Getting a boudoir photography session done for yourself might not be an easy decision for some — just the idea can be intimidating. But, It’s definitely so much more than just intimate photos and it can do wonders for your self-image.

The truth is, boudoir photography is all about creating comfort in your own skin, loving your natural form, highlighting your beauty and letting go of your perceived flaws. The two biggest takeaways I see from my boudoir photography sessions are a boosted confidence and body positivity. These photos can also be used as a way to document how great you look and feel about yourself at this given time.

Having shot several such sessions over the years, I would say a boudoir photography session is for everybody.

So, once you have decided to go ahead and book your session, you might want to go over a few tips to help you thrive during the shoot. I always want to make sure my clients are fully prepared when they walk through the door for their first boudoir photography shoot with me at the Seattle Boudoir & Co. Here are my top five tips that we give every client before their session with me.

FIVE TIPS FOR EVERY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT

1. Don’t Forget to Stretch

You may think this sounds funny, but boudoir photography can be kind of a workout, and I may move your body in ways you haven’t before. I call it boudoir yoga.

Stretching before will definitely make a difference, even if you are already really active and fit! I promise you, even physical fitness trainers have commented on how challenging some of these poses can be. Focus on stretching your neck, back, shoulders, and practice pointing (and holding) your toes/feet. Arch your back and pull up your core. Kneel, dip rear into a mid squat while toes pointed, core in, back curved and hold that for 2 minutes. Trust me! This boudoir yoga is going to help you pose like a pro in your photographs. Here is a great article about some simple stretching you can do.

2. Drink Tons of Water

It's important to stay hydrated, especially on the day of your shoot! Drinking plenty of water leading up to your session helps clear up your skin and helps flush out any belly bloat. It will also help prevent cramps during some of the posing on the day of your shoot! So ladies, drink up and make your skin shine.

3. Arrive with a Clean Face and Clean, yesterday’s Dry Hair

It's very important to show up on the day of your shoot with yesterday’s clean, blow-dried hair and a clean face. You can put moisturizer on if you wish but other than that my Professional Hair and Makeup artist will do the rest! You will look nothing less than a professional model, we promise!

4. Practice the Poses

Seriously! If you're following along on my Instagram or Facebook Group, practice some of the poses if you want! Occasionally, we do Facebook Lives in our private Facebook Group. You can totally follow along with the posing as we go and be the sensual goddess that you are!

5. Self Care After

Take some Tylenol or ibuprofen before bed after your shoot and soak in a hot bath. Trust us on this one! You WILL be sore the next day! This will help with some muscle inflammation. Take a good rest and get ready to witness the amazing results of your boudoir shoot only to realize that it was worth all that effort you put in.

I hope you found these tips helpful, especially for those of you who have an upcoming Boudoir Session booked with us! We can't wait to see you. And I can't wait to get those of you who haven't pulled the trigger yet into our studio for a session!

Personal Note:

From being in the wedding industry as a wedding photographer for 14 years, many of these tips are applicable there as well. When I started to transition into boudoir as my primary genre a few years ago, I added the stretching and practicing poses because boudoir is such a workout! So follow these five tips and I’m sure your next boudoir photography will be a success!

You might have noticed not one of my tips here included shopping for lingerie. I do recommend you shop for lingerie, and I have some great tips for what to wear and where to find it. I even have a blog where to get stuff in pinch. Also when you book your session, you will get lots of pointers on what to bring.

Ready to learn more? Set a quick 15 minute chat with me on how I can help you prepare for your session. Click here to schedule a 15 min chat ;)

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