As you begin to prepare for your boudoir session, know that you have already done the hardest part: prioritizing and giving yourself an experience that is all about YOU!
Regardless of why you scheduled your shoot, this time is to empower you, your confidence, and the perfect excuse to pamper yourself!
It is normal and natural to feel nervous, but I promise within the first five minutes of working together you will settle into your best self. I have so many of my past clients rave about how they want to do it over and over again!
I have a few things to help get you in a confident, beautiful mindset to feel totally prepared, so when it’s time for our session, you are ready and feeling beautifully you.
What To Do The Month Of Your Boudoir Session
Make sure to book all of your makeup, hair, spray tan, waxing, nail, and other appointments ahead of time!
You’ll want to know that you have everything taken care of and can work with your favorite artists rather than feeling stressed about getting on their calendars.
For Hair: I recommend a looser hairstyle, something you can be playful with!
We will be doing poses with your hands in your hair, tossing it around. If you have something that is tight, stiff, or too styled, then you will be limited in what you can do. I usually say, the looser the hair, the looser you’ll feel!
Make sure that your color is fresh! Like with most big events, don’t do anything too drastic or different before your shoot to make sure that you love the way you look.
For Makeup: I typically recommend asking for a natural, soft palette for your makeup style.
In boudoir photos, we are accentuating your natural beauty. Your makeup should reflect that—but just a little heavier than normal for the camera!
For local Austin, TX hair and makeup artists, I highly recommend reaching out to:
- The Stylist Abroad
- Betty Beaute Co.
- Anastasia MUA
- Luna Beauty & Bridal
- Aaron Folse Beauty
- Nessa Does Hair
If you are feeling overwhelmed finding a makeup artist or hair stylist, I even have an option to let me book the makeup and hair FOR YOU so you don’t even have to worry about it!
For Nails: Like with hair and makeup, I recommend neutral styles for nails because it’s all about your natural beauty.
I have had a few girls whose signature was to have bold, stylish nails. If that’s you, then that’s natural!!
This shoot is meant to make you feel fabulous and grounded in your beauty, so whatever feels in line with who you are is the route you should take.
For Waxing: If waxing is something that makes you feel sexy before your boudoir session, I am a huge fan!
Make sure that you are not waxing or shaving the day of your shoot to avoid redness. Reach out to your waxer with your shoot date to get their advice on when to schedule. I would recommend doing a test run a few weeks prior to your shoot in case your body reacts negatively to the wax.
For Spray Tans: If you’re going to do it, do it right!
Please go to a trained spray tan professional a few days prior to your shoot. They will ensure you’re taken care of and look your best.
Beware of self-bronzer (or non-professional spray tans) because we WILL focus on your hands and feet!!!
Choosing Outfits For Your Boudoir Session
When it comes to choosing outfits for your boudoir session, I recommend bringing 2-3 outfits (depending on what type of session you have booked). My rule of thumb is a matching set that you feel the most beautiful and confident in, something your partner likes (if you’re using these as a gift!), and then a lace or silk robe.
I’m a huge fan of bringing a variety—fancy, lacy lingerie as one outfit and a men’s button-down as another. You can also think about incorporating a sports jersey or maybe even a fun and sultry costume!
Red and black tend to be colors people feel sexiest in, but every woman is different so go with what you like! The only rule is to be true to you. If you’re feeling stuck and need someone to bounce outfit ideas off of, you are welcome to use me as a resource for finding the perfect combination of outfits.
I do recommend taking your outfits for a test run before your shoot…as in, take a TON of selfies!!!
You’ll want to make sure you love the way you look from every angle. Sometimes outfits look great when you’re standing but aren’t your favorite when you’re sitting or arching your back. Taking a few quick photos of yourself will help you get an idea of what your professional photos will look like.
We’ll be using a variety of poses, so check yourself out from the front, the back, the side, sitting, standing, and laying down to find your perfect fit.
For shoes, I highly recommend bringing one or two pairs of high heels.
They help with your posture and make your booty pop! It will be a lot of standing on tippy toes and can be a workout if you don’t have heels!
I’m a huge fan of sleek black heels or something neutral that helps elongate your legs. If you are a shoe girl, though, feel free to go all out and make a statement!
Prepping Your Outfits For Your Boudoir Shoot Day
- Remove all tags (cut everything off cleanly!)
- Steam all of the satin and silk pieces
- Wear baggy, loose clothes with no bra or underwear to get your hair and makeup done—we want to avoid imprints in your skin before slipping into your main outfits!
- Pack all of your outfits and accessories in travel bags the night before, so you don’t forget anything
Practice Posing Before Your Boudoir Photoshoot
Don’t overthink it, but be prepared! My job as your photographer is to provide direction and posing, but a boudoir session can feel really vulnerable and new. I always recommend looking up posing examples on Pinterest to get an idea of the typical poses. Go ahead and practice in front of the mirror on your own!
Here’s some posing ideas from a few of my past boudoir shoots at The Grand Lady in Austin, TX!
(PS. The Grand Lady great location to consider because of the variety in rooms and the privacy!)
I prefer poses where you move around so you’re not too static or stiff. It’s fun to practice and get in the mood with elongating your neck, arching your back, flexing your toes, and relaxing your hands! It can be a little nerve-wracking to get into the flow on the day of, but if you’ve practiced in the mirror then you’ll have an idea of what looks good and feels right.
Trust me as your photographer, but also practice some muscle memory! I’ll be there to guide you through the process, which will be even easier with the confidence you gained from stretching and practicing beforehand.
(PS. It’s not a big deal if you have injuries or limitations! I am here to celebrate every body type. I have a pre-session questionnaire that asks all of the questions beforehand so you feel comfortable, even down to the playlists to listen to during your shoot!)
Final Prep Tips For Your Boudoir Session
Because your boudoir session is all about capturing your most confident self, you’ll want to make sure you actually feel that way! Get rest, drink plenty of water, and stay away from salty foods, alcohol, high sugar, sodas, or anything too heavy, like red meat.
You can absolutely treat yourself once your shoot is done! (My preferred post-shoot meal is wine and cake!!)
I don’t usually recommend having any drinks the day of your shoot (mostly because of the bloat), but you can absolutely bring some wine or a drink to loosen up once your shoot begins!
This is one of the most fun things you can do to celebrate, empower, and love yourself by honoring your body, so always keep that in mind as you prepare for your shoot.
You deserve this and you are beautiful!!
As your boudoir photographer, always know you can ask me anything to make sure you feel comfortable and confident. I can’t wait to see you in front of the camera!!!
If you haven’t booked your Austin, TX boudoir photos yet, you can learn more information about working with me here!
