So, you’re thinking about doing a boudoir photoshoot or already have one booked and are feeling a little nervous? Maybe you are not sure what to expect, or if there are any boudoir session tips you can get before you step in front of the camera.
It is totally normal to be a little nervous before any photo shoot, especially a boudoir one. This is a very intimate session and one that you should feel completely comfortable in at all times.
My goal in any session is to make you feel like your best self and make sure that you are having fun during it. Here are some of my top boudoir session tips to make sure you feel confident and have the session you always dreamed of!
Find the right photographer
This may be one of the most important tips on this list. You can follow every other tip below and still not have a great session if you are with the wrong photographer. Your photographer for your boudoir session has to be someone you feel you can trust and someone who matches your energy on a personal level.
Since these shoots are so intimate, it is crucial that you feel comfortable around your photographer. If you feel a little off with them or don’t feel like you can be your complete self around them, that is going to show up loud and clear in the pictures.
Bounce your outfit ideas off your photographer first
Just like any photo shoot, there are a ton of different directions you can go with your outfits for your boudoir session. If you’re not sure what you want to wear or what is going to look best, bounce a couple of ideas off of your photographer.
Odds are, they have done a lot of these shoots and can give you some great advice when it comes to what is going to be comfortable and what is going to look best in the pictures themselves.
If you’re doing the shoot with your partner, they can also help give you some advice on how well your outfits will work together. You may have a great outfit, but if it clashes with your partner’s or is more intricate and makes it hard for you two to move together, it may not be the best choice for the shoot.
Wear outfits that make you feel good
Along the same lines, wear things that make you feel good and that you are comfortable in. This may mean wearing something you wear often or that you save for special occasions. If you do want to buy something new for the shoot, make sure you try it on before the day of the session and make sure you can move around it in.
Ideally, you don’t want anything that is going to be too stiff or restrictive. You want to look confident and sexy in these photos and uncomfortable or stiff clothes can make you feel less than great.
You can also think about what is going to make you feel good when you look back at these photos. Unlike most other photos, not many people are going to see these pictures so don’t dress for other people. Wear whatever is going to make you feel like the most confident version of yourself!
Invest in professional makeup application
Now, this one might not seem as important as it might feel for things like your wedding, but hire a professional to do your makeup. While you may do your own makeup in your daily life, this is a special shoot and is one that you want to look your best during.
A professional will not only make sure your makeup is flawless, but will also be able to help you decide what kind of style you want for your shoot. Whether you are looking for a more vintage look or want to draw attention to one feature, they will be able to make your dream look a reality!
Take the whole day off for your session
This is one of the more important boudoir session tips, in my opinion. Boudoir shoots aren’t just your average photoshoot. It’s not something you want to fit in after work or during a break. This is something that you want to be able to prepare for and enjoy without worrying about anything else.
Taking the day off allows you to focus all of your attention and energy on the shoot and do whatever it is you need to do to prepare for the shoot itself. This can help keep you more relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire session. Consider it an entire self care day!
Be careful of how much sun you get/self tanner you use
In the week leading up to your shoot, try to avoid spending a ton of time out in the sun. The last thing you want is to get a sunburn or be peeling when you go in for your shoot. This is especially important if you are someone who doesn’t normally spend a lot of time in the sun anyway.
Along those same lines, try to avoid trying self tanner for the first time right before your shoot. Self tanner is very tricky and normally the first couple of times you try it, it does not turn out too well.
While you may not want to be as light as you are for your shoot, it is a much better option than being sunburnt or orange. Plus, your photographer will make sure you look amazing regardless of how tan you are!
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
This is SO important. Ideally you would be doing this before any photoshoot but this is especially important before a boudoir session.
It’s important to remember that you are going to be showing off parts of your body that are probably not being seen or photographed on a daily basis. It is super important that you take time to moisturize every part of your body leading up to your shoot.
Starting about a week out from your shoot, you should add this into your daily routine to make sure you look your best when the time comes to step in front of the camera.
Avoid super tight clothing leading up to the session
We all know those awkward lines that are left all over our bodies when we wear skinny jeans, socks, or that perfect skin tight shirt. As much as you may love those outfits, they are not the best thing to wear leading up to your shoot.
We want to avoid any lines or indents that these clothes can leave that will stand out in the photos. Instead try to stick to things like sweatpants and loose shirts as you get ready for your session.
Eat a good meal and drink lots of water
The day before and of your shoot, be sure to eat a good meal and drink plenty of water. Any photo shoot can be draining and you want to make sure you fuel your body in the best way possible leading up to the shoot.
This will ensure you don’t run low on energy or feel sluggish during the session. Plus, drinking a lot of water can also help your skin look amazing on camera (especially if you also moisturize leading into it as well)!
Make a “pump-up playlist” for the session
One of the best ways to feel great (and less awkward) during your session is to have a playlist full of music that is going to pump you up and make you feel ultra sexy and confident.
This is something you can share with your photographer to play during the session to help you feel more comfortable and confident. If you don’t have the time to make a full playlist, just let your photographer know a few artists that you love and they can take it from there.
Start your day off with a little movement
Whether this is yoga, stretching, running, or going to the gym, try to start your day with a little bit of movement. This will help loosen your body up so you don’t feel stiff or tight when it comes time to step in front of the camera. While boudoir photos can look very natural and effortless, many of the poses take a decent amount of strength and sometimes flexibility. Of course, your photographer will cater these poses to your ability level, but it is important for you to be aware and prep your body for your session.
Do not be afraid to communicate with your photographer
This is one of the most important boudoir session tips but it also applies to any shoot you do with a photographer. This is a very intimate shoot and it is important that you feel comfortable at all times.
Each person is going to be comfortable doing different things so if something feels off or uncomfortable during your shoot, voice that to your photographer so they can help make an adjustment. Your comfort level is key and these are your photos so don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and make sure you are able to show up as your most comfortable and confident version.
Finally, enjoy the day!
This is such a fun shoot to do and you should enjoy it as well! Come into the session with an open mind and have fun with it. The shoot doesn’t have to be super serious and having a little fun or a few laughs throughout the way will help keep you loose and comfortable.
Hopefully, these boudoir session tips help prepare you to have the perfect shoot. When it comes down to it, your comfort is key with sessions like these so be sure you are open and honest with how you are feeling and have fun!
Still looking for the right photographer for your shoot? Click here to learn all about our boudoir sessions!
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