“What on earth should I wear?” That’s the question I hear most often before a boudoir shoot. Followed straight away by: “And what if I’m really nervous?”
Both are completely normal. That’s why, once you’ve booked, I’ll send every client a detailed guide to outfits, styling and the session itself. I’ll share the key points from it with you here – so you know in advance what you’re getting into. Spoiler: nothing you haven’t decided on yourself.
First things first: there is no right or wrong
For a boudoir shoot, you don’t need to know how to do anything, you don’t have to prove yourself, and you don’t have to go out of your way to be anything you’re not. You don’t need any modelling experience or to have a particular body type. I’ll take care of the lighting, angles and poses – you just need to be there.
And: You set the pace and all the limits. Always.
Outfits: What makes you feel like yourself?
The most beautiful photos are taken when you’re wearing clothes that make you feel like yourself – just a little bit more daring. That could be classic lingerie, but it doesn’t have to be.
Classic and sensual:
- a lingerie set or a bodysuit
- Lace, silk or satin
- hold-up stockings
- a silk kimono or dressing gown
Casual and personal:
- an oversized white shirt – ideally one belonging to your partner
- a cosy knitted jumper
- Jeans or a denim shirt
- something with a history: a jersey, a leather jacket, an heirloom
Incidentally, an ‘outfit’ can simply be a sheet or a piece of jewellery. It’s better to bring one extra item than to be short of one – we’ll decide together what to photograph. And if you do find yourself missing something on the day itself, there’s a small wardrobe in the studio with bodysuits, shirts and fabrics.
Which colours go well together?
My photographic style is warm, soft and muted. Calm, rich tones work particularly well with this: black, cream and champagne, nude shades to match your skin tone, burgundy, rust, caramel or olive.
You should really avoid neon colours and garish patterns, large logos and – very importantly – new underwear that you’ve never tried on before. Anything that’s a bit tight will show up in the photos.
The most important styling tip: no marks
If there’s just one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: tight bras, socks, jeans and hair ties worn around the wrist leave marks on your skin that are still visible hours later.
So come along in loose, comfortable clothing – ideally without a bra and wearing loose-fitting socks – and put your workout clothes on once you’re at the studio.
A few other little things can help:
- No new treatments in the one to two weeks leading up to the appointment – no new exfoliation, no first-time waxing. Your skin needs time to settle down.
- Go to the hairdresser one or two weeks in advance, not just the day before.
- Hair removal just as you usually do it – waxing two or three days beforehand, shaving the night before.
- No shiny oils on the day of the shoot. They reflect the light.
- The day before, drink plenty of water, keep salt and alcohol to a minimum, and go to bed early. And in the morning, have a light breakfast – you’re more nervous on an empty stomach.
And if you spot a spot or a bruise: there’s no need to worry. I’ll subtly touch up any temporary imperfections. You’ll still be you.
Make-up and hair: do it yourself or go to a professional?
My Signature and Luxe packages include professional make-up and hair styling; with the Essenz package, you can book these as add-ons. It’s not just beautiful – it’s also a wonderful moment to settle in and find some peace.
If you’re working with a make-up artist: Come without make-up, with moisturised skin and freshly washed, dry, unstyled hair. Allow about 60 to 90 minutes for this before the shoot.
If you’re doing your own make-up: go a bit heavier than you would for everyday wear, as make-up looks more subtle on camera. Matt or satin finishes are best, without a high sun protection factor and without glitter. And choose a lip colour you love – bring some with you to touch up later.
When it comes to hair, soft waves or loose, natural hair almost always work. A second look is often very simple: wear it loose to start with, then tie it up in a loose bun later on.
Here’s how your photo shoot day will go
Many people imagine a boudoir photo shoot to be more exciting than it actually is. In fact, it’s one thing above all else: relaxed.
- When you arrive, I’ll show you round the studio and the changing room whilst we have a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of water. We’ll go through your outfits and discuss your preferences once more – and your boundaries.
- Make-up and hair, if you’ve booked it. The music’s playing – just sit back and enjoy yourself.
- Warm up. We’ll start with your most comfortable outfit and some really simple poses. After a few minutes, I’ll show you the first few pictures on the screen – by then, the nerves have usually worn off.
- Your photoshoot. Take your time changing outfits, and have breaks whenever you like. I’ll show you and explain each pose. We’ll work our way up from the familiar to the daring – as far as you’d like to go.
- Round off the evening with a glass of sparkling wine or tea and a first look at a few of your favourite photos.
The following applies: I will never touch you without asking. No means no. And a support person who makes you feel safe is always welcome.
And after that?
About two weeks after the shoot, you’ll receive a link to your private, password-protected online gallery. There, you can simply mark your favourites with a heart and send me your selection with a single click. Around three weeks later, your fully edited images will be available to download in full resolution – for a whole year.
I will not publish a single photograph without your express written consent. Your photographs belong to you.
Was your question not listed?
Then just drop me a line – there are no wrong questions. And if you’re already looking forward to your day just a little bit, then this article has hit the spot.
Drop me a line – I look forward to hearing from you · View packages and available dates