Let’s face it, most people do not enjoy having their photos taken. So you can only imagine how that discomfort must increase ten-fold when they decide to do a glamour or even boudoir shoot … in their underwear.
Never fear, I am here to give you a few simple tips on preparing for your boudoir shoot. And they do not include starving yourself or working out like a mad woman. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, curvy looks best in this type of photography (and in real life in my opinion!)
1. Do not apply fake tanner. I know this is hard, especially if you are totally white like I am. But really, the camera is only going to enhance that un-natural orange glow you have and you will end up looking weird.
2. Do apply lotion. LOTS of lotion, or oil. By keeping your skin super moisturized, you will create a natural looking glow that will come across in your photos as ethereal and heavenly.
3. Wear false eyelashes. I really can’t stress this one enough. When I did my first shoot, all of the girls opted to wear false lashes. They make look somewhat fake in real life and you may feel weird wearing them. However, in the photos they make a HUGE difference. You actually don’t really notice them in the pictures, but you will notice their effect. They accentuate your eyes and give them a gorgeous almond shape. These are a must-have!
4. Treat yourself to some pretty lingerie. You will probably never do anything like this again (although some people make it a yearly practice!) so really make an event out of it. Treat yourself to some beautiful lingerie. Not only will this make your photos more interesting, it will boost your confidence, making you look your best. Be sure to try the lingerie on beforehand, and maybe bring a friend with you to the dressing room that will be totally honest. Something may look gorgeous on the hanger, but not be the most flattering for your body. The opposite is also true. Something may not look like much on the hanger, but if it plays up your body’s best features, it will look stunning. Choose a lingerie store where you will receive personal attention and helpful advice from experts who will help you choose the right look for you and proper fit.
5. If you’re worried about your mid-section, watch what you eat and drink. Now, I certainly don’t mean go on a diet for your shoot! However, there are certain foods and drinks that can cause bloating so try to avoid those for a day or two before your shoot. But please, eat!
I think that every woman should have a glamour or boudoir shoot at least once in their lifetime. Having gorgeous images of yourself is SO empowering and amazing for your self esteem. Confidence is sexy at any size!
6. Get a manicure and pedicure, or at least do one yourself. People tend to forget about their nails, but they do show up in a majority of your photos. Chipped nail polish is not pretty. Also, try to choose a neutral nail color so they don’t distract from your gorgeous face.
7. Look at this as a once-in-a-lifetime investment. As I said, most of you will never do anything like this again so the photos you receive from it will be a keepsake that should last forever. How fun will it be to show your granddaughter (when she’s older of course!) how beautiful you looked and what a nice gift you gave to your husband!
8. Don’t be nervous. I promise you, you will look FABULOUS. Your insecurities will melt as you get in front of the camera. This is your time to feel sexy so you need to relax and have fun! Nervousness and lack of self-confidence will show up on your photos. Just remind yourself that no matter how you THINK you look, you will look amazing in the end. We will highlight your favorite body parts and downplay your least favorite ones. You.will.look.hot!
9. Do this for yourself. No matter who you are doing this boudoir shoot for, deep down it is really for YOU. The end result (photographs) may be going to someone else, but the experience itself is ALL yours. It is just me and you in the room during the shoot and I want you to be comfortable, have fun and WORK IT!
10. Do push yourself to go a little bit outside of your comfort zone during the shoot.Some girls think they will stay totally covered up during the entire shoot. Of course, you can if you want. But many girls, once they are in the swing of it and having fun, decide to get a little risque. I am not talking about totally nude or anything, but maybe a hint of nudity. I am all about making your photos tasteful and classy, but also creating something that you (and your husband) will LOVE. Some of the best shots come when you let down your guard a little.
And remember, I NEVER post your photos without your permission.
I hope that helps you get a better idea of how to prepare yourself for your photo shoot. I’ve never met a lady who said, I wish I didn’t get gorgeous, sexy photos of myself taken! So treat yourself to a confidence boosting shoot today that you will cherish for the rest of your life!
Build your body confidence and liberate yourself by taking part in your very own boudoir photography shoot. When preparing for your shoot, choose clothes or underwear that flatters your figure and you can feel comfortable and beautiful in. High heels can also help to lengthen your legs and give you a natural bottom lift. Modeling in a boudoir shoot is an opportunity to celebrate your body, no matter what shape or size you are. Use a variety of poses to help you look your best by emphasizing your best assets.
Lie down with your head closest to the camera and your feet furthest away. This will make your body appear smaller than it is. The camera should be positioned slightly above you to give the photograph a flattering angle. Try different variations of this pose by either lying on your back or lying on your stomach. Avoid lying flat and instead curve your back to create sensuous curves. Bend one or both of your legs or raise your legs up off the bed keeping them slightly bent if you are lying on your back. This will help to create an interesting body shape.
Look confidently into the lens of the camera to create a strong, sexy image. Narrow your eyes rather than opening them wide to create a sensuous expression. Alternatively look away to the side, slightly downward or close your eyes to give your photographs an air of mystery. This is an ideal pose if you are feeling nervous.
Pose in a standing position with your back arched to emphasize the curves of your body and to flatten your stomach. Roll your shoulders back and down to accentuate your breasts. Give yourself a natural breast lift and create some interesting shapes with your body by raising your arms and playing with your hair.
Use the lighting to your advantage. Hide any part of your body that you don't like by facing it away from the light. Boudoir photographs use shadow to accentuate curves of the body and to create a soft, sensuous affect. This can also be beneficial as it means that any part of your body that is turned away from the light will be lost in shadow. Use the light to enhance the parts of your body that you like by facing them in the direction of the light. Stand side onto the lamp to show off the curves of your breasts and bottom.
1. You will feel beautiful (and not just because you have your hair and makeup done).
One of my favorite parts about boudoir sessions is that every session includes hair and makeup. Why? It’s not because I think women are not beautiful without makeup (for my own session, the first set of photos were done before I got my hair and makeup done that way I could have some natural and some with makeup... you can do this too, just ask!). I don’t know about you, but I don’t typically have a professional do my hair and makeup, so having this done makes me feel extra beautiful and put together. And you don’t have to go all out! If you want to have natural looking makeup, then do it! If you want to be glammed out, then do that! Don’t know what to do? We will help you figure it out. But back to feeling beautiful. Makeup aside, you will feel beautiful (because you are beautiful) and because you will be surrounded by a team of people who see you as beautiful and are there to celebrate that.
2. It’s empowering.
Getting in front of the camera in lingerie can be scary at first, but it is so liberating. It’s all about owning who you are and rocking it. It makes me so mad that society constantly tells women that they aren’t beautiful. That stretch marks are bad, cellulite is bad, you need to lose more weight, you need to have bigger lips, and the list goes on. When you do a boudoir session you are in a safe place. You can be yourself. You don’t have to hide your body or be ashamed. You can be proud of who you are and what you look like because you are beautiful exactly the way you are.
3. It makes a great gift.
Ok so what do you do with the photos? Other than looking at them yourself and saying “Dang, I didn’t realize how good I look,” and feeling more confident than ever, your husband will love them. Your husband already knows you look good, but he will be excited to see you feeling (and looking) sexy.
4. It’s fun!
Duh! After the jitters wear off, we are going to have a blast! Champagne, getting pampered, putting on your favorite lingerie, taking photos, feeling beautiful, laughing and talking, and then getting the photos back and going “DANG, I’m a babe.” Come on, it is seriously so fun. It is my favorite things when women get their photos back and go “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize how pretty I was and my body looks great!” Girl, I know, and I am I’m so glad you do too!
Ready to have fun? I'd love to do a session with you! Contact me!
When it comes to picking lingerie for your body type, it's not about whether you're pear shaped or hourglass. It's about what feels good! Where do you begin? Read on for some tips on choosing the right wear for you. Focus on your best assets (while hiding what you want to hide, of course). Because with lingerie, the real power play is the confidence and sexiness you exude. Draw attention to where you want it to go and keep in mind no matter what you choose, your man will think you look fabulous.
Rule number one of dressing for your body type is to focus on your best assets and hide the trouble spots. But the real foundation is in your inner confidence and sexiness. Your Partner will not likely notice that extra bit of jiggle on your thighs -- in fact, seeing you obsess over it is a real buzzkill. Embrace your body and own it. That's what every man wants to see. Here are some special tips for flaunting the most delicious parts of your body type... and hiding the ones that kill your confidence.
If you have a nice butt
Try boy shorts. Whether you opt for a boy-shorts-and-bra combination or boy-shorts-and-corset combo, there's nothing like a pair of these male-inspired undies to accent that derriere. Don't forget the heels, which will make your legs and butt look long, lean and more toned.
Beauty Tip: To really draw attention to your legs and butt, smooth on some baby oil or other leg shine lotion. It'll really make you shimmer.
If you're big busted
Look for support. There are plenty of teddies and bra-and-panty sets with built-in underwires. If you're looking to show off that big bust, steer toward demi-cut bras. Conversely, if you're big busted with a small waist, most built-in bra sets won't work for you. Instead, look to a corset, which is much more customizable to your shape.
If you're showing off cleavage
Try a corset. There's nothing better to give the girls that extra lift. You can also draw attention to the area by experimenting with different colors, too. Black is a good contrast, if you're fair skinned, while white is a good contrast if you are more tan. No matter what your skin tone, his heart will stop if you come out in something red.
Beauty Tip: Dust a bit of shimmer powder over your girls to draw even more attention. Look for scented versions that'll smell oh-so-sexy.
If you're leggy
Think high heels and high-cut. Look for slips that are slit up the thigh and a garter belt. Don't forget our beauty tip for nice butts (above) and use lotions and shimmer for some extra shine.
If you're hiding some tum or are modest
If the thought of parading around in not so much clothing gives you a small panic attack (or you're looking to hide your tummy), there are plenty of sexy slips and modest teddies that are super flirty. A corset with boy short combination is somewhat modest and great for concealing a tummy. Even if you're hesitant, just trust us and give it a try. Corsets can do wonders for trimming inches off the waist, and though seductive, they actually cover much more than you'd think.
Beauty Tip: You can always up your sex appeal when wearing something a bit more modest with bolder makeup and sky-high stilettos that are sure to make his heart throb.