I want to start by saying that NONE of this is a requirement. There are so many girls just like you who were nervous leading up to their session and didn't even read this guide. And guess what? It didn't matter. These are just suggestions and I am only recommending them to you because girlfriend, I've been on BOTH sides of this experience and if you're willing to do these few simple things - it will make a difference in your experience and your images. So, hop on the couch and read it all now, come back later on your lunch break, or close this page and say "I don't need a prep guide, I fucking got this" because you do.
You would not believe the number of ladies who come in for a boudoir session who have starved themselves all morning because they think that donut they passed up this morning is going to make a difference. Want to know what it's going to make? You pass out. PLEASE for the love of all that is holy, eat. If you didn't know, boudoir is WORK. Halfway through our session you're going to be sweating and wishing you had something in your stomach and the last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable, light-headed, or dizzy because you're running on E. Stop at your favorite coffee shop the morning of your session, grab a bite to eat. Your secret is safe with me.
I also recommend drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to and the day of your session. Water means hydration and we want your skin looking hydrated! You'll feel better too!
Please be mindful of how often you are in the sun in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your scheduled session. It's so easy to forget during the warmer months when you're outside in the lawn chair with your apple watch on, so this is me reminding you. Avoid anything that will cause harsh tan lines. This includes strappy bathing suits and sandals, jewelry or watches, hair ties, etc. Apply sunscreen or just remove them when you know you're going to be in the sun. If you have some tan lines already, don't stress! I am able to remove slight tan lines but if you could help me, help you by being more aware - you're going to be so glad you did!
Another thing I wanted to mention is spray tans.
While I love a good spray tan a few days before a boudoir session, please let whoever is spraying you (I highly recommend going into a booth and having an actual person spray you instead of a machine - speaking from experience) know that your spray tan is for a boudoir session. A good friend of mine, Morgan is a spray tan artist, and we often work together because she knows exactly what to avoid and what areas to get to reduce the look of harsh tan lines. Many spray tan artists encourage disposable undies during your session, if you feel comfortable enough to spray tan nude, I strongly recommend doing so. Even those paper-thin lines can create problems once you're in lingerie. Avoid them at all costs... you'll thank me later!
Want to book a spray tan with Morgan?
Look, I get why boudoir photographers & makeup artists are always telling you to get a facial before a boudoir session. But if we are being honest, it's not really necessary. Hydrate & moisturize your skin by all means, but cakey/patchy makeup for your photos is never an issue and if it were it's nothing a little skin softening edit won't fix! Put your focus into those heels gf!
It's something I see A LOT and listen - I am guilty of not giving the calloused, cracked heels of my feet the attention they deserve but it sure does help in photos when I do.
As for nail polish colors - I love a good BLACK but that is not everyone's cup of tea, so I always recommend neutrals or nudes so your nails don't clash with whatever outfit colors you decide on the day of.
I always recommend washing your hair at least 24 hours before your session and blow drying it (or at least your roots) completely, upside down. I don't have a blow dryer at the studio and the more time we spend on your hair and makeup the less time we have shooting so please, avoid coming in with wet hair and try to leave it down to avoid any harsh lines from a hair tie.
That's it, that's all I have on that one.
.... bringing in a couple of outfits that you KNOW you like on your body type. I have a very decent size client closet of lingerie that you're welcome to explore the day of your session but I always recommend having girls bring a least a couple of outfits that they feel comfortable in even if it's just to wear in the beginning of your shoot to make you feel more at ease. 9 out of 10 ladies end up not wearing what they brought anyway, but I have heard from quite a few that it helped them relax a little to wear something a little more in their comfort zone during those first few shots.
While we love skin that looks hydrated, please avoid lathering on any lotions, body oils, and layering deodorant on your body the day of your session. Not only could it leave residue on the lingerie pieces, but it could stain and/or discolor any furniture and props within the studio. Make sure all moisturizing is done the days leading up to the session instead.