I’ve boiled those lessons down to this short prep guide that, when followed, will help foster an extra-amazing day with us. In it, I cover motivation, mindset, grooming, physical prep, and wardrobe to help you make the most of your boudoir experience. Enjoy!

Motivation

Boudoir is at once a whim, an impulsive decision to do something crazy, and a serious reach for self-affirmation.

We’ll want to know all the nuances of what’s bringing you to your session, so we can connect with you where you are. So we can meet your expectations, and then some.

So even if this is just a whim, spend some time thinking about how you deep-down feel about yourself. Versus how you would LIKE to feel about yourself. Bring that insight to your consultation. It’ll make the experience a whole lot more meaningful.

Mindset

Want to feel nervous? That’s just the unknown talking. Even though you’ll have had a consultation and studio walk-through before your big day with us. It’s a natural doubting-Thomas thing.

And it’ll pass — quickly — when you recognize that you’re in the safe, sure hands of two accomplished, passionate, creative. and people-loving portrait artists (myself and Jill), and a seasoned and capable beauty team member.

Look. You’re going to be outside your comfort zone no matter what. So lean into it.

Leave all your self-imposed rules at home. The colors you will and won’t wear. The outfit styles. Your feelings about sequins, your tummy, and which side of your face is best. Just come with open ears and and an open mind. Trust our process. And prepare to be way more comfortable than you could’ve imagined.

Grooming

This is easy-peasy.

Face: You’ll come to your session with a clean-scrubbed face. If you absolutely must moisturize your face, use an SPF-free product so our makeup lasts throughout your session.

Hair: Wash your hair the night before for a morning session. Wash it the morning of for an afternoon session. Either way, don’t use conditioner or after-wash products. Our team wants your hair squeaky clean and easy to work with.

Nails (fingers and toes): No spa needed. But if you must, keep your nails simple and neutral. No French or American tips, no sparkles, no jewels, and no bright colors. Just nicely manicured nails with a clear gloss will be fantabulous. Unless you’re planning a themed session that requires something else. In which case, talk to us.

Tanning: In short, don’t, unless it’s baked into your lifestyle. Whether through suntanning, tanning beds, or spray tans, each method has risks: tan lines, burns, splotching, or peeling. Besides, when you’re in front of the camera, we’ll be using camera settings and lighting to make your skin look lighter or darker, depending on the composition we’re creating with you.

Physical prep

Also easy.

Go heavy on the water; easy on the alcohol the night before.

Get lots of sleep.

Eat light — but please eat — on the morning of your session.

You don’t need a month of gym time or some crazy diet before your session. Short-term lifestyle changes won’t make a lick of difference in the results. Jill and I will pose you to flatter you. So just come as you are.

Wardrobe

Simple guidelines for what to bring and what to leave at home.

Favor: lacy stuff, sheer stuff, solid colored skirts, tops, shirts and tees.

Avoid: solid fabrics, and prints, paisley, polka-dots and other patterns.

Dig through your drawers and closet for pieces that are important to you and flattering when you wear them.

Fit: if an outfit cuts into your shoulders, sides, or waist, it won’t work for portraits.

If you’re shopping, size up. We can clamp things that are too loose. But we can’t work with pieces that are too tight.