Looking for a Boudoir Checklist for your next session?

There are so many things to do with preparing for a Boudoir shoot.  It’s nerve wracking in itself and you don’t want to forget anything, so I have made a Boudoir checklist for you to help ease that stress and worry. All boudoir photography sessions are different and unique and catered to the individual specifically.  It all depends on the look that you’re going for and your comfort zone. Stepping out of your comfort zone with a boudoir session is one of the most empowering and rewarding things you could ever do for yourself.  So let’s create a short Boudoir checklist that you can look at before your session.

The first important factor to consider, is what will your Boudoir photographer already have available to you? By this point, I’m sure you have already found a photographer that meets your editing style preference and have inquired about a session. Finding the right Boudoir photographer is very important because you need to form a strong trust between you and them. You are going to be trusting your images with them and want to make sure they are a good fit with that and your vision.

Is there a particular theme that you’re going for? Is this for a specific holiday such as Valentine’s Day or Christmas, because if so, you’ll want to incorporate different outfits and props.  But for the sake of an every day normal Boudoir session, here is your quick Boudoir checklist:

1. Lingerie (at least a few pieces of your own)
2. Hair brush/curling iron or straightener
3. Lipstick for re-application
4. Any props or accessories you’d like to incorporate
5. A Matching Bra and undies set
6. A black thong and a nude thong
7. A pair of heels
8. Jewelry such as necklaces or earrings
9. White form fitting T-shirt or tank top for the shower set

Make sure to find out what will be there to use or not, so you have a better idea when you go shopping. I will send you my questionnaire ahead of time to ask which props or accessories you’d like to use in the studio.  The questionnaire that is sent out beforehand also lets me know your comfort level and how you’d like to be during the session. Do you want to keep it more modest, or are you wanting to be a bit more daring? It’s entirely up to you!

Whether you’re an experienced boudoir model or a first-time shooter, it’s important to have a plan and be prepared for the best possible experience. To make sure your boudoir session goes smoothly, let’s go over that Boudoir checklist a bit more in detail to ensure that everything runs according to plan.

Boudoir checklist item #1- Lingerie

I mean, that’s a given. You’ll need some lingerie for your Boudoir session for sure. That’s what gets you most excited.  Being able to wear that spicy lingerie and seeing yourself from a different perspective is sure to make anyone weak in the knees.  Most Boudoir photographers have a client closet full of different styles of lingerie that you can use in all different sizes. But as we all know, we are all made uniquely different and certain brands run sizing differently as well, so to be on the safe side, purchase or bring a few pieces of your own. This way you know you fit it well, you feel comfortable in it, AND you know your partner will want to see you in it again after they see your album. Wink wink.   Not sure which types of lingerie to get? That’s ok! Take a look here at Lingerie For Your Body Type.  This might help narrow down a few choices.

Boudoir checklist item # 2- Hair brush and curling iron/straightener

For some Boudoir photography sessions, both hair and makeup application is included. For me, I do not include hair styling beforehand because in my experience, it gets tossed around so much throughout the session that it just uses up time in the beginning.  So this is why I recommend bringing the things that you need to spruce it up or touch it up in-between set ups. Even if you had your hair professionally curled beforehand, you’ll still want to touch it up throughout at the amount of times your fingers are ran through your hair.

Boudoir checklist item #3- Lipstick

I know that I have said this a million times to my clients but I fully believe in going bold. Not used to wearing the brighter or bolder colors of lipstick? That’s ok! Because I promise you, with your lips having a pop of color it will make your images be that more amazing.  This is like a luxurious glamour shoot, am I right? We don’t want to have nude colored lips because in my opinion, it just seems to be a bit washed out.   So bring some lipstick for re-application or bring that bold red to try out for a few photos near the end of the session.  They might end up being some of your favorites!

Boudoir checklist item #4- Props/accessories

This means that anything of importance to you, you should bring. Do you have a favorite outfit? A favorite sports team or a jersey that you’d like to incorporate? Maybe you are Celebrating a milestone with a Boudoir Session such as an Anniversary or birthday gift for your significant other. Bringing something that they like takes it to the next level!  Even just a white button up adds some extra flare. Here is a list of Boudoir props that I have here in my studio to give you a better idea of what to look forward to and what’s available.

Boudoir checklist item #5- A matching bra and panty set

This should be higher on the Boudoir checklist but it is definitely a must have! It doesn’t matter what color or design, just make sure to bring a matching set. It looks beautiful in all types of set ups.  They are versatile and is the most casual thing to wear for Boudoir photography.

Boudoir checklist item # 6- Black thong and a nude thong

This image was shown as an example of how a black thong can go with anything but no matter what size or shape your booty is, thongs highlight those cheeks the best when it comes to Boudoir photography images.  As for bringing a nude thong with you, that is to keep you more comfortable. There are certain poses that have “implied nudity” such as my White Sheet Boudoir Session  where it gives off the illusion that the client isn’t wearing anything underneath the sheet when in fact, they are. Having a nude thong helps blend in with skin tone.  Another reason I suggest bringing a nude thong is because many pieces of lingerie are missing the bottom piece (you know what I mean).  I understand that lingerie is meant to be worn for certain activities but here in the studio, we are using it for photography purposes and having something underneath will definitely make you feel more comfortable and it won’t be seen.

Boudoir checklist item #7 – A pair of heels

This Boudoir checklist item is optional, but you can see how it kicks it up a notch. Wearing a pair of heels with any Boudoir image makes it very feminine and beautiful.  Most women bring heels with them to their session.  So if you don’t have a pair already, go check out your local thrift stores and get some saucy stilettos for a great price!

Boudoir checklist item #8 – Jewelry

Jewelry is an essential part to Boudoir images as well. By wearing the pearl necklace, earrings, or bracelets, it can bring your images to life with accessorizing. There are many types of body jewelry as well.

Boudoir checklist item #9 – White tank top or form fitting T-shirt

This is also an optional set up in studio with the shower set up and not all Boudoir photography studios have this, but it’s worth asking. What better way to cool down and feel refreshed after a strenuous session?  These types of images are always a hit. So make sure to ask your photographer if they include a Boudoir shower with their sessions.

Just remember, a great boudoir photoshoot starts with preparation—from choosing wardrobe items carefully to going on a little shopping spree—all these steps are crucial for creating beautiful images worth cherishing forever! So make sure not forget our boudoir checklist next time when planning out your session – because feeling prepared makes all the difference when it comes down to confidently rocking those stunning photos!

Start creating your own Pinterest board here to get inspired!