5 Reasons to Do a Boudoir Photo Shoot
Gabby has the ability to not only make you feel at ease and comfortable in such an unfamiliar and intimate setting, but also empower you at the same time. She captured all of the quirks and expressions that are unique to me... which in turn made for the perfect picture. It was a sexy confidence boost that I will always remember!
-Ali A.
Boudoir is a very intimate experience, and it can be intimidating. Trust me, I get it. Before I decided to add boudoir as a service for my wonderful clients, I thought long and hard about it. I thought of all the reasons I wouldn’t want to do one myself. “I don’t want to get undressed in front of a stranger.” “I need to hit the gym first, I’m too weak.” “I don’t really have any assets to show off.” “I have too much acne.” “I’m too pale.” I’m too this.” “I’m not enough that.”
The list could go on, and on, and on. But then I realized that most women would probably respond this way, too. I realized that I was looking at it all wrong. Boudoir isn’t about making you feel self conscious and not good enough. It’s about empowering you, making you feel strong, and beautiful, and confident, exactly as you are.
So why WOULD you want to do a boudoir photo shoot? Here are my top 5 reasons.
1) It’s Empowering
You are incredible, you are vivacious, and you are beautiful. These images hold so much power. We all have hangups, and insecurities, and things we don’t like about ourselves. But when you allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone, you grow. Allow yourself to feel beautiful exactly as you are. Allow yourself to be loved on and pampered for a day, and when you see these images, you will be blown away. You’ll see the beauty that everyone else sees, and when you look back on them 10, 20, even 50 years down the road, you’ll be reminded of just how stunning and confident you really are.
2) It’s an Excuse to Buy New Lingerie!
We’ve all seen that adorable lingerie set but didn’t buy it because there was no real reason to. Here’s your reason! Take a day with your girls to go pick out the perfect set!
Maybe lingerie isn’t your thing. That’s okay too! your favorite PJ set, your husband’s oversized t-shirt, a silky robe, anything goes! It’s whatever makes you feel your very best!
3) You’re Getting Married!
If you’re getting married, this is the perfect little surprise for your hubby-to-be. This is the man who sees you at your highest highs and your lowest lows. He’s the one who loves you and chooses you and thinks you are beautiful, no matter what. Create a little keepsake for him, and give it to him the morning of your wedding. His reaction will be priceless, and it’s something that he will cherish forever!
4) It’s great gift for yourself.
Maybe you’re celebrating a big milestone like a birthday, a promotion, an anniversary. Or maybe you’re working on loving yourself better! Celebrate your growth. Celebrate your confidence. Celebrate YOU! Remind yourself now and always just how incredible you really are.
5) It’s the Perfect Valentine’s Gift For Your Significant Other
Valentine’s Day is all about love. Loving each other and loving ourselves! There’s nothing more intimate than giving someone a piece of yourself, so share something extra special and meaningful with your love or yourself this year! With options like fine art prints, pin-up posters, mini leather wrap albums, calendars, and matted folios, there’s a perfect gift option for that special someone in your life!
Are you ready to feel strong, and beautiful, and empowered? Are you ready to celebrate YOU!? Are you ready to give the perfect gift? Click below to get started!
Preparing for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
Whether you’re doing a boudoir photoshoot as a gift for your significant other, or to celebrate yourself, the whole point is to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered! It’s all about loving yourself exactly as you are. For the very best experience, be sure to follow these tips!
What to Wear
There is no right or wrong when it comes to what you choose (or choose not) to wear for your boudoir shoot. Think about how you want to feel. What emotions do you want to evoke? Maybe you want to feel bold and sexy, or maybe you want to feel soft, gentle, and sweet. Pick something that makes you feel that way!
Layers are a wonderful wonderful thing when it comes to boudoir! If you’re feeling a little timid, starting with more layers such as a robe, blanket, or shawl, will help you warm up. As you become more comfortable, you can lose the layers one at a time! This also give you more variety in your final images!
Accessorize! Earrings, rings, bracelets, your favorite perfume; these are all great ways to add personal details to your boudoir shoot! If this is meant to be a gift for you significant other, adding a special memento like jewelry they got you, or the lingerie you wore (or are going to wear) on your honeymoon, will make your photos extra meaningful!
A Few Ideas:
Lingerie - wedding or honeymoon lingerie or something new!
High Heels
Robe
Oversized T-shirt
Your husband or boyfriend’s favorite button up or super soft t-shirt (solid colors)
A cute PJ set
Hair and Makeup
Once again, it’s all about what makes you feel your best! If you don’t usually wear much makeup, don’t feel like you have to get all glammed up for your shoot. But if you wan’t to get fancy, go for it! If you do your own makeup, I do suggest going a little heavier, as it does tend get a little washed out in photographs. Now, I know this is a struggle for me sometimes, as it is for many: the oh so dreadful Acne. I want to let you know that I get it. It can be a total confidence killer. Here’s the thing, I don’t want you to worry about it! Because guess what? I have this magic tool called photoshop, and I can eliminate any blemishes that you’d like to hide. If you are going to do your own makeup, here is a link to a tutorial video about disguising acne!
As for your hair, leaving your hair down is the most natural with boudoir. I definitely suggest either straightening it or curling it!
If you want to go all out for your shoot and be totally pampered, (which I totally recommend!) professional hair and makeup is available! Just remember, your appointment must be made at the time of booking your session to ensure availability.
The Days Leading up to your Photoshoot
Take time to try on your outfit(s). There’s nothing worse than showing up with something, putting it on for the first time, and it not fitting right. You want to feel your absolute best, so take the time to be sure that you like how your outfit choices make you feel! I also suggest bringing extras in case you’re just not feeling a certain one on the day of!
Drink plenty of water! We all know that water works miracles on our skin, so be sure to get plenty in the days leading up to your shoot to ensure a beautiful, luminous complexion!
Touch up the basics.
If you color or cut your hair, make sure to do it at least a week before your session so that you have time to make sure you like it.
If you wax, be sure to give yourself a minimum of 3 days to ensure no red, bumpy, or blotchy skin. If you shave, the best time to do that is the morning of!
Be sure to shape up your eyebrows and take care of any unwanted stray hairs.
Treat yourself with a fresh coat of polish or a mani and pedi. Be sure to pick something neutral or something that matches what you choose to wear.
Get plenty of beauty-rest! The night before be sure to plan for a full 8 hours!
The Day of Your Photoshoot
Bathe, Exfoliate, and Moisturize! This will help your skin look and feel it’s very best!
Wear loose clothing to prevent any marks or redness on your skin.
Use Clear deodorant. We don’t want any white residue showing up on your lingerie!
Allow plenty of time to get to your session. Don’t forget to plan for traffic, parking, and settling in.
Be sure to eat something before your session! You don’t want to feel faint or get hangry! Choose something light but filling! And as always, plenty of water!
Relax and Have Fun!!
Don’t forget what this is all about. It’s about loving yourself, feeling strong and beautiful, and most of all, having fun! Don’t stress the small stuff. Everything will work out, and you will look like an absolute Goddess. Relax, and have FUN!