Session Tips
Get Inspired
Whether you’re completely new to boudoir or have been thinking about booking a session for some time, you’ve got your own ideas about how you want to look in your images.
A big part of the excitement you build before and the fun you experience during your session is in planning that look.
Whatever your desired look and effect, you’ll want to start collecting screenshots, image links, or even pins to a Pinterest board to achieve it. It’s your time in front of the camera.
Here’s a shortlist of some images you’ll want to collect for inspiration:
• Makeup
• Hair
• Lingerie
• Shoes and stockings
Search Pinterest and Instagram for “boudoir” ideas to get you started, and once you’ve gathered inspiration, be sure to share them with us via email here.
• Jewelry and accessories
• Costumes or props
• Poses
• Themes
A big part of the excitement you build before and the fun you experience during your session is in planning that look.
Whatever your desired look and effect, you’ll want to start collecting screenshots, image links, or even pins to a Pinterest board to achieve it. It’s your time in front of the camera.
Here’s a shortlist of some images you’ll want to collect for inspiration:
- Makeup
- Hair
- Lingerie
- Shoes and stockings
- Jewelry and accessories
- Costumes or props
- Poses
- Themes
Search Pinterest and Instagram for “boudoir” ideas to get you started, and once you’ve gathered inspiration, be sure to share them with us via email here.
What to Wear
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and more important than anything - the outfits you choose for your session should absolutely make you feel beautiful and sexy. Keep reading for tips and resources for selecting your wardrobe
What styles should I choose?
Choosing the right type of lingerie to flatter your figure the way you’d like it to be flattered is important.
We put together a great digital booklet right here to help you choose the best lingerie for your session. Take a little time to flip through it before you head out shopping.
If you have a significant piece of lingerie that your partner gifted to you, or you wore for a special occasion that you’d like to have included for your session, you should absolutely bring it with you.
Of course, making sure your choices are the right size and in a color that complements your skin matters as well. When in doubt, know that white, black, pink, and nude flatter just about everyone.
Places to Shop
As far as shopping goes, a new “boudoir wardrobe” does not have to break the bank. There are limitless styles, sizes, and colors of lingerie that are extremely affordable on Amazon.
However, there are plenty of other online stores we’ve heard good reviews about, including:
• Yandy
• Fashion Nova
• Spicy Lingerie
• Lingerie Diva
You can find many more options with a quick internet search, especially if you have sports, cos-play or special accessories you’d like to include in your session.
Just remember to give your order adequate time to arrive before your shoot to make sure they fit and you love the way you look in them.
However, there are plenty of other online stores we’ve heard good reviews about, including:
You can find many more options with a quick internet search, especially if you have sports, cos-play or special accessories you’d like to include in your session.
Just remember to give your order adequate time to arrive before your shoot to make sure they fit and you love the way you look in them.
What we have available in our studio
While we encourage you to bring your own undergarments, there are a limited number of items available in-studio for you to wear in your shots, should you choose to do so.
Lace robes, gloves, decorative masks, chain-style bras, shoes, hats, and other accessories, in limited sizes and colors, are available for your use.
Please let us know if you would like to see photos of these items before you head out on your shopping trip. We may already have something you love that you can use here at the studio.
How to Best Prepare...
Expressing your beauty externally does come with a set of rituals. Penciling them in at the right time before your boudoir session will do wonders for your confidence. Click below for the timelines we recommend for salon, spa, and stylist services to pamper yourself for your big day.
For your Skin
Waxing – It’s best to do so at least 3 days prior to your shoot to allow the sensitive skin to recover and look its best.
Shaving – If you shave legs or sensitive areas prior to your session, be sure to use products that decrease irritation and the likelihood of scrapes and cuts. These may take a few days to heal and not be visible on images.
Tanning – Avoid artificial or spray tanning two weeks prior to your session as orange pigments tend to be more visible under studio lights and the spray coating may stain studio furniture and linens.
Sun Exposure – Avoid long periods of unprotected sun exposure to prevent sunburn 10 days in advance. The color of your skin as seen by the camera may not be easily corrected post-processing. Additionally, it may also cause discomfort which may make posing less comfortable and impact your expressions.
Hydration – Keep yourself well hydrated the week before your photo session to maintain supple, smooth skin. Well-hydrated skin will flatter you in your close-up images.
Alcohol – Avoid significant alcohol consumption for five or more days before your session. Alcohol, even in small to moderate amounts, can cause dehydration and decrease the look of supple skin.
For your Hands and Feet
Well-manicured hands and feet will provide accents to your images. Schedule your appointment one to three days in advance of your session. Choose a shade of nail polish that accents your garments. If you have multiple garments with contrasting colors, a neutral shade will provide better results. Be sure to pay special attention to the soles of the feet and any calluses that may be present.
For your Body
A full body massage is a fantastic way to release muscle tension that helps you to execute poses better. Schedule your massage any time from two to five days in advance. Choose not to use any new oils or techniques such as hot rocks or detox wraps if you have sensitive skin.
For your Face
Use mild cleansers and moisturizers for your skin maintenance at least 10 days before your photoshoot. Avoid harsh chemical cleansers which may irritate the skin, causing redness or bumps.
Lips – Moisturize your lips regularly and protect them from harsh sun and dryness. Use moisturizing lip balms to help maintain proper moisture and add fullness to the lips. Consider using a mild lip scrub to exfoliate your lips if they are especially dry a few days before your session.
Eyebrows – Clean and shape your eyebrows. If you schedule a professional shaping or threading, be sure to do so a few days in advance of your boudoir session.
For your Hair
Our rule of thumb is to always be yourself. Wear your hair however it’s comfortable for you. If you decide to do something different with your hair, like a new color or cut, plan to do it at least a week before the session so you can get used to the new look. Unless you love it, your new hairstyle can impact how you feel and pose for your images.
Camera Ready
Day Before and of your shoot
Preparing for a boudoir session is a way to receive the gift of self-care that you all too often neglect in your busy day-to-day life. To be completely camera-ready, follow these tips for the day before and the day of your photoshoot.
The Day Before
Your Wardrobe – Try on your clothes. Check your wardrobe for tags and remove them. Make any last-minute adjustments if you need to, or to replace items that may have rips, snags, or tears.
Gather your shoes, boots, and accessories and pack them in a wheeled carry-on bag to the studio. If heels aren’t your usual foot attire, practice walking in them for 10-15 minutes a few times. Better still, doing so a couple of times a day the entire week ahead of your session is excellent practice.
Your Body – Drink extra water to keep hydrated. Get a good amount of sleep. If possible, go to bed an hour earlier than you normally would and wake up at your usual time.
Also, try not to eat anything that makes you feel bloated or has excess salt. Follow your usual personal grooming habits and consider adding in any deep moisturizing treatments if your skin feels dry.
The Day of your shoot
Get a nice warm shower, making sure to moisturize your body well. Don’t put any products on your face so that your makeup artist has a clean slate to work with.
You may wish to perform your stretching or yoga routine to help ready your body for your desired boudoir poses.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid lines, creases, or irritation to your skin. Consider going without tight bras, panties, or socks which can leave marks that may show in your images.
Make sure your hair is styled and camera-ready.
Bring your ironed or steamed garments on hangers to decrease wrinkles and creases on your way to the studio. If it’s easier to keep them organized for wardrobe changes, place stockings, panties, bras, and other small personal items into labeled bags.
Remember, you invested in your boudoir session to treat yourself to something special. Allow yourself to feel pampered and have fun and it will show in your photos.
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