boudoir prep guide
YOU BOOKED A SESSION, NOW LET’S GET YOU PREPpED!
YOU ARE GOING TO BE SO HAPPY THAT YOU TOOK THIS STEP TOWARDS DEEPER EMPOWERMENT AND SELF LOVE!
I AM SO EXCITED TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THIS BEAUTIFUL PROCESS.
PREPARATION IS KEY!
The more prepared you are, the better you will feel at your session. The better you feel, the more powerful your images will turn out!
Boudoir can be a life-changing experience that I strongly believe everyone should experience.
I absolutely love working with individuals who are taking action towards reaching a higher sense of self-love and who are moving towards the best version of themselves. When you begin to love yourself more deeply and start to realize the power within you, you will begin to open yourself up to all sorts of abundance and amazingness.
THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF.
The key to having the most successful session and being able to view some of the most empowering images of yourself is confidence. Feeling prepared can help so so much with this. These are not your “roll out of bed and come get photos taken” sort of sessions. Although if you do that, I still guarantee your photos will be amazing because truly, you are enough just as you right now.
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 there is also emotional preparation! The best makeup artist in the world cannot create the look of total confidence and badassery. That comes from deep within and I am going to help you tap into it. IT ALL MATTERS AND IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! I want you to arrive to your session excited, pumped up and ready to unleash!
I want this to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life! Something you can look back on when you are 90+ and have a huge powerful grin on your face, remembering how you felt on that day! So here goes….
WhaT TO WEAR.
OUR CLIENT WARDROBE
We are now offering and building an amazing Client Wardrobe! Your session includes 3-4 looks and all sessions now include the option to select some or all of your looks from the closet.
We offer sizes ranging from xs-6x. To keep everyone safe and clean, we have disposable inserts that will be worn with every piece from the closets and items go immediately to the wash as soon as they are done being used. Cleanliness of our garments is of the utmost importance. As mentioned, the closet is still in its growing stages so I still ask that you to bring 2-3 looks that you know you love. If you need help deciding on what to bring, I have laid out some guidance for you below.
THINK VARIETY
A variety of colors and styles is always a wonderful way to add different vibes to your images. However, if there is one color that you are specifically drawn to, no worries, it is most important that you love the way you look and feel in the pieces you select. Some examples of variety besides color would be: a bra and panty set that you love (sporty sets are super cute too), an over-the-top glam set, a fun body suit, different styles of lace, and all things strappy. 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!
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, as 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 booty love, don’t be tempted to cover it up! cheeky panties are the best way to show off your wonderful curves. We are not trying to hide your body, we are showcasing it!
ACCESSORIZE!
This is a great way to add some pizazz to your images! Think pieces that you love. Dangling earnings, favorite rings, gorgeous necklaces, sunglasses, jackets, robes, etc. Body chain jewelry is always AMAZING! Even objects you love are fair game, ie. crystals, tarot decks, etc. Once you pick the outfits that you love, I suggest then matching accessories to each set.
IN YOUR CLOSET
Have a favorite jacket? Bring it! 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, a white tank top, a crop top, etc. Get creative! Bathing suites can also be fun. Do you have a favorite hat…bring it along! Knee/ thigh high socks are fun too! The key is to have fun with this! This is a great opportunity to incorporate some of your favorite things and bring your style to the session.
THINK OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL
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.
ON TREND
Teddys, body suits, and three piece garter sets are all on trend and they are not only cute but also super sexy and they photograph AMAZINGLY by hugging your curves in all the right places. If you do not already own one consider purchasing one for your shoot. I am a totally sucker for an amazing bodysuit with lots of stapes!
SOMETHING OF FROM YOUR S.O.
Bringing something that belongs to your significant other is something many of my clients will do. This is especially a fun surprise if your are using the photos as a gift. A favorite shirt, sweater, tie, hat, jacket, sports jersey, etc. Again, be creative and have fun with it!
SHOES
Don’t forget to bring some killer high 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…don’t worry, we wont be walking in them. If shoes are not your thing, no worries. Many clients choose to not wear shoes at all and I personally am all about the bare feet…that’s how we get that amazing toe point!
Tip: Pay attention to the condition of the bottoms of your shoes…They will show in some images.
Not one for heels, no worries. I LOVE the natural look of going barefoot.
FETISH WEAR / GEAR
I am cool with most fetish attire/gear…Here are my BIG boundaries with fetish wear/gear… No penetration! It’s 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. If it requires my help to put in on, lets chat about it in advance.
If you are unsure about something, it is always best to ask.
I will let you know if it’s okay to bring.
Interested in Shibari?
Shibari, which is the art of Japanese rope bondage, is an element we can incorporate into your gallery. Let’s chat more about this prior to your session. I have a professional that I will bring into the studio to help with safe ties.
NUDES/ TOPLESS/ SUGGESTIVE NUDES
I do offer all of these for my female bodied clients. I will never push these on anyone and I also never ask if you want them…so if you are wanting to incorporate some these into your session, let me know.
BRIDAL BOUDOIR
This is a special time in your life and this is a timeless wedding gift for you and your partner. I love when my bridal clients incorporate something from their wedding into their shoot. This can be your wedding flowers, looks that fall in line with your wedding colors, your shoes…something borrowed…something blue…you get the idea.
I do have a vail and bridal style lingerie at the studio as well.
For Love and Lemons offers some beautifully romantic bridal pieces as well!
https://forloveandlemons.com/collections/lingerie
Keep in mind that if you decide to buy online, make sure you leave plenty of time with your order in case it doesn’t fit to your liking.
love your locks
All sessions include professional hair and makeup by our licensed artists.
It’s glamorous, fun, and adds to the magic of your day. And let’s face it, it is one less thing to worry about on your session day so you can relax knowing that we will take care of that for you.
Our stylists are amazing at working with all hair lengths and textures so we promise you’ll get a look you will love!
If your hair texture allows for it, we typically offer what we like to refer to as the “bedroom curls”, basically loose curls that have enough movement for us to play with and enough hold to give a polished look. If you are wanting a more specific style or are interested in a vintage inspired look, we can happily offer that at a session add-on.
If you have shorter hair, don’t worry. We can style that as well. If you want to rock your natural hair, that is just fine too.
This is all about you and what makes you feel beautiful.
*because you will be getting hair and makeup done first. It is so important to arrive to your session on time. Late arrival will push back the timeline potentially cutting into your time in front of the lens.
Communicate with your stylist. If you are not liking something, speak up! We all want you to LOVE your look but if we don’t know about something that is bothering you then we can’t make it right.
GLOW BABY GLOW
Let’s talk about that skin glow!
BODY LOVE HABITS
Drinking LOTS of water, practicing a daily skin routine, eating nutritious meals and getting your sweat on are all great ways to give your skin a healthy glow.
Please note that there is absolutely no need, nor do not recommend, making any significant changes to your diet prior to your session. I do not support or encourage diet culture.
I support you doing what make YOU feel good. So listen to your body and do only things that make your body feel wonderful!
SKIN BRUSHING
Another thing I love to do is to dry skin brush! It is such a good way to spoil your skin and shed some flakiness leaving you soft and bright! It hold all sorts of amazing benefits and is a good opportunity to spend some time loving and paying attention to each part of your body. You can pick up a dry skin brush at most local grocery stores. There is also a ton of information and online tutorials about how to get the most out of skin brushing.
Gua Sha Massage
If you are on TikTok, chances are good you have heard of the Gua Sha Massage craze. As someone who jumped on that wagon, I can confidently say that I LOVE THIS PRACTICE. It is such a wonderful skincare ritual that is both relaxing and good for your skin. If you have not heard of this, a quick google search will fill ya in.
TANNING
I do not recommend tanning before your session unless this is not part of your regular self care routine.
Outdoor tanning runs the risk of damaging your skin via burns or peeling and self tanners can be unpredictable and can make skin appear orange and blotchy in photos.
If you do decide to tan. I recommend getting a spray tan a technician/salon that has lots of experience. I also recommend you do a trail run well in advance to make sure you are happy with the results.
Please keep in mind that there is an additional fee for editing out tan lines and very red or peeling skin. The very best way to avoid this is to protect your skin in the months/weeks leading up to your session.
Also be mindful of things like Fitbits/watches and footwear... these can all lead to harsh tan lines.
FACIAL TREATMENTS
I love me a good facial! Especially a hydration one. This is a great way to get some extra glow before your session and a beautiful way to spoil your skin! If you have never received a facial or if you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a trial run. Some treatments can cause irritation.
SESSION MAKEUP
All sessions do include professional makeup. You will have creative control over the direction you go with this so be sure to choose a style that you feel beautiful and confident with.
*Please let us know ahead of time if you have any known skin sensitivities that we should be aware of so I can communicate that to my artist.
nails
Your nails will be showing in your images…your fingers and toes. Make sure they are clean and done to your liking. If you are more for the natural look, go with a clear or neutral nail. Make sure you choose a color that will work with all of your outfits.
BODY HAIR
WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR BODY HAIR.
If shaving is for you, be sure to remove unwanted hair prior to your session. Use friendly products and practices that won’t cause bumps and irritation. I recommend letting your hair grow long and going in for a wax a few days before your session. Waxing can sometimes irritate your skin just like shaving so make sure to book your session with enough time to let your skin relax. Please know that if you wish to rock your natural body hair as is, I think that is equally beautiful. This session is all about you so do what makes you feel good.
SESSION SITTER
I know this experience can cause a bit of nerves and I understand that sometimes you want some moral support or you have a partner that is interested in being present during your session. I take this on a case by case basis, but I do feel that having someone present during your session can distract from your experience as well as from my work flow. In short, I strongly advise against it. I can assure you that I will provide a space where you feel comfortable, loved and supported throughout your session. This is of the utmost importance to me.
If you would like to have someone present during your viewing, I am totally okay with that as long as I know about it prior to the viewing :)
STRIKE A POSE
ONE OF THE WONDERFUL PARTS ABOUT BOOKING A SESSION WITH AN EXPERIENCED BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER IS THAT YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW A DAMN THING ABOUT POSING!
I will be demonstrating and guiding you into and through each pose. I will be showing you everything from where to pace your hands to what facial expression to make. My shooting style is relaxed and fun. I will be giving you lots of ques through the session but know that if I do go a little silent, it is because you are probably nailing a pose and I am getting uber focused! lol! Just know that I got you and this is going to be so much fun!
If you want to prep a bit, I encourage you to look up some poses on Pintrest or Instagram, pick a few to try, and practice at home. Its super fun! I do it all the time! Throw on some tunes and have fun with it! It feels sexy and empowering!
Be sure to stretch the morning of your session. many of the poses are not positions we typically find ourselves in and trust me, you will feel like you had a little workout by the end of your session.
So give those muscles some love before you come.
EMOTIONAL PREP
Body love and acceptance is not easy. I struggle with it as most do. It takes a lot of time and commitment to break down our emotional blocks, face our shadows and release ourselves from the stories the no longer serve us.
Below are a few of my go-to’s that have helped me on my journey of self love and acceptance.
SENDING MY BODY LOVE.
I try doing this to all my parts as much as I can. Even on the days I really struggle with it. I like to give myself a body scan, either in a mirror or in my mind while laying in bed or on my yoga mat. I pay attention to each part of my body from my head to my toes. Then I give each part love and thank it for all it does for me each day. Its a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with, love and appreciate your beautiful body.
GRATITUDE JOURNAL
THIS IS A GAME CHANGER! I do my best to do this daily and I notice a HUGE difference when I do. It is simple, takes about 3-5 minutes and it is a powerful way to shift your thinking and as a result, attract more love and abundance into your life. Each night, write down five things you are grateful for. It could literally be anything! That’s it. Simple as that. It can also be a great thing to do with little ones. I have a separate journal for this that I keep next to my bed for this.
DIVA BATHS…AS I LIKE TO CALL THEM…
I am a daily bath taker. They just make me feel soooo damn good. I literally crave them. I love choosing essential oils and crystals that fit my mood and emotional needs for that day, and adding them to the tub. I also add some personal salt blends along with some loose flowers and herbs in a tea bag. light a few candles, throw on some relaxing music and just soak in all the healing goodness. I love doing this right before I go to bed. I visualize any negative feelings or experiences of the day washing away. I also love to skin brush before I bath
POWERFUL READS..
There are a few books that I highly recommend if you would like a boost of love and empowerment.
The first is called ‘Love your lady landscape’ I have this on in both hard copy and audible. I LOVE the author Lisa Lister so I especially enjoyed the audible version because she gets all fiery and passionate and its awesome. It is a powerful read that can help you discover a deeper love and relationship with your lady garden…or as I like to call it, your Yoni. Its an unbelievably healing book and it changed my world!
Another book that helped me discover some deep power and self love is called ‘Evolution of the Goddess’.
I would also encourage you to follow people on social media who preach empowerment and body acceptance! You control your feed so make it a space that lifts you up.
T H E N I G H T B E F O R E
Pamper yourself, drink lots of water, moisturize your skin and get some good rest. Your body will thank you.
I highly recommend packing your bag the night before. Add all of your outfits and accessories that you will be bringing to your session. Make sure the tags are safely removed from all garments, that way they will not show in your images. Eat food that make you feel good. You know your body best.
If you are a bath person, a ‘Diva Bath’ with lots of oils, bath salts, crystals, candles and calming music can be magical and make for a great night sleep. I also recommend some light stretching or bedtime yoga the night before your session. Make sure you use products that you know are safe on your skin to avoid any rashes or irritation.
I also personally enjoy listening to affirmations and writing in my gratitude journal at night.
Try writing yourself a love note to read in the morning that reminds you of why you are doing this and how fucking amazing you are ….you can also ask someone you love to write you one as a bonus!
It is a lovely way to start your day.
T H E M O R N I N G O F
I recommend coming to your session in a button down shirt or bringing your favorite dressing robe. I will also have a robe available for you to wear if you choose to do so. We do not risk messing up your freshly styled hair and makeup.
Make sure that you arrive with a makeup free face that is moisturized and ready for makeup.
My stylist prefers that hair is ready to be styled. So it has to be fully dry. Some hair holds better when washed the night before, some doesn’t. You know your hair best. If your hair is on the oily side we recommend washing or dry shampooing the morning of…again just make sure it is DRY!
Tip: avoid wearing hair bands on your wrist the morning of your shoot…they leave a not so lovely read ring on your skin. Also be mindful of anything else that could cause unwanted marks on your skin such as tight fitting clothing and bras.
EAT SOMETHING!
We know that hangry is a thing so lets avoid that! The first instinct of many when getting photos done is to skip a meal to “look better”…Please don’t do this!!! Not eating enough is just as bad as eating too much. You need your energy. Its all about the happy balance.
I suggest a light meal before your session with food that you know agrees with your tummy. You know your body best and what foods make you feel great. For me, in the morning it’s oatmeal or avocado toast with lox!
STREAtCH and hydrate
As we mentioned before, posing is work!
You will be moving from one pose to another for over an hour so stretch just as you would before a workout! You will be working hard during your session holding lots of poses that you normally don’t find yourself in. It’s also so important to be well hydrated.
EMOTIONS:
It is totally common to feel anxious and nervous prior to your session…especially if you have never done one before. I promise that will all melt away. My best advice is to breath, have fun, and remember your why! Listen to music that puts you in a positive and empowering mood.
You will be walking into my studio with a big cozy welcome and will be loved and pampered so get excited about and embrace that!
after your session
You will be on a euphoric, empowerment high after your session…you have been warned! You will also have your hair and makup done and you will be looking and feeling fabulous!
Keep that goddess energy high and ride that wave as long as possible.
Set up something fun to do after your session or have a friend or a SO meet you for some dinner and drinks!
Treat the whole day as vacation just for YOU!
This is YOUR time
&
You deserve this so much!
the SESSION FLOW
When you arrive to your session you will go right into hair and makeup. I offer sparkling water or champagne. I always encourage you to bring a water bottle to your session as well!
THE ARRIVAL
Upon arrival you will be greeted by myself and your hair and makeup artist.
We will take you to your private dressing room/ glam studio where we will go over what you brought and you will be able to look through the closet, select items you love. We will chat about your the look you are wanting, get you in a luxury robe, pour you a drink of choice and get you into the glam chair.
HAIR AND MAKE UP
While you are getting hair and makeup done, I will be looking over your outfits and getting everything prepped for your session.
During this time, you will be chatting and being pampered by your stylist. Hair and make up should take about 90 mins…sometimes a tad more depending on length of hair and how intrequet we are getting with your makeup.
THE SHOOT
After hair and makeup you will change into your first outfit and we will begin the session from there. Your shoot will last up to 90 minutes including outfit changes. Everything is fully guided and fully posed so don’t stress if this is a new experience for you. I got you!
During your session, you will also see me move around furniture a whole bunch to get different set designs…this is just part of my madness lol. I also love to incorporate florals and fun fabrics to give even more of an editorial and artsy vibe to your photos. We will do a mix of traditional boudoir shots and then leave time to get creative together and see what fun concepts we come up with.
EDIT TIME / SESSION BREAK
Once we have finished your session your can change and unwind a bit while I go through your images and get ready for your viewing. You will have a 60-90 minute time block before your viewing. This will give you will have an opportunity to either grab a coffee somewhere nearby or you can look around the linger shop or call a friend and gush over your experience.
I do very light edits to your images during this time. Extensive/full edits will be done to all images that you decide to purchase and will be delivered in your final gallery. Full edits and product orders can take up to two weeks. All product orders are picked up at the studio once finished or can be delivered to you directly for an additional fee.
THE VIEWING / ORDERING
The viewing is when you will see your gorgeous images!!!
I love being able to offer same day viewing to my clients because it is so amazing to see your images while you are still on a total high from your session! It is my FAVORITE part because I love to see reaction my clients have when they first see themselves in this new light. Its total empowerment! We will go through each image and then you will have the opportunity to look and the products and collections that are available to you. All orders are placed during your session and you have access to all investment information during the booking process.
If a same day viewing will not work with your schedule , no worries. We can always do the viewing on a different day.
I happily offer payment plan options on all collections and products over $600. Please note that you will not receive your products or images until your balance has been fully received.
YOUR PRODUCTS.
Your products can take up to two weeks to be ready after you order is purchased and paid in full. Your gallery will be delivered to you once your session is paid in full. Products are not started and ordered until your session and collection is paid in full. If your are on a payment plan, your products will be ready for pick up within two weeks of your full payment being received. You will approve all products before they are sent to the lab.