10 Things To Do Before Your Boudoir Session

Client Education

Jan 26

Boudoir shoots are so much fun and the photos are beautiful, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Of course you are going to want to look and feel your very best! Here are some tips on how to prepare for your boudoir shoot to ensure that everything runs smoothly and you feel like a million bucks.

Beautiful boudoir photoshoot in Cincinnati, Ohio photography studio

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Your body craves water and is the number one thing it needs from you. Make an effort to stay hydrated and drink lots of water leading up to your photoshoot. You’ll feel better and your skin and body will thank you for it!
Stay Clear Of Foods That Cause Bloating
Salt, dairy, gluten, and grease are the biggest culprits to bloating. If you can cut back on these food items (or possibly eliminate them), you will thank yourself the day of your shoot. Those tasty, but heavy foods can lead to you feeling puffy and uncomfortable and nobody feels sexy when they feel bloated.
Book a Hair & Makeup Artist
A boudoir shoot is the perfect time to go the extra mile when it comes to pampering yourself. If your photographer doesn’t have a hair and makeup artist included in your session fee, do your research and get recommendations from friends and family on who you should hire to glam you up for your photoshoot. And no, glam does not mean you have to have a tone of makeup on where you don’t look like yourself, it simply means that your natural features are being enhanced. Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist makes a HUGE difference in the outcome of your photos, so go ahead and make a day of it and allow someone to pamper you.
Hair Removal
Waxing is recommended, but if this is not your thing don’t forget to shave! Note: Be mindful of the areas that show in lingerie - it may be more than just your legs and underarms. Think about that time you decided to go swimming only to discover you forgot to groom! Yeah, we’ve all been there but we do not want that in your boudoir photos.
Find Some Inspiration Pictures
Your photographer will have plenty of examples and experience in creating shots that flatter your body, but it is encouraged that you also find a few ideas you’d like to incorporate into your shoot. Me personally, I create moodboards for all my clients based off our consultation call. This allows you to get an idea of the direction of the shoot and gives you the opportunity to provide objections or any special request. Use Pinterest and social media to your advantage and don’t be afraid to communicate with your photographer about what you want.
Go Shopping For Outfits and TRY THEM ON!
Even if you already own a few pieces of lingerie, getting new pieces is always a special treat and is encouraged for your boudoir shoot. And you do not have to just stick with lingerie if that isn’t your thing. You can purchase an oversized t-shirt or a man’s button down dress shirt, crop tops, two piece pajama sets, etc. But, whatever you purchase make sure you try it on to ensure it fits properly and that you LOVE the way it fits on your body. Sometimes lingerie pieces need to be altered to accommodate unique body types, so keep this in mind when you are timing when you should go shopping for your items.
Is This A Surprise? Get An Alibi
Are you surprising your partner with these photos? If so, you need to come up with some sort of reason why you will be gone the entire day and why you’re returning looking like you just walked off the cover of Vogue Magazine. Make plans with friends, have your mom or sister cover for you, do whatever you need to do to come up with an excuse for disappearing for an entire day with little to do communication with your partner. I know we don’t like to lie but this is a Surprise so exceptions can be made here!
Don’t Forget Those Hand And Feet
This shoot is basically just an excuse to spoil yourself! If you don’t regularly get mani/pedis this is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. Remember, you deserve this! However, if you are opting not to get a mani/pedi, at a minimum make sure your your cuticles are nicely groomed and you give yourself a fresh coat of polish or remove any chipped polish from your nails and toenails. Be especially mindful of the bottom of your feet. Get a foot bath and some tools and remove any dead skin you may have.
Moisturize!
You will be showing a lot of skin and you want it to be smooth, soft, and glowing. As mentioned early, water is the best way to give your body extra moisture. Being properly hydrated adds moisture to your skin from the inside. Of course, you want to make sure you apply lotion the day of your shoot but if you begin making it part of your daily shower routine it will ad to helping your skin look extra smooth and luscious the day of your photoshoot.
Go To Bed
Lastly, just like hydrating and moisturizing, you want to make sure you’re getting the required amount of sleep your body needs to feel refreshed and at its best the week leading up to your shoot. The evening before your shoot, make sure it is a relaxing one. Avoid activities and people that cause you to be anxious or stressed. Nobody wants puffy raccoon eyes the morning of a photoshoot.