Next weekend I have several boudoir shoots for Yellow Paddle so the last two weeks I have been doing various shoots and writing some tip sheets for my clients. Here is my tip sheet for boudoir clients:
Clothing- What you wear for your boudoir session has a huge impact on the images. When deciding what outfits to bring, make sure they make you feel comfortable, are flattering, and most of all, help you feel like a bombshell! Some ideas? Lingerie sets; a teddy, bustier, or corset; matching bras and panties; tank tops and boy shorts; one of your man’s dress shirts. I suggest bringing 4-6 outfits for the shoot. Although we may not use all of them, it gives us some options.
Hair and Make-up- Another huge part of your session is your hair and make-up. Personally, I always feel sexiest after I’ve gotten my hair and make-up done. Most boudoir photographers highly recommend that you have your hair and make-up professionally done for your pictures. This is your one day (besides your wedding day) that is all about making you look your best, so go and treat yourself to an appointment at the salon! If you don’t have the time or money for that it is perfectly OK! A cheap alternative to having your makeup done is to go to the make-up counters at stores in the mall.
Props/Accessories- Don’t be afraid to bring some props or accessories to your session! If you have a favorite pastime, bring something to your session that can resemble that. Keep in mind who these pictures are for. If they’re for your man, what are some of his favorite things? Also don’t forget about the accessories! Have a favorite pair of heels or two? Bring ‘em along! And don’t forget your jewelry! Sometimes a necklace and some earrings will do just the trick!
Poses- I will not be offended if you bring in images from other photographers that you like! Truth is, I look at other photographers work all the time for inspiration! If you come in to your session with an idea of what kind of boudoir pictures you want, that will help me with poses!
Be comfortable- More important than the hair, the make-up, and the outfits is that you are comfortable and have fun! I love to have fun on my shoots and more importantly I like my models to have fun too! What will make you more comfortable? Bring a CD of some songs that will calm you down, put you in a good mood, and make you feel beautiful. If you would be more relaxed if you brought a girlfriend along, feel free to invite her to join the fun! Some women like to have a drink before their session to calm the nerves.
Other boudoir beauty tips:
-If you’re going to spray tan/wax, give yourself about a week to two weeks to give your skin time to recover.
The day of your session
-be sure to drink lots of water to make your skin look its best!
-Wear loose fitting clothes. Tight fitting clothes leave marks on your skin that can take minutes, even hours, to disappear.
“As the weather warms up, I think wearing a loose fitting sundress sans undergarments would be the perfect. In the winter months, try a button down shirt and draw string sweatpants without a tight elastic waistband”
-Melissa Robotti- Boudoir and wedding photographer.
Day 146
May 26
"Pink Bow"
