arms, and neck will thank you, or else prepare to spend the next day popping Tylenol and whining about how I was right. ;)
Start thinking about what to wear!
For me personally, finding what to wear is the most stressful thing about a boudoir session. We have a MASSIVE closet with over 500 pieces from XS to 6X that we add to pretty regularly. Though it is not required, it is ALWAYS fun to begin looking at any outfits, accessories, shoes, or special items you may want to bring. Some of our client's favorite items are sentimental clothing, cute accessories, jewelry, heels, and other items you feel might be fun to incorporate into your session. Bring all the things! Together we will create three looks that make you feel powerful and sexy. All you really need to bring is a fist full of underwear (a nude and black thong to wear under your garments). We also offer a complimentary wardrobe consultation, so you don't need to wait until the day of to decide what you want to wear!
Wear something comfy!
On the day of your session, I highly recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing to prevent lines on your skin. I recommend coming braless so you don't end up with strap marks! It will also be so much better to sit for hair and makeup if you're in your comfy clothes.
Try to relax
I know, easier said than done right? I get it, but we're here to make you feel completely at ease. My team's goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where you can truly be yourself. From start to finish, we'll guide you every step of the way by helping you chose your perfect outfits, showing you how to pose your ENTIRE body, and hype you up every moment to ensure you have a fantastic experience. You're in good hands, and we're dedicated to capturing beautiful moments that showcase your unique personality and style. So relax, have fun, and trust that you'll have the experience of a lifetime!
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