How to prepare for your Boudoir Session
Ready for your beauty session?!
I am often asked what are the best things to wear for boudoir photo shoot? So here are three questions to ask yourself:
- Does it feel true to you?
- Do you love how you look in it?
- Does it highlight your favorite assets?
First thing, boudoir and being sexy doesn’t necessarily always mean less clothing…Some clients prefer to wear jeans and a button down! Clothing, lingerie, or implied nudity can all be sexy in their own right. It’s the woman that makes the outfit.
Start here
One simple and good idea is starting off with a cocktail dress or a nice fitted dress. Not only is taking a few shots “clothed” at the start of your session fun, but its a great way to “ease” into your boudoir session, and to get a chance to get used to taking photos– before you have to start baring it all. They’re also great for sharing and for online use.
Fitted Clothing
Go for fitted clothing that shows your shape and hugs your curves, especially your top half. Loose, flowing skirts are fabulous as long as your top is snug. Skip that billowy, blousy top, or anything with dolman or batwing sleeves — they will not be slimming on camera.
Bra Sets
Bra sets are probably the “must have” boudoir outfit of any session. Who doesn’t own lots? Bring your favorites, or pick up something new. Opt for lacy, and leave your t-shirt bras & casuals at home.
Bra tip: If you are a B or smaller find a bra that has lace around the top of the cup. It will make you look a whole size bigger in photos. Can’t find one? You can sew lace in yourself.
Curves for days? Lucky you. Bodysuits are some of our absolute favorite type of outfit to photograph! Why? They are form-fitting, hug your body and they look amazing on everybody! And there are styles and cuts for every aesthetic. You can also keep those curves coming with a retro slip cut on the bias or a high waisted garter belt or panty!
In the closet
Look through your closet for a see through or lace blouse, a soft sweater you can pull off your shoulders, a vest or sleeveless sweater. Any unique or cropped tops can be cute with panties too.
Coats
Trench coat with sexy high heels can sexy and mysterious. Don’t forget to look through your coat closet. If you have a form fitting sexy coat bring it along.
Something of theirs
Is this session to surprise your significant other? Bring something that belongs to your significant other. It could be one of their button down shirts, a tie, etc.
Legs
Almost every woman brings fishnets and/or thigh highs to her session. My number one suggestion is if you plan to wear them with a garter belt, buy the kind without the plastic stay ups. If you plan to not wear a garter then the plastic stay ups are a must. Oh and did I mention garters can be a sexy little add on to any panty and bra set? Yes it can!
Red is the new black!
Many women come to their shoot with almost all black lingerie which is nice and flattering but……bring some color!! Red is always pretty damn hot.
Accessorize
Bring jewelry, hair accessories, and scarves or wraps to complete each outfit. Choose timeless over trendy.
Prepare yourself (tips)
To ensure your body has a healthy glow, exfoliate, moisturize, shave, or wax.
Get lots of rest and drink lots of water in the days leading up to your shoot.
Have hair color touch-ups and trims done at least one week leading up to your session.
Lingerie Tags. Please removes tags from your underwear and lingerie.
Mani-Pedi. Do it. Get your nails done before your shoot, you will not regret it!
Deodorant. Make sure there is no deodorant residue left behind under your arms!
Don’t overdo it with tanning.
Do not wear any body makeup, body powder or bronzers.
Please arrive with clean, dry hair, and a clean, moisturized face. Your make-up artist will do the rest.
Recap:
Here is where more is more. My number one tip is to bring more things than you think you’ll need. We will have discussed your desired looks and outfits, and it’s always better to be more prepared than not have something you want the day of the shoot.
Suggested items to consider:
- Your favorite sexy dress (or two)
- Shoes – sexy heels, boots, and booties (brand new or barely worn – no dirty bottoms)
- Jeans – the ones that make your butt and legs look amazing
- Button up shirt (could be an oversized men’s shirt) Off the shoulder shirt, sweater, or sweatshirt — think flirty!
- A leather jacket, fitted blazer, or jean jacket
- Sexy undergarments, nighties, and robes
- Accessories including chunky and dainty jewelry
- Fishnet stockings, a garter belt set
- Items and accessories that are meaningful to you
- Anything LACE!!!
