Ok, now that you’ve booked your boudoir shoot, what’s next? Every woman asks how they can prepare for their boudoir session. Since I’ve been doing this for a while now…. 12 years or so, I’ve been asked all of the questions, I’ve given all of the pre-session advice and I’ve compiled a list of our 10 most helpful tips and tricks leading up to your boudoir session!
TOP 10 TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION
Tip 1: Check Out The Lingerie Guide!
We send each client a thorough lingerie styling guide that covers SO MUCH INFO about different lingerie styles, how they fit the body and what areas different pieces highlight. We also include a list of our absolute favorite places to shop, including Honey Birdette, Torrid and Playful Promises.
Bonus Tip: Think outside of the box and bring at least 1 option outside of your comfort zone. You don’t have to wear it– but you might want to!
Tip 2: Hydrate, Moisturize, Exfoliate!
No, seriously! So. Much. Water. Hydrated skin is happy skin. Hydrated muscles also allow for more ease of movement and posing throughout your shoot. Up that water intake! When I schedule my own photo shoots for myself, I about double my normal water intake. It really does help! Exfoliate 1-2x per week leading up to your shoot and don’t forget daily moisturizer and sunscreen!
Tip 3: Skip the Tanning Bed and Self Tanner!
Again, we are back to happy skin! I also want to mention that self-tanner and spray tans tend to lend a very orange tint to skin that can be difficult to neutralize. Self-tan and spray tan also tends to transfer onto fabrics and furniture in the studio.
Tip 4: Schedule Your (Optional) Hair, Nail and/or Waxing Appointments Ahead of Time!
Want to freshen up your hair color or cut before your shoot? Plan to do so at least a week prior. Give yourself time to get comfortable with a new style before you debut in front of the camera. Waxing should be handled at least 48 hours prior to your shoot to allow for any redness or swelling to go down and facials should be done at least 2 weeks prior to your photo shoot for best results. If you’re local to the studio, my favorite salon for eyebrow waxing and/or tinting and/or lamination, teeth whitening, facials and all things beauty is 24Luxe Beauty Bar in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Tip 5: Shop Early for the Perfect Outfits!
Start shopping way ahead of time! Seriously, just do it! There are so many options out there and you want to have your dream outfits for your photoshoot. Don’t wait until the last minute and risk it not showing up on time, not fitting the way you’d like, the color not matching the internet photos, etc. Shop ahead and avoid that stress!
Tip 6: Everyone WantsPretty Hands & Toes!
Paint your fingernails and toenails a neutral color that complimenta the outfits you chose. I’ll elaborate: nude, white, black, pinks and deep reds tend to photograph really well. These colors tend to compliment most outfit choices. I would steer away from fluorescent or neon colors for your nails as it will be the first thing that grabs your attention in the photo. This is also a great time to mention that chipped nails tend to photograph like chipped nails. If you want your nails to look good but don’t want to opt for a full polished mani- just clean them up, file them into shape and moisturize your hands!
Tip 7: Cut the Tags and Remove the Stickers!
Cut all of the tags out of your lingerie, bras, panties, etc and remove the stickers from your shoes ahead of time! This is especially important for sheer and lace fabrics, and anything that might lay across tattoos. While I can photoshop a tag if necessary- if it’s over a tattoo there isn’t much that I can do about it in photoshop. Even if you think they won’t- stickers for shoes WILL show in at least a couple shots. Goo gone will take those right off!
Tip 8: Give Tattoos 2 Weeks to Heal Prior to Your Photo Shoot
Most tattoos need 2 weeks of healing time before they are camera ready. Please don’t book your photoshoot for 2 days after a tattoo appointment and hope for the best. Both of these things are investments and we want to take special care for both! And- how cool will it be to show off your beautiful art on your body in your photos…. once it’s fully healed and in its prime!
Tip 9: Don’t Forget to Eat the Morning of Your Shoot!
Eat something before your photoshoot. I don’t expect you to grab a 5 course meal on the way in, but a protein bar and a piece of fruit or a smoothie- anything so that your body has energy to move, bend and hold throughout your photoshoot! You use more energy than you think during the experience and the last thing we want is for you to fall out midway through because you haven’t given your body what it needs to do the work! If you forgot- grab a granola bar at the gas station as you’re coming into town!
Tip 10: Get Excited!
Pick 3 hype songs that make you feel good and send them to us the day before your shoot. This way we can add them to the studio playlist and get the vibe started on the right foot when you come in!
