I get it! You want to do a boudoir session, but you are scared senseless about doing one. You want to make the plunge, but don’t know how to calm your nerves.
Never fear! I have seven ways for you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and in your boudoir session.
1. Consult with your Boudoir Photographer
The number one thing you need to do before a boudoir session is consult with your potential photographer. Don’t just go online, see beautiful photos of gorgeous women, and then pay the deposit. You will need to CALL the photographer and SPEAK to them (if you can’t meet with them in person). Make sure you get a good vibe from them and see if they make you feel comfortable over the phone. Make sure you ask the photographer detailed questions. Even ask them the questions you think are silly but have been on your mind. The photographer shouldn’t be bothered in the least bit with your questions because this is something that is really important to you and time should be taken to accurately answer any concerns you may have. After speaking to your photographer they should make you feel more comfortable about your pending session.
2. Hire a Professional Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
When booking a boudoir session hire a professional hairstylist and makeup artist (HMUA). Don’t cut corners here! You are already making an investment in a boudoir session just pay the extra $100-$150 (depending on the studio) for a professional HMUA. Many women think they can do their own hair and makeup, but hair and makeup that you do for everyday life is WAY different than makeup you do for a professional shoot.
Two quick reasons why you need to hire pros:
- It takes the pressure off you. It’s one less thing for you to worry about before your session.
- HMUA use professional grade styling tools and products for studio sessions.
You have been running around, working out, eating right, and buying clothes for this session. The last thing you want to do is stress about how you’re going to do your own hair and makeup. Leave it to a professional.
3. Get your Nails Done Before a Boudoir Session
I CANNOT tell you how many times a woman has forgotten do her nails before a session. Now you don’t need a French manicure or color polish in general but make sure your nails have at least a clear coating on them and are cut evenly. Bad nails can easily break a photo.
4. Try on the Wardrobe Before Your Session
Trying on your boudoir outfits before your session will make you feel more confident. The last thing you want to do is buy a piece of beautiful lingerie off the shelf and not try it on until your actual session. That is just a potential recipe for disaster. Don’t take that 50/50 chance of the piece not working out. A lot of companies will not let you return lingerie.
Two Quick Boudoir Wardrobe Tips:
- If you are someone who wants to hide their tummy DO NOT purchase a simple bra and panty set. Purchase a chemise or a teddy. If you are not 100% in love with your legs buy a garter and stocking set (which ALWAYS) looks hot.
- Shoes are ALWAYS important. Make sure the heels match the lingerie. I suggest that the heels be AT LEAST 4 inches tall. I know, fashion hurts, but the results will be well worth the pain.
5. Practice the Poses You Want
Practice your boudoir poses in front of the mirror before your session. C’mon now! Lets all be honest here! We have all practiced modeling poses in front of the mirror. I do it with my dog. I mean it got so serious that my dog actually now knows how to pose in front of the camera! YES! He will serve face with the best of them!
Okay! LOL Back on track. Make sure you communicate to your boudoir photographer what types of poses you really want. I suggest emailing them a link to a Pinterest boudoir board you create as your inspiration for the boudoir session. Having a visual idea of what YOU want from your session helps both you the photographer out.
I know Pinterest can be a really hard place to find a cohesive set of poses that you like so I suggest checking out the Boudoir Divas 1500 poses e-book. #YAAAAAASSSS girl 1500 poses! What I like the most about this books is it highlights poses for WOMEN OF EVERY SIZE! I’m sure you can find at least one in there you like. Check out the e-book here. The Divas are friends of mine who also have two other detailed posing guides that I keep in my studio for my clients. I would suggest purchasing them for your own personal collection too. Find them HERE!
6. Remember Why You are Doing This
Remember why you are doing this boudoir session. What goal did you achieve that deserves such a glorious acknowledgement?
- Did you lose that final 20 pounds?
- Perhaps after a year in crossfit you want to show off your new toned body. You didn’t deadlift for nothing now!
- Maybe you want to celebrate your woman hood with a maternity session!
- Are you celebrating a 30th, 40th, or 50th Birthday party and want to embrace your current sexiness?
- Is this going to be a sensual wedding or anniversary present that you have been secretly planning? You know he’s going to love it!
Whenever you begin to see doubt seeping through just remember why you are doing this. Keep in mind there are plenty of women who felt exactly like you before their session. These women came out loving the entire experience.
7. Trust Yourself & Relax
You have to just trust yourself at this point. You have contacted the photographer and feel confident in their work and vision for your project. You hired a pro hair and makeup artist and trust in their ability to make you look amazing. Your nails look fabulous. You have picked lingerie that you tried on and practiced the poses you want in front of the mirror for the past week. You are focused on why you are doing this. Now you have to just trust in yourself. Just sit back relax while getting pampered by the HMUA as you’re sipping champagne. Take comfort that you are doing something really amazing for you!
In the comments below let me know some questions you would like answer that will ease your fear of a boudoir session!
