When you pick up the phone to call a photographer, you might be in one of two places. You might have already decided this is the person you want to work with, you’ve seen their work and know this is the perfect fit for you. Or you could be like me and want to feel it out first, meet the artist, and decide if you feel comfortable with them photographing your more exposed self. Doesn’t hurt to do your research and even meet a few people before you make your final decision. Either way, you’ll want to meet with your photographer beforehand for a pre-consultation and discuss your session, budget, and timeline.

Before your session, there are a few things to keep in mind these few easy self-care tips so you can look and feel your best in front of the camera. When you are investing in something like boudoir photography, something you and your partner will love and appreciate for years to come, it’s not worth it to skimp the small stuff. Make the smallest details significant.

• Hands and feet: Your hands and feet will gracefully show up in most of your photos. You will notice the tiny details so give them a little love, or treat yourself to a mani/pedi. Consider the color of nail polish you want to use. Find a shade that will complement your outfit. Use the same color on both hands and feet for a timeless, classic look.
• Drink more water: Staying hydrated will not only help your overall health and wellness, but will enhance your beautiful skin so it looks soft and smooth in your portraits.
• Makeup: Are you using our studio stylist? Fantastic! All you will need to do is wash your face beforehand and arrive without any makeup on. Then leave the rest up to the makeup artist. Planning on doing it yourself? It wouldn’t hurt to practice how you want your makeup to look in your photos. If you are trying out new products, definitely try them out before your session to avoid any risk of breakouts or skin irritations that will show up in your high-resolution photos.
• Hair style: Girl, go get your hair done. Don’t let those loose greys rain on your parade. We want you to feel fresh and sassy for your shoot, and your hair speaks volumes in a photo. A simple trim, tone, and touch-up will make all the difference. If you are using the studio stylist, arrive with your hair clean and without any products in it. They stylist will do the rest.
• Rock the right outfit: Spend time trying different outfits and styles on. Find your size, find what fits, find what looks most flattering. You can find styles and suggestions [here] for all body types.
• Do not fake tan: Tempting I know, but just don’t do it, or do it the right way. If you want to add that sun-kissed look, step outside for a little while (don’t forget your sunscreen!). Or if you absolutely must, go to a professional salon and tan in the nude. But the last thing you’ll want is to walk into the studio looking like a sexy pumpkin with obvious tan lines or end up having to pay extra retouching fees.
• Touch up the basics: Don’t forget to shave! I would strongly advise to shave or wax everything, the same day if possible. You’d be surprised how much detail shows up in a photograph.
• Schedule months in advance: Word of advice, pay attention to your monthly cycle and schedule around it. You won’t want to be uncomfortable or feeling bloated for your photoshoot. You also don’t want to wait until last minute. Give yourself and your photographer a generous month or two to play with, allowing for flexibility and time for professional image touch ups and printing.
• Breathe and embrace the moment: Treating yourself to a boudoir session should not be a stressful experience. Yes, it can be scary to undress for someone other than your partner, but if you open yourself up, shake off all the “what-if’s”, it can be the most rewarding boost of self-esteem you’ll ever know. So, take a deep breath, take a moment to reflect, and let yourself have fun!

No, you will not be undressing in someone’s shady basement. Photography studios, especially studios designed by boudoir specialists, are warm and inviting. They will surround you with familiarity and comfortability, using furniture and props in that will complete and complement your style. You don’t need to buy or bring anything of your own, unless you want to.

Some boudoir photographers offer more flexibility and will even come to photograph you in your own home. These services might cost a little extra, as the artist will need to bring all of their equipment with them and spend more time on locating the best spots for proper lighting and angles. This is completely optional, but might add that desired extra personal touch to your experience.

Hopefully by this point you will have already established a good relationship with your ideal photographer. If you’ve found the right one, trust them. They will guide you and advise you, but most of all they will listen to you and work with your level of comfortability. You will quickly find that they are working for you, to celebrate you, respect your body, and to use the camera as a tool to capture your natural beauty and personality. Let them. This is the best part of the whole experience.

After your boudoir session, your photographer will need some time to review and add any final touches to your digital images. Depending on your package, this could take anywhere from 2 – 4 weeks. The artist will be using professional software and technology to enhance your photos, bringing out that alluring glow behind every shot. An experienced editor will catch the tiniest of details so you don’t have to. During this phase, your boudoir portraits are being perfected to last a lifetime.

Once your digital images are made ready, your photographer will contact you to schedule a private image reveal session. Together you will review each image, select your favorites, and approve the finalized versions for printing, binding, or painting. This is the step you’ll want to start thinking about what you want the final product to look like.

At this point you could be weeks away from your big day! (Hint – hopefully you will have scheduled your session early enough to build in a couple weeks for this last step). The last thing you’ll want to worry about right before your wedding is if this special gift to your beloved is ready or not. It’s worth it to book far enough in advance!

During this final phase, you have a couple options. As part of your boudoir package, you should be receiving a guaranteed number of digital images. Most packages also include the printing and product development process, which we highly recommend you use. Your photographer will already be working with the printing company and can advise on the best outcome for what you have in mind. If you have just purchased the digital images to then print on your own, you have more flexibility to what printer or products you use, but this will take more time and effort on your part. Consider your options. You might want to do yourself the favor and choose the complete photo printing package simply to save yourself the added steps.

If you decide to print your own images, we have some [recommendations] you’ll want to consider when selecting printing companies, products, formatting, and design. Since this is a whole process in itself, it will be well worth your while to do some research before you add any albums to your cart and click the purchase button.