Yes, you can & should feel as comfortable as possible for your boudoir experience. It might be out of your comfort zone but should still have a level of comfort. You are expected to be nervous, and that is ok as long as you still feel excited so you get the most from your session. After specializing in boudoir for over 8 years, I have a few boudoir tips to help make you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Boudoir Tip #1: Do Your Research and Choose the Right Photographer for You
Boudoir is personal, it’s vulnerable, it’s basically a big freaking deal. It might be a once in a lifetime thing for you, so you need to do some research. But like anything on the internet, be smart about it. Get familiar with industry standards and what to expect. Find out what is important to you through your research and reach out to multiple photographers that make you feel a sense of ease. Choosing the right one might be overwhelming but it’s important as this will set the tone for you entire experience. I wrote an entire blog with boudoir tips to help choose the right photographer for you.
Tip #2 Self Care
This is going to look different for everyone so it’s important to know where you need a little more love. As noted before, being nervous for your session is normal and expected. I have noticed most of my clients are nervous just because it’s something new. Unfortunately, there isn’t a boudoir tip to help with the fear of the unknown, but that is why trusting your photographer is so important. However, there are tips to help with the rest. Understanding what self care things help with your anxiety is crucial. Do you feel more confident when your nails are done? Great, treat yourself to getting pampered before your session. Bonus that your hands & feet will look great for your shoot! Like to talk out your anxieties like me? Vent to me, friends or write them out. Just get them out. Drink plenty of water & eat foods that make you feel good the week of your session. Say it with me: Positive self talk only.
Tip #3 Plan Ahead
I am a planner, so knowing what to expect and having a plan ahead of doing something new is key in making me as comfortable as possible doing something uncomfortable. This is why your Session Design Call is imperative. It’s when we touch base to go over your questionnaire, talk about your expectations + intentions, plan outfits, talk hair/makeup, your comfort level and of course, get clear on your vision. So many of my clients tell me they feel so much more comfortable even after this call. Going over what to expect and planning everything out so we are both prepared sets us up for success.
Tip #4 Stretch
While these poses look natural and easy in my images, doesn’t mean they are. 98% of the poses I will be guiding you through are not poses you do on the daily. Therefore, you are going to be using muscles you don’t normally use and holding new positions. So stretch it out before your session. It’s another great way to connect with your body before your session, so listen to it closely. Bonus boudoir tip blog: What you Should Know about Boudoir Poses .
Boudoir Tip #5 Manage Expectations with an Open Heart
You make the first move by reaching out and booking the session, I provide the safe space and support and then we meet in the middle. A boudoir session with me is a big step in your journey, however it’s not the final checkmark. I can only prepare you as much as you allow me to. I can only hype you up as much as you want me to. You ultimately hold the power to see how badass you are. I just shoot the images to show you. It’s up to you to see what you wanna see. The positive steps after a session are imperative to keep that confidence growing. Coming into this experience ignoring your emotions, having a closed mind and/or expecting too much will set us up for failure. I don’t want that. You don’t want that. It’s important to me that you get THE absolute most from your boudoir session with me. That for years to come you know you gave it your all. I want you to Get the Most From Your Boudoir Session.
Tip #6 Be Intentional
From the jump, you should be intentional about this experience. From your inspiration for wanting to do this to the day of your session and even ordering your products, be intentional. What are you leaving at the door when you enter the studio and what are you choosing to focus on from there on out? I give everyone a private card to write their thoughts and intentions down after hair + makeup before we start shooting. Then I encourage you to do the same right after the session.
Tip #7 Trust Your Photographer
This is the boudoir tip granddaddy of them all. You are giving a lot of trust to the photographer you decide to work with. I can’t decide what the looks like for you, only you can feel and understand which one feels right. So trust yourself that you chose the right one and let go of the rest. Let the photographer do their thing. I said boudoir was vulnerable didn’t I? A good boudoir photographer is going to make you feel comfortable. They are going to carry the stress so you can focus on being present.
Boudoir Tip #8 Zero Tolerance for Negativity
Just like meeting me half way, you gotta meet yourself half way. What you focus on is what you will see. My studio has no room for negativity. We are there to push some comfort zones while getting comfortable with eliminated bad habits of self doubt and poor self talk. We are all on our own self love/acceptance journey and there is no timeline. There is also zero pressure in my studio to feel 100% positive about your body. Maybe you are working on getting to a neutral place with your body. As long as we are moving forward we are on the right path. Read more about Self Love Journey and why there is no timeline HERE.
I hope some of these boudoir tips help in putting you at ease when you think about boudoir. It’s even more helpful to chat with me 😉 Inquire HERE and let’s see if I am a good fit for you.
