Preparing for your boudoir session
Choose your Wardrobe – Lingerie is great, but you don’t have wear it if you don’t want to. A button down shirt, sports jersey, oversized sweater, or tight shirt and booty shorts are great alternatives. Be sure to try on your outfit(s) prior to your session to ensure everything fits properly.
Don’t Forget Accessories – Make sure you think about jewellery, shoes, props, etc. Pack anything you need to get it ready for your session.
Hair and Makeup – We highly recommend using a makeup artist. If you need suggestions on who we like to work with, please contact us. A MUA will make sure that you look flawless and ready for your close up.
Choose a Location – We can help you with this if you don’t already have a location in mind. We tend to do these sessions at hotels, in studio, or in your home.
Pre-Session Beauty Prep – We suggest getting a mani/pedi a few days prior to your session. If you wax, don’t forget to pencil that into your schedule, as well. If you want to have a base tan for your photos, we recommend beginning to tan a few weeks prior to your session to avoid burning – and remember to think about your outfit and avoid any tan lines that will look bad in photos. We suggest staying away from spray tans. Don’t forget to get your eyebrows shaped before your session.
A few days before your session, lower your salt intake to avoid bloating and also eat a light breakfast the morning of. Drink a lot of water leading up to your session for beautiful, healthy skin and get a good night’s rest the night before. Shave and moisturize for beautiful legs. Wear a clear deodorant. Don’t wear tight clothing, bras, panties, socks, etc. the morning of your session or driving to your session. These will leave red marks on your skin.
Relax – The most important thing you can do is relax. If you’re uncomfortable, it will show, so just keep calm.
Choosing What to Wear For Your Boudoir Session
Trying to figure out what to wear at your boudoir session? We've got a few tips to help you out:
1. Wear what makes you feel sexy. Boudoir sessions are all about bringing your sexy side, so if you put something on and you feel uncomfortable, move on to the next option. Consider it sort of like searching for the perfect wedding dress. When you put it on and can't help but spin in front of the mirror or think, "Hell yeah, I'm sexy!" then that is the piece you should wear on shoot day.
2. Opt for lingerie that flatters your favorite parts. If you've got an impressive rack (yes, I’m going there), then choose something that really shows of that feature. Maybe you're a fan of your own derriere and want to show them goods, too. Choose a piece that accentuates whatever features you love most about yourself.
3. Footwear matters, too. It's so easy to go into a less-than-classy vibe depending on your footwear. Our suggestion: keep it simple. Patterns, baubles, bells, whistles, and more than three inches of heel can all lean “too much.” Instead, opt for shoes that scream "sexy sophistication." FYI: Heels can also do a lady good when it comes to posture and accentuating muscles in her legs.
Benefits of Professional Hair and Makeup for Your Boudoir Session
You may be questioning whether the cost of a professional hair and makeup artist is worth it. We highly recommend splurging on these two things, and here's why:
1. You're going to feel amazing with that fabulous hair and flawless face. Trust me. And you better believe that feeling of confidence will totally show in your photos.
2. It's less that you have to worry about. You're already going to be feeling a little nervous the day of your boudoir shoot. Get yourself pampered, knowing you'll look amazing after your hair/makeup sesh.
3. These people are professionals. They know exactly what kind of tools, colours and products to use to bring out your best features and make you look stunning. And isn’t that exactly how you want to look on your boudoir session day?
5 tips on how to relax in front of the camera
Are you nervous about your boudoir session? Here are some tips to help you relax during your shoot:
1. Play Music – Bring your favorite music to play during your session. This will help you to calm down and feel comfortable.
2. Deep Breathing – Practice deep breathing. This is a proven relaxation method. Breathe in deeply through your nose and exhale through your nose. Repeat until you feel better.
3. Take a Break – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we can take a break from shooting and talk and relax before resuming the session.
4. Laugh It Off – If you’re feeling silly in front of the camera, laugh at yourself. Laughter is a great relaxation technique. It will help you loosen up.
Avoid these Boudoir Faux Pas During your Session (What NOT to do)
Bad Tan Lines/Sunburn – If you have not been tanning recently, don’t tan just before your session. You can get sunburn or really bad tan lines, which are not flattering in photos. Also avoid spray tans at all cost, as they tend to photograph poorly.
Getting drunk at your session – If you are nervous about your session, it’s OK to have a glass of wine to rest your nerves. That said, don’t get wasted before or during your session. This is one of the worst things you can do. Your eyes will be blood shot and droopy and it’s just a recipe for disaster.
Choosing the wrong sized outfits – Choose lingerie that is just the right size for you. You don’t want loose lingerie that gives your body no shape or hides your beautiful curves. On the other hand, lingerie that is too tight can be unflattering.
Heavy Makeup – We strongly recommend getting a makeup artist for your session. You don’t want to slather the makeup on too thickly. It’s more about accentuating your natural features and making you feel – and look – stunning.
Forgetting to shave/wax – Always remember to shave or wax any exposed area that needs to looks smooth and sexy. The ‘au naturel’ look is so ‘70s. Unless you’re going for that vibe, please remember this tip.
Some Of My Boudoir Work
If you would like to book a boudoir session, drop me a mail and we can make it happen
Disclaimer: All images and video clips in this post is taken by and copyright to R2F Photography.