HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BOUDOIR PHOTOSHOOT:
I thought I’d write up a detailed post on how to prepare for your boudoir photoshoot. Instead of making it a client-only post I’ve opened it up to anyone who may have a boudoir photoshoot scheduled. Hopefully, their photographer has shared all this with them, but if not… I’m happy to help!
GETTING READY:
Body and diets…
I am not a fan of 30 day fixes, or detoxes or any of that quick fix stuff so I don’t advise my boudoir ladies on that. Preparing for your shoot is not the time to lose that last 10 pounds you’ve been trying to lose for five years (hint: it’s not going to work and you may set yourself up for disappointment). Are you doing the shoot for yourself? Then you already have some awareness of how beautiful you are. Is it for someone else? Trust me, they already think you look great.
Instead, once it’s closer to your scheduled shoot day really pay attention to the foods that you know bother you: Does hummus make you bloated? Maybe skip it the week of your shoot. Does fast food make your face oily? Skip it the week of your shoot. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat healthy and be active -and if booking the shoot gives you a bit of extra motivation, that’s great! I just mean, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, if you don’t lose that last 10 pounds, you’re still going to look amazing!
REALIZING YOUR BEAUTY AND EMBRACING YOUR SENSUALITY.
Hair, skin and nails….
My second best tip for skin prep? Lotion. Moisturize everywhere – especially those elbows and knees! However, don’t try any new hair or skin products within a few weeks of your shoot, in case your skin has an allergic reaction to them.
If you color your hair, you’ll want to get your touchups/roots colored before your shoot.
Have your nails manicured (fingers and toes!). Even if you don’t normally wear polish at least make sure your nails are clean and look nice. You probably don’t realize it but your hands will be in quite a few of your images! If you do paint your nails, stick to your normal color scheme.. teal toenails may be a cute fad right now but are you sure that’s what you want to see when you look in your album in five years?
Body hair removal…
Laser hair removal is an excellent alternative to waxing! Just think… no shaving, no in-grown hairs, long-term smooth skin with no stubble! I personally chose laser hair removal over waxing. I go to the North Shore Laser Center in Marblehead, MA. Patricia is amazing at hair removal AND she makes you feel totally comfortable during the procedure (because lets face it… those are some intimate areas of our body). Ladies who book with me will receive an exclusive discount for their first laser hair removal session.
OUTFIT PREP
Your photographer will help you with outfit selection but I always advise that if you buy some new pieces then do so in a real lingerie store, were you can be fitted by a professional! Ill fitting lingerie is not flattering and will often make you look larger and create bulges where there normally are none. What to wear? For the most part, stick to your own personal style but if you are a bit intrigued in trying out something new, then definitely do it! This is a great opportunity to test your boundaries and add a fun piece to your wardrobe. Again, this is a great time to go to an actual shop where you can ask questions and be fitted. Ladies who book with me will receive a discount at my favorite lingerie shop, Liz Steinfeld Lingerie in Marblehead, MA. Overall, it’s important that you look like YOU during your boudoir photoshoot. A super sexy, made up version, but still YOU.
After choosing your outfits, make sure they are clean, wrinkle free and remove large tags from garments so they don’t show in your photos (Victoria’s Secret has the BIGGEST labels on their tiny little undies, haha).
BE PREPARED
In addition to body and outfits, there is some mental preparation that should happen as well. If you are feeling anxious about your shoot then being mentally prepared is key. Meeting with your photographer before your shoot is a great idea. This way, they won’t be a complete stranger to you and you get to see some album samples, discuss product pricing and tour the studio space. Think about what products you are interested in and talk to your photographer about them. Getting familiar with the product pricing ahead of time is a good idea (I always say, surprises should come with pretty bows on them, not price tags). If the product you want seems outside of your budget don’t eliminate it yet. Instead inquire about a payment plan. I feel strongly about investing in what you value, so if the product/service is good quality and you value it, then you should invest in it.
You should also have a good idea of the photoshoot schedule for the day. Knowing what to expect will help remove some of the anxiety about the shoot. The following questions may help you prepare for the day:
- When/where is hair and makeup done and how long does it take?
- How much time will you spend in front of the camera?
- Will there a break? Should you bring food/water/champagne?
- How long will it be until you get to see your images?
- How long will it take for your boudoir album to be delivered to you? (this is very important if it is for a gift)
FINAL PREPARATIONS
Get a good night’s sleep – your shoot day will be a long day and a bit of a workout. Drink lots of water and moisturize everything! Most importantly, get in the mindset to have FUN. If you’re having fun then you will take amazing images.
I welcome any questions you may have about boudoir photography and preparing for your shoot. Just use the contact form below this post to get in touch with me.