7 Ways to Prepare For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
For some, it’s all about ‘shredding for, in this case, the sexy photo shoot’. For others, it’s finding the perfect outfits or finally pulling the trigger on buying those sexy heels that you’ve always wanted and now have the perfect excuse to get them. Whatever your case, we know the many questions that arise when preparing for a boudoir photo shoot can be painstaking and nerve-wrecking. So, in an attempt to help ease the anxiety that this preparation can cause, we’ve compiled a list of 7 ways to prepare for your boudoir photo shoot. Let’s get started…
Research and more importantly, INTERVIEW your potential photographers. Yes, it’s important to look at their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision and that they do good work. However, we think it’s just as important to read the ‘about us’ section and have an informal chat with your photographer(s) to decide if they are people that you can connect with and be comfortable with. Make sure that their vibe matches yours!
For us, personal connection is a must! We realize that getting semi-naked in front of us can be nerve-wrecking, so it’s super important to us that we establish a solid sense of trust and great rapport with our models. We place just as much emphasis on the planning process and our opportunities to chat and get to know you as the actual shoot itself. It’s a big deal, and we want to make sure you’re 100% ready and comfortable with us :)
Plan your wardrobe: Select outfits that make you feel confident and sexy. Consider lingerie, robes, or other clothing that accentuates your best features. Are you planning on using some of his or her clothing as props? Start scheming a way to take them for the day without being noticed. Think of what outfit makes you feel extra confident and sexy every time you wear it. For couples, plan your outfits together as a fun way to get excited for your shoot, but maybe surprise one another with one mystery outfit. Make your boudoir a fun and exciting experience, not only on the day of the shoot, but in the planning process.
Posing and expressions: Have fun with this and practice different poses and expressions in front of a mirror to feel more at ease during the shoot. We promise that we will help you become an expert in this area by the time your shoot is done, but it definitely helps to be aware of your own bodily movements and expressions beforehand. Don’t be afraid to laugh. Have fun with it!
Grooming: Take care of personal grooming like hair removal, manicure, and pedicure to feel polished and confident. You want to feel your very best and most confident self. So take the time to prep yourself in this way to make it happen. For most, a boudoir photo shoot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to treat it as such and show up as the pinnacle of your self in every way.
Hydration and rest: Stay hydrated and get a good not only night's sleep, but a week’s sleep before the shoot to look and feel your best. Increase your intake of water daily for at least a month leading up to the shoot date. Eat a clean diet and exercise regularly. Give up alcohol for a bit. Commit yourself to being your very best self for the shoot. Your skin will look its very best when you provide it with the essentials for at least several weeks leading up to your boudoir experience.
Props and accessories: If desired, bring along props or accessories that have personal significance or can enhance the ambiance of the shoot. It will blow your partner’s mind when he or she sees you in nothing but that old tee-shirt or on that motorcycle wearing little to nothing. Favorite team apparel is always a hit, so make sure you’re able to sneak away with it for the day without it being noticed. Couples, bring that sexy board game or set of handcuffs. We certainly don’t judge and actually encourage any and all of these items that will spice things up for your boudoir photo shoot.
Communicate with the photographer: Discuss your ideas, comfort level, and any specific preferences with the photographer to ensure they understand your vision. This somewhat overlaps our discussion on no.1 and our emphasis on building a rapport and connection with our models. We chat extensively prior to our shoot together to build a solid understanding of your goals, ideas, comfort level, limits, preferences, etc. It’s important to us that we know as much as possible about you and your reasons for doing this shoot so that we can kill it from the very first shutter snap!
Remember, the most important aspect of a boudoir shoot is to embrace your natural beauty and feel empowered throughout the process. You want the very best version of YOU to be captured and immortalized in these images (and video), so make it a big deal, set high standards for yourself, and get ready to bring it!