Boudoir is an incredible way to feel comfortable, gorgeous, and empowered in your very own skin. However, if you’re getting ready for your first session, it can definitely put you out of your comfort zone. The truth is, with an experienced and dedicated professional, you have nothing to worry about. A talented artist will gently guide you throughout the process, making sure you feel relaxed and comfortable while skillfully capturing your femininity through powerful lens.
Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare for your first shoot and make sure you make the most of this stunning experience.
What to expect from a boudoir shoot?
Your shoot is going to be an empowering experience, with a relaxed, fun atmosphere and thoughtful guidance on poses and outfits to capture intimate and flattering photos that celebrate your unique style. Here’s what you can do get ready for it:
Boudoir bag essentials
With this list of necessary items, you’ll make sure you have everything you need with you on the day of the shoot:
- Several outfits. It can be hard to narrow down your outfit, so bring your favorite pieces and let your photographer make the selection according to what photographs best.
- Accessories. In this case, less is truly more. You don’t want accessories to be the focus of your photos. Consider some simple jewelry, oversized sweaters, knee-high socks, veil, button-down shirt, or robe. These can be nice additions to complement your style.
- Lotion. Staying moisturized is the way to go. Bring your favorite lotion.
- Water & snacks. Make sure you have a bottle of water to keep hydrated and some light snacks, such as some fruit or a granola bar in case you get a bit hungry.
4-6 weeks before
Start dreaming about your ideal outfits. Go through your closet, pick your special pieces, and explore brands and magazines you love for inspiration. If you’d like to, go shopping! Feel free to experiment with something that’s a tiny bit out of your comfort zone, but always make sure it still reflects your personality and you feel good wearing it. It’s best to narrow down your selection to 3 to 5 outfits.
In addition, explore the options your photographer offers and think about how you would like to preserve your precious photos. An album is always a great choice, but there are also other options you may find interesting, such as wall art.
3-5 days before
This is the right time to wax or shave and make sure your skin is moisturized. Do avoid any tanning lotions or spray tans as they can create an unnatural orange glow that’s not possible to retouch.
Remove any tags from your lingerie, even the permanent ones and narrow down your selection to 2 to 3 final outfits. Don’t forget to stay hydrated!
1-2 days before
With only a couple of days until your shoot, relax knowing your photographer will be there to guide you and check this short list to make sure you’re all set:
- Get yourself a nice fresh manicure, but avoid colors that are too bright. Natural nuances are best.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Moisturize your skin (can’t stress that enough).
- Pack everything from your boudoir bag list to make sure everything’s there.
Session day
The day has finally arrived! So here are the final steps to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- There’s no need to wear makeup as you’re about to be pampered with professional hair and makeup.
- Moisturize the entire body.
- Make sure you wear loose clothing and undergarments to avoid any skin impressions.
- Get a light breakfast.
Finally, allow yourself enough time to arrive so you can feel at ease and ready to rock your session!
