Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Boudoir Experience
1. Start planning your wardrobe at least three weeks before your shoot. Giving yourself plenty of time to shop ensures a stress-free experience. Think of lingerie shopping like finding the perfect pair of jeans—you might need to try on a few options before discovering the best fit.
2. Be sure to try on all your lingerie before your session. I want you to feel amazing, and well-fitting pieces are key to achieving that. When your lingerie fits just right, it highlights your natural beauty in the best way. Loose nightgowns, babydoll styles, or oversized jerseys tend to hide your curves, but we’re here to celebrate them!
3. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your midsection, consider bringing a mix of outfit styles. This way, you can choose pieces that make you feel the most confident and comfortable during your shoot.
4. For the best results, I recommend choosing complete outfits rather than just tops without bottoms. While it can be tricky to find perfectly matching sets, having a coordinated look really enhances your photos. Remember, even slight color differences in person can appear more pronounced in images.
5. We have an exclusive client closet with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL that you’re welcome to explore! Feel free to bring some of your own pieces too—it’s always better to have more options. Try to choose a variety of outfits, not just bra and panty sets. Bodysuits, shapewear, and other styles look fantastic on camera. I’ll be sending out a "Places to Shop" email with recommendations, so keep an eye out for that! We’ll shoot at least two outfits (unless your collection includes fewer). Bringing a variety of colors is key. While bra and panty sets are cute, you’ll want to mix things up to avoid a "fashion show" look. I’d much prefer you bring different bodysuits and shapewear than all bra and panty sets.
6. Feel free to bring heels in any color you love—skin tone, black, or even something fun like red, pink, or blue! Tall heels are especially great, as they elongate your legs beautifully. The higher and skinnier the heel, the better. Just a quick tip: avoid ankle straps and patterns, as we want the focus to be on your legs rather than your feet. If your heels are a bit worn, it might show in some photos, but don’t worry if you don’t have heels! Many clients choose to go without, and that works perfectly too.
7. I suggest skipping props like hard hats, cowboy hats, toys, men’s ties, or cowboy boots. While they might seem fun, they can distract from the main focus—you! We want to keep the attention on you and your stunning look.
8. We’ll provide a robe for you to wear during hair and makeup, as well as between outfit changes. To keep everything looking smooth, it’s a good idea to arrive in loose-fitting clothing to avoid any bra strap lines or jean imprints.
9. Please remember to bring your foundation. I work with several talented hair and makeup artists, but I can’t always guarantee that the artist for your shoot will have the perfect color match. Bringing your own foundation ensures that your look is flawless.
10. If you’re a bride, feel free to bring your bridal lingerie, garter, and veil. These personal touches can add a special and memorable element to your photos.
11. When it comes to jewelry, think simple, tasteful, and elegant. If you have a favorite ring or two, definitely wear them—especially your wedding or engagement ring! Pearls can feel a bit cliché, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. Since earrings might not show up much in your photos, simple studs are perfect. For necklaces and bracelets, keep them minimal—remember, today is all about you, not the accessories!
Did Someone Say Spa Day?
1. Do all your grooming at least two days before your shoot. This is especially important if you’re waxing. We want to avoid any red bumps or irritation so you can feel your best.
2. Avoid trying a new hairstyle or color the week of your shoot. Save any drastic changes for after your session. If your roots need a touch-up, aim to get them done about a week before your shoot for a fresh look.
3. Make sure your nails (both toes and hands) are either freshly painted or completely polish-free. Chipped or peeling polish should be removed before the shoot—my camera lens picks up every detail! If you need a local salon recommendation, I highly suggest Jason at JL Nails in Cabot. He has an eye for detail and does amazing work if you’re looking for something extra special.
4. Soft blush tones, French manicures, and neutral colors are always flattering on nails. Bold colors can work too, but consider the outfits you’ll be wearing. You wouldn’t want burgundy nails clashing with a red outfit. If you’re not into manicures, press-on nails are a great option, or you can keep your nails clean and natural!
5. Please skip the self-tanner before your shoot. The camera doesn’t always love it, and it can make your hands and feet look uneven or dirty.
6. Spray tanning is best if it’s something you’re used to. If not maintained properly, it can turn out too dark or blotchy. If you do decide to spray tan, make sure it’s done at least two days before your shoot to prevent oils from transferring onto the furniture or sheets. A light, natural glow works best to avoid an orange hue in your photos.
7. If you wear eyelash extensions, please get them filled the week of your shoot. Jess Lashes does mine, and she’s incredible, although she’s located in Searcy. If you’re looking for someone closer, I’ve heard great things about Royals Salon.
8. Make sure all facial hair is trimmed or removed, including eyebrows, mustache, and chin hairs. My makeup artist won’t pluck or remove these, so it’s a good idea to handle this before your shoot. You can pluck your brows at home or visit a local wax specialist if that’s more your style.
9. Waxing is recommended (but not necessary) 1-2 days before your shoot to ensure any redness or bumps have time to fade. If you’ve never waxed before, try to do it at least three days in advance.
10. Keep your lips moisturized in the days leading up to your shoot. A little ChapStick goes a long way in preventing dry, flaky lips that can show up in photos. If you’re interested in a facial, the girls at B. Brannigan do those too! Steph is my go-to for facials, but I hear great things about the entire team.
11. Get plenty of sleep the night before your session. Beauty rest is real, and getting enough sleep will help keep dark circles at bay.
12. No partying the night before! Bags under your eyes are not the look we’re going for. Instead, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking plenty of water will do wonders for your skin.
13. Wash the bottoms of your feet before coming over. I know it sounds funny, but trust me—clean feet make a difference in your photos!
14. Please arrive with a clean face and dry hair that was washed within the last day or so. It’s okay to wash your hair the morning of your session, but please make sure it’s completely dry when you arrive. For my curly-haired girls: if you usually wear your hair curly, please come with it already styled. If you prefer it straight or want to use a curling iron or wand, just ensure your hair is dry so we can style it during your session.
It’s Time To Go!
1. Make sure to eat a good meal before your shoot! A full breakfast, not just a piece of toast, will keep you energized. Believe it or not, some clients compare their session to a workout—you’ll burn calories, and you might even feel a bit sore the next day. Your lower back might not thank me, but the photos will be worth it!
2. I recommend arriving in loose-fitting clothing like a sheath dress or yoga pants. Tight clothes like jeans can leave marks on your skin that may show up in your portraits, and we want you looking your best!
3. Don’t forget to remove all hair ties from your wrists before arriving. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in your photos.
4. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes early for your shoot. The makeup artist and I will be busy setting up everything just right for you, so arriving on time will ensure a smooth start.
5. Try to be on time. We only do one shoot a day, however I do schedule other appointments around your shoot, so if you’re more than 15 minutes late, we may need to reschedule. I want to make sure you get the full experience!
6. Most importantly, relax! I’ll guide you through everything—how to pose, where to look, where to place your hands and feet, and even how to stand. All you need to do is show up, and I’ll take care of the rest!
Thinking about doing a shoot with me? Awesome! I'd love to hear more about what you're looking for in a boudoir shoot, go over the general process with us, and answer any questions you may have.
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