Are you nervous about boudoir photos?
If you've planned (or are thinking of planning) your boudoir shoot, you might feel a little nervous about it. Trust me – I get that. Being nervous about boudoir photos is a totally normal and even expected feeling!
Boudoir photos are intimate. They are out of a lot of people's comfort zones. Because, let's be real, getting undressed in front of anyone can be awkward, and if they've got a camera? Even more so!
But striking a pose in front of a photographer in your favorite lingerie doesn't have to be weird. And it's good to step out of your comfort zone from time to time. So I want to help you overcome any hesitations you might have and set you up for boudoir photo success.
To make that happen, I try to prepare my clients by giving them as much guidance and information as possible before our photo session. I also work to create a space where you can feel comfortable, calm and safe as we work through our session.
So, what can I expect during my boudoir shoot?
I've found that knowing what to expect can go a long way in easing nerves and helping clients relax in front of the camera. So, I like to discuss all the details before we schedule and start.
When you book a boudoir session with me, we will talk about your goals and vision for the shoot. We'll discuss posing and the outfits you are most comfortable with. We'll cover your fears or hesitations. And we'll troubleshoot any hangups you might have about your body.
Then, I'll direct you to my style guide and suggest other boudoir photography Pinterest boards you can look to for inspiration. From there, we'll narrow down the focus of your session, so we both know exactly what you want.
In the Studio
On the day of your session, we will begin at 10 a.m. in my studio, where you will get glammed up with hair and makeup. We'll then go through my client wardrobe (one of my favorite parts!) to pick the looks for your shoot and talk about any concerns or worries that you might have – this will give us a chance to get to know each other better and hopefully ease any nerves before I bring the camera out.
Once we're in our session, I'll start by posing you to show off your best features. I've got a variety of poses we will work through.
You don't have to worry about knowing what to do, though – I'll talk you through it and demonstrate each pose. But, I have to warn you – boudoir photography can be a real workout! We'll be stretching, bridging, extending, and elongating everything to find the ways your body looks its best (and sexiest). It will be work (for both of us – remember I'm demonstrating everything!), but so worth it!
While photographing you, I'll also take care of all the little details so you can just focus on being in the moment. I'll also be paying attention to the lighting (both natural and artificial in the room) and adjust it as necessary throughout the pose and in between outfit changes to literally find you in your best light.
Once we're rolling with the photos, we'll rotate through our sets and outfits to get a variety of images for you to choose from.
Generally, I like to start from the most clothed looks and work our way down to the most revealing ones. Creating those first few images is always a great icebreaker, and it's likely any nerves you have left will be gone even before we get to your second outfit. You might even. forget that you were even anxious at all!
What happens after the shoot?
Once we call it a wrap, I'll set out to finish the other half of the work – the editing!
You won't have to wait very long for the reveal, though! It's all done the same day.
I'll send you out to grab lunch and then I'll upload your photos, and prepare them for you to view. With the products you've pre-selected in mind, we'll view your photos together and you'll get a chance to see just how stunning you are. This is also your chance to select your favorite images for your order.
Planning Your Photo Shoot
When you're ready to book with me, I suggest you do it at least six weeks in advance of any deadlines you might have (birthdays, Christmas, or a wedding). This will allow me enough time to do any retouching and ensure your products arrive in plenty of time.
How should I do my hair and makeup?
Whether you're going for an over-the-top sexy look or prefer to stick to something more subtle and demure, my hair and makeup artist (HMUA) has got you covered.
Before the shoot, we will discuss your goals and decide on a look that will make you feel amazing in every outfit you pick. Then the HMUA will go to work, making sure every hair is in place and that your makeup is perfectly on point.
What if I don't wear makeup?
Even if you don't normally wear makeup, I suggest that all of my clients have at minimum foundation and mascara during their shoot. Not because I want to change you but because a good foundation creates uniformity in your skin's appearance and enhances your natural features. You want your skin smooth and your eyes to pop!
Plus, since I only do minimal retouching, this is one way to ensure your images are all perfect and consistent throughout.
Choosing your wardrobe.
When choosing your wardrobe, I want you to pick clothes that you feel sexy and confident in. Bring your favorite lingerie from home and then feel free to take a peek at the client closet in my studio. I have a full collection of outfits for you to choose from as well!
I've got luxurious robes, bodysuits, garters, and bra and underwear sets. And during the session, you have access to anything I own.
You are welcome and encouraged to borrow any of these items for your shoot. Make it your own and make it fun. It's your shoot and you get to own every part of it. (And don't worry, I'll be there to give you a second opinion if you need it!)
But, what if I'm self-conscious about my body?
As a woman, I know that we all have parts of our body that we may be critical of – it's hard not to when we live in a society that puts so much stock in our looks.
But, in my studio space, every part of you is something to be celebrated. Because, girl, you are BEAUTIFUL.
From the moment you walk in the door until your photos are in your hands, I want you to feel like the goddess of a woman I know you are. My studio is a judgment-free zone, designed for you to be able to set aside your self-consciousness and then enable you to embrace the beauty that is uniquely yours.
Boudoir sessions are body-positive shoots. No matter what kind of stretch marks, scars, or imperfections you have – I am here to dignify and celebrate every one of them. After all, they are part of who you are and your story – and documenting that is an honor.
Still, I know we all have our hang-ups. It's part of being human. So, if there is something you are particularly self-conscious about and can't let go of, I'm here to respect that, too. Just let me know so that I can make adjustments as I photograph and be aware of that for you during our session.
Prepare to have so much fun!
The best thing about boudoir photography is just how much fun the process is for everyone involved. So many women come into my studio nervous about how it will go and end up leaving empowered and stunned by their own elegance. And so often, I, as a photographer, am blown away by the transformation I see happen in front of the camera.
So prepare to impress yourself. Prepare to be surprised by yourself. And prepare to have so much fun!
Even if you are nervous about boudoir photography in the beginning, I promise that once you see how incredibly powerful you are, that nervousness will melt away.
Boudoir photography is all about capturing who you are in all your glory – so let's get down to it and show off how gorgeous you are.
