A boudoir session gives you the chance to see yourself from a new perspective. It’s about having a day that’s all about you and your self-love and self-confidence!
As a boudoir photographer in Phoenix, I wanted to share some of my top tips for boudoir photography so that you can have the best experience possible. I don’t want you to think that boudoir isn’t for you because guess what? Boudoir is for everyone!
I’m here to eliminate any fears or hesitations you might have about your session and to remind you that boudoir isn’t just about taking risqué photos. It’s about self-expression, boosting your confidence, discovering your inner beauty, and so much more!
Read on to discover more about how to prepare for your boudoir session!
When to Take Boudoir Photos
When is the best time to take boudoir photos? Whenever you feel like celebrating yourself!
I’ve found that people want to do boudoir for a couple of reasons: they’ve done something extraordinary with their body and want to capture and celebrate that, they want to surprise their partner for a momentous event, or they are moving through what it looks like to love your body as it is today and for all, it’s given you.
A boudoir session is a journey of self-discovery. You could take boudoir photos when you are pregnant, postpartum, for your birthday, when you’re going through a huge transformation, etc. Boudoir is not just for weddings. This is a chance to celebrate your body and embrace all of the things that make you unique.
Boudoir is a bit like an act of resistance in some ways, and I think we have to talk about what that looks like in terms of loving and accepting ourselves fully.
However, with that being said, there are some things that boudoir isn’t and can’t do for you without your agreement and acknowledgment. Boudoir isn’t going to be the thing that sets you into loving yourself more than you do now.
I say that with all the grace in the world because we often think it will push us to love ourselves more, but really, we have to mentally be in a space to lean into what it looks like to radically love ourselves and shut out the outside world.
Why You Should Take Boudoir Photos
A boudoir session is going to push you outside of your comfort zone, but it’s absolutely worth it! Taking boudoir photos is a great way to rediscover and reconnect with yourself. Plus, the photos are a timeless keepsake you’ll treasure for years and years to come.
Think of your session as a gift for yourself – to celebrate your body, your triumphs, and your beauty. The bottom line is that a boudoir session is empowering – you get to show up exactly as you are and feel confident in yourself.
Must-Know Tips for Your Boudoir Photography Session
Here are my must-know tips to prepare for your boudoir photography session:
Give yourself plenty of time to decide on your outfits
Spend some time figuring out what you want to wear for your session. One of my favorite places to get ideas / inspo is Pinterest! Search for outfits that you love, that make you feel confident and sexy, and that flatter your figure.
Outside of lingerie, some other outfit ideas you could try are a button-down shirt, a cozy sweater or cardigan, a robe, or even swimwear!
Bring more than one outfit
Unless you are planning on having a boudoir mini-session, I recommend bringing at least two outfits to ensure variety in your photos and to highlight different aspects of your unique personality.
Do skincare, exfoliate, wax, shave at least a couple of days in advance
For any skin and body prepping you’re preparing to do, don’t wait until the night before your session. Make sure you give yourself a couple of days to tame any redness/ irritation you might have.
This is especially true if you are trying something out for the first time. You want to make sure your skin looks amazing and you don’t have any reactions that are going to make you feel anything less than your best self on the day.
Stay hydrated for glowing skin
If you want beautiful, glowing skin for your boudoir session, make sure that you’re drinking lots of water – and not just on the day of your session. Starting a few days before your session, make an effort to drink a lottt of water to make sure you are as hydrated as possible!
Treat yourself to a mani / pedi before your session
A boudoir session is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself, so go ahead and treat yourself to a mani / pedi session prior. You can even hire a hair and makeup artist for your session if you want!
If you do hire a professional, make sure you do a trial run with them, just like you would if you were hiring them for your wedding. If you’re not hiring a hair/makeup artist, my advice is to take the time to practice the hair and makeup style you want before the day of your shoot.
Keep your skin moisturized
Be sure to apply lotion to your body and your favorite moisturizer to your face leading up to your session so you can show up looking your best! Just like drinking a lot of water, this is going to make your skin look like it is glowing on the camera.
Wear something loose and comfortable to your session
On the day of your session, wear sweats, go braless, or wear a bralette, just don’t wear anything tight as the marks will show up in photos.
Eat food
On the day of your session, please make sure that you are eating so you don’t feel faint or light-headed during your session. I’m not saying you have to have a huge meal – snacks are just fine too. Just make sure that you have eaten something.
Practice relaxation techniques
It is completely normal to be nervous about your boudoir session. That’s why I want you to practice some relaxation breathwork techniques that you can use during your session.
You can meditate or do yoga before your session, and during it, you can take deep, calming breaths to soothe your nerves. Some of my favorite breathing exercises are box breathing or diaphragmatic breathing.
Ready to Plan Your Boudoir Session?
I hope you found these tips for your boudoir session helpful. A boudoir session is such an intimate experience that is incredibly transformative, empowering, and a chance to feel great about yourself. I would highly recommend that you try it out and experience it for yourself!
And if you’re looking for the perfect photographer to capture your boudoir session in Phoenix, you can learn more about my services here or get in touch with me here.
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