Pre- Session
Congrats on booking your session! I know it took a lot of guts and probably a ton of hesitation, but give yourself a pat on the back because you took a leap to do something for you. Your reason may be for someone else, but trust me when we are done- heck even after the first 5 minutes, you’ll realize this was for YOU! You are likely freaking out as to what you need to know and how you hate the camera and that you have nothing to wear. This guide will help you with all those fears so you can come in and Slay!
Here are some things you should know:
-You do not have to know how to pose yourself.
-You do not have to know how to give the camera a sexy look.
-You do not have to lose any weight.
-You do not have to feel great about yourself.
-You just need to be yourself.
Here are some do's and don'ts to mentally prepare yourself for your session:
DO:
-Let go of expectations for your session. Every session is different and has a different feel. Trust me to bring you through the session at your pace and let’s see what transpires.
-Start loving the skin you are in; the body is magical and does so much for us. Stand in front of the mirror naked before coming in for your session, and say some positive affirmations. Do this daily... even if for a minute. Trust me!
DON'T:
-Over analyze, over pintrest, or over doubt. You’ve got this and you are YOU- nobody else.
-Fight the process. I might ask you to do something you think is silly, but there is a reason for everything.
Skin
Waxing/ Shaving. If you are planning to wax for your session, please be sure to leave 3-5 days for you to heal before the session. Shaving can be done the night prior to the shoot, avoid shaving several days prior to the session to keep your skin smooth and not irritated. Consider products designed to help minimize razor burn if that is often an issue for you. Shaving the night before the shoot or the day of can help avoid this. Don’t skimp on the bikini line since you will be in underwear. Clean up the eyebrows. If you want to have your eyebrows waxed or threaded, be sure to schedule the appointment for at least a few days before your boudoir session. Otherwise, an eyebrow trim/touch up at home could be done a day or two before the shoot.
Spray Tanning. Just don’t. It doesn’t look nice, you can ruin the sheets and nobody likes an Ohpma Lompha. This goes for Sun tanning too- Stay out of the sun for the week prior to your shoot! Wear sunscreen and avoid tan lines- this is time consuming to edit and may cost more for re-touching.
Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water for the week prior to the shoot. This will keep you hydrated and help keep your skin glowing and smooth. Don’t drink the day before your shoot-hungover party girl is not sexy, and alcohol depletes the skin of vital nutrients and can have it looking dehydrated and dull
Skip getting a facial. Harsh chemicals can dry out your skin. A light exfoliation a couple times to allow fresh skin cells to come through is ok. Using too active of a skincare regimen may stimulate the skin to break out or even cause an allergic reaction. Moisturize face daily.
Exfoliate. Nobody wants grandma knees andelbows, this goes the same for lips and feet. Use lip balm dry lips will ruin a photo.
Makeup. Let’s keep it simple. Somewhere between daily makeup and pageant queen. Eyes that pop go a long way, mascara, smoky eye, some soft colors- heck go bold if that’s you! Avoid dark blush or highlights, the camera will pick this up. If your skin is oily bring blotching papers- these sessions are a work out! Bring some lip color options.
Details
Hair. Don’t dye or cut it one week before, we don’t need a disaster. Fresh washed the day before the shoot without product. Day of- a light curl goes a long way for some bounce in the hair and offers the soft sexy look. No haters for my straight hair ladies either. Do you.
Manicure/Pedicure. You want your nails to look their best. A manicure can help achieve this, but is not required. You just want them to be trimmed and neat for your session. You can stick with neatly shaped, clear nails. Soft, neutral colors work well for fingertips. Toes can get away with any color. Think about the outfits you’re bringing and be sure to choose a color that will compliment your choices. Scrub those feet! Soft heels and clean bottoms- trust me, you will notice otherwise in your photos.
Clean your ring. If you're wearing a wedding ring, make sure it looks its best. You'll definitely want to be showing it off in your session.
Sleep! Get a full night of rest. You want to be hydrated and well-rested for your boudoir session
Stretch. Sounds odd right? This is a serious workout, you bend, hold, twist, and move in all sorts of positions. If you have tight hamstrings, stretch to loosen them up, I suggest light at home yoga one week before and daily before the shoot.
Outfit Selection Tips
Must have- Matching bra and panty set. Doesn’t have to be super fancy of course, basic black or a nice color that compliments your skin. Panties not too tight cutting into skin.
Flattering pieces- Bodysuits are amazing to photograph in. Knee high socks like warm ones. A pair of stiletto heels- you don’t have to walk in them so don’t stress. A white fitted t-shirt or tank top- we might even cut it for a little peek a boo. Oversized knit sweater. Strappy bralettes.
No, No’s- Baby doll’s- they are shapeless and we want shape! Thigh high’s with the silicone stay up- often they just squeeze too tight and make thighs bulge. Garters to keep Thigh high’s up- they are annoying let’s just be honest (bring them anyway though). Wedge heels.
Do a little research and make sure to TRY things on- Google some images you like, get some ideas, try on pieces before you come to make sure they are flattering and give shape. Don’t forget it is my job to pose you and show off all your amazingness, Trust ME!
The day of your Boudoir Session
Arrive with loose-fitting or no underwear/bra. You want to avoid tight bras and underwear to avoid having lines in your skin. These take a while to disappear and can draw attention away from you in your photos.
Eat a healthy and light snack. You want to avoid being bloated or lethargic from eating a large meal. Nobody feels their most confident with a food baby. Bring outfits on hangers to avoid wrinkles.
Have a vision- Do you like dark and moody photos, light and airy, traditional poses with a little outside the box, erotica poses you want to pour all the sex out, Semi- nude, implied nudity, nude. Some saved photos on your phone always help with ideas as well.
Please print and fill out the Boudoir Release form (Don't stress, I can have one when I see you too!)