How to Prep For Your Boudoir Session

So you’ve booked your boudoir session but now you are wondering how to prep for your boudoir session? Here at Vanessa Summers Boudoir, we’ve got you covered. I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve made this little prep guide to walk you through what you need to do before and on the day of your boudoir session to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Most of these are merely suggestions, except for a few items.

THE MONTH BEFORE

1. The one thing that’s always the biggest concern is the one I suggest to start with… shopping! Feel free to post in the Boudoir Group for tips on where to buy from. A few of my favorites are Shein, Adore Me, and Amazon! And what better way to start prep for your boudoir session than shopping? Or you can simply use the Studio Closet.
2. Schedule your hair, waxing and nail appointments (natural nails are totally fine too, just make sure they’re clean and free of old polish). If you typically wax, please book that around a week before your shoot, we don’t want any red or irritated areas. If you’re a shaver, please remember to freshly shave anything that will show in photos (the day before is best for the skin).
3. Make your Pinterest board and feel free to send me all of your ideas. Pin images that you are drawn to. I won’t copy them exactly but it will help me get a feel for what you like.

THE WEEK OF

1. Remember those appointments I said to set up a month before? Now’s the time to go to them!
2. Plan your outfits. Make sure they’re all clean, ironed, or steamed and ready to go. MAKE SURE all tags are removed. Any heels must have clean bottoms and stickers removed.
3. HYDRATE. Really. Hydrated skin is happy skin. Dry skin does not take makeup well OR photograph well. Drink half your body weight in water (or non-caffeinated tea works too) daily.
4. Stretch your body. It will help, I promise! These poses aren’t something most of us do on a daily so stretch it out. We have an amazing guide on stretching that you can check out HERE.
5. Eat healthy, happy foods. Please stay away from super salty or fried foods. They make ya bloat and can make your skin upset. Not fun.
6. Tanning… the best shade is your natural skin. Trust me. But if you must, this is the ideal time to spray tan. Keep in mind, lines/orange feet can not be edited. Our HMUA gal, Alexis, actually offers spray tans on the side, you are more than welcome to get a session in with her. I highly suggested that you do this the week of so that you can wash off after the first 24 hours of getting the tan.

THE DAY BEFORE

Are you ready?! I’m sure you’re feeling nervous and excited. Please don’t worry about wearing limited clothing in front of me. I am silly and if you’re feeling uncomfortable I will gladly do the session in a sports bra to make you laugh. Please know that we make every effort to have this experience go as easily and as comfortably as possible. I promise you’ll feel a whole lot better once you get to the studio.

1. Stretch, drink plenty of water, and eat healthily!
2. Hydrate your skin.
3. Pack your bag. Get everything prepared so you’re ready for tomorrow!
4. Wash your hair. Please do NOT come to the studio on session day with freshly washed hair, especially if your hair doesn’t love to be curled. Day-old hair plays better with curling irons/wands and is just easier overall to work with. DO NOT ARRIVE WITH WET HAIR.

SESSION DAY !!!

IT’S HERE!! I am so excited!

1. Please be here on time.  If you’re late, it cuts into your shooting time and I want you to have all of your allotted time! If you are running late, please make sure to communicate!
2. Eat! Please eat something healthy and nourishing today. It’s important. Protein, veggies, and fresh fruit or some oatmeal are awesome choices!
3. BREATHE. So, getting naked in front of someone else can be pretty uncomfortable. Being nervous is totally normal and to be expected. I promise we will work through it together. Honestly, most ladies settle a lot during hair and makeup or as soon as I show them the back of the camera because you’re all GORGEOUS.
4. Arrive in loose-fitting, comfy clothing. And with a pair of nude or black thongs. If you have a favorite pair of heels you feel sexy in, I always suggest that my ladies bring those.

If your shoot is a surprise for someone, tell them you’re going to a makeup party with some gal pals or a lunch date with a gal pal you haven’t seen in a while.

I really encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, I make myself as available as I can! Don’t have a boudoir session scheduled? Let’s chat!