A boudoir session is more than a photoshoot, it’s an experience designed to celebrate who you are, boost your confidence, and capture your beauty in a powerful, unforgettable way.
Here is your guide to prepare for your boudoir shoot… and the secret to feeling incredible on the big day?
A little preparation, inside and out.
Whether you’re excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to show up feeling confident, calm, and completely ready.
- Preparing Your Mindset (The most important part — seriously)
Boudoir is emotional before it’s physical. Your mindset sets the tone.
Shift from “perfect” to “present.”
You don’t need to look a certain way to do boudoir.
You don’t need to lose weight, tone up, or change anything.
You just need to show up as you.
Allow yourself to be guided, I will pose you from head to toe, coach your expressions, adjust lighting, and help you feel natural in front of the camera. You don’t need to know how to “model” or force anything that feels unnatural.
Give yourself permission to enjoy it.
This is your moment, your experience.
Your reminder that you are allowed to feel powerful and beautiful.
- Hair & Skin Prep (Easy steps that make a big difference in photos)
The Week Before:
- Drink plenty of water for that natural glow
- Moisturise daily (especially arms, legs, and décolletage)
- Avoid trying new skincare to prevent reactions
- Touch up roots or refresh colour if needed
- Take care of skin: exfoliate, wax or shave now, so any irritation has time to settle.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
The Day Before:
- Wash, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin
- Touch up nails (clean, neutral, or bold all work — your choice)
- Avoid alcohol to reduce puffiness
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
The Morning Of:
- Arrive with clean, dry hair
- Arrive with a bare face — no makeup
- Wear loose clothing to avoid compression marks on the skin
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
3.Outfit Planning: You don’t need a suitcase full of lingerie. Just 3–5 looks you feel good in but bring everything you love!
What Photographs Beautifully:
- Bodysuits
- Bra + underwesr sets
- Sheer robes
- Silk slips
- Oversized off-the-shoulder sweaters
- Corsets or bustiers
- Suspenders
- Leather pieces
- Birthday suit 😉
Accessories:
- Jewelry
- Heels
- Thigh-high stockings
- A sentimental item (partner’s shirt, necklace, fragrance)
Colours That Always Work:
- Black
- White/Ivory
- Pastel tones, pinks, oranges, wine
- Muted tones, greens, blues
- Bright/deep reds
- What to Bring With You
- Strapless and standard bras
- Heels
- Lip balm
- Water bottle
- A robe for in-between changes
- Slip on shoes
- Any personal items or props
- Your playlist
- The Week-of Timeline
5–7 Days Before:
- Finalise you outfits, don’t talk yourself out of bringing anything at the last minute, if in doubt bring it!
- Try on looks to ensure fit
- Shave or wax if you prefer
- Confirm shoot details, check you have my address and parking instructions.
2–3 Days Before:
- Practice poses or expressions, it will feel weird but it does actually help you to relax into the shoot quicker!
- Avoid tanning or spray tans
- Prep nails
The Day Before:
- Hydrate
- Sleep well
- Pack your outfit bag, double check then triple check.
Day Of:
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Drink water
- Bring a positive mindset
- During Your Session
- You will be guided by me every step of the way
- You can take breaks whenever you need, water, toilet breaks, obligatory phone break!
- Your confidence will grow throughout the session
- I will likely talk you into a coma if you give me the chance, I do like a good natter!
- After the Session
- Your images will be ready to view within 2 weeks of your session, you can either come back in for a viewing or we can do an online viewing session together.
- Choose your favourite images and upgrade if you love them!
Please remember, preparing for your boudoir photoshoot isn’t about perfection, it’s about stepping into a space where you’re fully celebrated and you can be yourself and thats enough.
With the right mindset, thoughtful outfit choices, and a little self-care, you’ll walk in ready — and walk out transformed.
Ready to Feel Incredible?
Ready to Feel Incredible? If you’re in Surrey, Sussex or London and are considering a boudoir shoot, I’d really love the chance to talk to you!
Chantal x
