Every little detail is important in order to create beautiful boudoir photos. Here you will find a list of things that will help you prepare for your boudoir photo session. If you missed something and might ask me later – you can just photoshop it? – the answer is yes, I can – but these services are time consuming, and for that reason are charged separately, $25 per image. Simple things like retouching tan lines, chipped nail polish and similar adjustments – on average adds about 25-45 min of retouching time per image.
- Your nails and toes need to be done and look neat. They will show in boudoir photos – you will be posing with your hands near your face, lips, placed against your body. You might want to pose bare-feet.. Chipped nail polish, grown out acrylic, dry heels – might ruin any awesome boudoir photos.
- Absolutely no spray tans. Spray tan might seem like an awesome idea for your boudoir photos – but actually it isn’t. Spray tans do not photograph well. Your skin will look orange, flaky, scaly like a fish, patchy, there will be missed spots (around the booty – always happens), you will have streaks and different color skin. Just do not do it. Besides, spray tans will permanently stain clothing and furniture, and will not be permitted on studio furniture. The same rule applies to tinted moisturizers and self tanning lotions.
- Hair and Makeup plays a very important role in how your photos will turn out. It is amazing what professional hair and makeup can do, and it makes all the difference. I highly recommend getting your Hair and Makeup professionally done. If you are booking Express Boudoir Session – the Hair and Makeup is not included, but can be arranged for an extra fee. All prepaid Luxury Collections include professional Hair and Makeup service.
- Those pesky lingerie tags.. I am not talking about the price tags. I am talking about the tags that are permanently attached to your beautiful lace lingerie and are showing through. These little things can ruin your beautiful close up boudoir photos. Before coming to your session I recommend taking scissors and spending 10-15 minutes carefully inspecting seams of each of your items for the care and sizing tags – little cloth thingys attached on the back side of undies, bras, in the seam of your bustiers, and bodysuits. Snip them off 🙂 Even if you think they are not going to show – chances are when you move and pose – they will slip and peek out – just remove them. You do not need these little tags. Also, if you happen to miss some – I will have scissors available during your boudoir photo shoot, but this will be cutting into your session time. Also, please check the bottoms of your shoes – and take all the stickers, price tags off. Use marker to cover any rubbed off spots, it works really well on black shoes. The soles of your shoes will be visible in some poses.
- Outfits. Please make sure to try them on and check that the outfits you choose to bring fit well. Not too tight, not too lose. If something it too tight – it will create an appearance of skin folds, too loose – might hide your curves and look unflattering. Sometimes lingerie items consist from few tiny items – like thongs, garter, bra, stockings. It is very helpful to place each outfit into individual zip lock bag, so you have all pieces together, and nothing is missing. So many times I seen an amazing outfit that client would bring, and realize that the part of it is missing. You will save a lot of time during your boudoir photo session if all your items are well organized, and will be able to do more different poses and will end up with more boudoir photos to choose from.
- Shoes. For boudoir photo shoot high heels like stilettos work the best. They can be sandals, mules, boots, pumps – whatever you want – as long as they are separate heel and not too chunky. Wedge, really thick chunky heels, flip flops and flats usually do not look as flattering in photos. If you are to do a sporty look – sneakers and tennis shoes look really cute. I also love cowboy boots with cute daisy dukes or a mini skirt. Again, it all depends on the style of your choice.
Choose these items when picking your outfits:
- Bodysuits! I cannot express how much I love bodysuits for boudoir photos! They are super flattering, great for showing off chest area and booty, but keeping tummy area covered. Bodysuits are sexy in all styles – casual, lacy and sheer or even the ones you would normally wear with jeans.
- High waist thong shapewear! This is an unexpected item but it photographs so well! You can find them in Target, Macy’s Nordstrom.. Just look for the ones with thong booty cut. They really work the magic to making your waist look tiny, show off your booty nicely, and make your legs appear so long. If you are ordering online – Amazon has a great selection as well. Pair them with fishnets and boots – and you got a smoking hot outfit! I love it for boudoir photos!
- Bra and panty sets. Here you have the freedoom! There are so many choices! Add a matching garter belt with stockings, high heels – and you have an amazing boudoir outfit! I love high waist panties, balconette bras, and waist clinchers!
- Bustier – wonderful way to show off your chest! Add sparkly jewelry, stockings and high heels.. Just gorgeous!
- Jersey, casual T-shirt, tank top, over the knee socks – makes super cute, causal sexy outfits!
- Sporty bra and panties sets! – great option to show off the muscles!
- Faux fur coat or jackets – foxy way to show off your body.
- Statement jewelry, chokers, accessories
- Check out my Amazon.com boudoir item list – http://a.co/ebXp0BY
Avoid:
- Items that are too tight, pinching, uncomfortable.
- Items that are too large or too loose fitting (men’s shirt or over-sized sweater with cold shoulders might be an exception)
- Babydolls – they just do not look good in photo. They make mid section look like bubble in photos.
- Chunky heels, wedge heels, flip flops, flats
- Spray tans – please do not do it. Same with tinted lotions and self tanners.
- Sun burn before your session
- Weapons of all sorts – if you would like to bring a gun – please contact me ahead of time to discuss.