Let’s Prepare For Your Boudoir Shoot!

“Sometimes all you need is to break the routine and have some fun.” -Unknown

So, you booked one of the very limited Boudoir Mini Session Marathon spaces I had available, huh? Good for you… And for him!      Now what?

*crickets chirp*

I bet you have a million things running through your mind right now. A few of them being… “Holy crap! I signed up for a boudoir shoot exactly 30 days from today!”, “I’ve never even done something like this. Where do I begin?!”, or a classic “CrapCrapCrap. What do I bring? What do I wear?!”. Fear not! I’ve gathered some information for you, my beautiful ladies…

Health and Beauty Tips & Tricks

You have 30 days to get your skin looking it’s healthiest, oil-free, and free of acne. What is your game plan? H2O is your friend. You should drink plenty of water between now and then. Lower your salt intake if you’re worried about retaining water.

Exercise. It is important. Not only for your health, but you can do a lot of toning in 30 days. There is a website that I hold close to my heart. It’s called 30dayfitnesschallenges.com and I recommend it to people at least once a week. It keeps me active, moving, feeling good about my body, and healthy. Check them out!

Find a facial cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type. I prefer one that is frangrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, sulfate-free, and relatively natural. Be sure you moisturize as well.

It’s winter, you’re pale, and you’re planning on tanning, right? That’s OK as long as you’re not still doing it the week of. That’s right. I told you to STOP a week before our shoot. Why? Because I cannot fix orange skin. The only way to “fix” orange is to go b&w. Borrrrring. Tan now… don’t tan the week of our session. Got it? Good. PLEASE – NO SPRAY TAN

The Boudoir Mini Session Marathon this January includes professional hair and make up application by Samantha Charette, but you may want to think about getting your nails done.  This is entirely up to you and your standard of “sexy”, not mine. There are very knowledgeable and talented ladies at Alete Salon and Spa in Madawaska. Tell ’em I sent ya and don’t forget about your toes!

Depending on your own personal hair growth, I would shave the night before our session. Razor bumps can be smoothed in Photoshop, but let’s save me from going cross-eyed editing each pixel, can we? If you wax, do so a few days before your shoot.

The night before, make sure you get a full night’s rest. That is eight hours, ladies. I know we make it on less sometimes, but we want you to look refreshed!

Before you get ready for our session, eat a light meal so you feel comfortable while shooting. Make sure your hair is clean and dry and that your face is free of your own make up as well.

RELAX – it is completely normal to be nervous, but  you are in very good hands.  Our hair stylist and make-up artist is the best in the area, and she will make you look amazing. I, myself, have been operating a camera professionally for over a decade. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most clients – enjoy it!

“Beauty is someone who is unafraid to be herself.”  -Emma Stone

Clothing Ideas

When people hear the word “boudoir” they instantly think of lacy things, or even nudity. Truth is, “boudoir” is defined by Google as “a woman’s bedroom or private room”. The idea, or notion, that you have in your head right now that boudoir is strictly frilly, barely-there undies and bralettes is wrong.

Boudoir photography sessions are to make you feel soft, sensual, romantic, sexy…  or even naughty. They are meant to tease the senses. There is no “standard” to adhere to. If you feel sexiest in your man’s button up, bring it with you. Completely naked behind a frosted shower door may even be your idea of sensual and that is fine by me. The shots taken and the end product is completely up to you and comfort level. I am merely there to guide you, find your most flattering poses, and click the shutter.

When you’re getting dressed to meet the stylist and myself, wear loose-fitting clothing to cut down on the marks left on your skin. Don’t forget to wear clear deodorant, too!

I have compiled a list of clothing items most commonly brought along by my own clients. This is not some instruction manual!

• His favorite ball team sweatshirt or jersey
• His favorite old shirt
• His hunting jacket
• His overalls
• His uniform
• Anything that he gave you

• A fur coat
• An evening dress
• An off the shoulder top
• Fuzzy sweater
• Hats and gloves (sexy or winter)
• Lacy things
• High heels
• Stockings (various)
• Thigh high stockings (with or without garters)

• Fishnets
• Thin or transparent blouses
• Body Stockings
• Boy Shorts
• Colorful panties and bras
• Cutoffs that are too short
• Lingerie
• White tank tops
• Costumes
• Daisy dukes

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” -Unknown

Accessories and Props

Like the clothing lists, these are not items you are exclusively “allowed” to bring. Just some ideas to “get your wheels turning”, so to speak. Bring anything you’d like!

• His work belt
• His hard hat
• His guitar
• The tools of his trade
• His tie
• His favorite drink
• Have a pet snake?
• His military dog tags

• Candy and/ sprinkles
• Bath Robe
• Scarves
• The tools of your trade
• Your favorite lipstick
• Western hat and boots
• Masquerade mask

• Flowers/Flower petals
• Sun glasses
• Perfume bottle
• A clutch
• Wild jewelry
• Strands of beads
• A blanket

Items I Will Have Available

• Wine / Scotch glasses (and ice!)
• Strands of fake pearls
• Bottles of water
• Fruit

• White towels
• White sheets
• Paper umbrella
• Green umbrella
• Black masquerade mask

• Chalk
• 2 Small chalkboards
• A stool
• Sound System with Spotify

I have set up a (NSFW) Boudoir Inspiration Board on Pinterest to help get my clients in the groove. Feel free to take a look by clicking here. If you have one of your own, add me and send me a link!

Think about bringing an outfit that would be sexy as you removed it piece… by tantalizing… piece. We want him drooling by the time he done looking through your images. We want him begging you to wear that for him! We want him wanting you.

“Pursuit and seduction are the essence of sexuality. It is part of the sizzle.” -Camile Anne Paglia