The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
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I know you're worried about the session, the process, & how everything is going to go.
And, I totally get it.
Just know that you are in great hands. I have been photographing boudoir sessions for a few years now and have studied with some of the best in this industry. Posing, lighting, and expression are my strengths, so you won't have to worry for one second about getting those magical images you have been dreaming about!
In this Guide, You'll Learn:
• In-Depth overview of the session experience
• Tips on how to prep for your session
•Outfit ideas and tips
• Ideas on how to gift the album.
How a Session Works:
The Meet Up:
This is a FREE consultation that allows us to get to know each other before the shoot. This is a very important step in the process. A boudoir session is a very intimate experience so we should at least feel like friends (which we will be by the end of it, I promise)
I typically hold these meetings in our home studio so you can get a sense of the space and see sample albums and artwork first hand. We can also do this virtually if you live farther away. These usually last about 30 minutes or so.
We'll talk about anything and everything, from your wedding, to your job, and anything in between, but we'll also go over the actual session so you know what to expect. I will cover what the ordering session is, what albums are and look like, and the time frame we are working with. We will also briefly discuss what to wear, how to wear it, comfort level with nudity, and what all you need to bring to the session, plus any other questions you may have.
The Wardrobe Meeting:
About 2-3 weeks before your session we will meet one more time to discuss outfits and really go into detail about what is going to look the absolute best on your unique body. Every woman has a different body and each one is beautiful, however I'm not unaware that there are going to be parts of your body that you don't like as much as others (for me it's my midsection and arms). I need to know what those parts of your body are so that I can help you find the best lingerie/outfits to accentuate the parts of your body you absolutely LOVE, and the one's that he loves the most as well.
I always want you to bring more outfits than we have time for so that we have options. And who knows, maybe we will have time for an extra one.
A few key outfits to be looking for; a t-shirt with a cute pair of cheeky underwear, a bodysuit, and an outfit that you wouldn't normally think you would like (it'll probably end up being your favorite!)
The Photo Session:
First thing in the morning make sure that you drink lots of water and wear loose clothes (don't wear a bra or tight underwear as these will leave red marks on your skin that are tough to edit out. ) When you get here we will go through your outfits and pick out the best ones for the shoot. Then Audrey will glam you up with professional hair and makeup. Once the shoot starts I will carefully guide you through each pose all the way down to your fingertips. You are going to have such a fun time and I promise you'll laugh and smile more than you usually do. But fair warning you will also be very sore the next day from all the posing.
I have photographed so many sessions and I have formulated a strategy to help you get through these initial nerves. Trust me, I've got you!
The Ordering Session:
Once we are through the initial nerves, the rest of the session is super smooth and fun, plus you'll feel like the most beautiful woman in the world the entire time.
After the session is over, I take you through each of the albums that we discussed in the meetup so you have some ideas for the ordering session. It's always nice to see and feel the albums so you know what you want!
Before you leave your session, we will set up a time for the upcoming Monday or Tuesday afternoon for you to swing back by to see the proofs from your session. These will be very lightly edited to give you a feel for how they will look. You'll pick out what you want to purchase and we will pick out the perfect pics together. It's ok if you love all of them! I've had some ladies that couldn't believe that these were photos of themselves.
After that I will finish editing the ones you selected, design your album, and place the order. These albums are custom made by hand and take a little longer to be made and shipped than Mpix or Shutterfly, but i promise the wait will be worth it!
I do offer payment plans upon request.
Tips to prep for your Session:
• Decide whether you want to have a spray tan. Lindy at Tanology is amazing and knows my style and exactly what you need. She recommends having a spray tan two days before your session.
• Drink a lot of water the week of your session. It will help clear out your skin and make you glow!
• Prep your outfits, steam them if they need it, and bring more than 2-3 that's included in the session.
• The DAY OF you session:
- Come with a clean face and hair
- Don't forget your outfits
- Wear loose clothing to prevent clothing indentions on your skin
What to wear:
I get this question a lot, "What should I wear for my session?"
The super strapy, crazy looking lingerie isn't for everyone and I want you to feel confident in what you wear for your session. We will talk about your wardrobe options all the way through this entire process. I have a questionnaire that you will get where you will rate how you feel about different parts of your body, and that will help me suggest different outfits for you. For example let's say that you absolutely LOVE the way your back looks. Well, wearing a corset will completely cover up your back and wouldn't be a good outfit for you.
Some different ideas for an outfits to bring:
- At least one bodysuit and usually with a thong back so it's more high waisted.
- At least 2 bra and panty sets
- One of your man's button up shirts, or something that is meaningful to you both!
- High Heels, the higher the better.
- For underwear I'd recommend cheekies or thongs, and make sure they are a size bigger to prevent "a muffin" over your underwear.
Ideas on how to gift the album:
Another great question I get is, "How should I give him this album?" And I have a few answers to that question.
1. If you are a bride-to-be, you can give him the album when you normally exchange gifts on the wedding day, or you can wait until that night!
2. You can gift it to him on a special anniversary after he takes you out to a fancy restaurant.
3. Or you can add on the little viewfinder with your album and give that to him at the restaurant!
F.A.Q.
I'M NERVOUS ABOUT THE SESSION. WHAT DO YOU DO TO CALM MY NERVES?
First of all, I'm a woman, and super nice, and personable so that should help. Also, I have created a set of "ice breaker poses" to help you get comfortable super quick during the session. Once we get through those, you'll be walking around the studio like it's your own home. Oh, and I have mimosas.
IS HAIR AND MAKEUP REQUIRED?
Hair and makeup isn't required but it's highly recommended! I book the best hair and makeup artist, who will make you look and feel fabulous. Part of this boudoir experience is to feel pampered and special, right?
WHEN DO YOU BOOK YOUR SESSIONS?
You can SEE MY SCHEDULE HERE, but I only do shoots on Fridays and a max of 2 sessions in a day. The ordering session is held the following Monday or Tuesday after your shoot. (If you would like a different day, send me a message and we can discuss availability.)
WHAT'S YOUR NORMAL TURNAROUND TIME?
Typically I can have your album in your hands about 6-8 weeks after your session. It will take approximately 2 weeks to finish editing your session and about 4 weeks for the album to be made and shipped. (Orders will not be placed to the lab until your final payment has been made if on a payment plan) *EDIT FOR COVID: Supply chain issues have impacted our labs and are effecting build times due to some materials not being available. I'll communicate any delays and recommend an alternative if one is available.
MY WEDDING IS IN 3 WEEKS. DO WE HAVE TIME?
While I prefer not to rush a session, I do offer a rush order option. Shoot me an email haley@lovelegacystudios.com
HI, I'm Haley
I photograph everyday women in the Auburn Alabama area, just like you, through tasteful and classy boudoir photography.
I love seeing my clients transform with confidence and comfort in front of my camera and documenting the happiest, most exciting time in her life!
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