Preparing for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
We'll walk you through every step of the way
Eat
I can not stress this enough. On the day of your shoot, EAT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE! Not just a piece of toast, but an actual breakfast. You will burn calories and some clients have even compared their shoot to a workout. You will be tired. You may be sore the next day. PLEASE EAT. Something nutritious that will give you stable energy!
Start Shopping
Start ordering/buying your wardrobe as soon as you book your shoot. If you wait until the last minute, you will be stressed out. Lingerie shopping is like buying jeans, you sometimes have to try on MANY pairs until you find ones that fit perfectly.
Please TRY ON ALL lingerie! I cannot photoshop ill-fitting lingerie to make it fit properly. When things are too loose or too tight it will not be complimentary in pictures. Please do not bring loose nightgowns. In general, these are not flattering.
I will not photograph tops with no bottoms on because it just doesn't look right. I know it’s hard to find matching sets at some stores, but please have an idea what you want to wear together. Keep in mind, when colors are slightly off in person, this is exaggerated in images.
Bring at least 6 outfit choices with you (more is definitely ok)! It is better to have more options! Try to choose a variety for outfits (ex. not all bra and panty sets). Body suits look great and you can find some great ones at H&M and Forever 21! We will shoot 3-4 outfits. Please bring a variety of colors and accessories.
AGAIN- Don't bring all bra and panty sets. They are cute, but you don't want to look like a bra and panty fashion show. I would rather you bring four various bodysuits and shape wear than four bra and panty sets. :)
IF YOU ARE SELF CONSCIOUS ABOUT YOUR MIDDLE, DO NOT BRING ALL TWO-PIECE OUTFITS.
Heels
My personal fave look is bare feet with lingerie, so don't feel like you have to bring heels. But if you want to:
Bring a variety of heels, skin tone, black, and a fun color (think red, pink, or blue). TALL HEELS, GIRLS. TALL HEELS. The longer the heel, the longer your legs. The higher/skinnier the heels the better. Avoid ankle straps on your heels. You will see the bottom of your heels in some pictures, so if they are old/worn, you will be able to tell. Avoid flower patterns/patterns in general. We don't want the focus to be your feet, we want the focus to be your legs.
Accessorize
Bring accessories (sports jerseys, your partner’s work shirt or work hat, a silk robe, jewelry).
Sometimes props just won't translate in pictures. If that is the case with your prop, I’ll let you know.
Get a Manicure
Please remove chipped nail polish and get a manicure. Well you don't have to, but I strongly suggest it because you'll want to look & feel put together. If you aren't a manicure type of person then you can always get press on nails and arrive with them on.
Soft blush colors, bright colors that match your lingerie, French manicure, and neutral colors all look great on nails. Try to avoid busy patterns, and tips that are dark. This will make you look like you have dirt under your nails.
Hydrate
In the week leading up to your shoot, drink LOTS of water, exfoliate, use lots of lotion, and maybe even do a facial!
Brides
If you are a bride, feel free to bring bridal lingerie, garter, veil. I have veils here at my studio, so if you don’t have that yet it is totally ok!
If you have your dress, feel free to bring it as well. We can use it for one or two shots. I know that’s a lot of work though, so not bringing it is totally ok!
Let's Talk Tans
A good tan line can be a flirty touch reminiscent of bikinis and a sunny beach but if you don't want them showing up in the photos, just know that I don't photoshop out tan lines; If you would like them edited, that would be an additional service fee.
Please don’t spray tan before your shoot. The camera does not like spray tan/tanning, and you’ll end up looking orange in photos.
The
Night Before
Get lots of sleep the night before your session. Beauty rest is the real thing. Getting enough sleep will keep dark circles away.
Please arrive with a clean face and FULLY DRY hair that was washed the day before. Please don’t wash your hair the morning of the shoot. It will hold styling better when not freshly washed!
Bring a Robe
Feel free to bring a robe to stay warm in between outfit changes.
Mirror Time
Practice posing in front of your mirror. It may feel silly, but practicing your “sultry” face will help you feel more comfortable the day of your shoot.
Grooming
Do all your grooming at least a day prior to your shoot to give the skin time to tame. Especially if waxing.
Roots & Lashes
Don’t try a new hairstyle or color the week of your shoot. Save anything drastic for after your shoot. PLEASE GET YOUR ROOTS DONE a week or so before your shoot ( only if you don't want your roots showing)
If you wear eyelash extensions, please get them filled several days before your shoot.
What to Wear on Shoot Day
I highly recommend coming to your shoot in a sheath dress or yoga pants (loose fitting clothing).
Jeans and other tight clothing will leave marks on your skin that will show up in portraits.
Remove all hair ties from wrists prior to coming in for your shoot.
Arrival
Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for your shoot. I will be eating breakfast :)
Please don't be late, I schedule appointments before and after your shoot and so does my hair and makeup team. If you are more than 15 minutes late we will have to reschedule with a $150 reschedule fee.
Reminder
And just in case you are still reading and missed it up above - PLEASE EAT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT and absolutely EAT THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT.
Relax & Have Fun!
Most importantly! RELAX! I will tell you everything to do! How to pose, where to look, where to put your hands and feet, even how to stand. All you have to do is arrive!
