If you’ve never had a Boudoir session before, a common wonder is what to expect at your Boudoir session.  What is a typical day like from start to finish? What should I expect when I walk in and what things do I need to prepare for beforehand? There are SO many questions and that is to be expected, especially if this is your first time scheduling a Boudoir photography session.

First, ask yourself, what is the reason you are booking the photo session? Is it for your significant other or for yourself? This type of information helps your Boudoir photographer prepare the day for you to cater around the reason for the booking.  There are so many reasons as to why you’d schedule the session and if it’s hard to think of a reason, then maybe you might be  celebrating a milestone with a Boudoir Session.    Sometimes we need a reason to justify booking the session of our dreams that we’ve always wanted.  Finding a reason to invest in ourself sounds better than “Because I want to”.   Shifting your mindset to “Because I am worth it” or “Because I deserve it” are MUCH better reasons.   Messaging your Boudoir Photographer is the first step.  Pre-consultation phone calls are completely free and give you so much information. It is at that time that you discuss what to expect at your Boudoir session, timeline, and pricing.  It is also very important in Finding the right Boudoir photographer to fit your needs. You are investing in yourself, so make this a moment to remember. Do your research and find the very best fit for you.

Note that all Boudoir Photographers run their business differently but what to expect at your Boudoir session with Boudoir by NinaRose, I have found what works best for me. I strive to give my clients the respect and professionalism that I would expect to receive if I were a client.  This probably stems from my past career as working as an RN. I always pictured myself in that hospital bed and how I’d want to be taken care of.

What is typically discussed during a Pre-consultation phone call:

Communication is very important with establishing a relationship between a Boudoir photographer and a client.  This can go for any genre of photography, but with Boudoir, it is especially important. You are placing yourself in a vulnerable position during the photoshoot and trust is key.  I believe in full transparency.  Every little detail is important and pricing should be discussed fully during the phone call. This way there is no miscommunication or “hidden fees”.   You know what to expect at your Boudoir session and what to prepare for.  Here are a few things discussed during a phone call.

• Is this your first Boudoir Session or have you had one before?
• I will walk you through every part of the session. I will show you each pose first myself, then will help direct you. No posing experience is needed. Here is where you trust the expertise of your Boudoir photographer to pose you from the tip of your toes to your head. I will help with tricks to help relax your facial expressions and to help you feel comfortable.
• I will start out slow and see how you feel a few more minutes into the session.  We can start with more clothing options and then go from there based off of your comfort level.
• Feel free to bring any outfits or props that are of importance to you. For example:  A men’s necktie, button up dress shirt, favorite outfit, etc.
• I recommend bringing a few lingerie pieces of your own. Even though I have a large variety of options in my client closet, every BODY is unique and built differently so I recommend bringing a few of your own that you know you are comfortable in and feel amazing in.  Click this link if you need help deciding on lingerie For Your Body Type.
• I also recommend bringing a nude thong and a black thong for underneath certain lingerie pieces or to wear on your own.
• You can bring heels as well if you want to incorporate them during your session.  (G-strings look amazing with heels btw, especially when the heel is pulling it)

At the end of the phone call is where I ask if you have any questions. Please know that all questions are welcome. This is a first for many so ask away! This is where I can help you feel more at ease for when your Boudoir session date is here!  I will send you an e-mail with all of the information that we have discussed over the phone along with some added information.

I will send you my Boudoir Prep Guide with multiple pages and photos of how to best prepare  yourself and what to expect at your Boudoir session.   It goes over everything in detail with how to prepare for a Boudoir Session and what to wear to a Boudoir photoshoot.  Feel free to message/e-mail your Boudoir photographer at ANY time because it’s better to ask beforehand than at your shoot or forget to ask at your shoot.  For example, there are times where you want to do a certain pose and you’ll think you’ll remember at the session, then you forget and get home and it’s too late.  Better safe than sorry!  Each Boudoir photographer has a certain posing flow they use and not every image that you’ve seen of theirs will be incorporated so be sure to speak up.

A questionnaire will be sent to you beforehand as well. This helps you Boudoir photographer better learn your comfort level.  Questions on the questionnaire would be:

• What parts of your body do you love?
• What parts of your body are you not fond of? (The reason why this question is asked is because we all have parts about us that we aren’t the most fond of. Maybe it’s arms, legs, stomach?  I do my best to keep those parts more in the shadows and accentuate the parts that you love about yourself. You should never be put in a position where you feel uncomfortable because it will show in your photos. The point of Boudoir photography is to learn to love yourself, so let’s show off those amazing features that you love about yourself so you can see yourself in a different light and really boost that self-esteem and confidence).
• Would you like to use my bonus setups with my Angel Wings and/or Shower (wet set)?
• Do you need your products to arrive by a certain date?  (May be a gift for significant other for birthday, anniversary, etc)
• The reason for booking the Boudoir session
• and MORE

Examples of “wet set” and Angel Wings in use:

Once booked is when the fun begins!

Within weeks of leading up to your appointment, it’s important to do some self love talk. This will help you become more comfortable with your body and learn to love yourself a bit more.  There are many reasons as to why you Should Compliment Yourself everyday.  Your body is worthy of love.  Booking a Boudoir session is the first step to your self-love and body acceptance journey.

Looking around on Pinterest can get you excited for your session. Some photographers don’t like you searching on there beforehand, but I actually encourage it!   I do reiterate that no image can be completely copied/duplicated but I love to use my creativity spark to create my own twist on an image you may find.  Photography is art, so let’s create something new together.   Share your Pinterest board with me because I’d love to see what ideas you are thinking of. It will help me prepare a bit and also know what to expect at your Boudoir session.  It is here or possibly in my private VIP group where you see some images that you fall in love with that make you step outside of your comfort zone. This is what Boudoir is all about. Stepping out of that comfort zone and challenging yourself.  Here are some ideas on how there are so many different genres/themes to Boudoir. It really is what you make it. From more modest to more intimate, the spectrum is huge.

What to expect at your Boudoir session the DAY of:

With my Boudoir photography business, professional makeup application starts at 9:15 AM.

It is afterwards that we look at what you have brought with you and what I have.  I offer complimentary beverages and help break the ice by getting to know each other and coordinate outfits and plans with how the flow will be throughout your session.   It is at this point where we get excited.

You will change into your first outfit in the bathroom and I will set the mood with some sultry, sexy music.  The lights will be dim and then we begin!  It is from here that you will get used to the camera.  It’s within the first 5 minutes that will feel most awkward to you.  Posing in front of a complete stranger?! This is where trust is important. By now, I’m hoping you have felt more comfortable with me by talking on the phone together, email, and getting to know each other beforehand.  After a few minutes into the session, I’ll notice a change and see you relax a bit more. It’s not so bad, right?  We talk, laugh, and have fun throughout the whole session. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!

Afterwards, I’ll ask is there anything else you’d like to incorporate? Here is where you’ll remember that pose you wanted to try, or random things will come to you that you want to try and I say, “Let’s do it!”.  This is your opportunity while you are here so I want to fit everything in possible to make your experience a great one.

As our time comes to an end, it is sad but I know that I’ll see you again within a couple of weeks to go over your images together. Remember, the confidence comes AFTER your session.  You will leave feeling amazing and beautiful but just wait until you see your final images. You’ll think “Is that really ME?!”

It’s Photo Reveal Time!

Most clients will tell me as they walk into the studio, “I’m most nervous about this part than I was during the actual session”.   This is normal.  When we don’t truly love ourselves and our bodies there is fear that we will be disappointed when we see images of ourselves. Thinking that there is no way I could ever look as good as the other clients.  Well, let me tell you….you ARE as beautiful as all of my other clients because you have what it takes! You stepped out of your comfort zone. You should be SOOOO proud of yourself!  And seeing yourself in those sexy poses and outfits and showing off a side of you that you didn’t know existed, it really does something to you.  The always busy Mom that never takes time for herself has now realized that she’s worth it and deserves to be pampered.  The hustle and bustle of life and kids with their sporting events and late night dinners don’t give much time for you and your hubby, but guess what?! This will ignite a spark in you and your relationship and bring you closer together.  The power of a Boudoir session is unexplainable. You’ll feel a pep in your step and see the inner “baddie” inside you.  It’s always been there, she just needed help getting out.

And don’t worry, if you are worried about who will see my Boudoir images?, I’ve got you covered.  Confidentiality is important to me and your images will never be shared publicly unless given permission to do so.  Hoping this helped with what to expect at your Boudoir session.

Now what will you do with your new found confidence?   The possibilities are endless!