A preparation guide to your Boudoir Photoshoot

Boudoir photo shoot outfit ideas

The secret for a successful photoshoot is in the preparation. If you arrive at the photoshoot with well fitting outfits and you have taken care of yourself, you are well set for a fun shoot without any extra stress. During the pre-consultation we can discuss if an Outdoor Boudoir Session or an Indoor Boudoir Photography Session here in Las Vegas are right for you 

Some things to consider: 

• What is the style you want to show in your boudoir photoshoot?

• What do you normally wear that makes you feel sexy?

• Is there something meaningful that you and your other half share?

Styles for Boudoir Photography

Here are some styles that you can choose for your photoshoot. It is a misconception that you need only lingerie for boudoir or beauty, there are in fact many other options. You can incorporate a couple of styles in your shoot or just choose one of them, for example romantic bohemian style, timeless lingerie photography and some implied nude photos. I encourage each client to create a collection of images with their ideas and inspiration to make their photoshoot even more unique and meaningful to them. 

Couples Boudoir Shoots

Outfits for men

Let's be honest, guys have it much easier than women at getting ready! 

Men should bring: well fitting jeans and boxers, a couple of shirts (better if plain in color), a tie (if it is their style) and a t-shirt (better if V neck).

My couple boudoir photoshoots are romantic and fun. Think Calvin Klein underwear advert with some more laughter!

See some inspiration and read some more tips on couple boudoir in my blog here.

Boudoir Outfits Ideas  

tasteful and sophisticated boudoir photography ideas

Beauty and lifestyle photo sessions

In my experience, I recommend bringing at least four- five outfits, because more choice is better than less. Try to prepare all the outfits at least a week before the shoot to avoid last minute stress. They should include:

• two matching underwear sets

• one or two tops or t-shirt

• a vest or dress

Lingerie and underwear

General rules: the most important thing is that they must be well fitting!

• Try everything on before; choose matching panties and bra because matching colors look better in photos.

• Avoid patterns and choose some bright colors that will pop in the pictures and/or a classic black , blue or white.

the Classic underwear set

I recommend sets because they photograph better than separate pieces. Try them on and make sure they fit well. There is not general rule here. Have fun shopping and trying lots of sets on. Choose sets that make you feel good! 

Cheekies are better than larger or smaller undies, because they give you more definition. I also prefer a cheeky over a thong as it is not aesthetical in photoshoots; bring your thongs only if their front side is pretty . 

A cheeky gives more definition and curve, rather than a small, straight thong.

The high waisted and vintage

For a little retro look choose high waisted underwear. It is best if you have a pear shape or want to cover some hip issues. 

The Bra and bralette

The bra is supported and can be padded. A bralette is, instead, a bra without wires or padded cups. Both photograph well but it really depends on your body shape what looks best for you. Bralettes often have fun backs and they are fun in photos. In general they fit better ladies with small breasts. For larger breasts sizes some support is reccomended. 

The full body piece

The full piece bodies are fun and comfortable. They are also great to hide the stomach, if you are worries about C-section scars, stretch marks and any other issue.   

The Corset

Used for centuries to tighten the waist and give support, it is a must for many women. 

Nighties

For a vintage and delicate look.

Robes

They are fun to play with and help cover up if you are a little shy at the beginning of the photoshoots. Robes are also very popular for brides to be, generally in white. Robes in water shoots are fantastic!

Tops - See-through

See-through tops are great to play with during the photoshoot as they are revealing, without showing too much. With the light and sunshine they show beautiful curves and allow very artistic creations. Semi transparent lace tops that are see through yet not too revealing, to keep some mystery! 

Long Sleeves

If you want to go for season-less images and have a cute and sensual look then bring a winter sweater. If they are off the shoulder, even better! I personally love warm, cosy sweaters to feel cute and sexy. 

Shirts

Half revealing shirt? One of his shirts? Why not! 

T-shirts and Tank tops

There is so much choice! If lingerie is not really your thing or you want to have that "girl next door look", then panties and a tank top will work perfect for you. Some ladies like to wear one of his shirts too.

Dresses

Not all the images have to be revealing to be sexy. Sometime more is less, and you can post at least a few images on social media, worry free! 

Shoes

Choose whatever you prefer: high heels that slim your feet and help with posing, boots that give you length, cowboy boots, hipster shoes, trainers or you can just do the whole shoot barefoot!

Hats

Fun, bohemian, stylish, very useful in full sun. 

Scarfs

I absolutely love playing with materials and scarfs for a fun, artistic and personalised photoshoot. 

Jewelry and accessories 

You can “accessorizes” a photoshoot with anything you want. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings, but also glasses, masks, scarfs or ties can compliment very well the outfits or the naked poses. Bring a selection if you like and if it is in your style. Flowers are a good option too. Don’t forget your engagement/ wedding ring if you have one.

Preparation

Professional Make up

I highly recommend that you use professional hair and make up services for your photoshoot session. Most of my services include them as I see them as an essential part of the experience. I have a curated list of elite make up artists who will emphasize all your best features and make you feel relaxed and sure of the best look in front of the camera. Just come with a clean face and enjoy the experience!

Professional Hair stylist

Wash it one or two days before the shoot but not the same day. It will be easier for the stylist to work with it. Apply some hair anti-frizz if your hair is prone to static. Book an appointment with a salon to touch up routes and color. Avoid any drastic hair cut and color changes before the shoot. Simply let the stylist know

Face preparation

If you are thinking about a facial, please have one at least two weeks before the shoot to avoid rashes. 

Have your eyebrows trimmed a few days before to avoid red spots. 

Body preparation 

Moisturize your body before the shoot. Natural scrubs a few days before are a good idea too.  Read the recipes in our blog here. 

If you have a tan line try to tan in evenly in natural light only!

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY FAKE TAN!

Shave / wax few days before to avoid red spots. 

Don’t worry about cellulite, stretch marks, bruises etc. We retouch the skin in post-processing! You can see some examples of before and after images here. 

Hands and feet care

Hands and feet are an important part of a woman’s image. Apply hand cream and book a manicure and pedicure before the photoshoot.  Apply a nail varnish of your choice.  Avoid neon bright colors. 

If you have no time for nail painting and gels, stick on nails from im-press manicure are my favorites! 

Just before the photoshoot

• Come without any make up on (unless you have it done somewhere else) and with clean moisturized face and lips.

• Drink plenty of water in the morning.

• Stretch out and get ready to arch and curve.

• Eat breakfast / lunch before the shoot (being hungry during the shoot is counterproductive and often makes your stomach more bloated).

• Try to get a good night sleep and do not have excessively large meals or alcohol the night before.

• Please let us know of any allergies or medical conditions we should be aware of.

What to bring to your Photoshoot

Checklist

• Bring a friend if it will help you relax!

• Your phone with your music

• Flip flops or similar

• Eye drops for contact lenses / hay fever

• Lip balm/ lipstick

• Some hair pins

• Water bottle

• A snack

YOUR OUTFITS FOR THE SHOOT: 

• Lingerie / underwear

• Tops

• Shoes

• Hats and headbands

• Scarfs

• Jewelry and accessories

• Wedding/ engagement ring

Additional items for outdoor photoshoots:

• Trainers to walk on paths

• Sunglasses

• A towel to rap in when you change

• A small towel to clean your feet

• Sun cream

From the blog