Client Prep | Boudoir Photography
Hey there! If you’re here that means we have successfully booked your Boudoir session with me and it’s coming up pretty soon! So let’s get prepared together!
I have created a short guide for you to follow just to make sure you are relaxed on the day of your shoot and not stressing and rushing. Are you ready?!
Let’s get to it!
GROOMING. First things first, make sure you have all of your grooming appointments booked ahead of time. This includes things like mani and pedis, waxing, hair and make-up, etc.
MANI/PEDI. I highly recommend getting a mani and pedi because we will be getting some detail shots that may be pretty close to your hands and feet. I also suggest getting your nails done because Boudoir photo shoots are all about YOU. What better time for some self-care? Can you say SpaDay?
WAX/SHAVE. This one is totally up to you. Just make sure you do whatever you feel that you need to do to be as comfortable as your can be during your session.
HAIR/MAKE-UP. Although I’m hoping to have a HMU artist on site in the future to add to the over all experience, but until then please book your hair and makeup appointments at a decent enough time so that you aren’t rushing and stressing. If you opt to do your own, please come hair and make up ready. I would like for you to be as relaxed as possible. This shoot is all about YOU!
OUTFITS. The best lingerie for boudoir shoots are Teddies/Bodysuits, Bra & Panty set, Garter Belt, and Lace Robe. If you’re not into lingerie, please don’t feel like you have to wear it to take sexy portraits. You can always wear button down shirts or even oversized sweaters. YES, I said it. You can even wear a sweater in your Boudoir shoot. As far a color, I would recommend dark and neutral colors. You may want to avoid loud colors and busy patterns. Keep it simple and keep the focus on YOU. Trust me, your portraits will come out beautiful. Bring 5-10 outfits and I will help choose the top 3-5 outfits for a variety of looks.
HEALTH/SKIN.
MOISTURIZE. Making sure your skin is moisturized is very important. If you’re not already, try to create a skin routine for face and body weeks before your session. Try to play it safe though. Now may not be the time to try any intense products especially if you have sensitive skin. Stick with what works. Exfoliate, use face masks, soak in a tub, and moisturize before bed to help repair the skin after a long day. If you don’t feel like it every night, try to at least focus on the parts that tend to get the most dry such as knees, elbows, heels, etc.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. This is the best way to ensure hydration inside of your body as well as the outside. Trust me. If you develop a healthy water intake routine your body will thank you. Hey. I struggle with it myself but I can tell you that I feel and see major results in my body and skin when I am drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT PINTEREST. Pinterest can be a bit intimidating. If you’re using it to learn poses or ideas and it’s stressing you out, please don’t worry yourself with it. I would prefer you to focus on everything else above and leave the rest to me. Once you show up for your session, I will take care of all of the posing and portrait ideas. If there are any ideas that you have from Pinterest, please share them with me before your shoot so I add them to my shot list. Just know that there is no guarantee that the photos will look exactly like the pin on Pinterest for many reasons such as location, lighting, photography style, and subject may have different looks. I would much rather focus on making your session unique to you and make sure you are in love with your photos along the way.
BODY POSITIVITY
I am all about body positivity. Please don’t feel like you need to lose weight or hide scars. I encourage you to feel comfortable in the skin that you’re in, show off the things you love or have learned to love about yourself, and have fun!
I love this photograph so much because it really shows how we all come in different shapes, sizes, and shades and we are all beautiful in your own unique ways.
OTHER TIPS
BRING LIP GLOSS. You’ll want to keep those lips moisturized and glossy throughout the shoot.
BRING A ROBE. Especially if you’re a little shy, we can use the robe to ease you into taking photos in your lingerie when you’re more comfortable. Also, the robe will keep you warm between set ups.
BRING HEELS. Heels are a great prop for boudoir. They are very sexy accessories. You don’t have to wear them the whole time, but bring them for a few shots.
BRING YOUR SMILE. Most people feel that in order to take a sexy photo that you have to have a sexy look, but some feel straight up silly when they try. If that’s you, I totally get it. Please feel free to bring your smile. I promise you that you can still have a sexy photo with a smile.
Final Tip: BREATHE
I’m sure there are so many other tips and trick that could help with your shoot but the most important thing is to BREATE. Breathe and reflect on why you’re doing this shoot. Reflect on who you are and how you want to feel during and after this shoot. It is very important that we take time to ourselves everyday because life has a way of weighing us down with the responsibilities of the day that we forget to take care of ourselves. So take this time to really check in and take care of yourself.
Thank you so much for booking with me and I hope these tips help. I can’t wait for our time together. It will be very special and unique to you and your personality. I hope that you enjoy yourself and your photographs. See you soon. 💕
- Kiana Washington-Stanley