this may be little long read but totally worth it!


There are so many reasons to do a boudoir session: To fall in love with yourself, celebrate weight loss, reclaiming your confidence after hard times, or, just because you want to!
 

Boudoir should be a stress-free experience. But there are some things to consider before your session.
FIRST THING FIRST, Fill out this session questionnaire to help me more prepare for your session- Click Here!

1. What to Wear:

This is what stresses most women out when it comes to boudoir. It’s important to find outfits that fit you well rather then grabbing that babydoll that’s been sitting in your closet for a few years.

– Go to your local lingerie store. Tell them you’re shopping for a boudoir shoot. It’s their job to help you, and they’re happy to do so. Try on a lot of different outfits, keep an open mind, and the experience will surprise you! 
 

– You do not have to be naked or wear sexy lingerie for a boudoir shoot. You can wear whatever makes you comfortable. I’ve done shoots with women wearing everything, from crop tops and booty shorts to their favorite dress and heels. No matter the outfit, if you feel comfortable and beautiful, the photos will be stunning.
 

– I don’t recommend shopping on sites like AliExpress or Wish for lingerie. The quality is extremely hit-and-miss. Plus, the orders sometimes take months to come in and you have no idea how they will fit. It isn’t worth taking the risk. 
 

– Many boudoir photographers have a client closet. I do, personally. That being said, it’s still a good idea to bring a few outfits that fit you and that you love since I am still growing my closet. 
 

– Don’t forget the little things: your favorite winter sweater, knee-high socks, thigh-high stockings, your ruby bracelet. Maybe you’re doing this as a wedding gift for your fiance. A veil, wedding shoes, engagement ring, are all awesome add ons that they would die for. All these things will make awesome add-ons to many outfits and also make the shoot more “you”. 
 

– Are you doing this for a special someone? They will love to see you in something that’s theirs or something they bought for you. Their teams jersey, dress shirt, a piece of jewelry, their favorite plaid sweater, all some great ideas that they will totally notice and love.
 

– If you have the time before your shoot, remove tags from your outfits. Photographers are very keen on removing them, but sometimes they can get missed! Also a huge time saver if you have a lot of outfits.



 

2. Hair & Makeup:

I want to give you the full pampering experience! I have a professional hair & makeup artist that will be ready for us at the beginning of your appointment. I love this time also because it gives us a chance to really get to know each other before jumping into the session!
 

 – If you don’t normally wear makeup, having it done by a pro can really take your look to the next level. Whether you decide to go with full-glam smokey eyes and bright red lipstick, or elegant neutral tones and gloss, you will be representing the most gorgeous version of your true self. In the question form you will receive I will ask what your idea style will be!
 

– I always recommend false lashes for any look. They make your eyes really pop! (They are provided so why not!)
 

– For hair, curls are a great choice. The stylist will leave them little tighter than normal. By the time we are ready for your shoot, changed so many times, and thrown it around your curls will have fallen out a bit and settled into a beautiful, flawless look. Yes, your hair will be tossed around a ton during your shoot, so you want something that will hold during a full 1 – 2 hour session. 

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-My hair and makeup stylist has several outstanding reviews for her work AND quickness! Several clients have booked her for bridals & weddings after our sessions. You will be in good hands!

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– Avoid trying new haircut, color, or style before your session. Mistakes happen and these features cannot be fixed in post production. Come with dry hair and a clean face!

 

3. Manicure & Pedicure:

– If you want your nails done, book your appointment for a couple days before your session. I would suggest steering clear of neons or bright colors – a solid color that goes with your outfits is a solid choice. 
 

– Don’t forget, your toes will be visible for your boudoir shoot as well. It’s a good idea to get a pedicure the same day as your manicure. Our feet to often get forgotten.
 

– It’s totally fine to pass on a manicure or pedicure as well. They’re not to everyone’s style. Instead, just cut, file, and make sure there is no dirt under your fingernails before your shoot. For your feet, break out the pumice stone and scrub them down. 
 

4. Waxing, Laser Hair Removal, or Shaving?:

Something I’m frequently asked is, “Which hair removal method is best, and how soon before my session should I do it?”

–. Laser treatments offer permanent hair removal. It can take 6 – 10 treatments for laser to become permanent. Initially, laser can be more expensive, but is cheaper long term. Laser 2 – 3 weeks before your session allows for the hair shedding process post laser. This will leave you with sexy smooth skin right on time for your shoot.
 

– A Brazilian wax, bikini, or underarm wax should be done 5 – 7 days before your session. Waxing creates tiny wounds below the surface of your skin. Skin irritation, redness, and soreness from waxing can take a few days to fade.
 

– Eyebrows are one of the biggest defining factors of your face. Book a brow wax about a week before your session. That way, any irritation will be cleared up by the time of your shoot. 
 

– Waxing or laser might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you choose to shave, it should be done the night before your session or even the morning of your session. My personal shaving trick is to use men’s razors. They give a much closer and smoother shave than any women’s razor I have ever used. 
 

– For the best outcome of your photos, be mindful of the sun before your session. Harsh tan lines and sunburns are very hard and impossible to edit out. If you are a sun lover and get those harsh lines, a winter or spring session may be better for you.
 

– Skip the tanning bed! They might be tempting, but they give a yellow tent to your skin as well as harsh lines on your hands and feet. Very hard to edit. If you need a little glow or colorings I can do that for you!

 

5. Skincare – Sunburn, Tanning, Tattoos/Piercings:

 – Getting tattoos and piercings before a boudoir session is not the best idea. Keep in mind there is always risk of infection, swelling, or rejection with tattoos and piercings. These ailments can drastically affect your shoot and experience. 
 

– Don’t introduce anything new to your morning/day/night routines for at least 2 weeks before your session. The last thing you need is an allergic reaction or breakout. 
 

– A huge DO NOT for a boudoir session is getting a spray tan! 

I know, I know….they can look really rad! But on camera, they often show up very orange and streaky. Save your money; rock your natural skin tone at your session and again.....  I can take care of that for you!

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So here it is.....The days leading up to your session: 

1. Pack your bag – double and triple check you have everything you want packed. Over pack if you want!

2. Keep hydrated and moisturized. This includes lip balm. Dry skin and chapped lips are easily avoidable. Drink lots of water for a healthy glow on the day of your session.

3. Clean your jewelry! Many women have daily wear jewelry they will wear for their session. Give them a clean before your session so they’re nice and sparkling for the camera. 

4. Stretch. This may seem silly, but when was the last time you stretched? Boudoir is a lot more physical than you think. There are a lot of positions that do require some flexibility. Stretch once or twice a day leading up to your session to avoid any sore muscles after your shoot.
 

 

eeekkkkkk...The night before your session:

1. Get your beauty sleep. Baggy and puffy eyes definitely show up on camera. Go to bed early. Avoid using your phone for at least 1 hour before bedtime to help turn your mind off and relax. Read a book, have some tea, relax, and have a good night’s rest.

2. If you didn’t get waxed or laser hair removal, now is the time to shave. The closer to your session, the better. 

3. Don’t drink or party hard. There is nothing worse than trying to feel beautiful and your best self while hungover. We have all been there. One glass of wine can easily lead to a bottle. Skip it. Have a “you” night. 

4. Eat a healthy dinner. Basic dinners can be boring, but this is one night you don’t want to risk upsetting your stomach by experimenting with hot sauces and cheese.

 

YAY.....Day of your session: 

1. Wear loose clothes. No tight bra or panties. They all leave pressure lines on your body. 

2. Eat before your session, but keep it light and healthy. 

3. Wear CLEAR deodorant, or be prepared for me to ask to you wipe off any white deodorant. 

4. Be prepared. 

• Know where you’re going for your session. Don’t leave looking up the location until the last minute. Calculate how long it’ll take to get there. Prepare to be 10 minutes early just in case.

• Arrive with a clean, fresh face, and no product in your hair. 

• Not doing hair and makeup? That’s totally fine! Come ready to shoot. 

 

Finally, it’s time for your boudoir experience! Time to celebrate yourself, let loose, and have fun. I hope this guide helped you!