3 Best Tips for your Boudoir Session

When you come in for a boudoir session with us, we will help guide you so you feel prepared. I also know we all have super busy lives and sometimes we just cannot accomplish every task we set out to do. If you find that life takes over and you show up with nothing, these three tips are are going to be your savior and hopefully only a day or two of preparation.

You might be surprised to find out, but none of these tips require lingerie to be purchased or really any money to be spent. All of these tips are self care that can be done at home.

1. REST - get a good nights sleep, stay away from alcohol the night before your session. A solid 7-8 hours sleep will provide you with a fresh well rested face.

2. Hydrate - Drink lots. of water in the days leading up to your session. Take a bath, moisturize your skin. Especially if you are prone to dry skin make sure you do these simple things to help you skin look supple and fresh.

3. Manicure - This doesn’t have to be fancy at all. You don’t even have to do polish. Of course I recommend that you treat yourself to the salon, but not required. You can do a simple home manicure. Make sure your nails are clean and even. I incorporate your hands a lot and you don’t want to have jagged ripped nails. If you are curious about nail colors check out my blog article on manicure ideas.

5 BEST NAIL COLORS FOR BOUDOIR SESSIONS

When you book a boudoir shoot with us at the Seattle Boudoir & Co., we are sure you would want to look your best from head to toe. You have your designer lingerie ready and your sassy attitude on point, but what about your nails?

Though I want this session to be about you and not your nails, manicured nails will only add to the beauty to your boudoir photos. Dark nail polish can look dirty and be distracting in photographs. So, choose the best one to look your best. Here are my top five choices for your nails.

My Top Five Choices For Nails

French Manicure

This is such a classic look. You can’t go wrong with a classic french manicure. It goes with everything! It can be finished with a clear polish to add a hint of shine under the lights. Nude nail polish is also a neutral and subtle choice that is ideal for boudoir shoots.

Any Soft Pink

If your goal is a soft and dreamy photoshoot, shades of light pink will be your go-to choice. Light pink won’t jump out in contrast and remains neutral in all light. My personal favorite soft pink is Bubble Bath by OPI

Golds and Silvers

Gold and Silvers are a great way to bring bling without being overstated. Glittery nails are perfect for a more playful or glamorous photoshoot. I love gold sparkles around the holidays.

Red

Red is a classic bold color that is a great choice for a retro or edgy look. Red tends to pop quite vividly in photos. So, if you are wearing white or pastels, it will act as an eye-catching contrast and will definitely suit your inner wild.

Natural Look

Maybe you are not into manicures at all and you want a natural look, which is totally fine. You can still get a manicure with clear gel. Your nails will be shaped, buffed, edges filed and cuticles removed.

Nails Do Matter

I would suggest you to stay away from black, almost black, and electric or fluorescent colors. While they are fun, they are the least versatile. I want you to have two or three cohesive looks, so pick something that will look good with all your outfits. Consider the colors that you normally wear, the outfits you have chosen, and then think of a color that will be cohesive with all of them.

Let’s say you have a white lacy teddy, a purple velvet bodysuit and a black leather jacket with black bra and black boots. If you pick something dark it might go well with the black and even the purple, but might throw off the soft and elegant vibe of white. Pick any of the options above and it would flow well throughout all sets.

If you are not used to getting your nails done this will be a nice treat. Be sure to get them done about 2-3 days before your session. You want the redness around your cuticles to subside but you don't want any wear on the polish to occur so 2-3 days is a good time. Personally, I rarely get a manicure. Instead, I opt for the shellac or gel and I know it will hold the longest. You too can try this.

Once you are done beautifying your nails, just sit back and relax. Stay calm and reserve that energy for an exciting boudoir session. To be ready with some poses, you can look up our Instagram and Facebook.

DESIGNER LINGERIE— IS IT WORTH IT?

When booking us for a boudoir photography session at Seattle Boudoir & Co., you might want to shop some of your own lingerie. But many of us have never felt the need to buy designer lingerie or undergarments before this, so it is quite likely that you might get confused about the brands and the fits. Moreover, you might be unsure if designer lingerie is worth spending your money on.

As a boudoir photographer, who has bought lots of designer lingerie for her Clients Wardrobe at Seattle Boudoir & Co. and seen them adorning it in hundreds of her sessions, I can say without any hesitation that DESIGNER LINGERIE IS TOTALLY WORTH IT.

GET FITTED AT A BOUTIQUE

If you have never invested in designer lingerie, I would suggest starting small. If you have never had a good quality bra, I suggest going to a boutique and being fitted. From personal experience — being fitted into the right size after being in the wrong size my whole life really changed my perspective and my posture. You will learn a lot about your body and feel much more confident about yourself. All of a sudden you would realize that good lingerie would fit better.

I learned that many designer lingerie is offered according to bra sizes as opposed to XS-XL. Designer lingerie is made differently keeping all body shapes in mind. It can be custom-made and would justify all the money you spend on it.

Have a look at some of my favorite designer lingerie brands!

MY FAVORITE 5 DESIGNER LINGERIE BRANDS

1. BORDELLE

My favorite and most amazing line of designer lingerie is Bordelle. I drool a little and fantasize about it. You can try a few pieces of this line.

This is an expensive option so sometimes I prefer indulging in my other favorites which are a little more economic.

2. ADINA REAY

Adina Reay has a wonderful selection for the busty topped women. One day I saw the most beautiful teddy by her and it was my mission to have it. It was still a bit on the indulgent side. After a great hunt I found one on sale. It was worth the wait.

3. FLEUR DU MAL

Fleur du Mal is my other favorite line. I love the colors they offer in their designer pieces.

4. HONEY BIRDETTE

Another amazing site with high-quality lingerie, accessories, and toys is Honey Birdette. They also offer some daring accessories... Wink Wink.

5. PLAYFUL PROMISES

If you are looking for a variety of high-end lingerie lines with a vintage feel hop over to Playful promises. Playful promises offers luxury lingerie in plus sizes. Gabi Fresh in collaboration with playful promises, is another fantastic designer line for all the curvy gals.

BUY IN ADVANCE

Once you have decided to buy designer lingerie for yourself before your boudoir shoot with us, make sure to plan in advance, leaving you with enough time for shipping. You are not going to get a 2 day delivery on these, so plan for up to six weeks.

If you don’t have that time then hop over to my other blog — Last-Minute Boudoir Solutions. Also, if you are in Seattle and would like to stop by a boutique that offers some of the lines mentioned above I highly recommend stopping by Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique.

Featured Vendors

Bordelle

Adina Reay

Fleur Du Mal

Honey Birdette

Playful Promises

Bellefleur Lingerie Boutique

LAST MINUTE BOUDOIR SOLUTIONS

Did your Boudoir Photography session just sneak up on you? Wasn’t it just last week you booked it? Oh wait, or was it 12 weeks ago? Yes, time flies! The sweet piece you ordered from Playful Promises will not make it in time and you don’t have the time to make it to the mall. Even Victoria’s Secret will not ship in time.

DON’T PANIC AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH! We at Seattle Boudoir & Co., have you covered. I love to solve your last-minute problems. Having been a wedding photographer for 15 years, I had to be resourceful and think of quick solutions for last-minute challenges. The practice continues even with my boudoir session clients.

So here I am going to give you some last-minute boudoir solutions.

GET YOUR LACY LINGERIE FROM HERE

You are running short of time but still want to buy something of your own, then I have some really useful links for you. I am sure you will find something here to suit your taste.

Here we go!

Order this Bodysuit Teddy from Amazon. I am sure you’ll love it. This lacy number suits all body types and looks good on almost everyone. You can get one of the colors in just a couple of days or sooner. Make sure you select a color that is prime. All colors are not classified under prime

Get this Long Lace Robe for yourself. This great piece complements almost everything.

You can buy this Velvet Teddy Bodysuit. It has a great sweetheart line. You can get it in a color of your choice. It is also available in animal prints.

This package of Fishnet Stockings can change your boudoir game, because they will add to your sassy attitude and make you look sensual as ever.

DIG THROUGH YOUR CLOSET

Maybe you are indecisive about what to buy or you just do not want to hurry in spending money and buying something at the last minute. Give us a BIG SMILE because we have a solution for you too.

Just dig through your closet!

Do you have a long white button-down? Or maybe your spouse has one which you can grab. You can even borrow it from a friend. This is always a great idea for a very classic shot.

Do you have any bodysuits at all? They don’t have to be lingerie, but just need to be form-fitting.

What about a blazer and a hat? As a boudoir photographer, I can assure you, this combination is quite saucy.

You can just make a quick visit to Target and pick up a pair of no seam nude-colored thongs. They work great for boudoir shoots.

USE OUR AMAZING CLIENT WARDROBE

You do not need to worry or think about canceling your session just because you couldn’t arrange for some good lingerie. WE ARE HERE TO YOUR RESCUE! You can simply pick up an outfit of your choice from our Client Wardrobe before the shoot. But, do let me know before your session so that I can make sure that your size is fully stocked at the studio.

We have solutions to all of your problems. So chin up ladies! Get ready for a great, sensual photoshoot with us. To get good ideas on posing, you can follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest.

Featured Vendors

Playful Promises

Victoria’s Secret

Amazon

Target

LINGERIE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE? HERE’S WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD

You have been wanting to get a boudoir photography session done for yourself, but what takes you two steps back is the idea of having to wear lingerie. It’s simply is out of your comfort zone and a big no-no for you.

If that is the case, then we have GOOD NEWS for you! There’s no rule stating you need to wear lingerie for your boudoir session. You have the option of ‘Just the Sheets’ or a ‘White Sheet Session’.

WE HELP YOU PICK MOST FLATTERING OUTFITS

Believe it or not, a lot of women who walk through our doors at the Seattle Boudoir & Co. have never worn lingerie. Some women have, but there are many who straight up say, "I have never worn anything like this before and would never wear this at home." That’s absolutely fine!

For those, who are not used to wearing lingerie, I am here to help! If you want to try out the Client Wardrobe or take my styling advice, I am very familiar with the different body shapes/types and can guide you towards pieces that are going to fit and flatter you the best. When it comes to choosing the pieces you want to wear for your shoot, I will help pick out the best options for you as well.

In the end, every single one of our clients ends up absolutely falling in love with the way they look in our pieces. Just as they should! During your boudoir session, we always set aside about 30-45 minutes for you to try on and select your wardrobe. I have key pieces in every size, and I stock a variety of styles and colors in each size. All of my clients receive a copy of the Wardrobe Guide prior to their session with shopping tips and suggestions.

If you'd like to explore purchasing your own wardrobe, I would say, lingerie shopping can be very overwhelming and frankly deflating for a newbie. We say skip it for your first session, and stick to using the Client Wardrobe! We do suggest you screenshot some of the images you find on our Facebook/Instagram or our website of outfits you like so that I can pull similar items for you on your session day.

WHITE SHEETS ARE ALL YOU NEED

The majority of the images portray women in lingerie, but please don't think for one second that you have to wear that for your session too. We have had lots of women bring in what we consider an 'Out of the Box' wardrobe for their shoots.

Other options include, ‘Just the Sheets’ or ‘White Sheet Session’. In these sessions, you use sheets to cover yourself in various ways. It is simple and elegant. You can wear simple undergarments, just bottoms, or nothing at all. This is a comfy option for you. Imagine lying comfortably on a mattress, covered in a white sheet, while we photograph you.

Bring a jacket (denim, leather or blazer), a white button-down, tie, suspenders, short shorts, ripped up jeans, tank tops, slouchy sweater, or absolutely nothing at all. Whatever you feel best in, we will photograph you wearing.

Now that the doubt about lingerie is out, book us right away and get set for a great boudoir session with us!

Featured Vendors

Hair and Makeup Artists

Kat St John Kelsey Rae Knoll

Jessica Rockwell

Top five tips for every boudoir session

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 ;)

Brave, bold and beautiful - learning the art of empowerment through connecting with your body

Confessionals of a Lingerie Addict

Confessionals of a Lingerie Addict

Brave, bold and beautiful - learning the art of empowerment through connecting with your body

On a path to self love and body acceptance after falling into bad habits from the pandemic. Now is a time of regrowth and learning to feel good again.

Confessionals of a Lingerie Addict

Featured Vendors

Make Up Artists

Tracey Saunders

Kelsey Hayes Instagram @renderingbeauty

Quincee Camille Instagram @quinceecamilleartistry

Jessica Rockwell Instagram @jessica.rockwell

What to wear for a boudoir shoot

Are you asking yourself what to wear for a boudoir shoot?

 

To some lingerie is the obvious answer for what to wear for a boudoir shoot, but to many the struggle is real. Lingerie is not made to fit the average woman. Most lingerie comes in small, medium, large and extra large.  The problem with this is in the sizing. The sizing for lingerie really isn't based on your measurements but a generic standard. You are not generic, and women truly have very diverse shapes.

Shopping for lingerie can be a depressing experience if you walk in blindly. On the outside I look like like a size 8 and wear clothing from a size 6-8, but lingerie is a totally different story.

My Experience

My bra size is a 34DDD. If I shop according to my dress size I should buy a small or medium, but when it comes to lingerie I am in a large or extra large unless it is slip style. I often feel very lost searching for something that fits.  When I weighed 25 lbs more the frustration was epic!  My boobs were a 34G and  2x sort of fit the boobs, but I was swimming in the bottoms.

I know I am not the only one struggling with the issue. I photograph many women with more curves than me and I know they must feel so defeated in the dressing room.

For years I struggled finding the right bra size. I walked into an upscale lingerie boutique and they measured me.  In about 5 minutes, I went thinking I wore a 38DD to being supported and yes empowered by a 34G brassiere. My life changed. I know that sounds dramatic, but in that instant my shoulders were upright and it slimmed me. I felt the only places that catered to me were small pricy boutiques, which I do love to support because they are local.

Once or twice a year I would splurge and drop $200 tp buy 1 or 2 bras. I would wear these bras until they had worn out.  After spending over $96 on the most beautiful turquoise and silver bra my large puppy chewed it up in less than 30 seconds.  I cried over my chewed up lacy support system crafted in France and vowed to get that same bra again. Sadly that style was discontinued.

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A Road Map and A Plan

Never start a journey without a plan. With a plan you can follow a map on how to end up with the desired results you are looking for. The whole point to accentuate your assets and divert attention away from what you don't like. Think about what you love about your body. Are your boobs exploding with amazingness?  Do you love your long legs?  Not loving your arms but think your hands belong on an ad for lotion?

Below I have a few links to great spaces online picking out clothing pieces for a boudoir shoot.  When in doubt know that you can just wear sheets and robes. You can be basic, because a boudoir session is more about you than the clothes you wear.

Places to Start

The suggestions below are based purely on my experience with myself and previous clients. None of theses companies are endorsing me in anyway.

1. Adore me . www.adoreme.com -  They have a wide variety of pieces that fit all sizes and don't look like your grandmother will wear them. I am currently loving their October colors out. Every thing is very nice on your wallet so you can stock up on some super amazing deals..  I was able to find beautiful pieces when I was 34G and now also at a 34DDD.

2. Mentionables - While I have not actually purchased from them yet it is easy for me to tell that they have beautiful pieces.  The current colors are swoonable.

3. Amazon - As much as I hate to say it, you can find some great things on Amazon. Make sure to read the reviews because a lot of the stuff is made in China and you will have to buy a few sizes higher than what you would buy here in the US. Make sure you look for a review from someone who states their height and size.  Likewise when you purchase something, help the rest of us out and post a review with your details.

4. Their Closet - Look in your partners/spouses closet. Do they wear button downs or ties?  Do they have a bomber jacket, favorite sunglasses or hat that might work into part of a session.

5. Your Closet - Dig through your own closet. Have you ever purchased something because you felt bold only to chicken out at the last minute and throw on your safe outfit. You know you have one.

Still wondering what to wear for a boudoir shoot?  I have a few more ideas for you, so please reach out. All boudoir sessions come with a 30 minute consult about what specific pieces would be a good match for you. You can bring as many outfits as you want. While you are getting your hair and make up done I'll pick out the top three. My goal is to make you look ravishing. I am going to paint you with light and your are going to feel like a masterpiece.

Check out more of my boudoir tips by signing up below.  From preparing for to the day of the shoot to the actual day of the session I make sure that every step of the way you feel empowered and beautiful.

Better Immunity This Winter? Clearer Skin for your Session? Desire Restful Energy?

… Science behind the seemingly new trend of “Drinking Celery Juice!”

Today there are 33,000 #CeleryJuice posts on Instagram (and growing!), but this vegetable obviously isn't a new thing. Carlos Quiros, a plant geneticist from the University of California Davis, told NPR that arcology remains from Switzerland show that people have been transporting celery seeds since 4,000 B.C. In China, Egypt, and Rome, this stalky plant was used as a remedy for a range of issues but mainly to cure hangovers or even to use as an aphrodisiac.  

In 1868, Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray, or celery soda, made its debut, and it's been a deli staple, pairing perfectly with thick pastrami sandwiches, ever since. According to Marianne Santora, whose dad owned J&R Bottling, the company that brought Cel-Ray to California, the celery tonic was known to calm stomachs and heal bowel issues.

The concept of celery juice as a cure-all in the modern age came from medical medium Anthony William, who's been preaching this health hack for the past 20 years.

While William is not a licensed doctor or health care practitioner, he's garnered a large following in the wellness world. Since he was 4 years old, he had heard a voice perfectly clear in his right ear. He calls this voice "Spirit," and since then Spirit has been guiding him to read people to find out what's wrong with them. He calls himself medical medium because of this guiding spirit. When he was 4, he diagnosed his grandmother with lung cancer, which later her doctors confirmed. Since then he has gone on to write four New York Times best-selling books, has acquired a huge fan base of believers in his work including Gwyneth Paltrow, Pharell, and even Robert DeNiro.

There is research that says that the antioxidant compounds in celery can help remove free radicals, says functional medicine doctor Jill Baron, M.D., However, she adds that "we don't have the research in humans at this time to verify all the claims.”

"When it comes to our food choices, we tend to get fixated on a single food or beverage to resolve our health issues when in reality there is no one food that will cure disease... We need to be looking at our overall lifestyle and cultivate healthy behaviors for optimal health. If you enjoy celery juice, it can be part of a healthful eating pattern, but it should be part of the bigger picture and should not replace intake of all other vegetables and fruits.”   FOR MORE on Drinking the “Miracle Juice,” visit:  MBG Foods.