Boudoir sessions are incredible experiences, but for almost every client that walks through our studio door, it’s one of the biggest steps they’ve ever taken out of their comfort zone. And for many, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. As such, we want it to be as amazing as possible! That’s why we’ve put together our top six tips (with lots of bonus pro tips) on how to best prepare for your boudoir session so you can walk in feeling more confident and ready for this incredible experience. 

Think About How You’d Like To Enjoy Your Images

We are a boutique boudoir photography studio, specializing in providing clients with luxury finished products. Our clients’ favourite products include our custom designed, hand-made bespoke albums, wall art, matted fine art prints and acrylic blocks. Celebrate this experience and go for it! No one ever said that they suffered from too many awesome photos of themselves!! These photos will remind you how amazing you are when you’re having a bad body image day.

Pro Tip: Ask your photographer about upgrading to include some digital files in your package or to add on a secure phone app to your collection.  Securely carry your badass photos with you everyday for a needed confidence boost on the fly, or to share with a loved one or your besties.

Pro Tip: If you have a private bathroom, Metal Wall Art is a perfect way to add a dash of Badass to the décor without damaging the artwork!

Hop Online To Find Some Boudoir Inspiration

We recommend this for a number of reasons. First, it’ll give you an idea of different kinds of lingerie you like, the kind of lighting you prefer and some poses you find that really fit with the look you’re going for. Seeing different lingerie ideas will really help when you head out to purchase something special for yourself (see below). Share a few favs on your phone from our Instagram Feed so we have an idea of which sets you’d like to shoot on for your boudoir session. 

Pro Tip: Create a Pinterest Board and share it with Meg prior to your session.

Get Properly Fitted At a Boutique Lingerie Store

Are you one of the 85% of women wearing the wrong bra size?!

It is true that boutique lingerie can sometimes be more expensive than chain brand lingerie, but we’ve found that because bodies come in all shapes and sizes, getting fitted properly makes a world of difference. Properly fitted lingerie eliminates extra fabric that’s unflattering when items are too large, and red marks and bulges from items that are too small. When what you’re wearing fits you perfectly, it adds another layer of confidence!

Pro Tip: Always take into consideration the advice of your photographer! Certain lingerie styles such as baby dolls are a no-go for boudoir, and as much as you may love the idea, your photographer likely won’t photograph you in it.

Pro Tip: Read our Badass Boudoir Styling Guide in your welcome email for even more tips!

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to try some artful nudes.  Some of the most amazing photos are nudes, silhouettes, implied nudes in our tub set, or photos with sheets.

To Tan or Not to Tan?

If you’re considering tanning before your session, please beware of tan lines – as they’re hard to edit out. Due to the way different lingerie fits, be sure to tan in the nude (no bra or panties or bathing suit of any kind). There’s nothing worse than a tan line from a low rise panty when you’re wearing a higher cut bodysuit or doing some artful nude photos.

Please DO NOT get a spray tan. A natural tan is much more natural looking than artificially colouring your skin. On camera, spray tans come up really orange and often look streaky and blotchy. Best to tan naturally or not at all. Don’t get us wrong; spray tans are great for other things, but they’re a solid NO for boudoir sessions.

Pro Tip: Go far enough in advance to even out existing tan lines the natural way. And remember to go in the nude!

Prepping Your Skin, Hair & Nails

Drink lots and lots of water in the days leading up to your session. Water doesn’t just hydrate you, it hydrates your skin and makes it look more radiant. In addition to drinking lots of water which is good for your skin, it’s a great idea to exfoliate and use extra moisturizer in the days prior to your session as well. Exfoliate not only your face and lips, but the rest of your body as well. Don’t forget your feet! Your feet will be in a lot of photos, and whether in shoes or not, you want them to look great. Make sure the bottoms of your feet are clean and you’ve scrubbed off rough skin and calluses.

Make sure your toe and fingernails are freshly painted, or all old polish has been removed so there are no chips. Avoid white / near white nail polish and bright colours (orange, blue etc.). Nudes, light pink or red/plum to match your lipstick are idea nail polish colours.

Pro Tip: Learn more about preparing your hair and skin.

Pro Tip: Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure before your session! Please read polish tips above!

Pro Tip: Try some press on nails. They’re a great quick fix!

Unwanted Hair… To Wax Or Shave?

If you have unwanted hair and you plan to remove it, please time it so that you don’t have stubble, but also no rash or unwanted bumps from recent waxing or shaving. Waxing is great, and if you visit Toni at Above and Beyond, mention your session with us and she’ll give you a discount. Be sure to go a few days before if you’re new to waxing. You can request she remove just a little, or a lot. It’s up to you!