So you’re thinking about booking a boudoir session and are ready to plan your sexy photoshoot, but maybe are wondering…where do I start? What is the purpose of boudoir photoshoots and are they really necessary? The short answer is yes. There are many reasons why you may want to schedule boudoir photos and we will cover some of those below as well as other things you may want to consider when planning your session. A boudoir photo session is a very personal photoshoot, but it doesn’t have to be awkward. My goal as a boudoir photographer is to help you feel comfortable and confident so you can leave the photoshoot feeling sexy and empowered, so just be you and get ready for a day of pampering and fun!

WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE BOUDOIR PORTRAITS

You may be wondering if boudoir photos are all that necessary, especially if you are getting married and are already taking engagement or wedding photos and the answer is YES! Whether you are getting ready to get married or celebrating an anniversary or just want some sexy photos, boudoir photos are always a good idea, and here are my top 4 reasons why.

You want to celebrate YOU

You don’t have to have any reason to schedule a boudoir photo session, other than the fact that you want to. Boudoir photos are a great opportunity to celebrate you and all the unique aspects that you have to offer. It is a chance to pamper yourself and feel empowered, beautiful, sexy, and strong. Don’t wait until you feel ready or have lost a few extra pounds. Celebrate yourself for where you are today. Only you need to know your reason for taking boudoir photos, so no matter the when or the why, give that gift to yourself; it just might be one of the best things you can do for yourself.

They make great gifts

Getting married or celebrating an anniversary? Taking boudoir photos is a great way to get your sexy on and your partner is sure to love having these photos of you that they can enjoy and treasure for years to come.

It’s a great excuse to go shopping

Who doesn’t love an excuse to go shopping and taking boudoir photos is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some new lingerie or loungewear. Take a day and try on outfits that make you feel confident and beautiful and flatter YOUR body. Play around with different pieces and colors and remember, it doesn’t just have to be lingerie; an oversize tee or button-down can be just as sexy as any piece of lingerie.

It can help you get comfortable in front of the camera

If you are getting ready to have an engagement, wedding, or any other type of professional photos taken, scheduling a boudoir photo session for yourself ahead of time can be a great way to step out of your comfort zone and help you get used to being in front of the camera and feel confident in the badass babe you are.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTO SESSION

I recommend browsing the internet to see some photos and get some boudoir photo ideas. You can head over to some of my previous boudoir blog posts to check them out or browse Pinterest for some additional inspiration. Find boudoir images that you are drawn to and figure out what they have in common. Do they have similar poses or colors? Maybe there is a particular hairstyle or makeup look you want to go for. From there you can begin to visualize what type of session you want. Are you more into the tom-boy vibe or do you want something a little more va-va-voom? Do you like images that are more minimalistic and clean? Vibrant and colorful? Dark and gritty? Figuring out what you like best can help you as you prepare for the rest of your sexy photo session.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT

If you are planning your boudoir photoshoot around your wedding or want to give a photo album to your significant other as a gift for an anniversary, it is best to schedule the session around 3-4 months prior. This will help ensure that I have enough time to edit your photos and get an album printed.

WHERE TO TAKE BOUDOIR PHOTOS

Most boudoir photo sessions take place in a studio, but they can also take place at a hotel, Airbnb, your home, or even outdoors; it all depends on the vibe and style you are going for. I can help you narrow down a location based on the style and vibe you are going for, but the most important thing to consider is the privacy of your location and if commercial photos are allowed.

– Traditional Studio: This is a very common option and one that I love to shoot in. I have a list of studios that I can pull from based on the vibe you are going for.

– Hotel / Airbnb: This is an excellent option if you have a specific theme or setting in mind. You are able to choose a location that caters exactly to your vision and it will be free from the clutter that can typically be found in a home.

– Your home (or a friend’s home): This is an ideal setting if your primary concern is comfort. Being in the familiarity of your home will allow you to be able to relax and feel at ease.

– Outdoors: Yes, boudoir photos can absolutely take place outdoors! Places like the beach, the woods, or a garden can make for beautiful backdrops and are excellent locations if you love the outdoors. Just be sure the area is private and allows for commercial photography.

BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP AND START PREPARING FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOS

Getting your hair and makeup done for your boudoir photoshoot can be a great way to elevate your experience. Not only does it allow you to feel more pampered the day of, but you will also go into the shoot looking and feeling your best which will shine through in your photos. Once we have nailed down a date, you will want to book a hair and makeup artist for your photoshoot. Just like photographers, hair and makeup artists can book up far in advance, so schedule your appointment as early as possible. You may want to try to book your hair and makeup appointment with someone you are comfortable with and someone that understands your vision. This could even be your HMU for your wedding as it can be a great chance to try out some wedding day looks.

Other appointments you might want to consider booking prior to your boudoir photo session may be hair cut / color, manicure/pedicure or waxing.

WHAT TO WEAR TO A BOUDOIR PHOTO SESSION

The best place to start shopping is your own closet. What would you choose to wear if you wanted to look and feel your very best? Have fun and be adventurous here. Hit the shops with an honest, fashion-savvy friend. Try to find outfits and lingerie that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and outstandingly sexy. Lingerie can be super hot, but sometimes a pair of cotton panties and a tight white t-shirt can be even sexier! Whatever you decide to wear, just make sure you are choosing something that feels like you! Personalize your day by bringing along something that’s meaningful to both you and your significant other. This could be anything from a necklace that they gave you for your anniversary to their favorite oversized shirt.

*Pro-tip: To keep the photos timeless and something you’ll love even years on, try to keep the accessories to a minimum and stay away from anything too trendy or cliche.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT

– Drink plenty of water! We all know that water gives us glowing skin so start early and try to avoid alcohol and sugary food and drinks.

– Wax early. If you decide to get a wax, make sure to have it done a few days before your shoot to avoid any redness or bumps that might be associated with it. This also includes your eyebrows.

– Get your hair cut and color. If you are having your hair cut or colored, give yourself a few extra days to make sure you love it.

– Avoid spray tanning and tan lines! While I love a good tan, anything from streaks to the skin showing up much more orange in camera is just not a look you’re going to want to have in your images so it’s best to avoid spray tanning when possible as well as minimize tan lines, especially in the summer.

– Prep your outfits. Try on your outfits/lingerie one last time to make sure everything fits and remove all tags (including the inside labels.)

– Book a date night after your session. Whether it’s a great new restaurant or an old favorite, making a reservation for the night of your session for you and your significant other or girl-friends is a great way to treat yourself after your boudoir photo session. You are going to look amazing, so why not make the most of it?

ONE – TWO DAYS BEFORE YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT

– Get those nails done – any sooner than this and they may chip and we want them looking fresh.

– Exfoliate! Find a nice sugar or salt scrub and exfoliate that skin. We want that good glow going on for the photos.

– Shave and moisturize.

– Pack everything you will need to bring to the shoot. Heels…check! Touch up makeup…check! Be sure to bring more outfit options than you think you will need. That way we can go over everything together before the session and decide what outfits will work the best.

– Double-check your travel time so you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the hotel /studio/location of your choice without stress.

– Get your beauty sleep. In all seriousness, make sure you get a good night’s rest so you feel and look refreshed and ready to go.

THE DAY OF YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT

– Eat light throughout the day, but please make sure you are eating.

– Use only clear or no deodorant.

– Wear loose-fitting clothing. Have you ever looked in the mirror after you take off tight clothing like socks, bras, panties, tight pants? Yeah, those red marks aren’t pretty and we want to avoid them for your sexy photos.

– Get glammed up. Hair and makeup should be completed at least 90 mins prior to our session beginning. This will allow for extra time in case the appointment runs longer than expected and will help you not feel stressed or rushed.

– Bring a ‘lil bottle of champagne to take the edge off!

– RELAX! It’s completely normal to be nervous in front of the camera. Give me 10 minutes and you’ll be laughing and be totally in the moment enjoying feeling sexy and having fun!

Want to see more? Check out some of my boudoir work to see what boudoir photo sessions with me are like!