Boudoir Session Prep: 5 Essential Steps
Yay, you scheduled your first (or maybe second) boudoir session! Before you jump in the car and head to Gallery 48 for your shoot, let’s talk about prep. Here are a few pro tips to make sure you look and feel your best!
1. Exfoliate. Your Boudoir Session Will Go Smoothly.
First thing’s first: take an everything shower. If you’re not familiar with the term “everything shower,” it’s when you do alllll the things during one bathe: wash your hair, exfoliate, and shave your legs, armpits, and bikini line. Smooth skin is a must for killer boudoir photos. I take some steamy close-up shots of your best features, so you’ll want to make sure you’re looking as smooth as a baby’s butt! If you’re a self-tan queen, regular exfoliating can ensure your tan applies silky and not streaky.
P.S. An everything shower is the perfect time to throw on teeth whitening strips, too. By the time you step out of the shower, you’ll have a pearly-white smile.
2. Shave Everything. (& Yes, I Mean Everything.)
If you typically shave your body hair, make sure you’re freshly shaven for your boudoir session. Close-up shots reveal everything! My job is to make you look and feel beautiful, so I edit any bruises or imperfections you may have. The athletic girlies know what I mean about leg and arm bruises; they’re inevitable! But, when retouching photos from your boudoir session, smoothing large areas (like prickly legs) affect the “natural-ness” of your shots. If you don’t typically shave your body hair, it might be something you’ll want to be included in your photos. Natural bodies are beautiful bodies!
3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
This tip is absolutely essential after steps one and two. Your skin just went through a lot: you’ve exfoliated and shaved, stripping your skin of its natural barrier. Make sure you’re following up with a thick moisturizer! Before a boudoir session, I recommend moisturizing with something a little thicker than you may normally opt-for. My favorites to really lock in the hydration are Eucerin or Aquaphor. Oh, and don’t forget your fingers and toes!
4. Big Hoodies and Sweats are Your Best Friend.
On the day of your session, opt for a loose-fitting outfit. Tight bras, leggings, and socks leave stitching imprints on your skin, so keep that in mind when getting dressed that morning. Even small accessories like bracelets (or in my case the essential wrist hair-tie) that you plan to remove prior to shooting can leave marks!
5. Avoid Bloat-y Foods!
My kryptonite is any type of Mexican bowl or burrito, so this is the hardest prep step for me. But, for a few days leading up to your session, girl, put down the Taco Bell. Beans, legumes, and dairy can make your tummy feel a little swollen, so choose fruits and vegetables to avoid this feeling! I promise, I understand the struggle.
Bonus Tips!
Here are a few extra mini tips to remember before your boudoir session.
- Cut off the tags on any new pieces you decide to bring to your session, including size tags and washing instructions.
- Fix the chipped toe polish from last Summer! Your hands and toes are in a lot more shots than you think.
- Don’t forget your accessories! AKA rings, necklaces, earrings. These really tie your photos together.
Good Luck, You’re Gonna Rock This!
A boudoir session will give you the most empowering sensation. We both know you’re a hottie, so get ready to feel like one! I can’t wait to see your outfits, I’m sure they’re iconic. Good luck with your prep and I’ll see you there!
