Preparing for a boudoir session does not have to be complicated.

In fact, most of the preparation simply comes down to taking care of yourself and arriving ready to enjoy the experience. As your photographer, my job is to guide you through every step of session day so you never feel overwhelmed or unsure. But the days leading up to your shoot are yours, and a little thoughtful prep goes a long way.

Here is exactly how to prepare for a boudoir shoot the OC Boudoir way.

Everything You Need to Know About

How to Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot

 

WARDROBE REVIEW

Wardrobe planning is one of the most important parts of how to prepare for a boudoir shoot, and at OC Boudoir it starts well before session day.

After you book, you will receive a curated Pinterest guide with links to some of my favorite styles, brands, and wardrobe pieces. Before your session date, we review your wardrobe together over email or text so you know exactly what to bring and what I will have pulled and ready for you at the studio.

At the studio I keep a selection of beautiful lace robes, accessories, shoes, layering fabrics, and cozy sweaters, all available for use during your session. Most clients shoot two to three looks, and using layers is one of the best ways to create variety without overpacking.

Not sure what to wear? This post breaks it all down: What to Wear to a Boudoir Session

SKIN PREP

Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin look healthy and vibrant on camera and can reduce bloating and puffiness as well.

Exfoliate two to three days before your shoot, especially if you are planning a self-tanner. Smooth, well-hydrated skin photographs beautifully and gives your professional hair and makeup artist the best possible canvas to work with.

On the morning of your session, arrive with clean skin and no heavy moisturizers, oils, or bronzers applied. Our makeup artist will take it from there.

SELF TANNER TIPS

If you love a little glow, a self-tanner can be a beautiful addition to your session prep. My personal favorites are Coco and Eve Sunny Honey in Dark, St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse, and Botanic Tree Organic Self Tanner. You can read my full breakdown in the spray tan prep post: My Top 3 Favorite Home Spray Tans Before a Boudoir Shoot 

The most important rule: never try a new self-tanner for the first time the night before your shoot. Always do a test run at least two weeks in advance. Apply your tan one to two days before the session for a perfect developed glow, and skip all bronzers, shimmer, and body oils on session day itself.

NAILS

Your hands will be in a lot of your photos, so fresh nails make a noticeable difference.

If you can get a manicure in the few days before your session, go for it. If life gets busy, Glamnetic press-on nails are a quick and beautiful backup option that photograph really well.

SLEEP AND REST

Get a good night of sleep before your session. Rested skin and relaxed energy show up beautifully in photos. Try to avoid staying up late the night before so you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the experience.

WHAT NOT TO DO

A few things to avoid before your session:

• Do not try anything new the week of your shoot. No new haircuts, new hair color, new skincare, or new self-tanners. Stick to what you know works for your skin and body.
• Do not work out right before your session. Skin that is flushed or splotchy from exercise needs time to settle.
• Do not skip breakfast. Eat something light and nourishing so your energy is steady throughout the morning.
• Do not drink alcohol before your session. It can cause skin flushing, dehydration, and puffiness that shows on camera, and your nerves will settle on their own once we get started.

THE MORNING OF YOUR SESSION

Arrive at the studio near Beach Boulevard and the 405 Freeway in Huntington Beach around 9:30 AM wearing loose, comfortable clothing that will not leave marks on your skin. Oversized sweaters, sweatpants, or a loose dress are perfect choices.

Your hair and makeup appointment begins as soon as you arrive. Bring your wardrobe pieces, your accessories, and anything sentimental you might want to incorporate. And bring yourself, exactly as you are, because that is more than enough.

The Most Important Part of How to Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot

Relax and trust the process.

You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to look a specific way. You do not need to have everything perfectly figured out. My job is to guide you through every step of the day so you can focus on enjoying the experience. When you stop worrying about perfection and start letting yourself have fun, the images are always beautiful.

If you want to see what a full session day looks like from start to finish, this post walks through every step: What Happens During a Boudoir Session? 

When you are ready to start planning your own session, reach out through my contact form at www.ocboudoirphotos.com/contact and we can talk through all of the details together.

xoxo, Amy