Often, our clients will have questions about the session, so I wanted to create a full list of boudoir photo shoot tips to help you prepare!

Can I recommend just one thing?!? Yes, a BODYSUIT. You will thank me later. :) 

I suggest bringing a variation of the following combinations:

• One-piece set (bodysuit, teddy, fitted slip dress, or shapewear)

• Two-piece set (bra/undies, high-waisted skirt/bra, garter belt set/bra/stockings)

• Cover-up wrap/shawl/cardigan/off-shoulder shirt

• Something you LOVE - Jewel and pastel colors or black photograph well

Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure, but avoid facials or waxing for 2-3 days before your session, as they can cause redness or blotchiness. If possible and depending on your skin type, also avoid excessive sun tanning or spray tans just before your session, as it can cause extreme orange/red skin tones when photographed. Also, general grooming is always highly recommended before your shoot.

Here are a few boudoir photo shoot tips and tricks to consider:

DO cut out all tags from the clothing you bring, including the laundry instructions inside the garment (little white tags with care instructions). 

DO invest in at least one cute bra/undies set (black is a great option) that makes you feel super sexy and fits your body type. Cup accentuating or push-up bras work wonderfully (consider high-waisted undies, corset belt, or bodysuit options if the tummy is an area of concern).

Plus-size recommendations: high-waisted undies, underbust waist cincher corset garter belt, and/or bodysuits. Pair with an off-the-shoulder cardigan, button-down shirt, or lace robe.

DON’T wear anything that is too small and digs into your skin or creates the dreaded “muffin top.” If the tummy is a concern, please bring high-wasted undies.

DO consider normal clothing if you’re nervous about revealing too much, such as off-the-shoulder tees, cardigans, tank tops, a fitted button-up shirt, or a high-slit skirt/dress. Many of these items can be paired with cute undergarments to make a very sexy (but less skimpy) outfit.

DO remember that sometimes no outfit can be the best outfit. Some of our favorite images were photos taken when a client wasn’t wearing any clothing but simply covered up with a white sheet, towel, pillow, or a prop (sheet & furs provided in-studio). 

DON’T feel like you have to drop a ton of money on new items for your shoot. Although it can be nice to have one really elaborate piece of lingerie, we can create stunning images with the items you already have in your closet and affordable pieces from Amazon.

DO load up on accessories. Pearls, long necklaces, gaudy costume jewelry, hats, fishnets or sheer black hose, and most importantly--cute shoes!! High heels are a nice way to extend the length of your legs.

DON’T’s include - loose & flowy (baby dolls), corsets, busy patterns, and neon colors.

If you have any other questions about what to bring or how to prepare for a boudoir shoot, please let us know and we will be happy to help! 

What to Wear

We want you to feel completely comfortable on your shoot. With that in mind, it is truly up to you how much or how little skin you show. We love for our shoots to show our client’s personalities, so feel free to bring something special as well as props. If there’s one piece of advice I can give you regarding how to prepare for a boudoir shoot, it’s this: don't be afraid to have fun!

We usually start out shooting with a little more clothing. As you become more comfortable, we can work our way through your outfit choices. Feel free to bring lots of your favorite outfits and we’ll pick out the best for the shoot.

Bra and Undies
Most importantly, bring at least one bra and undies set. Start with basic black and then add colors and patterns. Bras and undies can be photographed alone or paired with any of the other clothing items or accessories you bring. They are also helpful when setting up implied nude poses. (Consider high-waisted undies shapewear and/or corset belt, if the tummy is an area of concern.)

Lingerie
A bodysuit, vintage slip, teddy, shapewear, and/or camisole always photographs well.  High wasted undies, Thigh high stockings, a garter belt, and heels are super sexy too.   We have built our studio to work with all colors as well as various patterns and fabrics. Start simple and grow more extreme from there. Think about what colors look good on you.

Casual Attire
Everyday clothing such as sheer tops, and jeans, can look cute and sexy if photographed properly.  A simple white tank top or cami can be super cute!  If this is a gift for your partner then bring something from his wardrobe. This can be one of his favorite ties or a button-down shirt.  Anything that makes the images more personal and sexy to him! It also adds variety to your collection of outfits and will look great in the final book.

Accessories
You can easily modify the look of your outfit by changing your accessories and moving to a new background.  Accessories include jewelry, scarves, hats, stilettos, stockings, garter belts, etc.