Your Boudoir Prep Guide

HELLO LEGEND!

I’m so excited you’ve taken the steps to experience this for yourself, we’re going to have so much fun! One of the key things to a successful boudoir experience is preparation! I’ve put together this guide to help ease any stress when preparing for your session and what to expect through out the whole process.

Start Reflecting

I’m assuming you’ve booked your shoot with me because you love my style and have a good idea on what to expect from the photos you’ve seen in my portfolio and social media pages. But what kind of images were you hoping to walk away with? Are you drawn to more of a portrait style that show off more face and expression? Maybe something editorial that focuses more on creating images that support a mood or tone? It’s ok if you have no idea, most of my clients aren’t sure. However, if you come across any photos via the internets, Pinterest, or magazine tear outs, share them with me, I’d love to see what you’re drawn to and it will give me a good visual concept of what you love. Bonus points if it’s my work you found on Instagram, the blog or website! Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point. Don’t say things like “OHH that’s so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!” or “I WISH I could look like that!”. That’s not the point of this exercise. Instead, let’s focus on what type of imagery you’re drawn to. Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark, moody, and seductive? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up teaser shots of body parts? Do you prefer more modest portraits? 

And if you have no clue and want to leave it all to me, no problem! Asking these questions to get you thinking about your photos, always helps me in preparing for the type of imagery we create, but don’t worry, you’ll definitely have photos with my signature style that prompted you to book with me!

The number one wardrobe rule is:

Do not bring outfits that you don’t love! I can’t tell you how many women show up with outfits that prompt them to say “i really don’t like the way i look in this one, but I’ll leave it up to you!”. If you don’t like the outfit, it’s likely that you won’t like photos of you in the outfit. Leave it at home.

Lingerie is not a must for boudoir:

Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a boudoir style shoot, a garter belt and thigh high fish nets would go great with a cropped sweater or fitted tee. A gorgeous bra can be paired with a long flowing skirt. Your favorite tank top can be paired with no pants. A sheet can be used for everything. Your 20 year old favorite tee shirt paired with cheeky bottoms will get the job done just perfectly. This is about you and your authentic personality, not about being someone you aren’t.

Have yourself properly fitted for lingerie

if you will be wearing it for your session. I recommend going to a local lingerie boutique to have yourself properly fitted. There’s a lot of styles and textures that you may never had the chance to try on or thought you couldn’t wear. Knowing how to properly wear lingerie is also a nice perk of getting properly fitted. When it fits properly, you’ll feel good in your outfit! Recommendations can be found at the end of this guide.

Avoid tiny busy patterns & neon colors.

They are often harsh on-camera and a bit unflattering since we’re going for something more classic and timeless so try to avoid them.

Try to incorporate a variety of pieces into your wardrobe selections.

Having 5 different bra and panty sets won’t allow for a whole lot of variety in your photos. Rather, have all of your looks be a reflection of the different sides of you. You could have something lacey and romantic, something strapy and edgy, something casual, something more modest. You get the idea. It doesn’t have to be complicated…in fact, we welcome simplicity! We love to work with pretty scarves, sheets, white button down shirts, jackets and coats, or anything you love.

Pressed and Pretty

Make sure your wardrobe selections aren’t wrinkled, and cut all the tags off of your sheer items before arriving.

Avoid Props

Unless it’s your second shoot with us, or unless you’re super crazy confident and comfortable posing with those props! Props and uncertainty go together like…like…awkward school portraits. ;)

CURVY BODIES

BRING ON THE FORM-FITTING ITEMS! I adore bodysuits, tight dresses, and nothing at all….especially for voluptuous bombshells. We often see curvy women trying to cover up more, but often that has the opposite effect they think it will. Allowing me to pose you so that we can see your figure and celebrate it is the way to go!

FLAT-TUSHIES

Cheekies tend to make a booty look fuller than full-coverage bottoms or g-strings. Play around in the mirror with different styles to see what you like best. And don’t worry, I’m a PRO at creating curves in posing where there aren’t any otherwise! I can get a killer booty shot with any level of curve (or lack thereof).

SHORTER LEGS

High heels with a THIN heel rather than chunky! Avoid shoes with thick ankle straps or a square toe. Nude shoes naturally elongate the legs.

THIN/NO CURVE

That’s all in the posing-girl! Form fitting options and nothing at all work great as I pose the heck out of you to make you look and feel bodacious.

SMALL CHEST

Underwires and balconettes are lovely, as well as NO BRA AT ALL (my personal favorite for small chested women!) And also, small boobs rock. So please don’t feel the NEED to create extra “oomph” unless it’s something that really concerns you.

MOM BOOBS

If the girls are a bit lower or “floppier” than you’d like them to be, just be sure to snag a bra with some support, or form fitting bodysuits that will keep them at bay. Posing will play a huge role here, and I’m really good at that. So…bring your mom boobs my way and we’ll embrace the hell out of them!

SURGERY SCARS & STRETCH MARKS

My personal belief is that scars tell a story. Sometimes clients wish they didn’t have to be permanently reminded of that story, and other times, clients embrace their scars and say they’re a part of them. For this reason, I will never edit out a scar, birthmark or mole. Stretch marks and cellulite are typically avoided during the shoot, and I’m happy to retouch them out along with blemishes, scratches and bruises. We will always go over your retouching preferences at the end of your shoot.

LE BUSTIERE - Washington, DC

For beautiful lingerie perfect for your session. Get properly fitted and stylized by the experts. Mention your session with me for 10% off your purchase.

IG: @lebustiere

LOTUS BLOOMS - Old Town Alexandria, VA

Not only a sex positive adult boutique, you can find a variety of teddies, bodysuits, and corsets. Mention your session with me for 20% off your purchase.

IG: @lotus.blooms

Virginia

Pentagon City + Tyson’s corner: Intimissi

Vienna: Trousseau

Fairfax, VA: Belle Mode Intimates

Maryland

Annapolis + Baltimore: A La Mode Intimates

Favorite online lingerie

Classic lingerie - Fleur Du Mal

Best for lace, leather and luxury - Honey Birdette

On trend - Thistle and Spire , Lounge , Savage X Fenty

Modern and fashion focused - Blue Bella

Size inclusivity - Adore Me

Best for glamour and colors - Dita Von Teese

Minimalist lingerie - CUUP

Sporty non lingerie - Calvin Klein

Best Shape wear bodysuit - Popilush

Best splurge-worthy lingerie: Maison Close , Bordelle

DO’S

PLAN AHEAD

Nothing puts a damper on a fun and relaxing photo shoot like feeling rushed or late! You should plan for traffic and arrive about 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.

BRUSH YOUR LIPS

Sounds weird, right?! Dry lips are very hard to fix in post processing. In the days leading up to your photoshoot, use your toothbrush while brushing your teeth to also make a few passes over that pucker of yours. This will help shed dead skin. After that, apply a moisturizing lip balm...repeat repeat repeat. If you’re looking for a product recommendation, I love burts bees, aquphor, and lip vaseline. There will be times I will be photographing details that include your lips and we want them looking hydrated and juicy not dry and cracked and sometimes lipstick can emphasize that.

HAVE EXTRA WARDROBE OPTIONS

Bring at least 3-5 different outfits, a couple pair of shoes if you’re a shoe girl, and accessories only if you usually wear them. We may not use it all, but it never hurts to have options. Often clients will bring a smattering of wardrobe options and I’ll just style up some different looks that they maybe weren’t thinking and they end up loving them.

LATHER ON THE LOTION

Supple is key for beautiful skin! Be sure to moisturize twice a day for the week leading up to your shoot. On the day of your shoot, use a non-bronzer illuminizing lotion. If you’re having a hard time finding an illuminizing lotion without color, you can absolutely just go with an oil based lotion like Neutrogena’s Sheer Oil lotion. Don’t use tinted lotions or anything with color. We will have some moisturizer at the studio for you to use if you don’t have a lotion you love.

MANI PEDI

Your hands and feet will be visible in your photographs, so don’t forget your nails! Your hands are sometimes near your face so avoid chipped polish and have freshly painted and manicured nails. Anything nuetral like clear and light colors or a classic french manicure photograph best. Red, black and white are ok too. Try to avoid trendy designs and bold or neon colors to keep your photographs timeless.

WAXING + SHAVING

Shave, wax, or trim any unwanted hair before your shoot. Only wax if you’re a waxer. Don’t use this time to try waxing if you’ve never done it, who knows how your skin might react. Wax, trim, or thread your eyebrows. It’s best to do this 2-3 days before your shoot. Photoshop is not an effective hair removal tool.

HAIR

Need to touch up the roots or freshen up that color, maybe even a trim? Don’t forget to schedule an appointment to freshen up your ‘do. On the day of your session, arrive to the studio with clean dry hair. Our stylists will get your locks looking perfect for your session. When styling your hair we don’t do anything too polished because I’m usually coaching you into poses with your hands in your hair. But we’re always aiming for lots of volume and something tousled.

DONT’S

SPRAY TAN BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

I know you think that you look better with a tan...but I assure you, even if you don’t see the streaks and unevenness with your naked eye, the camera will pick them up. You will photograph a lot more tan than you think you look (especially given that my specialty is low-key lighting and black and white imagery), and spray tans will photograph orange in color images. Trust me on this!! On that same note, no tinted lotions or bronzers on your body. Even after this warning I get a lot of women who message me to say that they’ve been spray tanning for years and they cannot fathom not doing so before a photo shoot. Of course I will still photograph you, but unfortunately our standard retouch will not account for spray tan correction, so just keep that in mind.

*My exception to the rule!

Sundazed Tanning in Arlington, VA does an incredible spray tan that photographs well! See Nikki and let her know I sent you!

True experts in luxury spray tanning that specialize in custom, orange-proof tans. Sundazed Tanning is the #1 safe choice to achieve an effortless glow for photo shoots and events. Book your session with Nikki for 15% your purchase. Promo Code: JSBoudoir IG: @sundazedtanningco

BRING A CONSTRUCTION HAT (or other props)

If you have jewelry that has sentimental value, absolutely bring it! But avoid jerseys, military apparel, weapons (yes, really), sports equipment, masks, etc etc etc.

PARTY THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

If you’re nervous, try a bubble bath and a yoga class. Hangovers aren’t sexy. Lawwwwd do I know it.

DRINK RED WINE TO CALM YOUR NERVES

Don’t drink a bottle of red wine right before you show up in efforts to calm your nerves! #1-It will stain your teeth and lips. #2--Drunk doesn’t photograph pretty either. HOWEVER, I’m admittedly an advocate of a little bit of booze to soothe anxiety if you are super nervous. SO, I set a firm 2 drink maximum limit for my clients on the day of their shoot. Champagne or white wine is a good option because it won’t stain your mouth and will still calm you down a little.

FORGET TO STRETCH

Many of these poses, while they look effortless, are quite unnatural feeling. Take a few minutes on the morning of your shoot to stretch your arms, legs, hips, and especially your back. People are surprised to see how sore their muscles get after something as silly as a photo shoot, so any extra flexibility you can add by a quick yoga flow will only benefit you.

GET A NEW HAIRCUT / COLOR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT

Now isn’t the time to experiment with a whole new look.

TALK SMACK ON YOURSELF

A great attitude will go a long way in having a fabulous and upbeat experience! HOWEVER...if you really feel the need to discuss the thing that bothers you the most about your body, just let me know by saying “I love my ___, but my biggest insecurity is my ___”. I will be extra careful to play down your “flaws”...but I will ALSO make it my challenge to take the best damn image featuring your ____ so you have a new-found appreciation for it ;)