I’m so excited to photograph you and create an unforgettable experience. I know you’re going to feel incredible, look stunning, and have the best time.
But if you’re starting to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect, don’t worry—that’s completely normal! Questions like:
✨ What should I wear?
✨ Do I need a bikini wax?
✨ What if I feel awkward in the poses?
These are all common concerns, which is exactly why I’ve put together this Boudoir Prep Guide to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your session! If you have any questions that aren’t covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to make this process as fun and stress-free as possible.

Beauty Prep: Get That Gorgeous GlowTo Wax or Not to Wax?Waxing is totally up to you! If you choose to do it, schedule your appointment at least a few days before your session to avoid redness or irritation—especially if you have sensitive skin.
Manicure & Pedicure?If you love a fresh mani/pedi, go for it! Solid colors (neutrals, classic red, black, or deep tones) photograph best. But if a salon trip isn’t in the cards, no worries—just make sure your nails are clean and free of chipped polish.
Hydrate & Moisturize!Soft, glowing skin looks incredible on camera, so moisturize like crazy in the days leading up to your session. However, avoid SPF lotions on the day of your shoot—they can create an unwanted sheen under studio lights.
Fresh Hair Color?If you color your hair, plan to touch up your roots 1-2 weeks before your session for a fresh look. This allows time for any adjustments while keeping your color vibrant.
Lashes & BrowsIf you wear lash extensions, get a fill a few days before your session. For brows, a little grooming goes a long way—tweeze any stray hairs for a polished look.

Choosing Your Outfits: What to Wear for BoudoirTry Everything On!This is so important—try on every piece you’re considering before your session! Make sure your outfits fit well, make you feel amazing, and flatter your body in all the right ways.
Pick Flattering PiecesYour boudoir session is all about you—don’t feel pressured to wear something just because it’s trendy. Choose pieces that highlight your best features and align with your personality.
Mix It UpInstead of bringing similar lingerie styles, go for variety! A mix of bodysuits, bra & panty sets, and robes gives you a diverse set of images.
Add a Pop of ColorBlack is classic (and always a good choice!), but don’t be afraid to add color—deep jewel tones, pastels, or bold reds can make your images feel even more personalized.
Bring HeelsHeels elongate your legs and enhance posture, making for stunning photos. A pair of classic black heels is a must, but if you love color, bring an extra fun pair! (P.S. Our studio closet has heels available in sizes 6-12!)
Wear Something New (or Barely Worn!)New lingerie adds an extra layer of excitement to your session. Since these images will be a keepsake forever, make sure your outfits look fresh and fabulous.
Push-Up Bras = Instant MagicEven if you’re not usually a fan, a push-up bra can work wonders in boudoir photography, adding shape and structure to your poses. Bring a black and nude set—these basics work beautifully with any outfit!
Think Beyond LingerieNot into traditional lingerie? No problem! Some of the sexiest boudoir looks involve a cozy sweater, a button-down shirt, or even a sheer robe. You can also bring a sentimental piece—maybe your partner’s shirt or a jacket that makes you feel powerful.
Steam & Prep Your OutfitsWrinkles can be distracting in photos, so steam or iron your pieces before your session. Bring them on hangers and remove any tags ahead of time so they don’t peek out in your images.

The Night Before & Morning Of Your Session✨ Get a good night’s sleep—you’ll look and feel your best when you’re well-rested.
✨ Arrive with a clean, moisturized face—our professional makeup artist will take care of the rest!
✨ Eat something light but filling—boudoir sessions can take a few hours, and we want you feeling energized. (We’ll have water, mimosas, and light snacks at the studio, too!)

Trust Yourself & Have Fun!The most important part of your boudoir session? Enjoy it! This experience is all about celebrating YOU—your confidence, your beauty, your strength. Trust yourself, embrace the moment, and know that I’ll guide you through every pose to make sure you look and feel amazing.
If you have any last-minute questions, I’m here to help! I can’t wait to see you in the studio, beautiful!

A boudoir session is all about embracing your natural beauty and confidence. Many people think getting a spray tan before their shoot will give them a flawless glow—but in reality, it can cause more harm than good. Here’s why you should skip the spray tan and go with your natural skin tone for the best boudoir photos.

1. Uneven or Streaky Results
Even the best spray tans can sometimes develop unevenly (especially on the hands and feet), leading to streaks, blotches, or an unnatural color. These imperfections can be difficult to edit out in photos, leaving you with results that don’t look as polished as you’d hoped.

2. Orange or Unnatural Tones
No matter how professional the spray tan is, there’s always a risk of turning out too orange or too dark. Studio lighting and camera settings can exaggerate unnatural tones, making your tan look even more intense on camera.

3. Risk of Staining Lingerie & Props
Spray tans tend to rub off on delicate lingerie, sheets, and props—and once the color transfers, it can be nearly impossible to remove. This can limit the outfit choices available to you and cause unnecessary stress during your session.

4. Patchiness & Peeling as It Fades
Spray tans don’t fade evenly. A few days after application, you might notice patchiness, peeling, or an uneven tone, especially in areas like elbows, knees, and hands. Since boudoir photography involves close-up details, these inconsistencies can be noticeable in your final images.

5. Editing Can’t Fix Everything
While professional retouching can enhance your natural beauty, fixing a streaky or orange tan is time-consuming and not always possible. The goal of boudoir photography is to highlight your authentic self, not to cover up a spray tan gone wrong.

6. Your Natural Skin Tone is Beautiful!
Embracing your real skin tone will always look best in boudoir photos. Whether you’re fair, tan naturally, or have a deeper complexion, your unique skin tone photographs beautifully with the right lighting and professional editing.
​
What to Do Instead?

• Hydrate & Moisturize: Well-moisturized skin looks naturally radiant in photos.
• Exfoliate Gently: Smooth skin helps with an even, glowing complexion.
• Trust the Lighting & Editing: Your photographer will use professional lighting and editing to make your skin look flawless—no spray tan needed!

When it comes to boudoir photography, natural is always better. Your confidence, curves, and beauty shine best when you’re comfortable in your own skin. Skip the spray tan, embrace your natural glow, and let your true beauty take center stage!​

Choosing the right outfit for your boudoir session can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The key is to select pieces that make you feel confident, sexy, and completely yourself. Whether you want something sultry, playful, or elegant, these 12 tips will help you find the perfect look for your session.

1. Choose Outfits That Make You Feel Confident
Confidence is the ultimate key to a stunning boudoir session. Pick pieces that make you feel amazing—whether that’s a lacy bodysuit, a silky robe, or even a cozy sweater.

2. Highlight Your Best Features
Love your curves? Try a high-waisted set. Want to show off your legs? A garter belt and stockings are a great choice. Focus on styles that make you feel incredible in your own skin.

3. Stick to Flattering Colors
Black is always classic and slimming, but jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or deep blue look amazing on camera. Soft pastels or neutral tones can also create a romantic and dreamy feel.

4. Consider Texture and Fabric
Lace, satin, mesh, and silk photograph beautifully and add depth to your images. Play with textures to create a variety of looks that feel luxurious and elegant.

5. Bring More Than One Option
Variety is key! Bring a mix of styles—something bold, something soft, and something fun. Having multiple outfits allows you to switch things up and capture different moods.

6. Don’t Forget a Statement Piece
A dramatic robe, a sheer cover-up, or even an oversized button-down shirt can add extra style and movement to your images. Accessories like gloves or thigh-highs can also enhance your look.

7. Prioritize Fit Over Size
The right fit is more important than the number on the tag. Boudoir lingerie should hug your body in all the right places without being too tight or too loose.

8. Consider Going Beyond Lingerie
Boudoir isn’t just about lace and lingerie! A cozy off-the-shoulder sweater, a slouchy t-shirt, or even a crop top and high-waisted panties can be just as sexy.

9. Opt for Timeless Over Trendy
Trendy pieces can be fun, but classic styles will never go out of fashion. A black lace bodysuit or a bra and panty set will always be stunning.

10. Pay Attention to Details
Even the simplest detail in an outfit can make a big difference in detail shots, don't be afraid to use that to your advantage. 

11. Keep Jewelry Simple
Delicate jewelry can add a beautiful touch, but avoid anything too bulky or distracting. A simple necklace, dainty earrings, or a bracelet can enhance your look without overpowering it.

12. Most Importantly—Be Yourself!
Your boudoir session is about celebrating you. Whether you love soft and romantic styles or bold and daring looks, wear what makes you feel the most beautiful and empowered.

At Haute View Boudoir in Chattanooga, TN, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, including outfit selection and even have a 500+ client closet to choose from.