10 Tips to Prepare for Your Boudoir Photoshoot: From Skincare to Wardrobe Choices
Hello, gorgeous!
So, you’ve booked your boudoir photoshoot – congrats on embracing your fabulous self and saying “yes” to an empowering experience that celebrates you! Whether you’re doing this as a gift for someone else or (better yet) for yourself, preparation is key to feeling confident, radiant, and fully ready to shine.
Let’s make sure you’re prepped from head to toe with 10 boudoir prep tips that will have you strutting into your session like the goddess you are.
1. Skincare: Glow, Baby, Glow
Healthy skin is the ultimate foundation for glowing photos. The good news? You don’t need a 20-step routine.
Here’s what you do need:
Hydrate: Start drinking more water a few days before your session. Your skin will thank you.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your face and body 2–3 days ahead to remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.
Moisturize: Use a nourishing body lotion daily leading up to your shoot to keep skin soft and radiant.
No new products: Avoid trying anything new within a week of your session. Stick with your tried-and-true favorites to prevent breakouts or irritation.
Some of my favorite products include:
2. Hair: Tame the Mane
Boudoir hair is whatever makes you feel like your best self – big and bouncy, sleek and straight, tousled bedhead, or pinned-up glam.
Pro Hair Prep Tips:
Wash the night before (unless your stylist recommends same-day).
Avoid trying new cuts/colors last minute. If you want a trim or touch-up, schedule it at least a week in advance.
Add dry shampoo or volume powder before your shoot for extra body and texture.
If you’re getting professional hair & makeup with your session (like in my Glow Up or Luxe AF packages), come with clean, dry hair and your inspo ready.
3. Nails: Details Matter
Yes, your hands (and sometimes feet) will be in the frame! Whether you’re caressing your face, laying across the sheets, or curled up on the couch, tidy nails elevate the entire image.
Tips:
Book a mani / pedi 1–2 days before.
Stick with neutral, classic, or nude tones – they’re timeless and flattering.
Avoid chipped polish or cracked gel. It’ll show up in close-up shots and can be distracting.
4. Wardrobe: Bring the Confidence
Feeling sexy is about feeling comfortable and powerful in your skin – and your outfit plays a huge role in that.
What to pack:
Lingerie: Bring sets that flatter your body and feel good on your skin (think lace, mesh, or satin).
Alternative looks: Oversized sweaters, white button-ups, silky robes, or even nothing but a bedsheet!
Statement pieces: Bodysuits, corsets, thigh-highs, garters, and robes can give variety.
Textures & colors: Jewel tones and neutrals pop on camera. Avoid busy patterns or logos.
If you’re overwhelmed – don’t stress. I have a 300+ piece client closet, and we can do a try-on session beforehand!
5. Accessories: Add Sparkle, Not Distraction
Less is more when it comes to boudoir accessories. A bold pair of earrings or dainty necklaces can elevate your look without taking away from you.
Go-to ideas:
Simple gold or silver jewelry
Chokers or body chains
Knee-high socks, stilettos, or a leather harness if you’re feeling spicy
Skip anything overly clunky or that might dig into your skin awkwardly.
6. Rest: Beauty Sleep = Boudoir Glow
Sleep affects everything – mood, skin, posture, and energy levels. So don’t underestimate the power of a full 8 hours the night before your shoot.
Tips:
Cut screen time an hour before bed.
Hydrate but stop drinking water early enough to avoid waking up in the night.
Try a calming tea, magnesium, or your favorite wind-down routine.
7. Hydration: Sip, Sip, Glow
Hydrated skin is happy skin – and happy skin photographs beautifully. Aim to drink 8+ glasses of water the day before and day of your shoot.
Avoid:
Too much caffeine
Salty foods that cause bloating
Booze (alcohol dehydrates and messes with your skin tone)
Instead, go for herbal teas, fruits like watermelon, or even a pre-shoot green juice for an energy boost.
8. Posing: Practice Makes Playful
You don’t need to be a model – I’ve got you when it comes to posing! But, doing a little prep can help ease nerves and give you some ideas.
How to prep:
Practice in the mirror. Arch your back. Point your toes. Try hand placements on your face, hips, and thighs.
Scroll Pinterest or my Instagram for posing inspo.
Watch yourself move – you’ll learn what angles you love and what feels natural.
My job is to coach you into the most flattering shapes. You don’t need to memorize poses – you just need to be present and willing to play.
9. Confidence: The True Secret Sauce
Confidence isn’t about looking a certain way – it’s about showing up as your whole self. Whether you’re a size 2 or 22, 25 or 55, you are beautiful and worthy of celebration right now.
Mindset shifts:
Focus on what you love about yourself.
Affirmations help! Try: “I am worthy. I am powerful. I am beautiful as I am.”
Let go of perfection. Show up messy, raw, nervous – even that is powerful.
And if you’re struggling with nerves, I’m here to walk you through every step. You’re never alone in this process.
10. Have Fun: This Is All About YOU
This is your celebration. Your self-love moment. Your chance to feel sexy, powerful, and seen. So loosen up, turn up the playlist, and enjoy the hell out of your session.
Dance. Laugh. Embrace the awkward. Revel in the moment.
Because when you have fun – it shows in your photos.
Bonus Tip: Communicate With Your Photographer
No question is too small. Got concerns about outfits? Unsure about poses? Feeling nervous about certain angles? Let me know!
I always want you to feel safe, seen, and supported. Every session is personalized – from your pre-shoot questionnaire to the moment you see your final images. The more I know, the more magic we can make together.
Let’s Get You Camera-Ready, Babe
You don’t need to be “more fit,” “more polished,” or “more confident” before booking your shoot. You are already enough. These prep tips are just the cherry on top to help you feel even more powerful when you step in front of the lens.
So, hydrate, prep your outfits, and rest up – because you’re about to step into your own spotlight.
