How to Prepare for your Boudoir Empowerment Photoshoot

Are you getting ready for your boudoir empowerment photoshoot? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it before, preparing for the session is key to feeling your best and getting the most out of the experience! Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready physically, mentally, and emotionally for your boudoir shoot!

Photo by Olivia Leigh Boudoir also known as Olivia Leigh Photography

1. Hydrate and Moisturise

Starting the week of your shoot, focus on staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin looking radiant and refreshed! Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to keep your skin glowing and healthy.

Moisturising is equally important! Keeping your skin hydrated will help avoid any dry patches, and it’ll make you feel soft and smooth, especially for close-up shots. Make sure to apply moisturiser every morning and night to keep your skin in top condition.

If you enjoy wearing fake tan: please ensure you've applied a fresh / even layer two days before your session & Moisturise once rinsed off. - If you turn out orange don't stress! I can fix that when editing Just make sure it's even as that cannot be fixed as easily. 

• HYDRATE - Drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin glowing.

• MOISTURISE - Morning and night the week leading up to your photoshoot.

• TAN - Apply fake tan two days before photoshoot

  
  

2. Pamper Your Skin

Take the time to pamper your skin with a relaxing exfoliation routine a few days before your shoot. This will remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh glow. A soothing bath with some calming bath salts or oils can be a perfect way to unwind and ensure your skin is in tip-top shape for the shoot. Don’t forget to shave or trim any areas you want, but keep it simple—this isn’t the time for last-minute beauty changes!

• SHAVE - or trim areas as needed at least 24 hours before your photoshoot. no major beauty changes last-minute as it can irritate the skin and leave red markings

• EXFOLIATE - A few days before your shoot to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh glow.
  

3. Outfit Planning: Choose What Makes You Feel Amazing

This is the fun part—outfit selection! Choose pieces that make you feel confident, beautiful, and you. Consider bringing a few different options, including lingerie, a silky robe, or even an oversized shirt for variety. The goal is to feel comfortable and confident, so pick things that align with your personal style. Remember, it’s all about you feeling like a goddess! It’s a good idea to try on your outfits before the shoot to make sure you feel comfortable and can move around freely. If you’re unsure about anything, ask your photographer for advice! They’ll be happy to help you choose the best options for your body and the vibe you want to create!

• THE MORE THE MERIER! - Bring a few options: lingerie, a silky robe, or even an oversized shirt—anything that makes you feel confident.

• COMFORT - Try on your outfits before the shoot to ensure comfort and fit.

• REMEMBER - The goal is to feel like a goddess in whatever you choose!
  

4. Nails and Makeup

Fresh nails are a must! -There’s nothing worse than chipped polish showing up in your close-ups. Treat yourself to a manicure or give your nails a fresh coat of polish yourself. Keep it simple or go bold, whatever suits your personality! If you love bold looks check out my Press on Nails Brand Velvet Teddy! As for makeup, think glamorous! Boudoir photography is all about feeling like a goddess, and a little extra coverage can go a long way. The camera picks up all the details, so make sure to go for a full, flawless look. Bold eyeliner, a defined contour, and a pop of colour on your lips will help you look your absolute best. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your photographer for makeup tips tailored to your session, or better yet, one of their talented makeup artists to assist1

• NAILS - Fresh nails are a must! Get a manicure / apply press on nails or do your own nails to ensure they look great in close-ups.

• MAKEUP - Think bold eyeliner, defined contour, and a pop of colour on your lips.

• FULL COVERAGE - The camera picks up details, so make sure your makeup is full coverage to enhance your natural beauty.

• EVEN EYEBROWS  - Shape your eyebrows either the day before if plucking, or three days before if waxing.

• TREAT YOURSELF TO A HYDRATING FACIAL - Have your face glowing the day of your session. 

• BRUSH & FLOSS YOUR TEETH  - Have yourself feeling refreshed right before your session. 
  

5. Rest and Nourish

The night before your shoot, focus on rest and nourishment. Eating light and drinking plenty of water will help keep you energised and feeling great for the session.

A good night’s sleep is essential! Your skin and mood will thank you for it, and you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on your boudoir shoot with confidence. Trust us, no one wants to look tired in their photos! Take a long, luxurious bath. Exfoliate that skin like you’re scrubbing away all the stress of adulthood. Bonus points for bubbles and a glass of wine, or sparkling water, we’re hydrating, remember?! Enjoying a glass of wine before you photoshoot can help relieve the nerves.

• EAT LIGHT - The night before: Eat something light and stay hydrated.

• SLEEP - Get a good night’s sleep to feel rested and refreshed for your shoot.

• RELAX - Enjoy a nice bubble bath or relaxing shower
  

6. Embrace Your Unique Beauty

Finally, look in the mirror and remind yourself you’re a whole vibe. This shoot is all about you, so own it like the queen you are!

• REMEMBER - This shoot is about celebrating YOU and your uniqueness.

• EMBRACE - Every woman has different skin tones, body shapes, and features, embrace them all!

• TRUST - Your photographer! They’ll guide you through the poses to highlight your best angles.
  

Final Thoughts:

• Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is the key to feeling confident during your boudoir session.

• Hydrate, pamper your skin, plan your outfits, and embrace your natural beauty.

• This is YOUR time to shine and celebrate your unique goddess energy!

Ready to book your boudoir photoshoot and unleash your inner goddess? Reach out today to start your journey!