How to Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot – Your Ultimate Checklist

A model in red lingerie and thigh-high socks

You’re planning a pin-up photography session, and what can we say – good for you! However, we just know that you’re searching far and wide all over the internet on how to prepare for a boudoir shoot. Fear not, we are a team that does tasteful boudoir photography in Utah, and we’re here to help you overcome any struggles and come well-prepped for an all-empowering intimate and sensual photo session.

How to Prepare for a Boudoir Shoot?

If you want to prepare properly, start by hydrating your skin well in advance – about eight weeks before the session. Choose three to five outfits that make you feel comfortable and beautiful, and handle any hair removal a few days ahead. Two weeks out, visit your hairdresser to touch up the style or color, but avoid drastic changes. The day before, make sure to hydrate, check the outfits, and get a good night’s sleep. On the day of the session, drink plenty of water, use clear deodorant, eat a light meal, and wear loose clothing to the studio.

A blonde woman in underwear standing next to a window
It takes quite a few steps to get prepared, but the ending results are always gorgeous

Session Preparation Phases

Knowing what boudoir photography is and preparing for the session are two different things. Before you start preparing for a body confidence photoshoot, keep in mind that our team at Bonnie’s Joy will take good care of you. We’ll pay attention to every detail and provide you with a vintage photography makeover. Hair and makeup are all in our hands, so every client can walk in without any stress!

Remember, beauty comes from our inner selves, so focus on yourself because self-love is important. However, there are some pieces of advice we can give that you can apply once you make up your mind about coming to us and working with our Utah boudoir photographer. Let’s discuss how to prepare for the boudoir session.

8 Weeks Before the Session

So how to prepare for a boudoir photo shoot and do it on time? Start way ahead, even two months before. If it seems a bit too early, believe us – it’s not. Here is where you will work on your skin, so start making hydration a daily habit by drinking water regularly. You can add some flavor or try sparkling water with lemons or limes to make it more enjoyable.

Also, you should figure out the outfits, and choose between three to five to bring with you. They should be flattering and make you feel beautiful, and above all, comfortable during the session. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, do it at least two months before your session to allow time for healing, as scabs and flaky skin can be hard to edit out.

When You Have Two Weeks Ahead

This is the right time to pay a visit to your hairdresser, especially if you regularly style and color your hair. This hair stylist appointment shouldn’t be about experimenting! Boudoir photos are a good idea when you want to create a lovely memory, practice self-love, or get some sensual couples boudoir photos. It’s never a good idea to go for a completely new haircut that will possibly make you feel uncomfortable.

Just a Couple of Days Ahead

If you’re the type that loves to remove natural body hair, keep in mind the right timing for it before you show up for your session. According to our boudoir prep guide, just a couple of days before the session, you should do the following:

  • Sugar or wax your natural body hair at a salon so the skin has time to calm down if it experiences any redness or sensitivity.
  • Exfoliate your skin thoroughly, to remove any flaking.
  • It’s also the right time to get the manicure and pedicure done.

Remember that you should also continue to hydrate properly, and your skin will be grateful! It’s all a part of your self-care and self-love journey.

The Day Before

Now that you have continued to drink water, you’re not going to turn into a mermaid, but you’re going to be well-hydrated. And now, the boudoir photo shoot day approaches, so there are only a couple of things to take care of before you show up for the pin-up photography in Utah session. It’s time to double-check those outfits and whether you’re sure you want to wear them. Once you’ve figured that part out, it’s time to pack – don’t forget footwear and accessories you’d like to wear while making sexy boudoir poses.

Take care of your hair before bed – wash it and dry it so it can hold those curls the next day. Don’t skip on your moisturizing routine in the evening, and, above all, get a good night’s sleep. Modern pin-up photography is all about making you look and feel good, and with the right preparation, you will feel extremely confident and empowered.

A tattooed redhaired woman on a bed
This type of photo session turns you into a pin-up goddess

The Day Has Come – What to Expect?

As you might expect, you should start your day with a large glass of water. There are also some other industry secrets to share with our clients, and one is to use a clear deodorant that doesn’t leave any powder or other residue on the skin. Your meal should be light but filling, and wear something comfortable to prevent lines from forming on the skin. If possible, turn up braless, you can change once you arrive!

Start your trip on time, and don’t be anxious about what you can expect at a boudoir photo shoot. We promise we’ll have a blast! It’s completely normal to be anxious about working with a pin-up photographer but remember – you are strong, beautiful, and badass!

Important Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some important additional tips to keep in mind before your session of pin-up boudoir photography in Utah. First of all, let’s handle a huge no-no – avoid getting a spray tan or using a tanning bed before your session because natural skin looks best in photos. Remember that spray tan can make you look orange on camera.

One important do is that you should feel free to try something different with at least one outfit, though. Sometimes, the outfits that feel a bit out of your comfort zone end up being the ones you like the most – many of our clients think so.

A long-haired woman in underwear on a bed
Leave your tan natural because the skin is most beautiful that way

Contact Us for a Luxury Boudoir Photography Session

Are you looking for a boudoir photographer near me? Look no further because Bonnie’s Joy is just the perfect Utah boudoir photography team for you! We will help you prepare, be less stressed about it, and pose for pictures like the goddess that you are. Whether you want to get a vintage nude photography session, outdoor boudoir photography, or a boudoir photographer working with couples, contact us, and let us create something ethereal and beautiful.