How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot:
Get Camera-Ready
Boudoir photography is an intimate type of portraiture that captures you at your prettiest, most confident self and I’m here to help you with how to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot. Whether you’re looking to gift the photos to a loved one or keep them for yourself, boudoir photography is a fun way to show off your sexy side. What is Boudoir Photography you ask? It is a form of intimate and personal photography that has a deeper meaning. Boudoir photography empowers men and woman to see themselves from a different perspective and learn to love their bodies.
With that being said, because boudoir photography is more intimate than traditional portraiture, it can be easy to feel unprepared or even a little bit anxious before your shoot. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to prepare your body—and mind—for a stunning boudoir session. Calming Your Nerves Before a Boudoir Session can be a task in itself, so I’m here to help ease the worry and stress with how to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot.
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 1: Choose the Right Outfits
Your outfits should make you feel gorgeous, limitless, and totally comfortable. Think about what makes you feel sexy—whether it’s a lacy lingerie set or your favorite pair of jeans and a tank top—and build your looks around that. You should have 3-4 outfits picked out before your shoot so that you have options to work with on the day of. Not sure where to start? Check out this guide with Lingerie For Your Body Type. Every woman’s body is shaped differently and that’s what makes us all unique. Most boudoir photographers have a client closet to choose from with different varieties of styles and colors to choose from, but again everyone fits things differently. So it’s important to bring a few pieces of your own that you’ve tried on at home that you know fit well and you feel beautiful in.
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 2: Professional makeup application
Whether you opt for a natural look or go all-out with a smoky eye and red lipstick, do whatever makes you feel most confident. If you’re not used to doing your own hair and makeup, we recommend hiring a professional makeup artist (MUA) for the day. They’ll be able to help you achieve any look you’re going for and teach you how to recreate it in the future. Most boudoir photographers have professional makeup artists as part of their staff to help make the experience a complete one. Learning how to prepare you body for a boudoir shoot doesn’t have to include makeup but it does make a difference more than you think. Once you see yourself with professional makeup, you already start to carry yourself differently. Yes, I understand that you shouldn’t have to wear makeup to feel beautiful, but most women will tell you, it does make the world of difference. Those lashes? Va-va-voom!!
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 3: Get plenty of rest
This may seem like a no-brainer, but getting enough sleep before your shoot is key to looking and feeling your best. Bags under your eyes will show up in photos, so do yourself a favor and get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your session. Drinking lots of water will also help banish any under-eye puffiness. Wake up early on the day of your shoot so that you have time for a relaxing cup of coffee (or two) before getting started. There are so many ways in to prepare for a Boudoir Session, it is vital to follow the preparation guide that your photographer gives you to make your experience as best as it can be.
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 4: Stretch, stretch, stretch
You don’t need to be a yoga expert to reap the benefits of stretching before your boudoir session. Taking some time to stretch out your muscles will not only help you feel more relaxed, but it’ll also help prevent any awkward pulled muscles during more active poses. Need some inspiration? Check out this list of easy stretches you can do anywhere- 5 minute stretches you can do daily. Just by doing those simple steps, it will help in how to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot in no time.
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 5: Prepare your mindset
Boudoir photography is all about confidence—so it’s important to clear your headspace before your shoot so that you can relax and let your inner bombshell shine through. Take some time for yourself in the days and hours leading up to your session to do things that make you feel good—whether that’s reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to music. And on the day of, avoid drinking alcohol as it can dehydrate and bloated-ness showing up in photos. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did! If you aren’t in the right mindset before your session, it will show through in the photos and you will be harsh on yourself during the photo reveal. Learning how to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot doesn’t just have to deal with the actual physical body, it’s emotional and mental as well.
How to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot tip # 6: Hydrate yourself and nourish your body
With how to prepare your body for a boudoir shoot, the most important thing is to drink plenty of water leading up to the shoot. This will help to flush out any toxins in your system and give you a natural, healthy glow. Avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice as well since they can cause bloating.
It is also important to eat a nice light breakfast the morning of the session. Eat healthy foods leading up to the shoot. Just like with drinking lots of water, eating healthy foods will also help you look and feel your best. Avoid salty or greasy foods that can cause bloating, and opt for fruits, vegetables, and lean protein instead.
With these helpful tips, you’re well on your way to preparing for an amazing boudoir photo shoot! Just remember to relax, be yourself, and have fun—we promise the end result will be worth it. Don’t worry about how to prepare your body before a boudoir shoot. Make sure to read the information that was sent to you from your photographer and to prepare both physically and mentally. I promise you, every little bit helps and will make your experience that much better!