How to Prepare for Your Boudoir Session
So, you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and book a boudoir session with The Adore Girls?!? THAT’S AWESOME! We are SO excited to have you in our Nashville boudoir photography studio and to help you officially become an Adore Girl. We want you to enjoy every single step of this exciting process, and that includes preparing for your fun and sexy photo shoot! That is why we are sharing with you today some of our top guidelines, recommendations, and Do’s & Don’ts to help you get ready for your upcoming boudoir session!
One Week Prior to Your Boudoir Session:
Bikini waxing is not required, but if you choose to wax, please do so 3-4 days prior to your session to allow time for any redness to fade away. If you have never waxed before, though, please do not feel like you have to, as many do not. (We get asked about this a lot.)
Treat yourself to a mani and pedi! Schedule your appointment a day or two before your session. (Check out our blog, “Which Nail Color is the Best for Boudoir Photos?,” for some nail color inspiration!)
Try on all wardrobe pieces that you plan to bring to make sure it all fits properly and you are comfortable in everything. (This is actually VERY important! Even if a piece of lingerie looks like it will probably fit you, you could be in for a huge disappointment on the day of your session if you don’t actually try it on first.)
If you realize that you may be on your period the day of your photo shoot, please do not stress about it! Yes, we know that it’s kind of a bummer, but we promise it will not affect your photo shoot in the slightest. After all, one of the benefits of working with an all-female staff is that we do not get embarrassed or uncomfortable about such things. If you are worried that your belly may look a little bloated on the day of your session, rest assured that we will not allow that to translate in your photos. (It’s all about wardrobe choice, posing, lighting, and angles!)
The Day of Your Boudoir Photo Shoot:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Eat. Do not starve yourself leading up to your photo session, and especially not on the day of your photo shoot.
Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing to the studio. We want to avoid any red lines caused by tight fitting clothes. Please do NOT wear any type of jeans or extremely tight fitting clothes to the studio. The looser the clothes, the better. We also have robes at the studio for you to change into while you are in hair and makeup.
Please come to the studio without any makeup on (you can still moisturize on the morning of your appointment) and come with your hair completely DRY, free of any styling products, and please do not use any hot tools on your hair prior to your arrival (such as a straightening iron). We suggest washing your hair the day before or the morning of your session and just give it a good blow-dry.
If you’re having trouble narrowing down your wardrobe choices, don’t stress! Feel free to bring your extra wardrobe options with you to your session. We will spend the first 10-15 minutes laying out all of your items, discussing which pieces we think will work best, and creating the perfect final wardrobe selection for your photo shoot.
Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time. No need to be early! If you are going to be late, however, please give us a call and let us know. Late arrivals will cut into your shoot time due to our other existing appointments. If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, it will be cancelled and your session fee is non-refundable.
Boudoir Photography Do’s & Don’ts
DO…
consider joining The Adore Girls’ Private Facebook Group! This can be a wonderful source of information because you can post questions about your upcoming session in the group and receive answers directly from women who have already had a boudoir session with us! (We really cannot stress enough how much we LOVE all 8,000+ of our Private Group members for always being so uplifting and supportive of one another.)
get your beauty rest prior to your photo session.
moisturize your skin.
check the traffic report on the day of your session to make sure you will arrive at our studio at your scheduled appointment time. (Remember, no need to arrive early, but you do not want to be late, either!)
relax! Come to the studio with an open heart and an open mind, and just be ready to have fun!
DON’T…
stay up late the night(s) leading up to your photo session.
apply self-tanner or go to a tanning bed for at least 1-2 weeks prior to your photo session, or else be prepared to look a little on the orange-y side in your photos. (Even if your tan looks very natural to the naked eye, almost all faux tans end up looking slightly orange on camera.)
get a tattoo, lip fillers, a chemical peel, cosmetic surgery, or have any other types of procedures or treatments done prior to your boudoir session that could leave your skin looking swollen, red, bruised, or scabbed on the day of your photo shoot. Please plan those types of appointments well in advance of your boudoir session to allow your skin plenty of time to heal.
bring a lot of props or costume-type outfits to your boudoir session. Our studio is a historic home that was built in the late 1800’s and, therefore, certain props and outfits do not look appropriate on our sets. For example, it is fine if you want to bring your favorite coffee mug as a prop or wear your favorite flannel shirt, because those are items that would normally be found within a home environment. It does not make sense, however, for anyone to be lounging by the fireplace while holding a fishing pole, or to be lying on our canopy bed while wearing something like a “sexy referee” costume. Therefore, we highly recommend that you take a moment to look through our gallery and familiarize yourself with the decor of the rooms in which you will be photographed to help you decide if the wardrobe and/or props you are considering for your photo shoot are appropriate.
try to calm your nerves by taking any mood-altering or illegal substances prior to your appointment. If you have taken a prescribed medication, please be sure to let us know upon your arrival, and do not mix your medication with any alcohol! (If we feel you are under the influence of any substances that may affect your or our ability to conduct the photo shoot properly, we reserve the right to cancel the session, and no refund will be issued.)
overthink your boudoir session. We know you want your photo shoot to be perfect, as do we! But there is no need for you to stress over such details as what your best angles are, what types of poses will be the most flattering for you, or anything like that. The Adore Girls have been specializing in boudoir photography since 2012, and we are experts at knowing which angles, poses, and lighting will make you look your absolute best. In other words, trust us…WE’VE GOT YOU!!! :)
We know that having a boudoir session, especially for the first time, can seem like an overwhelming endeavor that’s full of decisions, preparations, and anticipation for your photo shoot, but this should not be a stressful time, by any means. Therefore, we hope the guidelines and tips we’ve shared with you today will help you relax, have fun, and enjoy this entire process!
There’s never been a better time for you to become an
Adore Girl!
Contact our office Monday - Friday, 9:00-5:00, via call to 615-336-4256
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