Preparing for a BOUDOIR session
So, you've scheduled a boudoir session...
Have a couples boudoir session coming up or any kind of boudoir session? Have questions? Nervous? Don't know what to expect? Do I need to bring anything? What do I wear? Do I need to tan? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most people have these same questions and concerns for their first boudoir session and all are perfectly valid questions. This prep guide is going to go over everything you need to know prior to your boudoir session. First order of business, BREATHE, I got you and you're going to do fantastic.
The following are my suggestions based on gender identity. Why do I categorize based off gender identity?
Overall, I do my best to be an inclusive and empowering photographer. You deserve to be validated and seen, to feel safe, and to be celebrated without judgement. I’m here to capture your images with love and respect despite how you identify. In order to help guide you and ease any angst or confusion about how to prepare I want to make sure everyone, no matter who they are, is equally prepared and represented.
With the world evolving the way it is, more and more gender identities are surfacing. For the purpose of this article I tried to keep it as simple as possible by using the umbrella term 'non-binary', but in doing so hope to not offend anyone by leaving out the many other gender identities. Remember, you can also message me for recommendations catered to you specifically and I'd be more than happy to help assist you.
Please let me know how you identify when reaching out as well as your pronouns so I do not mislabel you and any other important information you think is relevant. The following are basic general guidelines and recommendations.
Identify as female? I highly recommend you bring the following items to your session:
1 Teddie/bodysuit
At least 1 Bra and Pantie Lingerie Set (super cute if you can pair it with garters)
FISHNETS!!!
If you plan to use the client closet bring 1 pair of black string thong underwear and 1 pair of nude underwear, this is to use as a barrier to protect you from sharing intimate clothing items with my other clients, I clean and sanitize all items after each use, but this is an extra precaution.
I will always recommend a garter belt with stockings if you have it, if not, I have several!
Pair of heels will help keep your toes pointed, which I will tell you to do every five seconds
Bring bobby pins, hairspray, makeup, moisturizer, etc. for just in case touch ups
If you're surprising your significant other and you don't want them finding out, bring makeup remover wipes and a spray bottle to wet your hair down, so that you can go back home the same way you left.
Identify as male? I highly recommend you bring these items to your session:
1-4 pairs of underwear. Just like females, not all males wear the same kind of underwear. Sometimes we wear different underwear for different occasions. Bring any kind of underwear you are comfortable wearing that makes you feel HOT, whether it be briefs, thong, etc.
At least one short sleeve button down with tie, but you can bring more
If you use hair product, bring it with you to your session in case of touch ups
If you like to wear jewelry such as chains, watches, etc bring them with you. These items can really change the mood in your images.
1-2 pair of pants, these can be jeans or even sweats
Identify as non-binary? I highly recommend you bring these items to your session:
If you can identify with any of the other item recommendations above, bring them.
1-3 Pairs of underwear
1 pair of pants, can be jeans, slacks, sweats, etc.
1 pair of shorts
1 button up shirt
suspenders and a tie
binding
if you use hair product, bring it with you to your session for touch ups
bring any kind of jewelry you wish to wear, if you wear it, such as watches, necklaces, earrings, etc.
Several Weeks Before Your Session:
Book your beauty and self care appointments, this can include hair, makeup, waxing, etc.
Start shopping early for your outfits and consider shipping times when you're ordering online
Consider a thrift trip to find fun items
Don't overlook your own closet gems to accent your outfits, begin hunting for pieces you can use that you already have on hand
If your tummy is an area of concern, invest in a good pair of high waisted bottoms or a corset
If your arms are an area of concern make sure you have a cardigan or robe to bring with you to your session, you could even use a long sleeve button down
STRETCH!! Yes, you read that correctly, boudoir is a lot more physically demanding than a lot of people realize. There are many positions which require flexibility and core strength. This doesn't mean you need to be a fitness model to do boudoir, but you will want to stretch. I would recommend stretching at least once or twice a day everyday leading up to your session to avoid being sore after your session.
One Week Before Your Session:
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more. This is especially important for those with tattoos.
This is around the time you should be getting your mani and pedi and doing any body hair waxing appointments as well as hair coloring appointments.
Get a lip mask and exfoliate your lips and then apply your lip mask for soft beautiful lips
Hydrate!! Get all the water in you can, it will do wonders for your skin.
The Day Before Your Session:
Wash + Dry your hair, no products
Avoid food that makes you feel bloated and drink a lot of water
If you plan to shave, do it the night before, if not two nights before
Pack your bag, no baggage limit here, overpack that SOB
Cut out all the tags from your clothing options including the launder instructions inside the garments
Get plenty of beauty sleep
The Day of Your Session:
Cleanse your skin, if you are getting hair and makeup done by my HMUA (hair and makeup artist) you will want to come to the session with clean DRY hair and a clean face, same if you go to your own HMUA. If you and I didn't discuss there being a HMUA there will not be one and you will need to arrive to your session hair and makeup ready.
Wear loose fitting clothing to your session and preferably no bra or underwear, all of this will help prevent harsh lines from imprinting on the skin
You are encouraged to bring your favorite kink items if that is the type of session you want to have
Don't come to the session wearing sandals, sandals leave dirt and rub color off to the bottom of your feet which will be seen in the pictures)
Do not wear deodorant to your session, if you're worried about body odor get some moisturizing lotion and rub it underneath your underarm beforehand, wearing deodorant can cause transfer onto your garments which will show harsh white lines in the photos
Eat normal, don't starve yourself, but yes you want to keep it light and healthy (drink lots of water)
When planning wardrobe for your session, I love colors that both compliment you and the aesthetic of the studio and my editing style. The best choices are earthy tones, neutrals, rich deep jewel tones, and pastels. Super bright neons can clash with the studio environment as well as my editing style and aren't recommended for most sessions.
Also, please make sure you communicate with me. Let me know your fears, anxieties, and your excitement! I'm here for you! I'm your hype-man.
What kink items are allowed?
Feel free to reach out to me to discuss anything not listed here. I may have to turn down some requests for liability purposes, but for most basic kink items please keep reading.
Items I can provide:
*COMING SOON!* Spreader bar
Handcuffs
Flogger
Riding Crop
Blindfolds
Choker Leads
Kink Candles
Nipple Clamps
*COMING SOON!* Shibari Rope (this is an extra cost as Shibari is an extensive BDSM practice that takes time, knowledge of safety practices, and more)
Don't break your bank! There are many affordable options, if you want to splurge and pamper yourself on really nice new expensive lingerie GO FOR IT, but you don't have to. There's plenty of affordable options I can help you with and remember you have access to my exclusive client closet. To help you out I took the research out of it for you, I found a wide range of awesome places to purchase boudoir attire.The following are some great stores to purchase outfits from:
(Click the Name to be taken to the site)
-H&M
-Nin
