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Preparing for your Boudoir Session

Black lace boudior outfit

Preparing for your boudoir session is part of the fun of the whole experience. Feeling prepared helps with any nerves you might be feeling about your session. Below are some suggestions for getting ready, including outfits, hair/makeup, accessories and getting that super smooth skin.

Outfits to Bring

You can bring as many outfits as you like. We will pick and choose the best ones. The choice is up to you as far as what you feel is the most flattering for you body. Bra and panty sets, nighties, bodysuits, corsets, bustiers, and garter belts are all perfect choices. A robe, either for the photos or just to slip on as you change, is a great idea to bring. Some other ideas are a oversized sweater that you can pull off the shoulder, a sheer blouse, some jean shorts, one of your sweeties shirts (and tie/hat too), and his/your favorite team jersey. A variety of colors and styles will create a diverse number of looks for your boudoir portraits.

Shopping for Outfits

Shopping for new outfits can be almost as much fun as the shoot itself! Victoria’s Secret is of course one of the best places for beautiful lingerie, but there are plenty of other great places too. Macy’s, Nordstroms and other department stores often have very pretty items, and so does Kohls. You can find some great deals at TJ Maxx and Ross too! For online shopping, Fredricks of Hollywood is one of my absolutely favorites (http://www.fredericks.com/). Agent Provocateur is another place to get unique and super sexy outfits (http://www.agentprovocateur.com).

 

Over the past couple of years, Amazon has had increasingly awesome outfits for a very reasonable price! Some great search terms to use are "lacy lingerie", "boudoir lingerie", "boudoir outfits", "pinup lingerie", and "sexy robe". You can add "for photography" after any of those search terms too.

 

For other online shopping, check out some of these sites:

 

Fredricks of Hollywood

 

Agent Provocateur (a little more spendy but very unique.

 

Etsy has some amazing handmade lingerie, some with prices
more reasonable than you would expect! Check out some of my favorites:

 

Adore Me

 

Yandy

 

There is some good local shopping available also. For the daring, Spartacus on SW 12th in downtown Portland has some fun, racy outfits as well as fabulous shoes. Oh Baby Lingerie on NW 23rd has luxury lingerie. Lovers near Clackamas Town Center has some fun selections too.

 

When shopping for stockings, the "stay up" kind that have the sticky silicone bands around the top to hold them up can dig into your leg sometimes. If you bring a garter belt, considering shopping for stockings that dont have this band. Seaching for "garter belt stockings" should bring some up, as well as some cute stockings that have built in garter belts. Don't worry if you don't know how to attach the garters, it do!

Jewelry

Pieces of jewelry that your sweetie gave you is great choice, as well as your wedding jewelry. Bold custom jewelry is always fun for some shots. Unusual items such as belly chains, toe rings, ankle bracelets and long strings of pearls are also good choices. I also have a jewelry wardrobe for you to use that includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings as well as some other accessories like a black masquerade mask and long black gloves. Forever 21, Claires and those types of mall stores often have cheap items that are fun and perfect for a photo shoot. Stores like Freddies and Target also have inexpensive items that can work great. Amazon too has a whole lot of costume jewelry at reasonable prices as well.

Shoes

Bring a selection of your favorite heels or just plan on going barefoot! Sexy boots are always a great choice too, whether fashion or cowboy. Both Pleaser and Ellie have a huge range of super sexy shoes and can be found on Amazon. Jessica Simpson also has some super cute shoes. I also have a shoe wardrobe that you can choose from! I have sizes 5-11 with a black stiletto in every sizes plus other options too.

Mani's & Pedi's

Make sure to have your nails done (either yourself or at a salon) as they will show in the photos. Stick to either natural (i.e. clear polish or french manicure) or warm, classic colors such as pink, red, peach, coral, etc. Blue, purple, green, black etc do not photograph as well as they can stand out as being a cooler tone in photos. Moisturize those heels and toes too before your shoot for a smooth look.

Makeup & Hair

Using a mask the night before or morning of is a great idea, but only use something that you have tried before and know that it wont leave you with any redness or blotchiness.

 

If you are having your hair and makeup done by my makeup artist, arrive with a clean face and hair. She will take care of the rest!

 

Do not get a new cut or color the day before your session. A week before is usually a safe choice if you are making a change.

 

If you are doing your own makeup, here are some tips for looking your best in front of the camera:

  1. Don’t use glitter on your face or eyes. The light will catch it and it shows up as little white dots all over. Go with a matte finish, using a finishing powder is a great idea.
  2. Be careful with the new strobing or highlighting powders or liquids. They too can reflect the light and can create a streaky, greasy look.
  3. Fake lashes always look amazing! Practice before hand if you’ve never do it before, or have them professionally applied.
  4. Do a makeup practice session before the day of your shoot to get the colors you want chosen.
  5. Go heavier on the eyes that you normally would. Eyeliner and mascara are our friends in photography as the camera does tend to wash makeup out somewhat.

 

lace panties

Hair Removal & Skin

Don’t wax right before your session, especially if you have never done it before. Do a test run to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the waxing. If you normally wax, you can schedule as many days ahead that you know your skin will be back to normal afterwards.

 

Don’t use depilatory creams right before if you have never used them before. They can make skin very red and can burn sensitive skin.

 

Don’t worry if you get a bit of razor burn accidentally. That can be retouched later.

 

Using a body scrub before shaving can help you get a super close shave and will leave your legs feeling silky smooth.

 

Your booty will probably have some close ups, so double check to make sure it is photo ready!

Bruises, Scars, Birthmarks, & Breakouts

Don’t worry if you get bruised, have a breakout, or get a cut before your session as all are easily retouched. I will usually retouch or lessen stretch marks as well unless you ask me not to. If you have scars or birthmarks, I will only lightened or remove them if you request it.

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