Top Tips For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot

There is a lot that goes into planning a boudoir photoshoot. There seems to be endless ideas, outfits, and looks you can try. Everything from hair, nails, makeup and outfits… it can be overwhelming! So I decided to put together my tops tips for your boudoir photo shoot so I can help you plan!

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #1

Choose a boudoir photographer that you trust! I know this may seem pretty basic, but sometimes people get all excited to do a shoot and don’t actually think about WHO will be behind the camera cheering them on. I highly suggest you look around and find someone who you jive with and want to spend the day with. Also someone who you KNOW will produce an awesome end product and experience of you! You don’t want to go to all the trouble of planning and doing a shoot just to be disappointed with your images.

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #2

Spray tans are NOT boudoir photo shoot friendly. There is something mysterious that happens from real life – to camera – to photoshop. Your spray tan will look bad and very fake! Your spray tan will not photograph well and it will stain my furniture, carpets, bedding, and clothing. I do not advocate for tanning beds, they can cause for redness and blotchiness of the skin and I will not color correct your skin tone in post processing. I prefer you to come as you are. I promise you, your natural skin is going to photograph beautifully. If you feel “pasty” we can easily add a warm glow to your skin tone in your images. Trust the process!

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #3

Tan lines. Editing tan lines I can be impossible. If you don’t want tan lines in your pictures, stay out of the sun for a week or two before your shoot or schedule your session during the off season (November – April). If you are going on vacation, schedule your boudoir session for before you leave. If necessary, I can send images out to a magician to edit tan lines, but this could be subject to additional fees. The only other option is to A) deal with your tan lines in your images (some people think they look sexy!) or B) select wardrobe that will conceal your tan lines 😉

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #4

Water water water! You will want to drink a bunch of water before your session. This will hep your skin look amazing as well as help with bloating. Not to mention… we do some tricky poses and being well hydrated will help with any soreness after your session.

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #5

Wear outfits that will flatter your figure! Need help in tis area? No too worry… not only do I have a large wardrobe of items for clients to borrow from for their session, but I also give a full wardrobe guide to all clients so they know all the great places to shop! Some of my favorites are Torrid, Yandy, and Shein!

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #6

Bring more (not less) to your shoot! All ladies usually bring a hug bag stuffed full os shoes, accessories and extra outfits to their shoot! I love when my boudie babes do this as I love seeing all the things they brought and more to choose from when styling their session.

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #7

Eat breakfast before your photo shoot! Don’t starve yourself before your session. You will have a long day with us for your boudoir experience and no one wants to be hangry when they are supposed to be having tons of fun. If you get hungry throughout the day, I have snacks at the studio and I send you to lunch (on me 😉 ) during the day.

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #8

Stretch! I suggest you do some light stretching before your session. Like I said before… some of these poses can be tricky and I want you to be warmed up and ready for your big day! Don’t worry… I won’t ever try to get you to do anything that you aren’t comfortable with or could physically hurt you!

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #9

Arrive with a clean face and dry hair! My makeup artist will take care of the rest! Give your face a good wash and only apply a light moisturizer if needed. Do not put any products into your hair. My makeup and hair artist have absolutely everything needed to transform you in to whatever look you want!

Boudoir Photo Shoot Tip #10

Don’t try any new hair styles or facial treatments the two weeks leading up to your session. We don’t want you having a hair color disaster or skin reaction to a facial right before your session. Right before your boudoir session is not the time to experiment 😉

Ok babes, those are some of my helpful tips for you to think about. I hope it helps you feel a bit more prepared for your session. This really was just the tip of the iceberg, though when it comes to your boudoir photoshoot tips! I send all my clients a prep guide, wardrobe guide, hair and makeup guide and MORE!

Questions? Want to set up a session? Reach out to me here and let’s get you set up!

Samantha Sloan is a boudoir photographer serving San Antonio and the surrounding areas such as New Braunfels, Helotes, Seguin, San Marcos, Boerne, Austin and much more. Women travel from all around South Texas to experience her services at her private boutique studio.