Do you know the five secrets to having a stunning boudoir session?
Most people think that you need to be a model in order to have the best Boudoir images. That’s just not true. There are a few things you can do to prepare and make sure you get the best images possible. Whether you're a model or not, confidence is key. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your shoot
#1. Wardrobe
A well-planned shoot will make all the differnce in your final images. Taking the time to plan out your shoot ahead of time can be a little bit of work on your part, but it'll be worth it in the end. I promise! Bring or purchase 3-4 outfits and include something meaningful, like your wedding lingerie/his favorite jersey.
Body suits are amazing on everyone, and all lingerie shops usually have them. They are like a full body bathing suit with lace or straps. All body types look FANTASTIC in these!
Tops and bottoms are a popular outfit choice for ladies coming into a boudoir studio. These sets usually consist of a beautiful strappy bra and lacey panty. This combination is not only sexy but also leaves something to the imagination.
Remember to include shoes in your photos! They can really make a difference, especially if you're lying on your stomach with your feet kicked up in the air in the background. It'll look stunning!
# 2. Self Care
This is also crucial. Most women tend to notice the minute details about themselves in photos, such as their roots or forgetting to do their nails for the shoot. So take the extra time to prepare and make sure you're happy with the end result. Paying attention to the smaller details will make the photos something you can be proud of.
If you plan on getting your hair cut or colored before the shoot, give yourself enough time for the style to settle - about a week. And if you want a manicure and/or pedicure, get that done a couple days in advance so you're not spending the entire shoot hiding your nails or feet.
Make sure to schedule your waxing appointment 3 to 4 days before your shoot so that any redness or sensitivity will have dissipated by the time of the shoot.
#3. Hair and Makeup
Professional Hair & Makeup is such a crucial part of Boudoir. It accentuates your beauty and creates the most amazing images. Choose a studio that includes this experience or a Hair & Makeup artist who understands how to get you a look for boudoir photography specifically. In boudoir photography, women are often looking down, so applying temporary lash extensions look amazing and bring a pop to the image!!
#4. Choosing an Amazing Photographer & Studio
Choosing an artist who understands how to use angles and lighting to accentuate your beauty is so important. A great photographer will be able to make the final product look like you; not a fake version of you.
They should be able to make you feel comfortable and be able to bring you to a relaxed state to be yourself. Make sure to discuss your comfort level beforehand so that you are both on the same page as to the vision you are trying to achieve. This is crucial as some women want risque images and others want conservative ones.
#5. Confidence
A beautiful woman is a confident woman, and I think that's amazing! I don't care what shape or size a woman is, if she is confident, she draws you in and you just want to engage with her. And self-acceptance is so stunning! My hope is that your life journey brings you to a place where you can accept yourself just as you are.
Listen, I know that if you spend any time on Pinterest, it's easy to see why my job as a boudoir photographer is so difficult. Most of the women in the boudoir pins are strong, fit, or young. Therefore, a lot of women who don't consider themselves young or fit shy away from boudoir sessions. One of the things I spend most of my time doing is cheerleading women and telling them that they will look amazing- and guess what? They always do, no matter what size or age!
Another thing to consider is that you will never be photographed in the same way as you see yourself in the mirror. Your body will be positioned in different ways to show off your best features, and you will be photographed in a way that celebrates your unique body.
Before your shoot, practice in the mirror (posing) and practice ways of self-acceptance. Stop laughing with your hand covering your mouth, stop hiding certain body parts from your spouse while you are undressing, start noticing ways you practice non-self acceptance, and let it go, it will change your life.
At Coffee and Boudoir, we want to help you create a beautiful piece of art with your images. But more importantly, we want you to leave finally seeing what your fiancé, spouse or friends have seen the entire time...your true beauty!
Happy Boudoir Shooting!
Looking to have your own session done? Request a digital brochure here!
