Haute View’s Official Boudoir Prep Guide:

​Hello Ladies!
I am so thrilled that you have decided to book a boudoir session with me.  I know that you are going to feel and look beautiful, as well as have a fabulous time! I can’t wait to photograph you! While I know you will have a fantastic time and be so happy with the photographs, I often find after booking a session that for some women the panic may set it.  
You may be asking yourself: 
What do I wear?  
What if lingerie isn’t my thing?  
Do I need to get a bikini wax?  
Should I color my hair right before?  
What if I feel awkward in the poses?  
Because women often have these questions and many, many more- I decided to put together an official boudoir prep guide for all your boudoir photography session questions!  If I am missing something or if your question has not been answered, please feel free to reach out.  I want your boudoir session to be the BEST experience for you.  
Keep in mind that not all of the prep items are required, but remember, you are putting time and money into these pictures so make sure you do your best to cover all the basics. 
Beauty Questions:

• To Wax or Not, that is the question: Often clients wonder if they should wax before a session, if you decide to wax, please make sure this is done ASAP (not the day before your session) to reduce redness/swelling before your photo shoot.  This applies especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Should I get a Manicure/Pedicure? If manicures/pedicures are your thing, go for it! But something to keep in mind is that solid colors photograph best.  A mani/pedi is not required, but please make sure your nails are neat/clean and free of chipped polish. 
• Moisturize that Body: There is no such thing as too much body moisturizer.  Moisturize like CRAZY, but don’t moisturize with SPF on the morning of your shoot. 
• Coloring your hair: If you color treat your hair, then make sure your hair is up to par for your photo session! I recommend maybe getting your hair done 1-2 weeks before the photo shoot, especially your roots!
• Eyelashes and Brows: Get an eyelash fill if you wear extensions.  Make sure you tweeze your eyebrows for any stray hairs.

Outfits:

• Try it on: Please make sure you try on ALL your outfit pieces (between 5-6 looks) before your session (I cannot stress this enough).  You should feel comfortable and beautiful in every single piece.  Do not purchase or decide to wear an outfit that does not give you a positive vibe.  This will wreck your experience if you don’t feel your best!  Loose lingerie or lingerie that is too tight does not lend to making your feel or looking as sexy as you can. The perfect-fitting outfit will highlight your curves and not add detriment to them by creating creases in skin or hanging off you, especially once you get into some more involved poses.

 

• Pick flattering pieces: You might feel pressured (thanks internet) to pick lingerie that is trendy, doesn’t show off your best features, or just doesn’t match your personality… the result of this is going to be you not feeling comfortable or sexy.  You want to highlight your best features and your personality.  Remember that this boudoir session is COMPLETELY ABOUT YOU. 
• Pick a variety of pieces: I would not recommend picking the same lingerie with small variations.  By picking a variety of outfit styles you will have a diverse collection of images and the most images to select from the session.
• Embrace a little Color:  Often clients feel they need to bring all black lingerie.  Don’t get me wrong, black lingerie is gorgeous, but don’t shy away from color.  It often gives a pop of energy and personality. 
• Grab a pair of high heels:  Something you may not know…high heels force a posture that will shine in boudoir photography.  They also help create interesting shots with a focus on the shoes.  Black heels are a must, but don’t be afraid to add a little color too!  Oh, and if you don’t have a ton of heels…don’t forget that the studio closet carries heels in sizes 6-12.  Feel free to shop our closet!
• New/Barely used is best:  Shopping for this experience is half the fun!  Stepping into something new is going to help you feel fresh and sexy. Not to mention that you are preserving this look forever in a keepsake that you are going to look at each year, decade, etc.  You want to make sure your boudoir experience is tied to new outfits, not one that looks worn. 
• Push Up Bras: Even if you aren’t a fan of push up bras (I get it, not always comfy), they are a necessity in this case.  Push up bras add visual power to almost every pose and will have your chest looking it’s best.
• Bring Extra Bras/Panties: Having a variety of simple and complex bras/panties will offer the most flexibility.  I recommend at least a black and nude set.  They can be paired together or with any other outfit to bring in small changes.
• Feel Free to Stray from Lingerie:  Yes, lingerie and boudoir go together like spaghetti and meatballs. But lingerie isn’t your only option.  Simple outfits such as a button-down shirt, robe, oversized sweater with panties can be JUST as powerful as lingerie.  Find a piece with sentimental value, maybe your significant over’s sweater or jacket.  Or a piece that you could see yourself wearing outside of your boudoir session, it may remind you of this incredible experience. 
• Get out the Wrinkles: You want to avoid wrinkles for your outfits.  Steam your outfits and bring your clothing to the shoot on hangers.  Cover them with bags to help them stay picture perfect.
• Cut off those tags: Clothing tags may be easily missed on shoot day.  I am usually watching for clothing tags during the shoot, but if it slips through, there are situations where I cannot edit the tags out.  
• Trust Yourself: Find items that you feel naturally drawn to. A boudoir session is all about YOU. Be honest with what you want. You will feel twice as good on the shoot day when you honestly like your outfit. You want to let your personality shine here, so being honest with what you like is the best first step in that process. 

The Night Before/Morning Of:

• Get a good night’s sleep before your shoot.

• Arrive with a clean, moisturized face.
• Plan to eat something light, but filling before your shoot. I will also have orange juice, water, mimosas, and light snacks available in the studio. 

 
If there is something I am forgetting, please reach out to me and let me know.  My goal is to make this process stress free for you so that you can have the special boudoir session that you deserve.  Can’t wait to see you, beautiful!