5 Tips for your First Boudoir Photo Shoot
Have you ever considered booking a boudoir photo shoot?
The common answer I've heard is "I have always wanted to, but [insert reason here]
“I’m way too shy to do something like that”
“I’m not fit enough”
“What will they think?”
“It's not the right time.”
Ohh, babes. Lots to unpack here.
I started off feeling exactly like all of that.
But a few weeks ago, I booked my first boudoir session. And as soon as I walked in the studio, I couldn’t believe I’d waited behind every excuse NOT to do this for so long.
It was amazing. I felt empowered— like I’d just met new versions of myself that I’d denied existence for my entire adult life.
Since I’m all about sharing the things that light me up, I decided to dedicate a blog post to the experience.
I want to inspire you to embrace opportunities for new solo-adventures. I want to shed light on the importance of embracing every ounce of your essence without shame or fear.
And if a boudoir photo shoot has always been on your mind, but you’ve been too anxious to pursue it— I’ve got you.
Here are 5 tips for booking your first Boudoir photo shoot.
1. Mindset and Belief
The first step to booking your shoot is realizing you WANT to, you CAN, and that you don’t need permission.
You don’t need a reason beyond any of that!
We’re so conditioned to shower others with time, love, and attention that we wind up falling so far down our own list. In fact, we even forget we’re even on it in the first place.
The constant abandonment of self-care and self-exploration is not a badge of honour— It's a problem.
We’re afraid to explore our Divine Feminine, sensual, confident, physical selves. With years of patriarchal and societal brainwashing trying to keep us small, self-conscious, quiet and ashamed— who can blame us?
Well, fuck that. I want to be unapologetic in my exploration of self and am fed up of these boxes society tries to stuff people into.
We serve others best when we prioritize ourselves. It helps us gain deeper connections with ourselves. When we say yes to opportunities to get to know who we are in new, exciting ways, we expand. You are the longest-lasting relationship you have with anyone in this life, and it requires nurturing just like every relationship you have!
You don’t need anybody’s approval to do this other than your own. You deserve to worship yourself (whether that’s with a boudoir session or not). But if a boudoir shoot is one of the many ways you want to do that, then I say dive right in!
2. Boudoir Outfits
Now that your mind's right, let's move on to the fun part!
Pick your outfits. I recommend anything that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and sexy. This can be lingerie sets, bodysuits, your fav cozy loungewear, a baggy shirt…. Or just some bedsheets ;-).
Try different outfit styles. Exploring the realm of lingerie was like a whole new world for me #AladdinLife. Doing this research helped me figure out that bodysuits and top/high-rise bottom sets felt the most comfortable for me. Other styles, like short cosets and super-strappy numbers, made me feel way too preoccupied about making one false move! So, I opted out of those.
If you’re buying brand new outfits, ask about refund policies with online and in-store purchases. I bought my boudoir outfits from La Senza, La Vie En Rose, and Victoria’s Secret. Very few lingerie stores are offering changing rooms for in-person fittings due to covid-19 protocols. The flexibility of their exchange/refund policies made it possible for me to try things on (while following their hygienic guidelines, of course!) and then make my choices from the comfort of my home.
Research Pinterest and social media for boudoir photo shoots pictures. This helped me find outfits I liked! Create a folder on your phone and save these inspo-photos as a quick point of reference for shopping. And, use these examples to give your photographer visual ideas as to what you have in mind for your own boudoir photos.
3. Do your Studio Homework
A boudoir session can have you feeling like a million bucks if you’ve found a solid team! You’ll be working with professional photographers, hair and make-up artists, and studio owners. So, this will be a (worthy!) investment in their craft. They know how to help you feel fierce and have your total and utter client-satisfaction at heart.
I spent a few months scoping out local studios on Instagram prior to picking the studio I went with. Things worth considering:
Testimonials. Did people with common fears and concerns enjoy their experience?
Photo style. Can you see yourself in the look and feel of the photos?
Hair/Make-up. Would you like the extra pampering in the experience with their artists or would you do your own? (I went for the pampering, and definitely recommend it!) Do you like the work of the studios artists on their previous clients?
FAQ’s. Does this studio have great communication? And easily-found information that you can research on your own?
Diversity. Does the studio have experience capturing clients of all various shapes, sizes, skin colours and communities? Do they help each individual client shine based on their own unique and personal styles?
Online presence. Do they post on social? Are they still taking new clients? Do they feature testimonials, price listings, offer specials/deals? Do they have a newsletter to sign up to for exclusive updates, etc?
Health protocols. Do they take the sanitization seriously for client/worker health protection?
I loved it when I’d find boudoir studios featuring their clients who had colourfully-dyed hair. Since my hair is purple, this helped me visualize how the hair/make-up artist and photographer team might highlight me and my personal style.
The studio I picked is Gloss Boudoir, located here in Vancouver, BC. I was drawn to this studio because they truly ticked all the boxes above. After booking, their communication via email was excellent. They shared outfit ideas, resources, what to expect, and do, the week prior to/the day of my shoot, etc. They were so thorough that all my questions were answered before I stepped one toe into the studio. And I’ve got to say, as somebody who is naturally anxious AF in the face of new experiences, this was vital for me!
4. Cheer squad
While the decision to book a sultry-sassy-sesh is entirely yours, (because this is about you and nobody else!) it can be nice to have a hype-team you can confide in about how you're feeling.
I opened up to my girlfriends about booking my boudoir session. It created a healthy dialogue between us about why women are so reluctant to invest in these solo-experiences and embrace our bodies so freely. I learned why they would or wouldn’t book a boudoir shoot (which totally sparked the idea for this blog— the answers were fascinating), we chatted about lingerie shops to check out, and they totally cheered me on when I was feeling nervous.
It’s also fun to share this plan with your partner, (unless it’s a surprise!) Having open a dialogue about why this experience is meaningful for you can bring you closer together. Spending time apart is important for a healthy relationship as a unit (more on this in a future blog)— but, we can only offer our optimal selves to a partner IF we are spending quality time nurturing our relationship with ourselves. And a boudoir experience is just one of the many fantastic ways to do precisely that!
5. Have fun and BREATHE. You’re a mega babe.
The most important thing to remember is: You’re doing this because you want to have some FUN!
Loosen and surrender. If you’ve chosen a great studio, then you’re in perfect hands to have a rad time — they know exactly what to do to make you feel confident and exceptional! Background music helped me feel more relaxed and playful. So crank the beats and enjoy the ride.
Breathe. Gloss Boudoir’s lead photographer, the amazing Marcee Rae, was fantastic at getting me out of my own head and back into the moment. She caught me holding my breath while posing, and reminded me to inhale and exhale. Thanks to that simple reminder, I looked so much more relaxed in my shots. Here are a few!
Photography by Maree Rae
Go for it. Seriously.
I’ve got loads more, but, those are for my eyes only. ;-)
Point is, if you’ve been debating whether or not to book a photo shoot like this for yourself and feel like the Queen you are, just go for it.
Time is passing by— why wait and debate? It's an investment in a new experience with yourself. You deserve the time, investment, and attention you so easily shower everybody else with.
Love yourself. Commemorate yourself right in this moment without judgement and hesitation. And celebrate YOU!
I walked out of there so excited to book my next session, and I know you will, too.
I hope you found this blog helpful! It would mean so much if you shared it with your bestie, or anyone who you think this might help! :) xx