Preparing for a boudoir shoot is an exciting journey towards celebrating your unique beauty. To help you embrace this experience fully, I’ve compiled some empowering tips, each followed by detailed advice to guide you. Let’s embark on this journey together!

1. Hydrate well for a naturally glowing complexion and overall well-being.

Drinking plenty of water is essential not just for your boudoir shoot but for your overall health. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. Proper hydration ensures your skin looks luminous and plump, adding a natural glow to your photographs. It also helps in reducing bloating, ensuring you feel and look your best..

2. Familiarize yourself with boudoir poses before your session.

Incorporating poses from our website or Instagram into your daily routine serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it helps you get familiar with the poses, making you feel more confident and relaxed during your session. Secondly, it acts as a gentle stretching exercise, enhancing your flexibility. This practice will enable you to effortlessly flow into each pose, ensuring every photo captures your grace and strength. Remember, the aim is to connect with your body and enjoy the process of preparing for your empowering session.

3. Avoid artificial tanning and embrace your natural skin tone.

Your natural skin tone is uniquely beautiful and photographs wonderfully. If you're tempted by a tan, remember that artificial methods can lead to unevenness and damage studio props. Regular exfoliation, hydration, and a skincare routine tailored to your needs will ensure your skin is camera-ready.

4. Maintain a consistent skincare routine and hydrate for naturally glowing skin.

Arrive with a clean face, moisturized with your regular product. Stick to your trusted skincare regimen in the days leading up to your session to avoid any skin reactions. The key to flawless makeup application lies in well-hydrated skin, so continue drinking plenty of water. This simple practice will ensure your skin looks radiant and healthy under the studio lights. What if I get a zit or bruise? Don't worry, that's why we use Photoshop!

5. Plan any hair color or styling changes well ahead of your session.

If you're considering touching up your roots or changing your hair color, schedule this at least a week in advance. Hair coloring involves chemicals, and it's essential to have enough time to correct any unexpected results. We advise against trying dramatic new haircuts, bangs, or colors right before your session to avoid last-minute surprises. Arrive with clean, dry hair, and our professional stylist will craft the perfect look that complements your natural beauty.

6. Plan any waxing or hair removal well before your session.

If waxing is part of your routine, schedule your appointment at least 5 days before your session to allow any redness or irritation to subside. For those trying waxing for the first time, we recommend a preliminary wax 4 weeks prior, followed by a second wax 5 days before your shoot. This approach helps to mitigate any skin reactions. Whether you prefer a natural look, shaving, or waxing, choose what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

7. Opt for clean, well-groomed nails with subtle colors.

Your nails are a small but significant part of your overall look. Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and the lingerie you plan to wear. Well-manicured, subtle nails contribute to the elegance and timelessness of your photos.

8. Bring essential items and personal touches to enhance your boudoir experience.

Most of our clients adore using our client wardrobe for their lingerie needs during sessions. While it's not required to bring your own lingerie, we do ask that you bring two pairs of underwear for hygiene purposes – one black thong and one skin-tone thong (seamless or g-string work best). If you choose to bring your own lingerie, please ensure it's in like-new condition, without tags, and preferably kept on a hanger. Adding to your look, jewelry can be a delightful personal touch. Bring costume pieces or sentimental items that resonate with you. As for shoes, we have a selection of sizes 6-11 in the studio, but feel free to bring any special heels or boots that you love but rarely get to wear. Just remember to remove all tags and stickers. These little touches will personalize your session and enhance the uniqueness of your photos.

9. Nourish your body and dress comfortably on the day of your shoot.

Eating a balanced meal beforehand will keep your energy levels up without feeling bloated. Choosing the right attire for your arrival, like soft leggings or a cozy dress, ensures no marks on your skin and sets the tone for a relaxed, confident session. I always highly recommend bringing your favorite house slippers too! This ensures your feet stay clean and during the winter months it also keeps your toes toasty!

10. Plan for comfort and relaxation after your boudoir session.

As we wrap up your empowering boudoir session, remember to care for yourself post-shoot as well. It's a great idea to bring comfortable clothes to change into afterwards, allowing you to leave the studio feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Additionally, I highly recommend scheduling a soothing activity for yourself, like a massage or a warm bath. Your muscles might feel a bit sore after the session, as we work to capture those stunning poses. Treating yourself to some post-session relaxation is not only a wonderful way to unwind but also a beautiful extension of the self-love journey you embarked on today. Embrace this time to reflect on your experience and the beauty you possess, both inside and out.

Your Self-Love Affirmation Toolkit

Along with these tips, I encourage you to surround yourself with positive affirmations. Place them where you can see them - in your home, your car, or even as a background on your phone. Here are a few to start with:

"I am a masterpiece of my own making."
"In my eyes, I see strength and beauty."
"Every curve, every line, every mark tells my unique story."
"I embrace my journey with love and courage."
"My confidence shines brighter than the stars."
"I celebrate each moment of being authentically me."

Remember, a boudoir session is a celebration of who you are, in this moment. It’s about seeing your beauty, strength, and spirit through a new lens. As your photographer, I am here to guide you on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Together, we'll create something magical.