Mastering Your Boudoir Session: How to Prepare
If you’ve just booked a boudoir shoot, congratulations!! We know just how intimidating yet exciting this moment can be.
But, now what?
There’s so much more that goes into preparing for your boudoir session besides just packing your lingerie. What you do between now and your session can affect your final portraits. If this is a surprise to you, you’re in the right place! Keep reading to learn all about mastering your boudoir session!
2 to 3 Weeks Before
Planning for your boudoir shoot starts as soon as you hit the ‘book now’ button. There’s just so much to consider!
We recommend starting the planning process no later than 2 to 3 weeks before your session.
1. Think about the vibe you want for your shoot
Are you looking for dark, bright, sexy, sweet, cozy, or some combination of these options? Deciding what you want your boudoir portraits to show about you can help you make some big decisions such as which outfits/accessories you want and how to style your hair and makeup.
2. Make a list of possible outfits and go shopping
Once you have your aesthetic figured out, start thinking about how your outfit(s) can help you achieve it. If you’re going for solely dark, moody, and sexy, ensembles in black and dark colors are your best bet. In contrast, white and pastels are ideal for achieving a more light, elegant, and carefree vibe.
This is also the perfect timeframe for shopping for your outfits. If something doesn’t look quite like you want it to, you have time to exchange it.
3. Make your hair/makeup/nail appointments
We HIGHLY recommend booking professional hair and makeup for your boudoir shoot. Photography-friendly makeup is often different than your everyday makeup, especially if you want to highlight your best features and make sure everything stays in place throughout your shoot. Some stylists may even offer a makeup trial so you can make sure you have the exact look you want before the day of your shoot.
Make sure to book your appointment no later than 3 hours before your shoot. Makeup and hair almost always take longer than the quoted time, so be prepared and book early.
Oh, and don’t forget to account for traffic!
3 to 5 Days Before
There’s so much going on in the few days leading up to your session, so it’s important to have a game plan ready to go to minimize stress on the day of.
1. Prep your skin
Skin care is huge for your boudoir shoot, especially considering how much of it is going to be showing! Make sure you’re staying hydrated and moisturized. If you plan on shaving/waxing for your shoot, schedule accordingly. Waxing should be done approximately 2 to 3 days in advance while shaving can be done the night before or morning of the shoot.
While you may want a golden glow, we recommend against spray tanning for your boudoir session. Even the best spray tans can come out looking orange on camera. Plus, they stain the sheets!
2. Select your outfits plus some backups
After weeks of planning, browsing, and shopping, you likely know just what you want to wear for your boudoir session. Try your outfits on to make sure they look and feel the way you want them to. If you’re on the fence about any, don’t be afraid to pack some backup options. We can help you choose your outfits based on what will photograph best and the look you’re going for.
3. Make a packing list
Imagine showing up to your session without everything you need to feel comfortable and confident. Talk about stressful!!
You can easily avoid this by making a list of everything you need to bring with you. Doing this in advance gives you time to reflect on your list and add/subtract items as needed. Here’s our list, but feel free to make it your own:
- Your outfits plus a few extras
- Makeup for touch-ups if need-be
- One or two accessories: jewelry, socks, oversized sweater, robe, etc.
- Props such as a veil, a tube of lipstick, something belonging to your partner, a pair of handcuffs, etc.
- Water bottle
1 to 2 Days Before
You’re likely feeling a strange combination of fear, anxiety, and crazy excitement leading up to your shoot. This is totally normal!
Take your mind off of your stress by getting prepared for this fun and empowering experience!
Start the fun
Boudoir isn’t just about getting your photo taken, it’s about treating yourself to a special experience that’s all about you. This is why we recommend starting the self-pampering early.
Treat yourself to a special meal, get your nails done, and/or take an extra long bubble bath! Do whatever makes you feel happy and relaxed.
2. Pack your boudoir bag
Got your list handy? Good! Grab it and get to packing the night before your shoot. Don’t forget to double check everything before you put it away. Try to have this done the night before as opposed to the morning of your shoot, especially if you’re scheduled early in the day. If you’re missing something, you’ll have time to find a replacement if need be.
3. Confirm your appointment times
Finally, make sure everything is squared away with your appointments. This includes everything from your hair and makeup appointment to your actual session time.
The Day Of Your Boudoir Session
The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived!! While we know that a boudoir shoot can leave you feeling nervous and excited, you should be a little more at ease with how prepared you are at this point. There are only a few things left to do before it’s time to rock your session!
1. Select your travel clothes strategically
What you wear to your shoot is almost as important as what you wear during your shoot. Avoid tight fitting clothing or clothes that tend to leave lines or red marks on your body. These can be seen on camera. Loose fitting clothes and undergarments are our go-tos.
2. Don’t forget to eat something (and hydrate!)
Make sure to eat a light meal and drink plenty of water so you have enough energy to get through some of the more strenuous poses during your shoot. We recommend against fatty foods or foods that lead to bloating. Also, consider skipping the caffeine if it makes you feel anxious.
3. Head to your hair and makeup appointment
Get ready for glam! Head to your hair and makeup appointment to start the pampering off on the right foot. Give yourself and your stylist plenty of time for the beautification process. The last thing you need is to feel rushed.
4. Arrive at the shoot location a few minutes early
Getting to the shoot location a few minutes early gives you the chance to relax and get in the right headspace for your session. Let your photographer know when you’ve arrived and let the fun begin! We know you’ll crush it!!
Now You Know All About Mastering Your Boudoir Shoot!
Now that you know all of the secrets behind mastering your boudoir shoot, you’re ready to get started. Haven’t booked your session yet? Get started here!