Let me just say, booking a boudoir photoshoot is a profound act of self-love, and I am here for it.
But if I told you the self-love was a one-and-done deal, I’d be doing you a disservice. Yes, you’re beautiful just the way you are (Bruno Mars is right about that one), but there are a few things you can do in the days and weeks leading up to your session that you’ll be soooo glad you did, come the day of.
Let’s get to it! But don’t worry, this list is no holy grail- it’s just a few tips that’ll make you feel and look your best.
Two Weeks Before Your Session
At this point, the big day is far enough away that you’re probably still really excited. (Yay!) It’s important that you realize, though, that some of the choices you make over these next two weeks will show up on camera. These ideas are to help remind you that a few good decisions will go a looooong way!
1. Drink Lots of Water
This is classic, Health 101: staying hydrated optimizes all body functions. That includes your skin. Well-hydrated skin is well-photographed skin, and it’s skin that will have you feeling confident as hell when you show up for the camera.
2. Hold the Salt
I know it makes everything taste better, and nobody should be out here eating unseasoned food but think moderation. While we need salt in our bodies, we don’t want to overdo it since it can cause water retention… or the dreaded bloat. You can add all the ketchup in the world to those fries after your appointment. Trust me on this one.
3. Avoid Tan Lines
Let’s face it; it’s summertime right now. The sun is literally out here trying to kill us. I can’t bring groceries in from the car without catching a tan, but tan lines don’t photograph well. Since it’s hard to avoid the sun, ensure you wear good SPF sunscreen. Or the other alternative is to bake in the nude for an even tan. You do you, boo!
4. Moisturize Like Your Life Depends On It
I know I already said to drink all the water, but it’s still important to hydrate your skin from the outside. Not only does it soothe the texture of your skin, but it will have you glowing on camera. Thank me later.
5. Stretch Your Bod
Regular stretches will improve your daily life, mood, and overall well-being, but it will also help with flexibility for posing. So it’s a win-win! Your boudoir session will be sexy and exciting for sure, but it’ll also have you holding some positions you may or may not be used to being in. Doing a short 5 to 10-minute stretch circuit daily will make the experience much easier and more comfortable.
Four Days Before your Session
If at this point you’re wondering, what the heck was I thinking? I can’t do this! Stay with me. You can and you will. It’s just a bit of nerve, but I promise to do all that I can to help you feel confident and safe in my studio. As the day gets closer, here are a few things you can do to finish preparing.
6. Trim The Hedges
If you wax, the best time to do so is three to four days before your photoshoot. This extra time helps avoid redness or bumps, giving your skin time to grieve, recover, and be ready for the camera. If you like to keep it natural, disregard it. If I haven’t made it clear, all are welcome in my studio, and you’re beautiful just the way you aaaaaarrreeee.
7. Groom Your Brows
If that’s your thing, of course. Same as the nether regions; if you wax, thread, or tweeze, do it around this three/four-day marker, so your skin isn’t red or irritated for your session. I do not recommend having your brows micro-bladed at this point, though. That procedure has a different timeline for healing, so check with your esthetician if that’s your preferred brow method.
8. It’s Mani-Pedi Time
Whether you’re a gel, dip, acrylic, or natural kind of person, I recommend whipping those nails and cuticles into shape at this time. For one, it just feels nice to have well-groomed hands and feet, and two- your extremities will play a key role in the boudoir poses. This isn’t the time to call in a hand model. YOU are the model.
9. Try On Your Lingerie Now
Think Victoria’s Secret: Runway Show, minus the misogyny and objectification of women. That-ish is unwelcome here. Anyway, it’s best to do a trial run of any lingerie, outfits, or accessories you want to use for your photoshoot. I want you to love what you see in the mirror, so if it isn’t sparking joy and you aren’t a huge fan, leave it at home. On the other hand, if you’re not sure about it, bring it along! I won’t just be snapping your photos; I’ll be hyping you and coaching you along the way.
Day-Of Tips and Reminders
It’s almost that time! Just a few more reminders to ensure you feel your best.
10. Wake Up and Slay the Day
You should be affirming yourself daily; just in case you’ve forgotten…you are a bad B. If I have to text you in the morning, you can bet your butt I will.
Repeat after me: I am beautiful. I am sexy. I love myself. I love my body. I’m gonna make today’s boudoir session my bitch. Tara can’t handle the sexy that I’m about to bring. Lets. Do. This.
10. Hide the Goods
I suggest wearing loose-fitting clothing that won’t leave imprints on your skin on the day of our session. You’ll have plenty of time and space to add or change outfits throughout.
11. Don’t Leave Home Without Your Clothes!
Speaking of outfit changes, bring all the items you want to wear! We’re going for sexy and sultry, so this is the time for dress-up…or dress-down 😏.
12. Black or White Undies
For a good boudoir session, contrast and lighting are key. Bring at least one set of all black or all white, goes with anything, bra, and underwear. The versatility will go a long way!
13. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
Leave yourself a note on the door or set a reminder on your phone, but DO remember to bring any jewelry, accessories, shoes, harnesses, ropes, etc., that you want to include in your photos. As Rhianna so eloquently put it: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me. This is your time to shine, baby.
14. Take a Deep Breath
Self-love can be hard in a world where we’re expected to serve everyone else first. Today, we’re throwing away the idea of selflessness. This is all about you. Maybe you’ll show your photos to the world; maybe you’ll gift them to your partner. Maybe you’ll keep them all for yourself. Whatever you choose, I’m here to empower the shit out of you and show you how beautiful and badass you actually are. *Mic drop*
15. Celebrate!
Celebrate and wait for your sneak peeks when it’s all said and done! You will not regret this.
Keep Up the Self-Love
As a Dallas boudoir photographer, my hope and empowerment mission is for you to enjoy your photoshoot and leave my studio feeling your most confident and sexy self. But my real wish is for you to take those same feelings and feel them daily. Do not leave your confidence at the door. Take it with you and own it in everything you do. Remind yourself daily of your power, and look back at your photos when you need that little extra boost. When you’re ready to do it again, holler!
Do you love what you read here and want to hear more about working with me? Click here to schedule your free phone call with me, and make sure to have a list of questions written down for us to go through! 🙂
