How To Prepare For A Boudoir Photoshoot?
Hello! I’m Laura, Leeds Boudoir Photographer and here to help YOU prepare for a boudoir photoshoot!
So you’ve booked a boudoir photoshoot?
Congratulations! That in itself is a huge thing as I know just how nerve wracking it can be to even make that first step! So you’re all booked in and now you’re wanting to get photoshoot-ready.
Well there are some major do’s and don'ts to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of wanting to transform yourself beyond recognition but this is not a good idea! You still want to look like you. After all - these images will last a lifetime!
What NOT to do:
So here’s what NOT to do before your session.
Spray Tans
I say this with love, but it’s something I’ve seen time and time again. Do NOT get a spray tan unless you’re 150% sure it’s going to look stunning and natural. If you don’t have regular spray tans, now is not the time to try it out! I know a lot of people worry about looking pasty or pale but far better to look a normal colour than bright orange!
You also run the risk of getting tan on your photographers sets/sheets etc and could land yourself with a cleaning fee which you really don’t want!
Starve Yourself
I know, I know. You book a boudoir photoshoot and immediately go “right best shift some weight”. This is NOT a good attitude to have. In fact it’s exactly the opposite of what a boudoir session is for. A boudoir photography session helps you to LOVE your body. Love the skin you’re in. Not try and change it! If you want to get fit and healthy before your session - go ahead. But if you’re going to aim to drop a dress size in two weeks it’s just not worth it. The same goes for the morning of the session. It’s very tempting to miss breakfast but trust me when I say, boudoir photoshoots are HARD. You’ll need your strength and you don’t want to feel rubbish and shaky during your session because you’ve got low blood sugar. Instead opt for a nice light healthy breakfast and plenty of water!
Damage Your Skin
Try your hardest to look after yourself on the run up to your session. After all, the skin you’re in is your main outfit and this is a key tip to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot.This includes not getting sunburn or tan lines that will be visible during your shoot. Take extra care before your photoshoot - we don’t want any big black and blue bruises on your shins from where you went rock climbing the week before your session! Think carefully about yout diet and beauty regime before your photoshoot as well. Drink plenty of water, there’s nothing worse than dry skin from dehydration and breakouts from too much caffeine and a bad diet. I know it sounds boring - but doing this will all help towards making you look and feel amazing for your photoshoot!
What TO Do:
Book your beauty appointments:
Take the stress away! Again, these images are going to last a lifetime, so why not take the pressure off and be sure to be looking and feeling your best. Get your hair done, book a professional makeup artist, and get those nails looking tip top. This is a photoshoot ALL about your beautiful body - so make it sparkle!
Get your body photoshoot ready:
Diet is key in this one. You want to up your water intake as much as possible. Here comes the fun police…But if you can cut out (or at least cut down) your alcohol,caffeine and sugar intake, not only will you see a difference in your skin but you’ll also feel so much better for your shoot!
Exfoliation is another big recommendation for me. It really does make such a difference and if you’re like me and find you have bumpy skin around your triceps and back/side of the thighs - this will transform you! Don’t forget, professional cameras pick up every little detail so you want your skin to be as photo ready as possible.
Go Shopping!
I’ve said it a couple of times already, but I really do feel the need to hammer home the fact that these images are forever. So please don’t go “oh I’ll just bring whatever I’ve got in my underwear drawer”. I know how women work, I know we’ve all got underwear in our drawers that should have been thrown away and updated a long time ago. This really is the perfect opportunity to go out and buy yourself even just one, brand new outfit that makes you feel INCREDIBLE. After all, boudoir photography is all about making you feel exactly that way. There’s never a bad time to treat yourself to some sexy new underwear!
Stretch:
This one might seem slightly random, and it’ll depend a lot on your photographer and what sort of poses they have you doing. But if you’re coming to me - please start stretching! During a lot of my photoshoots I have my boudoir clients arching their backs like they’ve never arched before. It makes such a difference to making your images look incredible if you can nail the pose. And most people don’t often arch, in fact we spend most of our time hunched over computers and desks so clients who don’t prepare, often find themselves very achy the next day!
My final bit of advice would be to turn up to your photoshoot in loose clothing so you don’t start your boudoir session with lines from your jeans all the way down your legs!
So there you have it - they are my top tips to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot! But above all else - ENJOY IT! Boudoir photography is, for most people, a once in a lifetime experience - and whilst I know you’ll be nervous - do try and embrace it! You’ll love it and you’ll love your images - promise!
Laura x
Still have questions? View my FAQ blog here > Boudoir FAQ's
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