Preparing for a boudoir session is a beautiful journey of self-care. It involves spending time nourishing your body, mind, and soul while also having fun and honoring the beauty of your body along the way. While self-care can look different for everyone, I’ve narrowed down some of the most common and positive practices done by past clients that have set them up for an amazing boudoir session experience. Keep reading to learn some of my favorite tips and tricks that will help you prepare for your boudoir session!
Get To Know Your Photographer
The first and most crucial step in preparing for your boudoir session is getting to know your photographer. Being comfortable and feeling safe around your photographer isn’t an option but a necessity. It’s also a form of self-care that will ease any stress or anxiety surrounding your session. As a boudoir photographer, my goal is to make you feel comfortable and empowered.
I’m here to build your confidence and show you the strength and beauty you’ve always possessed within you. I also meet you where you are, uplifting and embracing all women of any age, race, or size. I love and value deep conversations, intentional interactions, collaboration, and all the messy, in-between moments of life that make all of our stories unique.
Your boudoir session should feel like a beautiful celebration and expression of your authentic self. Your photographer should not only welcome and embrace your uniqueness but also understand how to capture all your beautiful intricacies in a natural and comfortable way!
Choosing And Buying Attire For Your Boudoir Session
Create A Pinterest Board
Create a Pinterest board before shopping or picking out attire for your boudoir session. Creating a Pinterest board will inspire you and help you plan out outfits for your shoot.
Shop For Attire Or Pick Out Outfits You Already Have
Once you have a few outfit ideas for your boudoir session, visit your favorite stores or look through your closet. Put together 3-5 outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. This can be anything from lingerie sets to oversized button-up shirts.
Self-Care Before Your Boudoir Session
Haircut | Hair Color
If you’re set on getting a certain haircut or hair color before your session, give yourself 2 weeks to adjust to your new look!
Nails
Getting a manicure and pedicure is a fun and relaxing self-care practice that will get you excited and confident a few days before your session! Invite some friends or family members to join you. Going alone is also a great way to reconnect with yourself. What matters is that you’ll spend some time investing in caring for your body.
Waxing | Shaving | Exfoliating
If you plan on waxing before your boudoir session, give your body 1 week to heal from any redness or bumps that can occur after the waxing process, especially if it’s your first time getting a wax. Everyone’s body is different, and you know your body best!
If you plan on shaving before your boudoir session, allow a few days for your body to heal from any cuts and bumps that can occur. Don’t forget to exfoliate and hydrate your skin with your favorite lotion!
Sleep
Rest is essential for a healthy body and mind. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep in the few days leading up to your session. Getting plenty of rest will ensure you feel and look your best for your boudoir session.
Eat | Hydrate
Be sure to eat nourishing food and hydrate as much as possible in the days leading up to your boudoir session. Avoiding alcohol, especially the night before your shoot, will ensure you look and feel your best!
Tanning | Sun Protection
Natural beauty is everything! While getting a spray tan or natural tan out in the Sun right before your session is tempting, I recommend not getting a spray tan and embracing your natural skin color. Spray tans can sometimes come across as orange or uneven. Not only is sunburn painful but the lines and redness it leaves are not ideal for photos. If you are spending a lot of time in the Sun before your boudoir session, be sure to wear sunscreen and garments that protect your body.
Tattoos
If you’re set on getting a tattoo before your boudoir session, be sure to get it done at least 2-3 months before your session date. This will allow time for the tattoo to heal fully!
Self-Care The Day Of Your Boudoir Session
Makeup | Hairstyling
If you plan to work with me for your boudoir session, all 4 of my collections include day-of complimentary hair & makeup services.
If you plan to hire an artist to do your makeup, choose someone familiar with boudoir photography makeup looks. Makeup looks for boudoir sessions are usually more natural than bridal or stage makeup looks. It’s important that you work with someone who understands your goal and vision!
If you want to get creative and do your makeup yourself, try a few different looks a few weeks before your session. Give yourself plenty of time the day of your session to really spend time on your makeup look. Rushing will stress you out! Allowing extra time to be creative and enjoy the makeup application process is a great form of self-care.
Continue To Hydrate | Pack Snacks
When you wake up on the morning of your session, drink a glass of water and make a nourishing breakfast! Don’t forget to pack some light snacks and a water bottle for your boudoir session.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothing
Before driving to your session, throw on a cute lounge set or your favorite sweatpants and hoodie combo. Tight-fitting clothes like jeans and leggings can leave seam marks on your body. Wearing loose-fitting clothing ensures you won’t have to stress over unwanted lines and marks in your photos.
Pack Outfits | Pack Makeup
Pack your outfits in a garment bag. Be sure to bring 3-5 attire options so you have some pieces to choose from! Also, be sure to remove all tags, even the care instruction tags stitched along the inner seams of garments. Tags can stick out and be visible in photos, especially when wearing lace lingerie pieces. All 4 of my collections allow for 3 outfit changes during your boudoir session, so you can feel comfortable knowing that you have options!
Give Yourself Plenty Of Time To Arrive At Studio
This is an underrated form of self-care for my friends who run a little late or have anxiety. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your session location. It’s okay if you arrive a little early. You can enjoy a snack in your car while jamming to a fun playlist before it’s time to go inside and start your session!
Get Excited For Your Boudoir Session
Your boudoir session will be one of the most empowering and life-changing experiences. The months and weeks leading up to your boudoir session are just as important as the session itself. It’s a time to invest in yourself, dive into self-care, and reconnect with the wonderful person that you naturally are. I can’t wait to show you just how beautiful you are, inside and out — quirks, light, strength, and all. If you haven’t booked a boudoir session and this blog has convinced you to finally take the leap, you can tell me all about your vision here!
