Boudoir Photo Session Tips
GENERAL TIPS FOR A BOUDOIR STUDIO PHOTO SESSION WITH DAVID ZANE STUDIOS:
What should I wear for a boudoir photo session?
The most important thing — choose outfits that make you feel beautiful and sexy. A good rule of thumb: Bring something white, something black, and something in a bright color so you can mix and match. A corset will create sexy curves. In addition to lingerie, don’t forget shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
Research
We love to research everything! So, we want you to do some research before your shoot to make sure your experience with us is everything you want it to be. So, first of all, research your photographer! Make sure you love their photos, can relate to the women in the photos and feel comfortable with the team that will be present during your shoot. It is worth traveling to a photographer you connect with…this is an investment of your time and money so make it count. Any photographer should be able to talk with you directly on the phone to answer all of your questions (no matter how many times you call) and to ensure that you feel comfortable being vulnerable with this person.
The second thing to research is your style. Do you want a retro look like a pin-up or a traditional boudoir experience? Are there certain poses you want to try? Play in the mirror with your facial expressions and see what feels silly and what feels right. This will help when the photographer gives you directions for expressions and poses.
Prepare Your Outfits
Bring more outfits than you think you will need and we will help you narrow it down. See our “tips” section for more ideas on clothing options. Choose outfits that accentuate what you love about your body. Remember that you do not need to wear traditional lingerie to be sexy…wear something that makes you feel gorgeous and then your photographer should be able to pose you in a way that brings out your sensuality.
Make sure your clothing is pressed, tags are cut off and that everything is ready to wear. It will slow us down and waste your time if we need to steam or iron your clothes and cut off or hide tags. Also, choose clothing that fits. If you don’t think an outfit looks good in the mirror or if you feel uncomfortable wearing it, that will probably show in your photographs. Choose something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin.
Grooming
Your nails will most likely show in your photos, so have them manicured. Natural skin color photographs best, so avoid fake tanners. If you want to get a light spray tan, we recommend getting it a couple of days before the shoot. Remember that you will want your face to match the rest of your body once your makeup is applied, so go easy on the tanning. Natural is always best.
Get plenty of rest before the shoot and drink plenty of water the day of the shoot. Drink water throughout the week before the shoot and pamper yourself by keeping your skin hydrated and lips moisturized. It will give your skin a healthy, natural glow during your shoot.
Make a Day of It
Take the day off of work. Have someone watch the kids so you can relax while you prepare for your shoot. Book your hotel room for the night before your shoot and make it a mini-retreat. Treat yourself. Have a light snack and take your time getting to the shoot. Whatever it takes to help you feel stress-free for your session. This day is all about you!
Relax
On the day of your photo shoot, you are all glammed up and the photographer knows how to create great photos, so you get to relax and get into character. Be bold and confident. Don’t leave your shoot wishing you had tried something, but didn’t have the nerve to do it. This day is about you, give it a try. You will probably be pleasantly surprised! Bring music and anything else that helps you relax and feel like the goddess you are. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the moment. It will definitely show in the photos and you will give you a smile every time you look at your photos.
Clothing, Props, and Ideas
Most people think that boudoir photos mean lingerie or nudity. The truth is, you may choose to include anything you want in your session. You will never be asked to wear anything or pose in anyway that would make you uncomfortable. The list of things you can wear, bring or do is endless!
Here are a few ideas:
Something of his:
* His favorite ball team sweatshirt or jersey
* His favorite old shirt
* His golf clubs
* His hard hat
* His overalls
* His uniform
* His work belt with tools
* The tools of his trade
Something with class…
* An evening dress
* An off the shoulder top
* Fuzzy sweater
* Hats and gloves
* High heels
* Stockings (various)
Something sexy…
* Anything fishnet
* Anything thin or transparent
* Anything tight
* Body Stocking
* Boy Shorts
* Colorful panties and bra
* Cutoffs that are too short
* Lingerie
* Thigh high stockings with or without garters
* Thongs or tee backs
Some props you might like…
* Any props from home
* Any romantic items
* Candles
* Flowers/Flower petals
* Scarves
* Sun glasses
* Wild jewelry
* Wine glasses
* Strands of beads
The list is endless. Use your imagination and be creative! Think about it from his perspective as you make your decisions. After all this is a gift for him, so imagine what he would prefer as you go through the closet.
Quality photos take some planning, and your choice in clothing is important. Make sure that your clothing is in good condition. (No holes or tears, that aren’t supposed to be there) Tags should be removed from items where they might be visible. They always show through sheer materials, and many non-sheer materials as well.
If you’d like to find lingerie, swimwear or costumes to wear or just get some ideas, check out Yandy.com. They have a huge selection to choose from, great prices and quick shipping.
On the day of your shoot with Atlanta boudoir photographer David Zane:
Eat a light meal, so that you feel comfortable during your shoot, but don’t forget to EAT! Having a piece of fruit shortly before the shoot will help give you an energy boost, which you’ll need as posing for each shot does take some effort. Having a bottle of water on hand during the shoot is a good idea too.
Come to the appointment in loose fitting clothes to reduce the amount of marks on your body. And change into a bathrobe or loose button up shirt after you arrive. The marks take some time to leave and may waste some of your shooting time. A button up shirt will help keep your hair and makeup undisturbed too. A clear deodorant is also advised to keep clothes free of marks (and also allow you a better range of poses!)
What planning should I do before my session?
Be sure to have your outfits picked out a day or two in advance. Have a couple more outfits ready than you plan on doing. That way if you have a last-minute ‘wardrobe malfunction’ it won’t be a problem.
Here are several things that are important when preparing for your photo shoot.
1. Get a good night’s sleep and stay healthy. If you’re tired, it will reflect on your face, your overall appearance and your attitude. Try not to stress your body and mind a few days before the shoot. Avoid sweets, salty foods, physical stress and heavy eating! Continue with your daily exercising on a regular basis. Drink fluids sparingly.
2. Shave or wax your legs and armpits a few days before a session. If you’re modeling lingerie, nude or open swimwear, take care of the bikini line. If you shave right before the shoot, the skin irritation will negatively impact the outcome, especially with digital photography.
3. Your hair. If you need some trimming, a couple of days before the shoot is the right time. Any coloring should be done ahead of time. Don’t use any gels or special hair treatments to keep it healthy for the shoot.
4. Get your outfits and props ready. Avoid bright whites, stripes or any other patterns unless specifically requested. Solid colors are the best choice. Bring the props that match your outfits in color, texture or by theme.
5. If you are doing your boudoir session in the winter time and need to work on your tan, a professional spray tan applied at least a day or two before your session works great. Sometimes regular tanning beds can give you red marks on your rear end that you’ll want to avoid. Yikes!
6. High heels are a must bring accessory! Basic black pumps are perfect, thigh high boots also look incredibly sexy. If you have those amazing, designer shoes that are impossible to walk in, this is the perfect time to dust them off and get them out of the closet.
7. Paint your fingernails and toenails. Yes, they will be seen in the pictures.
8. It isn’t really necessary to spend lots of money on tons of lingerie before your photo shoot although it is fun:) A nice black bra and panty set works great. White is good too. Boy shorts make everyone look awesome! Remember solid colors without patterns are best.