So, you've taken the plunge and booked your boudoir session—congratulations! Get ready to embark on a journey of self-love, empowerment, and an incredibly fun photoshoot. But before you slip into that lacy lingerie and serve, there are a few essential steps you'll want to take to ensure that your boudoir experience is nothing short of amazing. Even if your session isn't with me, Hannah Monroe in Orange County California providing the OC, Los Angeles, and San Diego with beautiful boudoir sessions, I want everyone who chooses a boudoir session to have an incredible experience. Here is my best advice on how to have the best boudoir experience ever!
10 Things to Do Before Your Boudoir Session:
Get Your Beauty Sleep: No really, prioritize getting enough rest before your boudoir session. A good night's sleep can do wonders for your complexion, energy levels, and overall mood. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of shut-eye the night before your shoot to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to slay.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your boudoir session to give your skin that coveted glow from within. Aim to drink plenty of water and incorporate hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet.
Pamper Yourself: Indulge in a little self-care leading up to your boudoir session. Treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath, get a manicure and pedicure, or book a rejuvenating spa treatment to help you feel confident and beautiful.
Choose Your Wardrobe Wisely: Curate a wardrobe that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident and sexy. Experiment with different styles, colors, and textures to find what works best for you.
Practice Posing: Take some time to practice posing in front of a mirror before your boudoir session to boost your confidence and find your best angles. I have a few posing tutorials on my Tik Tok you can see here
Pack Your Essentials: Make sure you have all your essentials packed and ready to go, including outfits, shoes, lingerie, accessories, and any props or special items you want to incorporate into your photoshoot. Of course, you don't actually have to bring anything except a clean face and clean-ish dry hair. I provide outfits, professional hair and make-up, and I know how to style and pose every and anybody. If you want to have a hands off session, you can do that too.
Communicate with Your Photographer: Schedule a pre-session consultation with your photographer to discuss your vision, goals, and any questions or concerns you may have. Be honest and open about your comfort level, boundaries, and expectations for the shoot. When we chat, we discuss location and, aesthetics, outfit and make-up, and general vibe. From this, I'll know how to create an experience you'll never forget.
Relax and Unwind: On the day of your boudoir session, take some time to relax and unwind before the cameras start clicking. Find whatever helps you feel calm, centered, and ready to shine. If you have a playlist that gets you in the right energy, send that to me before the session so I can have your favorite music bumping. If you want to enter into a more tranquil meditative space, we can do that too. All things to mention during our phone consultation.
Trust Your Photographer: Remember, your photographer is a professional who knows how to capture your beauty in the best possible light. Trust in their expertise and guidance throughout the session, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Celebrate Yourself: Above all else, remember that your boudoir session is a celebration of you—your beauty, your strength, your uniqueness. Embrace your sensuality, unleash your inner goddess, and let your confidence radiate from within.
What Not to Wear to a Boudoir Session:
While the possibilities for sultry outfits are endless, there are a few key items that might not quite hit the mark. Here are two things you should definitely leave out of your boudoir wardrobe:
Babydoll Lingerie: We want to avoid wearing baggy, ill-fitting undergarments that can detract from the overall aesthetic of your photos and leave you feeling less than confident. Instead, opt for lingerie that fits you like a glove and accentuates your curves in all the right places. You can't hid under a baby doll style outfit, it won't do what you think it will. Trust me and wear something that actually fits, and I'll blow your mind.
Loud, Distracting Patterns: Steer clear of loud, distracting patterns that can overwhelm and take away from the focal point—you! Stick to solid colors or subtle textures that complement your figure and enhance your natural beauty.
Pro Tips from a Professional Boudoir Photographer:
Relax and Have Fun:Â Remember, boudoir photography is all about celebrating your beauty and embracing your sensuality. Relax, have fun, and let your personality shine through in your photos.
Embrace Your Imperfections:Â Don't stress over minor imperfections or perceived flaws. Your photographer knows how to capture your best angles and highlight your unique beauty, so embrace what makes you uniquely you.
Trust the Process:Â Trust in your photographer's expertise and guidance throughout the session. They're there to help you feel comfortable, confident, and empowered, so let go of any worries or insecurities and enjoy the experience.
Lastly, a few Do's and Don'ts to mentally prepare for your boudoir session
Dos:
Schedule a pre-session consultation with your photographer to discuss your vision, goals, and any questions or concerns you may have.
Be honest and open about your comfort level, boundaries, and expectations for the shoot—your photographer is there to help create a safe and empowering environment for you to express yourself.
Schedule your pampering sessions a few days before your boudoir session to give yourself time to relax and enjoy the experience.
Don'ts:
Be afraid to speak up if something doesn't feel right or if you have any concerns about the shoot—your comfort and confidence are top priorities.
Overthink it—remember, boudoir photography is all about capturing your authentic self, so embrace your uniqueness and let your inner goddess shine through.
Stress over the small stuff—your photographer is there to guide you and ensure that everything
Preparing for a boudoir session is an exciting and empowering experience. By following these tips and trusting in yourself and your photographer, you can ensure that your boudoir photos showcase your beauty, confidence, and individuality in the best possible light. So, embrace your sensuality, unleash your inner goddess, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories!
Ready to book your boudoir session with me here in Orange County, California! Click the button below to get in touch and schedule a 15 minute consultation call with me.