Top 10 Ways to Prepare For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot - Boudoir by Andreea B Ballen Photography

Top Ten Ways to Prepare For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot Experience | Boudoir Photographer NY

August 25, 2021

Whether you're interested in a boudoir session or have already booked your session with me, the number one question I always get asked is "How do I prepare for an intimate experience like this?"

No need to worry, I'm here for you every step of the way! That's why I've created a list of 10 ways to help you prepare for your fun, one-of-a-kind boudoir photo shoot experience. From planning your outfits to getting enough rest, you'll know exactly what to do to feel your best on your big day.

Read on to get all of my exclusive tips.

Whether you are interested in boudoir - or, you have already booked your session with me: one of the top questions I receive as a boudoir photographer in NY is, ‘how do I prepare for an intimate shoot like this?’

Here are the top 10 things you should know about preparing for your shoot.

Now, for the great news: If you are a booked client, we will sit down on a 30-60 minute Zoom video consultation to go over all the fun details and answer all your questions - including this one. And if you’re still thinking about it, here’s a sneak peek at some of the answers:

1. Don’t do anything drastic to your appearance at least a week or more before your photo shoot - and don’t wax/thread the day of or just the day before (rash reactions are real!). That means, no drastic haircut/color that you’re not used to. No new piercings or tattoos that will need more time to heal. No going out in the sun without sunscreen (burns and peeling skin and weird tan lines, oh no!) or getting an impromptu spray tan. Trust me, you won’t be happy if the ‘NEW you’ is unrecognizable or someone you don’t like to see when you look in the mirror - or will take more time getting used to.

2. DO stretch! Boudoir poses are HARD work, but especially hard on your lower back and hamstrings (lots of booty popping, back arching and toes pointing!). If you gently stretch (hula movements or cat/cow, etc) the week leading up to your shoot (and right after) you will be so happy you did.

3. Don’t forget the manicure/pedicure and grooming you would normally do. Looking great means feeling great means photographing beautifully and confidently!

4. DO remember to nourish yourself with good, clean food and plenty of water - and do bring a protein snack to your photoshoot. Being nourished and hydrated means you will look great, your skin will look great - and you will have the stamina to pose AND have fun doing it!

5. Don’t wear anything too tight anywhere on your body on the way over. That hairband or scrunchy on your wrist? Too tight strap on your ankle or bra or belt? All of them will leave dents and marks that won’t look great photographed.

6. DO bring a minimum of 3 different outfits that you love - and do make sure they fit! As a client, we discuss wardrobe options and where to source them if you don’t already have them. As for those you are bringing to the session? I will help you narrow down your selection to those that will photograph best, but it’s always good to have more choices coming in.

7. Don’t be nervous about being nervous. Seriously, this sounds like a silly statement. EVERYONE is nervous coming in. It’s normal. But, between getting pampered and glammed up, chilling and just talking together, me showing you all the poses and telling you how badass you are, you working hard to hold the pose and breathe… you’ll forget that you are nervous and you will find you are enjoying yourself while rocking your session!

8. DO bring a great music playlist that makes you feel confident, sexy, and like you want to move! Music that you love is also a great way to relax and just have FUN!

9. Don’t look for flaws or talk smack about yourself - before, during, and after your shoot or ever from now on. Remember, you are gorgeous and you are worth it! You deserve to be pampered and celebrated. You deserve to have a testament to how awesome you are and the photos to prove it. You are here to lift yourself up, not put yourself down. You GOT THIS, Queen!

10. DO show up well-rested, with a clean face and clean, dry hair in a state ready to style. My hair and makeup artist is ready to do magic - lashes and all - all you have to do is sit back, relax, and get ready for a day of pampering!

BONUS: if you have not done so already, CLICK HERE to schedule your complimentary consultation and book your boudoir shoot! Because, really - if you’re reading this and you haven’t done so already, what are you waiting for?