3 Things I Wish I’d Known Before My First Boudoir Session

3 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE MY FIRST BOUDOIR SESSION

I did a boudoir session before my wedding back in 2017. This was a few years before I became a photographer.

I didn’t know much about boudoir before my session, but I did know that I wanted to give my husband a sexy gift for the wedding.

On the whole, it was a good experience. The photos were beautiful and my husband still loves the album. He’s lost a couple wedding rings, but he knows exactly where that album is. Every now and then I’ll even catch him flipping through it. It was the perfect intimate gift for my new husband.

If I could go back in time, there are a few things I would tell myself. These are some things I wish I’d known before my boudoir session. Hopefully they’ll help you now!

TIP 1: DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS

My boudoir session was one of my first experiences with professional photography. I didn’t really know what I was doing and I honestly didn’t even know what questions to ask. I feel like I went into my boudoir session a bit blind for this reason.

This is why I offer consultations before your session.

I want you to go into your session feeling as confident and prepared as possible. This is the perfect time for you to ask any questions you have about the experience. I promise there are no stupid questions here!

If you don’t know what questions to ask, spend some time skimming my website and blog to get you started!

TIP 2: RESEARCH WHAT TO WEAR

When I was shopping for my boudoir session, all I knew to do was try on lingerie and see if it looked good in the mirror.

Luckily, I chose my outfits really well, but there are a few things I wish I’d known to consider:

• When shopping, go for a bodysuit or bra/panty sets. In general, you want something fitted rather than flowy.
• When looking at underwear, choose a cheeky cut (or a thong if you’re feeling crazy) and leave the rest at home.
• Lingerie is not the only option for boudoir. A sweater, robe, or button down makes for great variety!
• Lace is always a beautiful choice.
• Photoshop is not an effective hair removal tool. Plan accordingly.

Working within these guidelines will help you choose outfits that will photograph beautifully and flatter your figure!

TIP 3: BE TRUE TO YOURSELF

When you’re planning your session and your outfits, think about who you are and what you love. This session is about showcasing YOU!

When I was planning my session, I chose the things based on what I thought I should choose rather than thinking about what felt like and represented me.

For example, I went for a full on glam makeup look complete with a dark red lip. I barely wear makeup on a day to day basis and I’ve never worn a red lip out in my life. I would have done better to go for a more natural or soft glam look.

I went for a full on black bra and panty set lingerie outfit with a garter belt and stockings and heels. I never wear stockings and I hate wearing heels. I would have been better off with an oversized off the shoulder sweater, cute cheeky underwear, and a natural makeup look.

I went straight for black and white lingerie options without even thinking to find something in my best color: olive green.

One of the ways I actually did this well was that I brought a pair of cheeky Harry Potter undies and a Deathly Hallows themed necklace and tall socks as one of my outfits. Me and my husband are big Harry Potter fans so this was a really fun addition to my session.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself in the photos – that’s the whole point!

BONUS TIP: DON’T BRING A FRIEND

I brought my sister to the session for moral support and hair touch-ups. She was and is great.

But honestly, I think it would have been better if I’d let it just be me and the photographer.

Boudoir is an intimate experience and having a friend there (even one as close as a sister) can be distracting or even make things a little bit awkward at times.

It’s best to trust your photographer and let it just be the two of you.