How to prepare for a boudoir photo shoot
Potential clients often ask me: How do I prepare for a boudoir photo shoot? The answer to this question depends on how long you have until your session and what your goals are for your images. There are basically three different points in time that you need to prepare for; booking the right photographer, preparing your body and deciding what to wear.
Select Your Boudoir Photographer
Deciding who will be taking your photos is the most important step while you prepare for a boudoir photo shoot. This is mainly because all artists have different flare, style, and reasons for shooting boudoir. You will need to ensure that the artistic expression of your photographer matches your desired end product. Spend some time looking at boudoir photos in various photographers’ portfolios and try to categorize the types of images you like. Consider this a “thinning process.”
Once you have narrowed down the photographers by their image style you will then need to consider what you want to spend, how far you are willing to travel and if the photographers personality will fit your needs. Each photographer should have a price list and show examples of what their products look like when they are in your hands. Next comes the tricky part, finding the right personality that will ensure you are confident and comfortable. Send out an email, a text or some other form of communication. Ask to meet them and have a consultation in person or virtually. Pay attention to how you feel during these communications. Do you feel valued as a customer? A priority? Do you feel anxious in talking to them? Do you feel safe? Ask them what is their why for shooting boudoir. If it feels off, keep looking.
Prepare Your Body
After the session is locked in it is time to prepare your body! Some women give themselves 6-8 months preparation, but this is NOT necessary by any means. They use the shoot as a motivator to get fit, eat right and feel more comfortable in their skin. I love that my work can help give someone the push to step into a healthier life style! Some ladies give themselves a few months, others just grab a date that is available. Regardless of how much time you have to prepare for a boudoir shoot after it’s locked in, there are a few things you can do to get your body ready. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin glowing. I’m not always on board with a spray tan. I’ve seen some great ones and I’ve seen some bad ones. If you feel the need to add a touch of color, be sure to do a test run with the salon weeks before your shoot and look for streaks around your wrists, hands and cleavage. Get your hair touched up, paint your nails, get your eye brows waxed…clean up your bikini line. You want to look polished up and confidently know your sexiness is at its height!
Be Mindful Of Your Lingerie Choices
The last piece to prepare for a boudoir shoot is picking your clothes or props to wear. Give yourself plenty of time here, it may seem like a simple task but it is vital. The most important. thing I can tell you is make sure your pieces fit well. They should not be too big, or too small. We want the straps, bands and lace to lay nicely against your skin, not digging in. When you slip into a piece of lingerie or outfit you should your superpower explode with confidence. One of the first things I ask when we review your outfits before your shoot is, “Are you on the fence with any of these?” If you answer yes, I most likely take them out of the running. For more tips, take a look at my article about What to Wear to a Boudoir Photo Shoot and Don’t Forget the Shoes. A great locally-owned lingerie boutique is L.I.A. Lush Intimate Apparel where you can find quality pieces sizes XS-4X and cup sizes A-O.
Take a look through my images as you are considering how to prepare for a boudoir photo shoot. Send me a message and let’s set up a date to meet and discuss what I can do to document that sexy sultry side of you.
Always Sexy. Always Classy. Always Beautiful
Spokane’s premier boudoir photographer.
114 W Pacific Ave #209
Spokane, WA 99201