HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BOUDOIR SHOOT
- Communicate with your photographer both before and during the shoot. Do you have a preferred side? Do you have a body party you want to conceal or at least not emphasize? What piece of lingerie are you most looking forward to wearing? What are you planning on doing with these photos? Are these for you or your significant other? Your photographer wants to delivery amazing photographs that you will love an cherish. Talk to the photographer so that he or she knows exactly how to deliver beyond your expectations. Also have an honest discussion with your photographer about any insecurities. At the end of the day, it’s the photographer’s job to make you feel comfortable in your skin.
- Tight clothing or underwear leaves marks on your body. The night before, wear loose fitting clothes to bed (or go au natural) to avoid the strap marks or other skin irregularities that can be caused by tight clothing. Same with rings, watches, and bracelets. If you are not going to wear them during the shoot, take them off the night before the shoot.
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before, with extra hydration and limited alcohol or salt consumption. Nobody wants a beautiful shoot ruined by puffy or swollen eyes. Moisturize your body to avoid dryness.
- No waxing or shaving the day before a shoot. If you are going to wax or shave, its preferable to do it 2-3 days before the shoot.
- Moisturize and exfoliate your skin. Remember from top to toe you should be at your best and clean.
- Prepare a number of outfits (5-6) in advance – no last minute packing! Pack your boudoir bag the night before to ensure the essentials are not forgotten. Make sure the outfits fit you before you arrive to the shoot. Choose outfits that will hug your curves, especially your waist, hips, arms, and chest. Bring extra accessories, gloves, stockings, shoes, etc. You can never have too many clothes, even for a nude or boudoir shoot. Remember, solid primary colors work the best and will no look outdated years from now. It’s about you, so no need to show off the latest fashion trend. Avoid floral or large patterns on your clothes.
- Remove all price and sizing tags from lingerie and underwear. Even the permanent ones. For reasons unknown, every lingerie manufacturer seems to think that putting a large white tag on every piece of lingerie is a good thing. It’s not. Cut them out before the shoot.
- Bring accessories. This is an area where less is truly more. A single strand pearl necklace can be the most enticing outfit you may wear. Simple jewelry, knee-high socks, oversized sweaters, button-down shirt, veil, or simple robe will make for great accessories.
- Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure and have had your hair and make up done. Be sure to schedule your shoot to accommodate any “day of” hair and makeup. We offer a lounge area in our studio in Peekskill where you are free to meet with your hair or makeup stylist to prepare you before your shoot. It is important, however, to ensure that your stylist knows what time the shoot is scheduled to begin.
- It’s best to arrive in a button-down shirt. If you have had your hair and make up done, you do not want to pull shirts over your head during the shoot. Wear loose fitting clothing and undergarments to avoid impressions on the skin.
- Bring a make up kit for touch-ups. This is particularly importation for couples shoots, as you do not want to have your lipstick smear early in the shoot and not have the ability to freshen it up.
- Eat a light meal before your session to ensure you’re satisfied but not bloated.