Boudoir Is For You!
Boudoir is for you!
Are you ready? Have you booked your boudoir photos yet? Or maybe you are still deciding if this is for you. Well, I’m here to say; boudoir photos are for you! Whether you are already booked, or on the fence about pulling the trigger then these tips and info are for you.
Let’s start with the what Boudoir actually is and where the term comes from: ‘Boudoir’ is a French word that was used as the name of a room where ladies dressed and slept. It was a beautifully decorated space just for women. In modern English, ‘boudoir’ refers to a time and place where women feel beautiful, and that is exactly the goal of your boudoir photo session!
The first question most women ask is, “What do I wear?” or “What do I do?” After you book, the session planning begins. If you have a theme in mind, share it with your photographer so that she can make some location suggestions that will match with your outfit and overall style. Rest assured, your photographer will help you with styling and coaching so that you can just relax and enjoy your time in front of the camera. You’ve got this!
Let’s talk about wardrobe: If you plan to buy a new outfit for your boudoir session, some great places to find lingerie or clothing are Nordstrom, adoreme.com, or Victoria Secret. When I had my own personal Boudoir shoot I found a few simple, classic items at Nordstrom.com. However, if shopping for new items isn’t within your budget there’s no need to worry. A simple white tank top and cute black panties is a classic look that never goes out of style. Keeping it simple also allows you to focus on your beautiful body, so there’s no need to go crazy with complicated lingerie and props. Some photographers also offer nude or ‘just the sheets’ boudoir sessions, and it is a good ideal to communicate how you feel about this at booking. If you don’t want nude photos and want to stick with clothing or lingerie, that is ok. Remember that your boudoir session is all about feeling beautiful, and what that looks like is different for everyone. I’ve had some ladies wear a cute dress or a flannel with jeans, and it is just as beautiful on them.
Lets talk about props: Don’t think too much about objects to bring to your session. If something stands out to you, then mention it to your photographer. Some ladies bring pearls, knee high socks, heels, hats, men’s ties, men’s shirts, or themed items. All of these are welcome additions to incorporate into your photos, but not necessary to bring along if you’d rather focus just on you. For those who want a little something extra for variety, I suggest a blouse, large sweater, on off the shoulder top or sweater, robe, or anything that makes you feel comfortable to start off or end your photo session with.
What happens in the days leading up to your session? If you’ve booked a professional boudoir photographer, I highly suggest hiring a professional for hair and make-up as well. Professional makeup artists will be able to suggest the best colors for your skin tone and type. Another great tip is to ask your make up artist to send you with a tiny bit of your lip color for touch-ups during your session. And last but not least, one of my favorite professional makeup techniques for boudoir is to get false lashes put on. Lashes might seem intimidating if you are a simple makeup gal, but keep in mind that a more dramatic look shows up in the camera better and makes your eyes and facial features pop. Ask your photographer for suggestions for hair and makeup professionals in your area.
After your appointments are scheduled, and your wardrobe is decided, it’s on to planning for your photos! Think about what you might like to do with your photos when they are finished. I highly suggest an album or little black book, which makes a wonderful personal gift for your sweetie. Digital images are great, but more often than not we let them sit on a computer and even lose them when a computer crashes or you accidentally delete the wrong folder. I personally don’t find digital technology as fulfilling as those cherished prints and albums. You can schedule a consultation with your photographer to talk about which products you might like to order after your boudoir session. Another great feature of having a professional photographer create an album for you us that they are also using professional printing labs which use superior quality materials and have strict quality guarantees. Another great product option is printing an image for your bedroom wall, which is a beautiful and personal way to display your photos (in your own boudoir!)
What to expect at your boudoir session: The day has arrived and your emotions might be strong, but I always encourage you to think about how brave you are, how empowered you will feel, and focus on those positive emotions. Your job is to have loads of fun, and that should be your outlook into your session.
Here are some helpful self care tips for the day of the shoot: stay hydrated and eat a healthy snack – this will help your skin stay hydrated and keep your energy up. Day of the session don’t wear a bra or elastic until the the session start, this helps prevent red skin or marks on the skin. Boudoir sessions can take several hours, especially if you have hair and make-up appointments as well. I’ve photographed many ladies, and it’s completely normal for you to take a few minutes to get warmed up and in your groove in front of the camera. What seems to be the biggest worry for most women is what to do with your face, hands, and body. My clients often ask me how to look sexy if they don’t feel sexy in the moment. First, don’t worry! Leave posing and coaching to the photographer and just have fun with it. Your job is to breathe – you would be surprised how many people hold their breath at first! Your face will not look natural if you aren’t breathing, which I learned during my own boudoir experience and through watching and coaching other ladies. Inhaling and then exhaling though slightly open lips creates a natural sexy look. What about my hands? Again, let the photographer guide you through a series of poses and positions, and don’t think too hard. Hopefully your session makes you feel empowered, but if you don’t feel exactly this way, it’s ok. You might not start feeling the empowerment until you see your pictures.
You may get a peek at the back of the camera during your session, or a sneak peek of a few images on a private boudoir page that your photographer has set up. If you don’t want images posted on social media, websites, or private groups, make sure to discuss privacy with your photographer when so you can go over image usage. Some photographers might ask if they can use something without your face, so make sure to communicate to your photographer what you are comfortable with sharing. Even if you aren’t showing any boudoir images to the world, one thing I suggest for all boudoir sessions is taking an image that you would want to use for a headshot or social media profile. If you are going to get all dressed up and decked out, then you may want a PG-13 version to show the world your best self! Many of my ladies tell me that the hardest part is waiting to see your pictures. It can take a while for images to be ready for you, sometimes up to weeks, so take time to sit back and congratulate yourself for being brave or just doing something for yourself. Now your only job is to enjoy those images when they arrive!
If you haven’t scheduled yet, I really hope this info helps you decide.
Angie
Verb Photography, Edmonds WA