How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session | Tips from a Louisville Boudoir Photographer
After photographing boudoir sessions for awhile now, as well as having my own boudoir photos taken, I decided to write this post with some tips! I have offered boudoir sessions for awhile now and feel they are so important. They’re important because we too often are critical of our bodies and forget to appreciate how much our beautiful bodies do for us.
If you’re wanting boudoir photos because you have a wedding or special occasion coming up and want to give them as gift to your partner, that’s awesome. I like to be reminded as well that boudoir isn’t just for your special someone — it’s for you and can be purely for you, if you want. I got my boudoir photos done while I was single and they weren’t done for anyone but myself. I believe boudoir should be about celebrating your body & is an opportunity to love yourself more!
Waxing. If you wax before your session, don’t do it within 48 hours … especially if it’s your first time waxing or you haven’t had it done in awhile. It’s super common to have a rash or red bumps right after getting waxed — so it’s best to leave some time for your skin to heal! If you’re leaving body hair, that’s totally cool too - you do you!
Mirror Tip. Practice posing in the mirror. This one is not totally necessary since you’ll have a photographer directing you, but it never hurts to know which angles you prefer. It’ll give you a chance to get comfortable with your body as well! If you have a specific lingerie you’re wearing for the photo shoot, try getting comfortable in it before the session. Getting used to seeing yourself in the mirror with lingerie on will help it not feel so foreign to you when it comes to the day-of.
Lotion. Lotion up the day of or the day before your session. Use a lotion that you’ve used before & know you won’t have any reactions too.
Nails, Makeup & Hair. Pamper yourself the week-of! Getting your boudoir photos done is definitely an investment, so make sure you love your current haircut and nails. If you get your hair or makeup done, make sure that it’s by someone you know you’ll love. I’ve found that doing your own hair and minimal makeup is better than hiring someone you don’t trust for hair & makeup and not feeling like yourself in photos. I highly recommend these gals for makeup that’s beautiful but still looks like you: The Fenley Studio, Color in the Ville & The Beauty Patrol.
To the session: Wear sweatpants & go braless or wear a bralette. Marks from tight clothes will show up in photos, so wear something loose fitting clothes to your session.
Food & Water. Try to eat healthy the week or so before your session. Don’t just drink a ton of water the day of the session, but make sure you’re getting plenty the few days before as well! And please, don’t arrive on an empty stomach. I’ve had a client pass out on me from not eating and it’s just not worth it!
Drinks. Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to your session if you know it’ll help you relax. Don’t overdo it - but a little can help!
Tanning. No spray tans pleaseee. Spray tans can make skin tones look super orange in photos. And if you do tan and care about tan lines (I personally don’t but I know a lot of people do!), keep that in mind as you choose out your outfit.
Relaxing. Deep breaths, take the day or a half day off work if possible, do things that you know relax you the day of the session. I find that doing some yoga or meditating (or both!) really helps me calm my nerves. Yoga with Adriene has some great free yoga vides on youtube, here’s a short 12 minute one. Oh, and it’s completely normal and okay to be nervous!
Less is more. Don’t feel like you have to go all out and buy 7 different expensive outfits that you’d never ever wear. If you feel like being adventures, then do it & go you! But if you’re nervous about the session, stick to outfits you already know you feel comfortable and beautiful in. Click here to read my blog post on what to wear for your boudoir session.
Tags & Wrinkles. If you’re wearing a t-shirt (which makes for super sexy photos!), make sure nothing is wrinkled. Make sure to remove any tags on underwear or bras as well.
Accessories. Some people LOVE going all out for accessories. I personally love the simplicity of wearing familiar jewelry and going barefoot, but I know some people like to bring high heels and other props. It’s totally up to you and whatever you feel confident in. For example, if heels make you feel like a badass, bring them along. If you’re like me and never wear heels, then maybe don’t haha! Feel free to bring the typical boudoir accessories like heels or long earrings. If you’re going for a cozier vibe or doing an in-home boudoir session, some ideas are wearing some cozy socks, brewing a cup of coffee in your favorite mug or reading a book.
Deodorant. Wear clear deodorant the day of the session, the white stuff will show up in photos if not.
Boudoir Day-Of Checklist
Water bottle
A snack
Your outfits, undies & bra (or nothing if you’re going nude!)
Your favorite drink or bottle of wine/champagne
Jewelry or any accessories
An extra outfit just in case!
A robe for in-between photos
Lipstick & makeup for touch ups
I hope all of these tips help you feel relaxed & prepared for your boudoir photos. You are making an investment in yourself that I know you will appreciate for years to come! Celebrating your body is so important - as women we are often critical of ourselves. Let’s break that cycle and celebrate how we are, just as we are.
Much love ♥
Kendra
*photos used with permission from my clients. I do not post any photos without first asking my client’s permission.
