Boudoir photography is an incredible experience—one that can completely shift how you see yourself, boost your confidence, and leave you with beautiful photos that will last a lifetime. But, just like any special occasion or personal investment, there are a few things you should avoid doing before and after your shoot to make sure it’s the best experience possible. I’ve been doing this long enough to know what works (and what doesn’t), so I wanted to share some of my best advice with you.
Trust me, these little tips can make a world of difference in how you feel, how the shoot goes, and how you look in your photos. So, let’s dive into the things you should definitely steer clear of before and after your boudoir session.
Don’t Skip the Prep—But Don’t Overdo It Either
Okay, let’s start with a common mistake: going into a boudoir shoot feeling unprepared—or going overboard with prep. You don’t need to start a crazy new diet or intense workout routine before your session, and you don’t need to run out and get a brand-new wardrobe just to look “perfect” (trust me, you’re already perfect). Boudoir is about embracing who you are right now, and that’s the beauty of it.
That being said, it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a little self-care in the days leading up to your shoot. Maybe a gentle exfoliation or a relaxing massage to release any tension. Just don’t go overboard and try anything extreme, like crash dieting or intense workout regimes. Stressing yourself out or trying to change your body right before the shoot will only leave you feeling anxious and disconnected from the experience. And let’s be real: when you’re too stressed about your body, it shows up in the photos.
Don’t Try Anything New with Your Hair or Skin
This is a big one—don’t try any new skin or hair products right before your boudoir shoot. I know, it sounds tempting to want to look your absolute best and you might think a new product will give you that glow, but trust me, you don’t want to risk any allergic reactions or skin irritation on the day of your shoot. Stick with what you know works for your skin and hair. If you’ve been using a particular moisturizer for months, keep using it! If you’ve got a shampoo that makes your hair look fabulous, use that too. You want to feel like yourself on shoot day, not worry about a reaction or breakouts.
Also, if you’re thinking about a last-minute tan or spray tan, my advice is to skip it. I know a lot of people love the idea of having a bronzed glow, but sometimes a fresh tan can cause uneven coloring or blotchiness, and you definitely don’t want that to show up in your photos. Keep it natural and let your natural beauty shine through.
Don’t Over-Accessorize or Overthink Your Wardrobe
Another mistake I often see is overthinking the outfit choices. You don’t need to have a million outfits or go overboard on accessories. Simple, classic lingerie or outfits that make you feel confident are all you need. If you’re wondering what to wear, think about what makes you feel comfortable and sexy at the same time. Don’t stress about finding the “perfect” outfit—because spoiler alert: there’s no such thing. You don’t need to wear something that someone else would wear, you just need to wear what feels right for YOU.
Also, don’t forget about the comfort factor. Sure, those killer heels may look great on Instagram, but if they’re uncomfortable, they’re not worth it. Wear what makes you feel good, not what you think you “should” wear. And remember, if you’re not sure about what to bring, I’m always here to help guide you with your wardrobe choices!
Don’t Plan Anything Stressful the Day Before or After Your Shoot
A boudoir session should be an experience of self-care, but if you overload your schedule around it, it’ll just add stress to your plate. If you have anything that could make you feel rushed or anxious—like a big meeting or a family event—try to avoid scheduling those on the day of or the day before your shoot. You want to be calm, relaxed, and in a great headspace to truly enjoy the moment.
Similarly, try not to plan anything strenuous after your shoot either. Give yourself time to enjoy your experience and process the amazing feelings that come with it. You’ll likely feel empowered, beautiful, and full of self-love, so don’t rush into another task or obligation. Take the day to bask in how incredible you are.
Don’t Get Too Much Sun or Saltwater Exposure
Sunburns are a definite no-no before a boudoir session. And while it’s tempting to soak up the sun (especially after a long winter), you don’t want to risk getting a sunburn right before your shoot. Not only will it make your skin look irritated, but sunburns can also make you feel self-conscious during your session.
Similarly, if you’re planning to spend time in the ocean or a pool before your boudoir shoot, avoid saltwater or chlorine exposure that could dry out your skin. The last thing you want is rough or flaky skin when you’re trying to look smooth and glowing. If you’re feeling like you need some extra hydration, try using a good moisturizer or hydrating face mask instead!
Don’t Get Too Focused on Perfection
This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give: don’t get too focused on trying to look “perfect.” Boudoir is about you—not about fitting into a specific mold or image. I’ve worked with women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, and I can tell you that the most beautiful photos come from moments of authenticity and self-love. The magic happens when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, when you stop worrying about every little imperfection and start enjoying the process.
Remember, no one is perfect—and that’s exactly what makes you so special. Embrace your body as it is, and don’t let the idea of perfection hold you back from having an amazing experience.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun!
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Boudoir is supposed to be empowering, freeing, and yes, a little bit fun! It’s a celebration of YOU, and you should walk into that shoot ready to let loose, smile, and enjoy every moment. Don’t stress about getting everything “right”—just enjoy the experience, and you’ll see how much it transforms the way you feel about yourself.
So there you have it—things to avoid before and after your boudoir session. The main takeaway? Keep it simple, stay relaxed, and just focus on enjoying the experience. Trust me, when you do, it’ll be life-changing.