5 Simple Ways To Totally Rock Your Boudoir Session
“Best experience of my life. Had an amazing time. Would highly recommend. Thank you so much guys xxx.”
Sitting in the shower with beads and tattoos
Preparation is the Key to every successful Boudoir session and in the days and weeks leading up to your photoshoot day we do our best to prepare you in every way we can.
Firstly we have some extended phone conversations so we can find out a little about your motivation for doing this and what you’d like as a result. Then we send a number of emails with loads of information on what to do in order to prepare for your day. Lots of simple, practical advice based on years of doing this.
Keep in mind though, it’s completely normal to have some anxieties before your shoot.
Whilst everyone is different, everyone can benefit from this advice leading up to the big day.
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO TOTALLY ROCK YOUR SESSION…
beautiful and evocative portrait with added texture effects
1. HYDRATE
A Boudoir Session can be a long day. Hair and makeup can take a couple of hours and the shoot itself, with multiple outfit changes and set locations, can be pretty exhausting. It’s super important to stay hydrated during the day and snack when you feel a low in your energy levels. The last thing you want to do is feel hungry or thirsty during your shoot. Since we don’t clock watch or charge by the hour, we have no problem breaking for lunch whenever you feel is right.
2. LOOK AFTER YOUR BODY IN THE WEEKS LEADING UP TO YOUR SHOOT
It’s certainly true that drinking loads of water really does clean up your skin and make your eyes sparkle with life more. (Trust us, this is from years of observing the effects) Regular sleep is another way to improve everything about your looks and this cannot be overstated. Cut down a little on alcohol and smoking if at all possible. (Though these kind of changes aren’t easy, we know) Before your shoot, try stretching or a little yoga to help you get into the best positions for dramatic boudoir poses. Take a little time to love your body and it will love you back!
Picture of Samantha with added grain for a fine art effect
3. CHOOSE YOUR OUTFITS WITH CARE
Spend time choosing your outfits and don’t leave this till the night before. Make sure everything fits properly and that you love wearing them. Choose quality rather than quantity. Leave the ‘Nurses’ uniform at home (unless you’re a nurse) and stick to outfits that make you feel good when you wear them. Bring a larger selection of outfits than you think you’ll need if you have the choice and this will give us options on the day. At least one black and one outfit and if you’re conscious of your body shape, try one piece lingerie rather than twin sets. Also, consider a sexy LBD or something you’d be happy to go out to impress in. (Our Boudoir sessions don’t have to lingerie, they can be dresses or even ballgowns.) Bring accessories, jewelry, hats, toys, shoes, anything that resonates with you. Consider a ‘statement’ piece like an amazing overcoat or stunning hat.
We have produced this Prep Guide packed with more ideas for your shoot - The Madison Bou Prep Guide
Portrait taken behind shower glass with beads of water
4. THINK BALET AND POINTY TOES AND GRACEFUL FINGERS TOES, SHOULDERS, BACK ARCH
Jayne will be with you throughout the shoot and she’ll be on hand to look at all the details. Are the labels showing in your knickers? Are you showing ‘rolls? / Bulges? muffin tops? - Not on her watch!
She also has many years of dance training and teaching in her portfolio of talents (She even danced at Moulin Rouge in Paris for a couple of years.) All this training helps when it comes to working with you to get the best poses and we’ll constantly get you to work on posture ( Chest out, shoulders back, arch your back, point your toes and curl your fingers) - Don’t worry, you’ll be instructed and posed every step of the way.
We’ll even work on your facial expression. In fact you can practice the chin out rule in front of the mirror and amaze yourself right now… Normally, we tend to slouch a little. Shoulders up, head down and this creates a no neck look which is not at all what we want. Nor do we ever want to see double chins and saggy jawlines. These can be sorted, as if by magic, by just stretching out the chin (We call it ‘doing the chicken’). Stretching out the chin will give you an amazing jawline and make your neck look longer. Your eyes will open up more and everything together will make you look years younger. We’ll coach you into relaxing your shoulders to avoid looking stressed and hunched up. These little posing tips will literally change the way you look in front of the camera and you’ll love the results.
5. TRUST IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
A crucial component of the boudoir session process is TRUST. A Boudoir Experience is way out of most people’s comfort zone and we are well aware of this. Be proud that you’ve taken the leap of faith to do this and remember, you’ve spent all that time checking out and researching your photographer and chosen us for a reason. You believe we know what we’re doing because of our years of experience, our client reviews and because you love our work and want to look as good as all the women we show on our website.
So, don’t worry about posing or how you’ll look in front of the camera, just trust us to make you look amazing. We have got your back every step of the way and we’ll not let you down!
