Boudoir Photography Tips For Clients: Preparation

If boudoir sessions are about feeling empowered, how come you are so nervous? Don’t worry, that is normal, you are about to step out of your comfort zone, so nerves are expected. The good news is, you’ll get over that feeling quickly and have an amazing experience. Especially if you follow these tips on how to prepare for a boudoir shoot!

 

Scheduling A Boudoir Session

how to prepare for booking a boudoir shoot

Before You Schedule A Boudoir Photographer

Just because someone says they are a boudoir photographer doesn’t mean they are the right boudoir photographer for you!

Before you schedule a photoshoot, take advantage of free consultations. Most boudoir photographers offer these and it will give you a chance to talk with them before you make any decisions.

Check out their boudoir portfolio, do you like the style and look of their work? At the end of the day, that will be what you have to reflect on as your remember the experience.

Be sure to check reviews too. What are their clients saying?

Just because someone is in your price range doesn’t mean they will provide a quality boudoir experience. You want a photographer who is talented, well versed in the genre of boudoir, professional and one you can trust.

I recommend you check out my article: Is Boudoir Photography Safe? 10 Tips To Protect & Empower Yourself – before you agree to any boudoir photoshoot.

It pays to plan ahead.

While all boudoir photographers are different, most of the good ones have waiting lists. They book their studios out months in advance. If you are doing the boudoir shoot for yourself, time may not be an issue. But if you plan on gifting the photos to your significant other, plan early.

At my studio, your image reveal and ordering session happens about two weeks following your photoshoot. Then I recommend allowing at least 6-8 weeks so we can have the lab print and ship your boudoir album. It may not take that long, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, wouldn’t you?

This means you should have your shoot scheduled at least 10-12 weeks before you need the final prints. And if there is a waiting list, you may want to plan out at least another three months.

Again, you may be lucky and get in if someone needs to reschedule, but don’t take chances, plan early.

 

Preparing For A Boudoir Shoot

4-6 Weeks Before Your Boudoir Shoot

Do some research.

Look through your photographer’s gallery and see what photos you like. It is also okay to look through other galleries to get ideas. Be sure to communicate with your photographer to show them what you like, and tell them why. This way they can begin to prepare for your boudoir shoot too!

Start planning your boudoir outfits

Look through your closet and find your favorite outfits and pieces. Go through the websites of your favorite brands to see what appeals to you there. Browse through some magazines to get inspiration too. And don’t forget to download my free guide: 26 Perfect Boudoir Outfits & Ideas. That will definitely help you to plan!

Time to go shopping

Grab a girlfriend and head to the store. She can help you find outfits that make you look and feel good! Why not try something a little bit daring? A boudoir experience takes most women out of their comfort zone, so embrace it. You may end up loving your new style!

artistic Maryland boudoir photography

Try on your outfits

You want to make certain everything fits properly. Avoid any clothing that digs into your skin creating a muffin effect. Make sure you are comfortable in your selections and you can move into different positions. That will be important the day of your photo shoot. Also check for any tears, rips or runs that may make the outfit unsuitable for the shoot. Repair or replace if there is a problem.

Narrow down your boudoir outfits

Start to get selective about your wardrobe for the shoot. At most, you will shoot 3-4 outfits, but I always recommend you bring more. A couple of extra lingerie sets and,maybe a robe and/or a button down shirt. The day of your photoshoot, your photographer will help you decide what may photograph the best. Plus, it is always better to have more than you need, than not enough.

Plan your accessories and boudoir props

With an idea of what outfits you want to wear, start considering what jewelry you want to add to the mix. Create a list so you don’t forget to pack anything. This is also a great time to plan and obtain any boudoir props for your shoot. Click this link to get a list of boudoir prop ideas.

Think about the results

Give some thought on how you want to reflect on your experience. If doing it for yourself, or as a gift for someone you love, their are a variety of options to preserve your boudoir photos. My clients most popular choices are luxury boudoir albums and wall art. Whatever you decide, remember that when you look at the images, it will be empowering. Preserve them properly.

 

2-3 Weeks Before Your Boudoir Shoot

 

Boudoir shoot skin care

Begin to exfoliate and moisturize your skin leading up to the shoot. Do a few moisturizing sessions a day, especially on any areas that get dry. Be sure to get everything, your lips, face, neck, arms, elbows, torso, legs, knees, heels, feet and booty! This will help your skin to glow and it is a wonderful act of self-love that will make you feel better.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

If you are spending time outdoors, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. You don’t want a sunburn that can’t be edited out of your photos!

Hydrate

Start drinking plenty of water to keep yourself and your skin hydrated.

 

3-5 Days Before Your Boudoir Shoot

 

Wax on, wax off

If you are going to wax in preparation for your boudoir shoot, set your appointment at least 5 days out. This will allow some time for any skin irritation to fade.

Get a touchup

Dying your hair? If so, get the touch up now so you don’t have gray stragglers or different color roots in your photos. Go ahead and get your haircut too. I don’t recommend going for any new hair styles though. If you didn’t like it, you wouldn’t have time to grow it back out.

Continue to hydrate and moisturize!

It will make your skin glow in your photos. So keep it up!

Avoid spray tans or tanning lotions.

Even if you are familiar with them and have used them before, this is a bad idea. Your skin will look amazing in your photos no matter what your skin color. Trying to add a tan can create an orange cast that will be difficult to remove and may require editing fees.

Remove Tags

Go through all of your outfit selections again and remove any tags. Tags have a way of peaking out from your outfit and ruining the look.

Iron your outfits

Be sure to try and avoid wrinkles in your boudoir outfits. Once you’ve got them as wrinkle free as possible, place them on individual hangers so they stay looking fresh!

Begin to pack your boudoir bag

Women have showed up at the studio with everything from a backpack to shopping bags to huge suitcases. Whatever way you plan to bring your outfits and lingerie, begin to pack your bag so you don’t miss anything!

1-2 Days Before Your Boudoir Shoot

 

Dietary considerations

Avoid alcohol and any foods that make you retain water or feel bloated.

Pamper yourself

Schedule a manicure and pedicure the day before your boudoir shoot. These details will add to the overall look of your photos.

Finish packing

Now is the time to make sure your boudoir bag is packed and you have double checked your list. You want to make sure you aren’t forgetting anything.

Get rest

Make sure to get sleep the night before. You don’t want to have eye bags in your photos. No doubt you are nervous, but try to relax, you are going to have an incredible experience!

Checklist For Your Boudoir Bag

 

4-5 Outfits and a couple extra

Again, it is always better to have more than you need. Your photographer will help you decide on the final outfits that will photograph the best.

Boudoir Accessories

Jewelry, sweaters, veil, robe, button down shirt, t-shirt and any boudoir props should be packed and double checked against your list.

Food & Drink

Pack an extra bottle of water and maybe a light snack. While many luxury boudoir studios will have taken care of these needs, it is always good to have something you are familiar with just in case.

inspirational boudoir quote

The Day Of Your Boudoir Photoshoot

 

Makeup

If your boudoir session includes hair and makeup, you will want to arrive with a clean, moisturized face. Your personal stylist will have you looking amazing before the shoot begins! If your shoot does not include hair & makeup, prepare before you leave home and bring along what you will need for touch up. I highly recommend you get a session that pampers you so you don’t have to deal with this!

Moisturize again

Moisturize your entire body. You want your skin to look soft and glowing!

What to wear

Wear loose fitting clothing and undergarments to the studio. You want to avoid impressions on your skin from tight waistlines, socks or bras.

Eat

Have a light meal before you arrive. This will make sure you have the energy for the shoot, but won’t feel bloated.

Allow time

Allow yourself enough time to arrive at the studio a bit early. This way you aren’t rushed to get your outfits and bags in, and will have more time to calm your nerves before things begin.

boudoir outfit guide image
I hope you’ve found this information on how to prepare for a boudoir shoot helpful. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out!

Ready to start planning your Boudoir Experience?
I would love to chat with you and go over all the details of our process, sessions and what you are wanting to create so we can plan the perfect boudoir experience for you.

Ready to chat NOW?
Text me at: 410-596-4127

Office Hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.

You may also email me at: thomas@thomasboudoir.com

Or just fill out this form and I will be in touch ASAP!