How to prepare for your first boudoir session.

Step by Step guide from Lansing, MI based photography studio - AA Studios.

You booked your first boudoir session!!!! Yay!!! Now what??!

If you feel a bit nervous because you’ve never done this before and the date is coming close, the best thing you can do is to read up on how to prepare for your session so you could arrive with confidence and the best energy possible and have it all under control. 

Remember, when you feel good, you look even better.

Self-consciousness can cut your freedom to look your best in your boudoir photos, but if you follow my advice, I am confident nothing will distract you, and you will love the result. Besides, I will be guiding you the whole time before, during, and after the session, so you have nothing to worry about.

I want you to have the most fun and stress free experience during our boudoir session, therefore I’d like you to start preparing yourself at least a week before your session.

I have created a timeline for you to help guide you through your preparation process and help you achieve best results from your photo session.

One week before your Boudoir Photo Session: 

Hydrate!!!

Drink plenty of water!!!!

Keeping your body well hydrated makes your skin smooth and it glows beautifully on your photos. 

Moisturize!!!

Start moisturizing and cleaning your face and body with gentle cleansers.
I prefer those without scent and soap-free. Avoid using scented moisturizers, harsh exfoliants, and foaming cleansers if you can. They give us a sense of doing something good for our skin, but in reality, we are applying chemicals that could dry, irritate and harm our skin. 

Also avoid being under direct sun for too long to prevent sunburn, skin redness/irritation and unwanted tan lines. I also do not recommend going to tanning beds or applying spray tan before your session especially if you never done that before. Your natural skin color is always more flattering in photographs.

Hair change?!

If you are thinking trying any hair changes like dying, cutting, you name it, now would be a great time! You want to have enough time to correct any mistake or to feel comfortable with your new look. I wouldn’t recommend doing any extreme changes if you are not completely committed to them. The last thing you want is to love your photos, but hate the weird haircut.

Shopping!!!

I hope you already have your outfits picked out and delivered to your home. Because now is the time to finalize any additional shopping for accessories or anything else you’d like to use for the shoot, take off all the tags from your clothing and make sure that everything fits and is comfortable to wear.

3 days before your Boudoir Photo Session: 

Wax

If you are planning on waxing any area, it is time to do it because you will need enough time to heal before your session. But if you are planning to shave with razor, it probably can wait a day or two. And if you are going all natural, that’s fine too. Remember to be yourself and do what makes you feel best!  

Lips

Moisturize!!! I know I already mentioned it, but especially if you plan on doing any waxing or shaving, those areas tend to be extra dry, therefore try applying moisturizer even more thoroughly. Also don’t skip on the lip balm. 

Eyebrows

Wax or thread your eyebrows. It will give enough time for your skin to heal and avoid any redness or irritations. 

Jewelry

If you are plan on wearing jewelry for your boudoir photo session, keep it simple and its color should be neutral and non-distracting. We want to keep focus on you. Jewelry that you wear on a daily basis is a great choice.
But, whatever jewelry you decide to bring, make sure to clean the best you can or take it to a professionals to make it look like brand new. 

1 day before your Boudoir Photo Session: 

• Avoid drinking alcohol.

  Alcohol dehydrates your skin, makes you feel bloated, and it could even cause redness in your eyes. 

• Avoid doing any major changes in your appearance. 

• Schedule manicure & pedicure.

  Your hands will likely be a focus for some of your photos, so I recommend a fresh manicure to your taste. Keep in mind that you should avoid distracting colors; typically a neutral polish or French tips are best. Don’t skip on pedicure as well. And if you decide to do your own nails, just make sure that your nail polish looks flawless. 

• Have healthy food during the day.

  You want to feel comfortable during your shoot. Avoid any food that causes you to bloat, like carbonated drinks, processed fast food, beans, lentils. 

• Have a good night of sleep.

  Try to hit your bed early. You want to feel at your best, and being well rested is crucial for successful boudoir portraits.  

To sum up here are Dos and Don’ts for your boudoir session

Dos 

• Drink plenty of water and eat healthy at least few days before your session.

• Bring multiple outfit options and invest in at least one good quality bra and undie set. 

• Wear clear deodorant the day of your session. 

• Wear anything that makes you feel comfortable. If lingerie is too much for you, consider clothing like off the shoulder dress, tank top, sheer button blouse, or anything that makes you feel sexy. 

• Accessorize smartly. Pieces like jewelry, high heels, hats, and scarves can completely change one look. Different backgrounds and accessories with the same outfit can turn into a whole new concept. But, remember to keep your jewelry clean and simple. 

• Hire a professionals for your hair and make up, manicure/pedicure etc. They will help you look flawless. 

• Get plenty of fresh air and light exercise.

• Get enough sleep.

Don’ts 

• Do not try anything new days before your session, hair colors or styles, skincare products, body lotions, etcetera. Any product that could cause an allergic reaction should be avoided, including food. 

• Do not wear anything too small or too tight, because it will feel and look uncomfortable and leave marks on your skin that will show up on your photos. 

• Avoid any tanning sprays the week before, and if you tan try to do it nude so there are no tanning lines. 

• Do not spend much time under the sun a week before our photo session. Sunburns make your skin look irritated, and they can also be painful. 

• Do not get a new tattoo or piercing close to your session. Allow at least one month for your skin to heal. 

• Don’t eat junk food or drink carbonated beverages before your session.

• Don’t stress.

I hope these guidelines help you to prepare and have a great experience during your boudoir photo session.

Remember that confidence is what makes you look sexy, do and wear whatever makes you feel confident, and the result will be amazing.