Couples prep guide
YOU BOOKED A SESSION AND NOW THE REAL FUN BEGINS!
I AM SO HAPPY THAT YOU TOOK THIS STEP TOWARDS BUILDING A DEEPER CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTNER AND DOCUMENTING THE ROMANCE AND BEAUTY OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP.
IT DONESNT MATTER IF YOU ARE A NEW COUPLE JUST DEVELOPING THAT DEEPER CONNECTION, A LONG TIME COUPLE LOOKING TO REKINDLE THAT PASSION AND FLAME, OR JUST LOOKING TO MAINTAIN THAT FUN ZEST AND SPICE IN YOUR ALREADY PASSONATE LOVE LIFE. THESE SESSIONS ARE SUCH A BEUTIFUL WAY TO ACHIEVE ALL OF THAT AND MORE. I AM SO HONORED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE YOUR LOVE.
PREPARATION IS KEY!
The more prepared you are, the better you will feel at your session and the better your images will turn out!
Boudoir can be a life changing experience that I strongly believe everyone should take the opportunity to do.
The key to having the most successful session and being able to view some of the most empowering images of you and your partner, is preparation! These are not your “roll out of bed and come get photos taken” sort of sessions.
I say this a lot but these are SO MUCH MORE THAN PHOTOS!…let that really sink in…
Not only is there physical preparation but the is also emotional preparation. That means a connection with your partner that comes from deep within. I am going to help you tap into that but it is also up to you both to nurture that leading up to your session date. I want you to arrive to your session excited, pumped up and ready to love up on one another!
My goal is for this to be one of the most amazing, memorable and transformative experiences of your relationship. Something you can look back on and have a huge powerful grin on your face, remembering how you felt on that day and the love that was between you!
let’s dive in….
What to Wear
This is the #1 most frequently asked question and I am happy to let you know that there are so many options for this!
There really isn’t a right or wrong outfit, but there are ways to best achieve the vibe you are going for by selecting outfits that you both feel great in an that compliment each other.
Here is a bit if guidance for choosing a selection that will have you slaying your session. Please remember that you can ALWAYS reach out to me if you are still struggling.
SET THE VIBE
Take a moment to sit down and think about the direction and vibe of the session. Think about how you want to look and feel.
Are you going for sexy and seductive?
Are you leaning more towards cozy and casual?
What is something you would love to see your partner in?
This is a great place to start when you begin to plan your outfit selection.
So cozy up, chat about what you both are wanting out of the session, look through some inspiration images together (Pinterest has a bunch) and choose your vibe.
THINK VARIETY
Your session will include three outfit changes/looks, so make the very most of that by choosing a variety of colors, textures and styles. An example of variety would be: a bra and panty set that you love (sporty sets are super cue too), an over the top glam set, and a fun body suit. There are literally endless options to mix it up so get creative and have fun with different styles. Don’t be afraid to get adventurous and step a bit outside your comfort zone!
HERE ARE SOME MORE SUGGESTIONS;
Jeans and a t-shirt or bralette + jeans w/or without a shirt
sweater or button down w/ knee high socks + sweatpants with t-shirt or no shirt
shirt or t-shirt with panties/boxers/ bottoms
lingerie + boxers or boxer briefs
cocktail dress and heels + a suit or a pair of pants and button down shirt
bathrobes / Pj’s
erotic play costumes / fetish wear
your birthday suit! (please note that I do not offer nude full frontal male images. )
* if you would like some very suggestive male nudes, I recommend bringing a nude male g-string.
Make sure to try on all your outfits before your session to make sure they fit to your liking. See how they feel standing, sitting and laying down. Gently remove and cut out all tags as well…they do not look so lovely in photos. Pay attention to how you feel in each outfit and work with those emotions.
Tip: If you struggle with bootie love, don’t be tempted to cover it up! cheeky panties are the best way to show off your wonderful curves and the are a booties best friend!
ACCESSORIZE!
This is a great way to add some extra pizzazz to your images!
Think statement pieces or pieces that you are drawn to. Dangling earnings, favorite rings and necklaces etc…. body chain jewelry is always AMAZING! Once you pick the outfits that you love, I suggest then matching accessories to each set.
Not one for glam? no worries. You can always wear minimal accessors or none at all.
IN THE CLOSET
Shopping together can be a blast but don’t feel like you need to rush out to buy everything new. Do a scan of your closet.
Have a favorite jacket? bring that !
Have a sexy robe you adore? bring that too!
Look through your closet for a see through or lace blouse, a soft sweater you can pull off your shoulders, Any unique items, something shiny, a sweet pair of sunglasses, a favorite hat…bring it all along! Knee/ thigh high socks are fun too! Have fun with it! This is a great opportunity to incorporate some of your favorite things and bring your style to the session.
THINK OUTSIDE THE LACE
You do not have to only wear lingerie to your shoot, I love the look of a favorite pair of jeans paired with a bralette…or nothing on the top. I am also a sucker for anything that has beautiful movement…flowy dresses, fabrics etc.
THREE INCHES OR MORE
Don’t forget to bring some killer heels if that’s your thing! Nude heels can go with many outfit choices. Black heels are a staple and anything strappy, studded or with bling is a must bring. The higher the better. Thigh highs and stilettos are great for slimming and elongating legs and they help all those sexy leg muscles pop!
If shoes are not your thing, no worries, many clients choose to not wear shoes at all!
If you have a favorite pair of tennis shoes, please feel free to bring those as well. You do not need to stick to heels.
Tip: Pay attention to the condition of the bottoms of your shoes…They will show in some images.
FETISH WEAR / GEAR
I am cool with most fetish attire…Here are my big boundaries with fetish wear and toys…
No penetration!
Its just not that kind of party.
If you are looking for full erotica photography I would be happy to refer you to photographers who specialize in erotica.
No, I will not try anything on…(yes, I have been asked this). If it takes two to put in on, make sure your partner knows how to do it. I am ok lacing up a corset or helping with tricky buttons and snaps but if it goes beyond that, I am going to kindly ask you to bring a different option
If you are unsure about something, just ask prior to your session.
I will let you know if its ok to bring.
If at any point I feel uncomfortable during the session, or leading up to your session, I have the right to stop or cancel the session at any point with no refund.
I am very respectful of your comfort and boundaries so I ask that your return that respect back to me.
*If you would like to add Shibari to your session, I am more than happy to chat about that. For an additional investment, I have an amazingly talented Shibari artist that can come and do the ties.
NUDES
Please note that while I do offer full nudes for my female clients, I do not offer this for my male clients.
And again…no penetration of any kind. If it happens, you will both be asked to leave the studio with no refund and no photos.
TIP: Have fun with this, set aside some alone time to go shopping at some local lingerie shops and try some things on. It is a very fun way to start getting even more excited about your session and a good opportunity to learn more of what you and your partner find sexy and exciting.
Keep in mind…Shopping for lingerie online is risky for most body types. If you do decided to buy online, make sure you leave plenty of time with your order in case it doesn’t fit to your liking.
Hair and Makeup
Hair and makeup is included for one. There is an option to add a second hair and makeup if desired.
My lovely artist will take care of everything! Your partner can be present for the hair and makeup portion, or they can come after.
As far as the product and process, I do have some clients that choose to bring or come with their own base coat on. I recommend this if you are picky about your base coat brands, if you have sensitive skin, or if you just really love what you use…Your artist will still be able to give you the royal treatment as far as amazing eye and brow makeup (fake lashes included), giving you an amazing lip (be sure to let her know if your prefer a mat lip or a glossy lip) and giving you some luscious locks. We want you to LOVE your look so never feel weird about speaking up and letting us know what you love.
Tanning: I DO NOT recommend tanning before your session! Both indoor and outdoor! Self tanners are the biggest no no in my opinion and can make skin appear orange and blotchy in photos.
It is important to note that I do not edit out tan lines or pealing skin. This is VERY time consuming to edit so there is an additional charge per image for these extensive edits. The very best way to avoid this is to protect your skin in the months/weeks leading up to your session. Treat your whole body like the temple it is. Use sunscreen everyday (especially on your face and chest…and be mindful of those Fitbit and sandal tan lines as well) and I always recommend a sunhat as well...they are fun and beneficial! Win win! Your skin will thank you and you will have a nice even, natural glow for your session!
*Please let us know ahead of time if you have any known skin sensitivities that I we should be aware of so I can communicate that to my artist. I would also love to chat with you about your makeup vision.
My stylists provide what I refer to as “pure glam” or “natural glam”.
Be sure you choose a makeup style that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
Emotional Prep / Bonding
Connection, connection, connection! This is the number one thing I focus on during all of my couple sessions. I can work my magic with posing, angles and dad jokes to keep you giggling, but that deep connection is going to come from you and the bond you share. My best advice to you is to work on building up that bond as much as possible before your sessions.
need some ideas on how to spice things up?
play a good ol’ get to know you game, Even if you have been together for a long, long time, there are always new things to learn and get to know about one another.
send spicy and or loving texts on the daily!
say “I love you” everyday!
tell your each other the things you love most about one another.
shop for your session together and do an at home fashion show
take a dance class together
cuddle and take time to be intimate with each other
Session flow
arrive to your session
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by myself and your glam artist. We will head to the dressing room and look at and lay out your looks for the day. We will get you into your glam robe, pour you a welcome drink and get you settled in the glam chair.
Hair and makeup (90 mins)
You will chat with your artist first on your vision and preference for your makeup and hair and then we will start pampering you. This is a time for you to sit back , relax and enjoy this time you have dedicated to yourself.
90-120 min session
After hair and makeup, we will move right into your session. This will be a fully guided and lightly posed session. You will be given plenty of direction and we will have fun creating some beatiful art together.
lunch break
After your session, you will head out for a 90 min lunch break. During this time, I will be going through your images and selecting the strongest images to include in your full gallery. A full gallery is typically 80-120 images. I will be placing a very light edit on the images during this time as well.
same day reveal!
When you return from your break, we will look at all your images! You will first see the images in a slideshow and then we will look at products and any collection upgrades that are avaible. We will then select the images you would like to include in your collection and choose your album cover.
*please note that if a same day reveil will not work with your scedual, we can select a seprate date that will work better for you. Typically, if possible, this will be on a Monday or Tuesday following your session date.
Post session
After your session, I will be sending out an email containing the next steps in regards to your prints, products and digital images. The next time I will see you will be when you come to pick up your products!
Night Before
I always suggest that you get everything packed and ready to go the night before your session.
This way your morning will be less rushed and you will have less of a chance of accidentally forgetting something. Do a little extra pampering, cozy up to one another and get a good nights rest.
Morning Of
Do not skip breakfast! Posing is a lot of work and this is a long day. You will need your energy.
Make sure to choose loose fitting clothing to wear to your session to avoid any possible marks from tight fitting items. Also be sure to remove any watches and hair bands that you wish not to include in your images.
That Night
You are going to be glamed up and riding a glorious session high with your partner.
This is a perfect opportunity for a date night. If you are able to plan a romantic night for the two of you, I highly recommend doing so
Session Checklist
all outfits and accessories
water bottle ( I will have bottled water and other beverages available but I always encourage as little waste as possible so a favorite reusable water bottle is fabulous!
a fabulous outfit to change into after your session
a robe and cozy socks or slippers to wear during hair and makeup ( I will provide a roble but if you have a favorite, feel free to bring it.)