The truth is, you may never feel "ready"...but these preparations can help you feel knowledgeable and PREPARED.


The bottom line here is that you really don’t need to prepare for a boudoir shoot in order to be an amazing subject. The first rule of thumb is to show up for yourself. If you literally just do that, you will already have nailed it. The giant point of capturing these images is so that we can showcase YOUR beauty (and believe me, it’s there).

The first portion of your appointment will be spent over sips and snacks, choosing your outfits from the client closet and telling me about anything that may make you feel uncomfortable or that you want to specifically see in your images. (Getting those nerves out!) If you are also booking professional makeup with your shoot (highly recommended!), you will relax and unwind in the last 40 minutes before your shoot and be all the more ready for your curtain call. From there, I will guide, pose and encourage you on everything from what to do with your hands and mouth to positive self-talk. So yes, believe me when I say...I've got you!

That said though, I encourage my clients to use their individual shoot date as a time to be even more mindful of loving and celebrating their bodies than usual as they prepare.

The very small rituals of pampering and spending time on ourselves can add up to big gains both internally and out.

The following are suggestions from your photographer that might help make some decisions and maximize your overall experience as you get ready for your debut.

A Note About Skin…

The most common mistake I see boudoir clients come into shoots with is overly made-up skin imperfections (because obviously, we all worry about them). While a well-applied base coverage and highlighting is recommended for your images, blemishes and unclarities, even scars on your skin can be edited from your final images easily. One thing that will improve your skin’s balance, tone and clarity is a good skincare routine in the days leading up to your boudoir shoot and should be focused on more than covering every spot.

3 Weeks before:

Order any personal outfits or garments you want to make sure you have...I will always have you covered with clean, intimate items in all sizes for you to wear during your shoot but this can also be a time to treat yourself to some killer lingerie, undergarments or outfits that you may not typically justify...do not feel any pressure to do so, but if you do wish to purchase things, I suggest ordering early or browsing the retail stores at your leisure weeks prior to your shoot (and go larger in size, especially in bottoms...its much easier to edit extra fabric then fabric cutting into the skin).

1 Week before:

Start increasing your water intake. This will help to start clearing your body and skin of toxins that can cause puffiness, dryness, redness and dark or uneven tones as well as help to prevent day-of breakouts.

Complete any hair treatments, coloring or trims by now so your hair can return to normal by the time of your shoot and help to minimize frizz. Completing your look this week will also leave time for any corrections or adjustments that need to be made without leaving that “just done” look in its wake.

Try a full-body exfoliating treatment. This can be a homemade shower scrub of fine-grain sugar and oil or you could treat yourself to a professional treatment. Exfoliating will remove dead skin, even skin tone, reveal a natural glow and help prepare your skin for moisturizer and makeup. Since it can take the skin at least 24 hours to settle out after a good exfoliation if your skin isn’t used to it, so setting time aside days ahead of your shoot will give time for that optimal look.

Start a twice-daily ritual of moisturizing; A.K.A. putting lotion on your body. I know, I know, most of us procrastinate at this act of self-love…which might be why this is the perfect opportunity for you to justify the energy to do so. Moist skin appears more firm, is generally more balanced and once it’s actually on, feels amazing! Some clients choose to get a massage leading up to their shoot to help aid in this process, as well as balance their nerves.

1-2 Days before:

Shampoo for the last time. Hair that is at least a day old will look more natural/hold style more effectively the day of your shoot and will avoid flyaways without heavy product.

Let yourself get that beauty rest! Getting plenty of sleep in the few days leading up to your photoshoot, and especially the night before will help those eyes and that skin look fresh and bright! Not only that, but your well-rested confidence will shine.

Get a mani/pedi or paint those nails, Girl! The night before your shoot is a great time to choose your nail game. Solid monochrome or nude colors are always a safe bet and don’t distract from those amazing curves. On the other hand, if you’ve got that signature color that puts you in your power, then, by all means, rock that! No matter what route you go, having a fresh manicure will help complete your look.

Avoid artificial tanners or heavy sun exposure. Tan lines are a natural thing but don’t fear that you’ll be “too pale” for your shoot and try to amend your skin color beforehand. Oftentimes, clients who do this will sometimes see less natural results than if we use light and posing to capture your skin in the most flattering way possible.

Pack a bag of goodies! Include any outfits or personal props you have in mind for your shoot. Make sure to try things on ahead of time and remember, a little loose in lingerie is better than making your body look bigger than it is by squeezing it into a too-small item. Be sure to include items like lip colors that can be layered on later in the shoot.

Day of:

Wake up and tell yourself you’re gorgeous, amazing and you got this (even if you feel like puking).

Moisturize. Again.

Wear something that can be unzipped or unbuttoned so as not to disturb your hair and makeup when you get changed. strapless bras are a nice option for underneath if you are planning on doing a “sheets” set, to avoid feeling exposed…or exposing those naughty strap imprints traditional bras can leave on your shoulders when you change out for your first shots.

If choosing to do your own makeup, start with your base foundation set, layering for coverage and using complementary nude tones for highlighting, contouring and lids. Avoid products that are powdery or shimmery as these do not photograph as well. Remember, you can always layer your makeup look as your shoot goes on to increase the diversity of your images…in other words…start light and build up!

Finally, come get in front of my camera and arrive ready to be re-introduced to that broad you’ve been showing the proper amount of love to this week.

It’s your life…show up.