How To Prep For Boudoir Photography

How To Prep For Boudoir Photography

Odds are that you are a little nervous about your upcoming Boudoir Session but no worries because I have got you covered! Here are a few quick photoshoot hacks that will have you physically and mentally prepared for your next Photography Appointment. Now, I am not a skin or health expert so don’t quote me here, but i scoured the internet, asked professionals, and even added in some of my own expertise from years of photographing skin, to help bring you my top tips and tricks on how to prep for your photoshoot.

HERE ARE the 7 STEPS ON HOW TO prep for boudoir photography:

Step 1: hydrate hydrate hydrate

I literally cannot say this enough. Hydration affects your skin everywhere and in this day and age where camera resolution is so high, you can see dull skin from a mile away. Don't worry about water weight. Personally, I drink a ton of water everyday and can fluctuate 5-7 pounds from day to day. Water weight we can minimize but dull skin - nope. Dry or under-hydrated skin makes a big difference in photographs. If you still don’t think you want to risk it, here is the thing… When there is nothing else in your photograph to form a frame of reference of your actual size, you wont be able to tell how big or small you actually are anyways. If you’re worried about lumps and bumps we can minimize or hide that with posing. So, moral of the story is: hydrate like its 1999.

 

Step 2: exfoliate in advance

Exfoliate your whole body 72 hours in advance. if you can, do this once a week leading up to your session. If you have ever gotten a spray tan before, you will know the process but for those who don’t, you need to exfoliate in advance to give your skin time to repair itself and become vibrant once again. Keep reading for more tips on how to prep for boudoir photography.

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Step 3: shaving and waxing

If you are going to shave your legs, bikini area, etc, shave the night before for best results. If its your first time waxing, the process should begin 3-4 months in advance for best results. your waxing specialist will help you come up with a schedule. At least with my sessions, it doesn’t make too much of a difference whether you shave or wax. Either is great as long as you do it at the appropriate times.

 Step 4: get plenty of sleep

Just like hydrating enough, I can't describe how important it is to get enough sleep leading up to your photoshoot. The older you are the more important it seems to get (crying onto my keyboard now) . Anyhow, lack of sleep puts your body in a state of stress which affects everything from your nervous system to your physical appearance. Your energy level will suffer and those under eye bags will start to peek out or in my case, start to hang out. Definitely make it a priority to schedule in 9 hours a night!

Ok, so you’re more than halfway there with learning how to prep for boudoir photography.

 

Step 5: the date you choose is important

This is probably a commonly overlooked planning step but I always mention it in every consultation. You should try your best to schedule around your menstrual cycle, if you have one. Why? You will have clearer skin, more confidence, more energy, and some other good things around ovulation time (roughly days 15-21 of your cycle). It’s even been reported in studies that your face appears more symmetrical and “attractive” - whatever man wrote that part - but I will say in my own experience during the ovulation phase, I get hit on A LOT every time I leave the house as opposed to the other weeks.

 

Step 6: practice

It is totally normal to grab some posing inspiration from Pinterest, grab a floor mirror, and maybe a rug so your bum doesn’t get cold and go to town. Try some poses out, see what you feel most confident in, and practice for a couple days. If this isn’t your thing, that is ok too. Your photographer is going to help you but this will help get over the awkward posing phase that usually last for about 45 mins in each session. For some reason 45 minutes seems to be the magic number, when newbies start to drop their guard and feel the most confident, so if you want to shorten that curve, get some practice in!

LAST BUT definitely the most important…

AND DON'T THINK I'M CRAZY HERE, you gotta trust me on this…

 Step 7: dermaplaning

Use a dermaplaning razor on your face. In other words, shave all the peach fuzz off of your face. I promise it won't grow back thicker or darker on women. That’s not how our facial hair works. You do need a special facial razor and i suggest tinkle brand but make sure you're not purchasing a fake - yes, those are so popular they make fakes. Professional models and actresses do this because it makes all the difference. Your skin and makeup will be smoother. I will be making a video soon on how to do this, but in the meantime, here is where I learned to do it on Youtube.

 

If you have made it this far, congrats! You've successfully navigated the 7 steps on how to prep for boudoir photography. These tips are real, have been proven, and your anticipation is building. Now, you’re ready to capture moments that will be cherished forever.

Ready to get started on your next Portrait Session? Learn more on the Boudoir Landing Page. If you’re in San Diego, you can find more on this Landing Page.