Boudoir Prep Guide: Everything You Need To Know in 2025

A boudoir photoshoot is more than just a series of intimate photographs—it's a journey into self-exploration, empowerment, and body positivity. While many people consider boudoir photography to commemorate special occasions or as gifts for a partner, an increasing number are doing it solely for themselves. However, regardless of the reason behind your decision to book a session, preparation is crucial to make the most out of this transformative experience. Below is a comprehensive guide for preparing for your boudoir photoshoot.

Booking Your Boudoir Shoot Was the Hardest Part!

You've already done the hardest part, reaching out and setting up your boudoir shoot. Now comes the fun part. Preparing for your boudoir shoot will start to soften any nerves you might be feeing (because that's completely normal!) and it will get you more and more excited about your experience. This guide will go in depth about everything you need to know prior to your boudoir session.

Why Prepping for a Boudoir Shoot is Necessary

Boudoir shoots are different than any other kind of photography session you'll have. You'll be exposing more skin than you're probably used to, you'll most likely be wearing more makeup than your every day look, and you'll be by yourself! There are some specific steps that are more important for a boudoir shoot than any other shoot, so buckle up and let's take a look at what you'll need.

What Will You Wear?

What to wear is the number one question I get asked when my clients are prepping for their shoots. While most will tell you, "Just wear whatever you feel the most confident in!" I hope to give you some more definitive advice on what can help you feel the most confident.

Boudoir emphasizes what you already love about yourself.

Emphasizing Legs & Booty

If you want to emphasize your booty or elongate your legs, wear something that cuts high on your legs or hips. This could include pieces like thongs or high waisted lingerie.

Emphasizing Breasts

If you'd like to show off your breasts, choose pieces that are low cut or show off some side definition. This could include low back leotards, lingerie or low cut tops. Although I don't shoot straight nudity, I do frequently shoot topless implied-nude poses.

If your lingerie is fairly see-through or mostly lace to the point that your nipples can be seen, it's fine with me, but I won't be editing them out for your finished photos. If you don't want your nipples to be seen, I recommend getting some nude nipple covers. If I end up posting any of your photos (with your permission of course), I edit out any nipples so Instagram doesn't report me lol.

Emphasizing Abdominal Muscles

If you want to emphasize abs, anything two piece will work!

Your Boudoir Shoot Timeline

This broken down timeline will give you a better idea of when you should start preparing certain tasks so you're not stranded at the end and feeling anxious.

One Month Before

Book your hair and makeup artist.

I have recommendations in the prep guide I send you of who I absolutely love working with.

Choose your wardrobe and order it.

I always recommend getting your lingerie online since it gets twice as expensive when shopping at physical locations. That being said, make sure to order it at least 3-4 weeks in advance. I've had too many unfortunate experiences with clients not getting their lingerie on time.

Some of my favorite lingerie websites are Yandy.com, VictoriasSecret.com, and Shein.com. Yandy and Shein are going to be the cheapest, but I've liked everything I've gotten or seen my clients wear from there so far. Victoria's Secret is definitely more expensive but they actually have a lot of great options for small chested women like myself.

Send me Pinterest Inspo

Find some boudoir poses on Pinterest or influencers on Instagram that you admire and upload those photos to your client portal so I can see! Whether it's their facial expression, pose, color, or clothing, let me know why you like it!

Think About Preserving Your Photos

Start to think about how you would like to preserve your boudoir photos after your shoot. I have some album and print options for you to choose from when you book.

One Week Before

Check your fingernails and toenails.

Check your fingernails and toenails and remove any chipped polish. I love taking detail shots so chipped or old polish can be quite noticeable.

Drink lots of water.

Not only will it help your skin look it's best on the day of your photoshoot, it will also help you feel your best.

Get your Brazilian or leg wax.

If you're getting a wax, I recommend doing it a week before so that your skin has some time to heal. I would also not recommend getting a wax if it's your first time. I learned this lesson the hard way when I got my first wax right before my wedding. Apparently you have to wax multiple times before your skin is used to the procedure, otherwise your hair will grow back after a day or two. Lame, right?

Cut off all tags on your lingerie.

Cut off any tags that might be lingering on your lingerie. Nine times out of ten, this is the number one thing my clients forget to do. Luckily, I now bring small scissors with me to every session just in case.

Get your spray tan if that's something you'd like.

If you're getting a spray tan, do it during this week as well. Schedule it for at least two days before your session so it doesn't ruin the sheets or furniture during your session. I personally don't recommend getting a spray tan and think natural skin always looks the best (no matter how pale you might be!).

The Morning Of

Wash your hair.

Showering the night before is definitely recommended just to make sure your hair is completely dry by the time you show up to your hair and makeup artist's studio the morning of.

Shave any unwanted hair.

If you know you get razor burns, it's a good idea to shave the day before. If not, feel free to shave the morning of your shoot. I always feel like I get that five o' clock shadow on my legs within a few hours so I personally shave right before I'm needed anywhere.

Use plenty of moisturizer.

When it comes to detail shots, it's easy to see dry and cracked skin. Unlike acne or bruises, dry skin is very difficult to edit out. Another place that is constantly neglected is your lips! Keep your lips as moisturized as possible for your shoot. It'll make a big difference, I promise.

Wear comfy, loose clothing to the studio.

Tight bras or pants will leave indentations on your skin which can and will be noticeable in the photos. It's ok, we all go commando sometimes.

Bring anything that might need reapplying.

Bring a water bottle and makeup in case you need to reapply when you get to the studio. A brush or comb might be helpful as well. And don't forget to bring your wardrobe on some hangers!

Book a Boudoir Session With Me!

The key to an empowering and transformative boudoir photoshoot lies not just in meticulous preparation, but also in choosing the right photographer who can bring your vision to life. As a photographer who specializes in creating a comfortable, secure, and empowering environment, I am committed to ensuring that you walk away from your session with more than just stunning photographs. With me behind the lens, you'll gain an invaluable experience of self-affirmation and body positivity.

I am here to guide you through what promises to be one of the most liberating, self-affirming experiences you've ever had. So why wait? Let's embark on this journey of self-discovery and celebration together!

Book a Boudoir Session