Have you ever wondered what actually happens during a boudoir photoshoot? Maybe you’ve looked through gorgeous boudoir photographs and thought about booking a session yourself, but you’re not entirely sure what the experience involves. Do you bring your own lingerie? Will someone help you pose? How do you choose your photographs afterward? And perhaps the biggest question of all, what if you feel completely awkward standing in front of a camera wearing next to nothing?
I can tell you that these are all perfectly normal questions! I’ve photographed women for more than two decades, and one of my favorite parts of what I do is helping someone go from wondering what on earth they’ve signed up for to genuinely enjoying being photographed. Every woman arrives with her own personality, expectations, and comfort level, so no two sessions are exactly alike. However, I thought it would be helpful to walk you through what a boudoir photoshoot with me at Couture Boudoir® actually looks like, from our first conversation to the moment you see your finished photographs.
1. It All Begins With a Conversation
Before we ever meet for your photoshoot, I want to learn a little about you. What made you interested in boudoir photography? Are you celebrating something special, creating a gift, or simply doing something you’ve wanted to experience for years? Some women have a very specific vision for their photographs, while others have absolutely no idea where to begin. Either way, that’s perfectly fine with me.
I love talking with potential clients before they book because it gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and discuss what they’re hoping to create. You can ask about wardrobe, posing, privacy, pricing, or anything else that’s on your mind. I also want you to understand what your collection includes so there are no surprises later. My luxury boudoir collections begin at $2,500, with several options depending on the experience and finished products you prefer.
2. Preparing for Your Boudoir Photoshoot
Once you’ve booked your session, the fun of planning begins! I’ll send you my Beauty Prep Guide, which includes helpful suggestions for getting ready, choosing outfits, and making the most of your experience. You don’t need to go out and purchase an entirely new lingerie wardrobe, although I certainly understand the temptation. Sometimes the most beautiful photographs come from something simple you already own.
I recommend trying on your outfits before your session to make sure everything fits comfortably. Think about bringing a variety of looks, such as a beautiful bodysuit, a matching bra and panty set, a silky robe, or even an oversized sweater. It’s also a good idea to remove tags, check for anything that might need adjusting, and pack accessories you want to incorporate. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, my boudoir wardrobe checklist is a wonderful place to start.
In the days leading up to your session, I encourage you to take good care of yourself without putting unnecessary pressure on your appearance. Stay hydrated, moisturize your skin, and avoid experimenting with unfamiliar beauty treatments right before your photoshoot. Most importantly, please don’t spend the week picking apart everything you think is wrong with your body. You don’t need to change anything about yourself to deserve beautiful photographs.
3. Professional Hair and Makeup
One of the loveliest parts of the Couture Boudoir experience is beginning your session with professional hair and makeup. I want you to feel pampered and taken care of, and having a professional artist create your look is a wonderful way to start the day. Whether you prefer soft, romantic makeup or something a little more dramatic, we’ll discuss the overall style you’re hoping to achieve.
This is also a nice opportunity to settle in and relax before we begin photographing. We can chat about your outfits, look through inspiration photographs, and talk about anything you’re feeling nervous about. Some women arrive incredibly excited, while others need a little time to get comfortable. I never expect you to walk through the door feeling like a professional model.
Professional hair and makeup are included in my boudoir collections because I believe the preparation should feel like part of the experience rather than another thing you have to arrange yourself.
4. Choosing Your Outfits Together
Once you’re ready, we’ll go through the wardrobe you’ve brought and decide which pieces will work best for your photographs. I love this part because sometimes women bring an outfit they’re unsure about, and it ends up being one of my favorites. Other times, a piece that looks beautiful on the hanger doesn’t photograph quite the way we imagined. That’s why I encourage you to bring a few options.
We’ll consider the colors, fabrics, fit, and overall mood of each look. A delicate lace bodysuit might create something soft and romantic, while a dramatic robe can add beautiful movement and a more editorial feeling. Even a simple white shirt can look incredibly sensual with the right lighting and posing.
You won’t need to figure everything out on your own. I’ll help you choose outfits that complement the photographs we’re creating while respecting your comfort level. And if there’s something you don’t feel comfortable wearing, we simply won’t use it. This is your experience, and I want you to feel good about every part of it.
5. Your Boudoir Photoshoot Begins
Now for the part that makes so many women nervous! Once we begin photographing, I’ll guide you through every pose. You don’t need to know where to put your hands, how to position your legs, or which direction to look. That’s my job, and it’s something I genuinely love doing.
I pay attention to all the little details that make a photograph beautiful. Sometimes moving your chin slightly or adjusting the position of your shoulders can completely change the feeling of an image. I might ask you to point your toes, relax your fingers, turn toward the light, or look over your shoulder. If a pose is difficult to understand, I’ll demonstrate it myself, which occasionally leads to some pretty funny moments.
My photography style is elegant, sensual, and editorial, but that doesn’t mean every photograph has to look serious. I love natural expressions, genuine laughter, and the little moments when a woman begins to forget that she was nervous in the first place. We’ll work together to create a variety of photographs that feel beautiful and authentic to you.
6. What If You Feel Nervous or Self-Conscious?
I would be surprised if you didn’t feel at least a few butterflies! Most of the women I photograph aren’t accustomed to posing in lingerie, and many have concerns about particular parts of their bodies. Some worry about their stomach, while others mention their arms, thighs, or the way they look from certain angles. I hear these concerns all the time, and I want you to know that you can talk to me about them.
One of the reasons I guide every pose is that I understand how lighting, angles, and body positioning work together. If there’s something you’re particularly self-conscious about, we can discuss wardrobe and posing choices that help you feel more comfortable. You never have to pretend that you love every inch of your body or that you’re completely fearless.
What I hope you’ll discover is that you can enjoy being photographed even if you have insecurities. You don’t need to arrive with perfect confidence. If you’re feeling especially anxious, I’ve written more about being nervous before your first boudoir photoshoot and what you can do to feel more prepared.
7. Creating Different Looks Throughout Your Session
One of the things I love about boudoir photography is how many different moods we can create during a single session. We might begin with soft, romantic photographs in a beautiful robe and then move into something more dramatic with striking poses and editorial lighting. Some women love playful, flirty photographs, while others prefer something sophisticated and understated.
The number of outfits and the amount of photography time depend on the collection you’ve selected. I offer different options because not everyone wants or needs the same experience. We’ll plan your looks with that in mind so your session feels thoughtful rather than rushed.
I also encourage clients to bring inspiration if they have something particular in mind. Pinterest can be a wonderful resource for exploring different styles, although I never want you to feel that you have to look exactly like the woman in an inspiration photograph. My goal is to use those ideas as a starting point and create something that feels entirely your own.
8. Viewing and Choosing Your Favorite Photographs
After your photoshoot, you’ll have the opportunity to view your images in a private online gallery. This is often the moment women have been looking forward to the most, although I know it can bring a few butterflies of its own. Seeing yourself in professional boudoir photographs can be a very different experience from looking at everyday snapshots or selfies.
Your preview gallery contains low-resolution, unretouched images so you can select your favorites. Once you’ve made your selections, professional retouching is included for the images in your collection. I want your finished photographs to look polished and beautiful while still looking like you.
You’ll have 30 days to view your gallery and choose your favorite images. Some women know exactly which photographs they love right away, while others need time to narrow down their selections. If you’re having trouble deciding, you’re always welcome to ask me for guidance. I know choosing favorites can be difficult when there are so many beautiful options!
9. Creating Your Finished Boudoir Album
There’s something incredibly special about holding a beautifully finished album in your hands. Digital photographs are wonderful, but I love the experience of turning the pages of a book filled with images that were created just for you. A thoughtfully designed album becomes something you can treasure for years rather than photographs that get lost among thousands of files on your phone.
Depending on your collection, your finished products may include a luxury album, digital photographs, or additional keepsakes. I’ll help you understand your options and choose the photographs that work beautifully together. Some clients want an album that tells a story from beginning to end, while others prefer a collection of their absolute favorite portraits.
Whether you’re creating a romantic gift or keeping the photographs entirely for yourself, I believe the finished products should feel just as special as the experience of creating them.
10. Your Boudoir Photographs Are Private
I know privacy is especially important when you’re trusting someone to create intimate photographs of you. That’s why I want to be very clear about how I handle my clients’ images. Your photographs are never shared publicly without your explicit written permission, including images where your face isn’t visible.
I offer privacy agreements for women who would like additional reassurance, and your images are stored privately. You can also ask about your options for having photographs deleted. I never assume that because someone has booked a boudoir session, she wants her images displayed on my website or social media.
You may see beautiful photographs of past clients throughout my website, but those women have given permission for their images to be shared. Many of my clients prefer to keep their photographs completely private, and I respect that decision just as much.
What My Clients Say About the Experience
One of my clients, Caroline, shared these lovely words after her session:
“Working with Critsey on this experience was incredible. From the beginning, she was informative, friendly, organized and professional. Her collection of pointers and tips was so helpful prior to the shoot. I was nervous before showing up, but Critsey is a calming, easy to talk to photographer. Her experience shone through as she helped sort outfits and modeled exactly what to do. I could not have been more impressed with the end result. I have never felt more catered to and beautiful after this empowering shoot.”
I love this testimonial because it describes so much of what I hope every woman experiences. Feeling prepared, being guided throughout the session, and leaving with beautiful photographs are all important to me. Just as importantly, I want you to enjoy the process of creating them.
ALL BOUDOIR SESSIONS INCLUDE
- My Beauty Guide is full of tips and wardrobe suggestions to get you started on making your experience amazing.
- A professional hair and makeup artist to create your look and provide pampering so your shoot is fun and relaxing.
- Wardrobe consultation at your shoot.
- Pose coaching during your shoot to give you a diverse set of images.
- A private password-protected 100+ image gallery for you to view and choose your favorite images.
- 2-3 hours of session time.
- A custom-designed hardcover book and/or digital files.
- Expert photo retouching.
I will be your hype woman and I will guide you through the whole experience!
Packages and Products
All of my packages are inclusive which means no in-person pressured sales meeting. My pricing starts at $2500. You choose your package and you get what you pay for. Yes, you can upgrade and buy extra products but there is no obligation or pressure to buy extra beyond your package. You choose the collection that fits your budget plus you will have plenty of time to choose your favorite images. I do not do IPS (in-person sales) You don’t have to sit in a high-pressure viewing with me or only view your photos just once or twice. I want you to have a relaxed experience and that includes choosing your images.
Ready to Experience Your Own Boudoir Photoshoot?
If you’ve been wondering what a boudoir photoshoot is really like, I hope this has helped you picture the experience a little more clearly. From our first conversation to choosing your finished photographs, my goal is to make the process comfortable, enjoyable, and beautifully personalized.
At Couture Boudoir®, I photograph women who want elegant, editorial portraits that celebrate their individuality. You don’t need modeling experience, a certain body type, or any special reason to book. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, creating a gift, or simply treating yourself to something wonderful, I’d love to hear your story.
You can learn more about my Charlotte boudoir photography experience and explore the different options available. My luxury boudoir collections begin at $2,500, and I’m always happy to answer questions before you decide whether this experience is right for you.
I hope to see you in front of my camera someday!
xo, Critsey