Tips to Prepare for your Boudoir Session..
Top 15 Tips to Prepare for your Boudoir Session
Boudoir Photos are so fun and beautiful, but they can also be a bit intimidating! Of course you are going to want to be looking your very best! Here are some tips of how to prep for your sexy session so everything goes smoothly!
TIP #1: Stretching
It is a good idea to stretch few day leading up to your session and most importantly the morning before, as you will be posing in a variety of poses throughout your session. It will be similar to a workout at the gym, so you will be very sore the day after your session if you are not used to daily exercise.
TIP #2: Tanning
If you tan, or spray tan regularly , that is fine but if you dont normally do so its best not to do it at all directly before your session. Your skin tone will have very uneven tones and have tan lines in your photos. Last thing we want is for you to look like a oompa-loompa ;) FYI, Tan lines are almost impossible to edit out of your photos, so we don't edit them out. Overall it's best to stay out of the sun or wear extra sun screen the month before your session.
TIP #3: Waxing/ Shaving
Don't forget to. If you do not normally wax, it is best not to wax or do anything you don't normally do before your session as it can cause irritation.
TIP #4: Before Session Prep
Please arrive to your session with a clean face, and dont forget to moisturize. Make sure your hair is completely dry and ready to be styled. Its best to shower the night before so your hair has time to dry but if your hair doesn't hold curl well you may wash ur hair 2 days before, and make sure to put product in it while its wet. Your hair/makeup is complimentary gift from CBP, any additional services or gratuity are not included.
TIP #5: Spa Day
Remember to book an appointment at your favorite salon to get your roots done, if needed before your session. It's also a good idea to get a mani/pedi as your hands especially will be seen a lot in the photos, and it’s always a plus that they look fancy. If you prefer to look natural, you may skip the spa day and just make sure you have no chipped polish and your nails are clean and groomed. Also if you decide to dye your hair a fashion fancy color, please make sure to not die it the week before your session, as there is a waiting period before you can wash your hair and the color may bleed on the furniture/lingerie as you sweat during your session. DONT FORGET THOSE BROWS.
Tip # 6: Drink lots of water
The number one thing your body needs from you? Hydration! Make an effort to stay hydrated and drink lots of water leading up to your shoot, you’ll feel better and your skin + body will thank you for it!
Tip # 7: Help with Bloating
Dairy, gluten, and grease can be very tempting… but if you can cut back on (or even cut out) those tasty but un-healthy foods at least a few days before your shoot, you can avoid feeling bloated! You want to feel confident and radiant, and that is hard to do when you’re bloated! Also reduce alcohol and salt intake for 2 weeks before your shoot. And avoid alcohol altogether 48 hours before your shoot.
Tip # 8: Get an Alibi
If these photos are a suprise for a loved one, your going to need an excuse why your all dolled up and unavailable ;) Make plans with friends, ask your mom to cover for you, or even say your getting headshots done. That way you can come home looking fabulous and have your boo take you for a much needed date night. If these photos are just for you, forget the alibi, and treat yourself to a girls night out on the town, it be a sin to not flaunt how gorgeous you look!
Tip # 9: Moisturize MOISTURIZE Moisturize
….need I say more? You’re going to be showing off some skin and you want it to be silky and soft and glowing! Moisturizing is more than just putting lotion on the day of the shoot. (though you definitely want to do that too) try applying some lotion after you shower every day and before bed, before your shoot. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate your skin with a body scrub to help get rid of dead skin. Its even a good idea to keep up the routine even after your shoot, dry skin = wrinkles, acne, and discomfort.
Tip # 10: Bring Nude Undies
We always suggest that you go shopping before your session and order a nude thong to wear under the lingerie during your session. That way we can keep the lingerie in our client closet as sanitary as possible for all of our clients. Even if you dont typically wear thongs, we still suggest it just for your shoot, because it is the only style of underwear that won’t show up underneath the lingerie. A lot of the bodysuits have thongs in them, so if you were to bring a cheeky or bootyshorts undies it would show up under the lingerie. We also supply panty liners to give an extra layer of protection, on top of washing each item after use, washing again in sanitizer and then spraying with lysol before returning to the client closet.
Tip # 11: Get Your Beauty Rest
Same as the moisturizing tip listed above, you want to get a good nights rest for more than just the night before the shoot. But at least get a good nights rest the eve of your boudoir session. Hit the sack early and let your body rejuvenate.
Tip # 12: Eat Something Light
A lot of times it’s common to eat less or not at all before your session to prevent being bloated. We DO NOT recommend doing this. It is very important to eat the morning of your session, a light meal preferably to fuel your body to make sure you have energy that your body will need for posing.
Tip # 13: Wear Loose Clothing
The day of your shoot arrive in your PJ’s! No but seriously, it’s best to wear loose clothing to prevent from any lines or marks from tight clothing so it doesn’t show up in your photos. (The perfect excuse for no bra!)
Tip # 14: Try on Everything
If you plan to bring you own lingerie instead of using our client closet its best to order everything far in advance. Try them all on and make sure they fit, and you feel comfortable and look fabulous in them. If you dont like how they feel or look on you , it will be noticeable in the photos. That way you can make sure if certain items dont fit you can return and exchange them for new ones with plenty of time for them to arrive for your session. If you wish to use our client closet of over 400 pieces from size SM-7XL , we will hand select the perfect items for you and your body shape to help you look and feel fabulous. Keep an open mind when trying on your outfits at your fitting appointment as we offer your our professional opinion and no what looks best and photographs best to be most pleasing for every body shape.
Tip # 15: Cross the T’s and Dot the I’s
Last but not least make sure you have signed all your contracts, and filled out your Boudoir Questionnaire, so we can have a chance to look over it, get to know you and your style a bit better and be able to offer you the best possible experience.
Ps. Also checkin on social media when you arrive and take lots of selfies before your session so you have lots of memories from your empowering experience. (Bonus points if you share them in the VIP Group! <3)
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If you're a client, or thinking about doing a session, this is the place to be. We also run contests and special sales in our group from time to time.
Chelsea Brinton
Owner & Photographer