Preparing for the Perfect Boudoir Photo Shoot

You are no doubt a bundle of nerves not knowing what to expect at your Houston Area photography shoot at Heights Boudoir studio! Here are some suggestions for Preparing to make this the best experience possible.

1.  Preparing Hair and Makeup

If you are turning yourself over to our make up artist, arrive with a freshly washed and moisturized face with no makeup please! The makeup artist needs a nice clean pallet. 

This is not the time to get a new haircut you may or may not love. Nor is it the time to try a new color!

Regardless of who is providing your make up preparation, remember, it’s still you getting photographed!  We want you to look the very best, most captivating you!  We do not want to make you a replica of someone else!  2.

Hair is usually beachy, soft, just out of bed hair!  Think about what you will feel comfortable wearing:  soft waves, straight and sleek, short and sassy.  However,  complicated hairstyles will require a salon!  Your hair can be curled freshened up by the make up artist.  Otherwise, run by and get your blow out from your favorite salon or throw those big curls in before you leave your house.  

Make up is also a personal style issue.  Some women wear no make up, others like a natural look.  Some may want to see themselves in the type of make up you would wear for a night on the town.  Others, hot and heavy is the way to go!  We love it all!  

 

2.  Preparing for Silky Soft Skin

The day before your boudoir session take a nice bath or shower – and don’t forget to shave. Use clear deodorant please.

If you wax, do so a few days before your session. Preparing in advance will avoid bumpiness or redness. In addition, eyebrows should be nicely shaped and groomed.

Most importantly, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Thus, lets get that skin soft for the camera! Importantly, do moisturize heavily the morning of your shoot.

3.  Preparing Your Wardrobe for the Boudoir Shoot

Preparing your wardrobe can be very difficult!  However, if you have lots of ideas and outfits and you are having trouble narrowing them down then we always recommend you bring a suitcase full of stuff!

I am not kidding! We recommend you bring lots of things!  After you arrive we can help you narrow the choices down!

ON THE DAY OF THE SESSION:  Wear loose clothing to the studio. A nice loose dress or cover-up will do great. Be comfortable. Wear a strapless bra if being sans bra is not to your liking!  This will prevent unnecessary marks on your skin.

Also, make sure you have tried on all the items you bring to your session. No surprises please. Ill-fitting lingerie should be kicked to the curb. 

And finally, as far as wardrobe is concerned, cut out the tags. There is nothing more annoying than large white tags on skimpy pieces of lingerie.  Yes, you will need to be careful,  but please do remove those unsightly tags/labels.

Here are the three rules for every item that makes it into your little bag of sexiness:

First Rule

A simple bra and panty set to a lacey strappy corset too complicated to put on without help! The number one rule should be to have variety. First, I would have you shop in your own closet. Not every item needs to be lingerie. Choose at least one bra and panty set.  If you choose more than one, select varying tones.  If you bring a black set, look to complement your session with a neutral or lighter toned set.  Be sure to try on items to make sure they have a proper fit before your session.

Second Rule

The lingerie you select should make you feel good about yourself. The lingerie should reflect your style and feel good on you. There is no right or wrong, although there are styles that will photograph better than others. That is why we have the first rule. Selecting lingerie that reflects your personal style is the best way to assure you will feel comfortable in front of my lens. Not only that, if you shop for new lingerie, if it feels good to you, you will be wearing it again, and again, and again!  

Third Rule

Let it fit, let it fit, let it fit!

Some Suggested Items:

Bra and Panty sets – bring a lighter and darker toned set for variety.  If tummy is a problem area, bring a little something to provide cover…a light robe, cover up, sheer wrap.

A one piece body suit – these are very sexy, often scrappy, feminine, and cover the tummy (an area I find many women are self conscious about).

Corset/bustier – These beautiful pieces of lingerie never go out of style!  A corset can be very costly, though, and I do not recommend buying one for a boudoir session (sorry lingerie stores).  However, if you enjoy dressing up in that corset and will use it over and over, by all means go for it!  They are sexy as hell!

Something of his – His business shirt, a tie, a favorite accessory of his…something personal!

Heels – Three inches or higher.  Nude heels go with a number of outfit choices, black heels are a staple.  I would avoid wedges, and the jury is out for me for platforms – as the very high heels all seem to have platforms built in these days!

Cover Up – That could be a loose sweater that will fall off your shoulder, a soft tank top with your pretty bra peeking out, or a sheer wrap/scarf for draping over your lingerie or your, um, nakedness?

Jewelry – Pearls, earrings, a special bracelet he gave you for Christmas, try to have fun selecting jewelry!

Other Accessories:  Garter belt, stockings, thigh high hose, fishnets, whip, leather mask…you get the idea!  Don’t forget to pack these fun items! 

Check out this blog on Houston Boudoir Photography Outfits:  Getting the Girl Next Door Look!

4.  Preparing by Drinking Water

HYDRATE!  A boudoir shoot can be a taxing affair, drink lots of water! This will help moisturize your body, prevent circles and bags under your eyes, and give you a healthy glow. By all means, you may wish to lower your salt intake and avoid alcohol if you are concerned with retaining water. However, do not eliminate water in the hopes of eliminating fluid!

5.  Preparing with a Mani/Pedi

Do get a mani/pedi a day or two before your boudoir session. Keep in mind the outfits that you have selected so nothing clashes!  I personally think neutrals, pinks, reds will go with everything.  White, black, neutral tips also work well.  Of course, it needs to be your style, but if you are planning on wearing a red corset, you may not like purple nail polish.  Or, you may love it!   

If you just like a natural look, make sure nails are trimmed and filed nicely and clean, clean, clean.

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Preparing by NOT Tanning!

If you feel naked without a tan, please, get a tan!  However, if you shy away from tanning please don’t go get one just for a boudoir session.  A spray tan can sometimes repair some obnoxious tan lines, and worth a try if you happened to have gotten marked up at the boat races the week before your session.  Your skin is beautiful the way you wear it – tanned, white assed, porcelain, freckled, pinkish like a baby’s butt!  Remember, it’s you we are photographing!  Be at home in your skin!

7.  Preparing by Planning to RELAX!

It will feel impossible, but this is the most important step in preparing for the perfect boudoir photography session! A good night’s sleep will go a long way in helping you relax. Enjoy a relaxed, quiet evening. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio without stressing. Check weather and traffic reports to make sure you have allotted enough time for unexpected delays. By all means, we at Houston area Heights Boudoir are not clock-watchers. Most of all, we just want you to be as relaxed as you can be when you arrive for your boudoir photography session. Importantly, when you arrive you will be pampered in the make up chair! Remind yourself that this is all about you!

Finally, go ahead! Give yourself the time of your life! Schedule a boudoir shoot to commemorate the times of your life!  Most importantly, have fun in the process and celebrate your sexy self shamelessly!

In Conclusion…

Are you considering a boudoir photo shoot?  Please try to enjoy the whole process!  Try this quick read on how to obtain different looks at a boudoir session.  

Looking for something unique for your boudoir session?   Try Houston area smoking hot sexy shop, Darling Way on White Oak!  Sexy and classy!  You won’t be disappointed!