15 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Boudoir Shoot
Updated: Apr 7
Boudoir photography is a personal and intimate experience, capturing the beauty and confidence of women in a unique and empowering way. However, it can also be a little intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what to expect! ..And that's totally fine!
Well, today I am going to spill the beans for you so can show up super prepared to take on your upcoming boudoir photo session and avoid those stressful "wish I knew before..." moments-- and there are quite a few of them.
Boudoir sessions are special, and everyone wants to be prepared for a great time and to make boudoir photos that can be enjoyed for years. Clients can spend a lot of money on boudoir photography and it's not the best feeling to walk away afterward and think to themselves "these are things I wish I knew before my boudoir shoot" when they come up short of expectations. To help you make the most of your boudoir shoot, I've put together a great list of 15 things for you to review to keep that from happening.
From preparation and outfits, to understanding the photographer and body positivity, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to feel confident and beautiful during your boudoir session. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, this article will help you achieve the results you want and make the most of this special experience.
Let's take a look...
1. Preparation:
Before your boudoir shoot, it's important to take the time to prepare and think about what you want to achieve. Take a few moments to reflect on your goals for the shoot and what you hope to get out of it. This can help you feel more confident and focused during the shoot, and ensure that you get the results you want. Consider what outfits you want to wear, what poses you want to try, and what type of final product you're hoping for. It's also helpful to think about the mood or vibe you want to convey in your images. Preparation is the key to making the most of your boudoir shoot, so take the time to do it right.
2. Outfits:
Choosing the right outfits for your boudoir shoot can make all the difference. While it's important to feel comfy and confident in what you're wearing, it's also important to consider the style and mood you want to convey. Think about what colors, fabrics, and styles flatter your body type and highlight your favorite features. You can opt for lingerie, dresses, a robe, or even an outfit that you feel confident and sexy in. It's also a good idea to bring a few different options so that you have variety in your images. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with your outfits. Just remember to choose pieces that you feel comfortable and confident in.
3. Lingerie:
When it comes to lingerie for your boudoir shoot, the options are endless. You can opt for something simple and classic, or something more elaborate and playful. The key is to choose lingerie that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Consider what fabrics, colors, and styles flatter your body type and highlight your favorite features. Don't be afraid to experiment and try something new, but remember to choose pieces that you feel good in. If you're not sure where to start, consider consulting with a professional stylist who can help you find the perfect lingerie for your shoot. Just remember, the most important thing is to choose lingerie that you feel confident and comfortable in, as this will shine through in your images.
4. Hair and Makeup:
Another top "wish I knew..." moment is that a professional hair and makeup artist can take your boudoir session and the look of your boudoir photos to the next level. They can enhance your natural beauty and help you feel confident and polished in front of the camera. Consider hiring a professional who has experience in boudoir photography and who understands the look and mood you're going for. During the shoot, they can touch up your hair and makeup as needed to ensure that you look your best in every shot. If you prefer a more natural look, a professional hair and makeup artist can still help you achieve that while enhancing your best features. Just remember to communicate your preferences clearly and let them know what you're comfortable with. With the right hair and makeup, you'll feel confident and beautiful during your boudoir shoot.
5. Understanding the Photographer:
Probably the first "things I wish I knew..." moment can revolve around understanding your photographer. It's important to choose a boudoir photographer who understands your vision for the shoot-- you want to be in your comfort zone. Just like there are different styles of restaurants, such as fast food, bar-b-que, and sushi-- there are, likewise, different styles of photographers. Take the time to research different photographers and read reviews from previous clients. Make sure to look at their portfolio to see if their style and approach align with what you're looking for. If every single shot in one of your candidate's portfolio's are edgy black and white photos... that's probably the look and style you should expecting from that photographer. If that's not the look for you... move on.
During the shoot, it's important to communicate openly with your photographer and let them know what you're comfortable with. They should respect your boundaries and make you feel at ease during the shoot. A good photographer will help you relax, guide you through poses, and make you feel confident in front of the camera. Choosing a photographer who you trust and feel comfortable with is key to having a successful boudoir shoot. That's your happy place-- you want to feel amazing!
6. Communication:
Communication is key to a successful boudoir shoot. It's important to be clear and open with your photographer about your goals, comfort level, and preferences. Let them know what you hope to achieve from the shoot and what you're comfortable with. Discuss what type of images you're hoping to get, what poses you're interested in, and what you're not comfortable with. Good communication will help ensure that you and your photographer are on the same page and that you get the results you're looking for. If you're nervous or unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask your photographer for guidance. They should be supportive and willing to work with you to achieve your goals. By establishing clear communication, you'll have a more relaxed and enjoyable boudoir shoot.
7. Expectations:
Another "things I wish I knew..." moment can revolve around client expectations. It's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to your boudoir shoot. While you may have certain ideas in mind, it's important to be open to your photographer's suggestions and to trust their expertise. Keep in mind that the final images may not look exactly like the ones you have in mind, but that's okay. A good photographer will work with you to create images that are beautiful, intimate, and unique. Be open to trying new poses, angles, and lighting, as these can often result in the most stunning images. Keep in mind that boudoir photography is a collaborative process and that you'll get the best results if you trust your photographer and let them guide you. By setting realistic expectations and being open to new ideas, you'll have a more enjoyable and fulfilling boudoir session.
8. Poses:
Posing is an important aspect of boudoir photography, but it can also be a challenge for some people. Many of my clients bring up the fact they they don't know how to do any poses... and feel that burden is on them. The good news is that it's not. A good photographer will guide you through various poses, help you find your most flattering angles, and make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. However, it's important to remember that you don't have to be a professional model to get great results. Everyone's body is different, and your photographer should work with you to create poses that are flattering and comfortable for you. Also, if your husband loves your booty-- Don't be afraid to express your preferences and suggest poses that you like. The key is to relax, trust your photographer, and let them guide you through the process. With the right poses, you'll create beautiful, intimate, and memorable images that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
9. Lighting:
Lighting is an important aspect of boudoir photography and can greatly impact the mood and feel of the images. Good lighting can help create a soft, romantic, and intimate atmosphere. However, lighting can also be challenging, and it's important to choose a photographer who has experience and knows how to work with lighting to create the desired mood and tone. During the shoot, the photographer may experiment with different lighting setups to find the one that works best for you. They may use natural light, studio lighting, or a combination of both. It's important to communicate with your photographer about your preferences, if you have any, and what you're comfortable with. Whether you prefer bright and airy images or something a bit more moody and dramatic, a good photographer will work with you to create lighting that enhances your features and creates the look you're going for. With the right lighting, your boudoir images will be stunning and memorable.
10. Body Positivity:
Your boudoir shoot is an opportunity to celebrate your body and embrace your confidence. It's important to remember that everyone has unique bodies, and there's no such thing as a "perfect" body. Instead of focusing on flaws or imperfections, try to focus on what you love about yourself and what you want to highlight in your images. The right photographer will work with you to help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, regardless of your body shape or size. Embracing body positivity is key to having a successful boudoir shoot, so try to let go of any negative thoughts and focus on the beauty and strength that you bring to the session.
11. Confidence:
Confidence is key when it comes to boudoir photography. Feeling comfortable and confident in front of the camera can make a huge difference in the images. It's important to remember that everyone feels nervous or self-conscious at times, and that's perfectly normal. A good photographer will help you relax and feel at ease, and should make you feel comfortable throughout the shoot. The truth is, the nerves all go away after a few minutes. They should also be supportive and encourage you to embrace your body and be confident in your own skin. If you're feeling nervous, try to focus on your breathing and the positive aspects of the experience. Remember why you decided to do a boudoir shoot and focus on the end goal. With the right mindset and a confident attitude, you'll create beautiful, intimate, and memorable images that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
12. Trust:
Boudoir photography is all about trust. Trusting your photographer is essential for a successful boudoir shoot. Your photographer should be professional, experienced, and knowledgeable in the genre. You should feel comfortable with their style and approach and trust their ability to create beautiful images. Trusting your photographer also means being open to their suggestions and advice, and allowing them to guide you through the process. When you trust your photographer, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the experience, knowing that they're working to create the best possible images. A good photographer should also respect your privacy and personal boundaries and makes you feel safe and secure throughout the shoot. Trusting your photographer will help you create images that are intimate, beautiful, and memorable, and you'll be able to cherish them for a lifetime.
13. Enjoyment:
Probably the biggest "things I wish I knew..." moment can revolve around well, having fun! A boudoir session should be an enjoyable experience, and it's important to remember that the final images will reflect your mood and energy. If you're feeling relaxed and having fun, that will show in your shots, and they'll be even more beautiful and memorable as a result. During the shoot, try to let go of any self-conscious thoughts or worries and just enjoy the experience. Listen to music, take deep breaths, and focus on the positive aspects of the shoot. You should feel comfortable and relaxed with your photographer, and they should be supportive and encouraging throughout the process. By focusing on the enjoyment of the experience, you'll create beautiful images that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
14. Editing:
Editing is an important part of boudoir photography, and a good photographer will use editing to enhance and perfect the final images. Don't sweat that pimple on your skin or tan line. It's no big deal. During the editing process, the photographer will remove any blemishes or imperfections, adjust lighting and color, and create a cohesive look for the images. It's important to communicate with your photographer about your editing preferences and what you're comfortable with. If you're curious ask them to share a few photos of before/after. Some photographers may use heavy editing to create a dramatic look, while others prefer a more natural approach. It's important to choose a photographer who has experience and knows how to create the look you're going for. With the right editing, your boudoir images will be stunning and memorable, and you'll cherish them for a lifetime.
15. Final Product:
An often overlooked "things I wish I knew..." moment is the final product of a boudoir shoot is an important aspect to consider. Make sure to discuss the options for the final images with your photographer and choose a product that suits your needs. You may want to consider a beautiful photo album, framed prints, or digital files for your boudoir photos. Consider what you want to do with the images, and choose a product that will allow you to showcase and enjoy them in the way that you want. A good photographer will be able to provide you with a variety of options and guide you through the process of choosing the best product for you. With the right final product, your boudoir images will be stunning, intimate, and memorable, and you'll cherish them for a lifetime.
