Tips & Tricks (Pre 2021)
TIPS & TRICKS
For your Boudoir Experience
Now, We all know that baring yourself, physically, emotionally...It can be a bit scary. You're nervous, but excited. Like jumping out of an airplane or leaning in to that first kiss.
So we at Wanderlust Boudoir want to ease some of that fear. Because in truth, a Boudoir Session is really like a luxurious girls day; full of wine, laughter, lingerie, and you get amazing and intimate Fine art Portraits afterwards.
It's even a workout! I always have to warn my girls that it's going to feel awkward, you'll feel a strain, and you're gonna feel sore the next day in places you didn't think to get sore!
But it's so worth it! To see yourself in a totally new light. I take you, your fantasies, your hopes and wishes, and I show you the best version of yourself. Using posing and lighting, I emphasize all the curves and features that you love. While at the same time, minimizing those that you don't. So that you finally see that you that's been dying to come out. The you that your husband insists he sees, but that you don't believe. To finally see the you that doesn't reside in a reflection to be nitpicked.
You and your #beautyredefined
So, here are a few Tips & Tricks to get you through your first Boudoir Experience. I'll also include a sample timeline for you to look through at the end....
1. Be Excited!
If you‘re taking boudoir photographs, you need to be excited. Maybe you‘re crossing an item off your bucket list, celebrating a milestone, or surprising a loved one. Whatever your reasons, you shouldn‘t be taking boudoir photos if someone else is making you do this. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the idea.
2. Your Wardrobe
Wear loose fitting clothing the DAY OF so that you don’t have markings when you strip down. Bring clothing that makes you FEEL sexy, not what you THINK is sexy. Don’t purposely go out and buy lingerie that doesn’t make you feel comfortable or is too over the top for you. It will read in your photos, on your face, and in your body language.The sexiest clothing items to bring can be fall-off-the-shoulder tops, soft sweaters, a man’s button down shirt/tie, lacy underthings, sheer slips/teddies, anything vintage, stockings/thigh highs/soft over-the-knee socks, sexy heels and subtle jewelry and hair pieces/flowers. Layering items is always a good thing to keep in mind. Bring as many clothing options as you need and we’ll narrow it down into 3-5 outfits
**PRO - TIP: Bring 1 nude and 1 black pair of undies to put under Client Closet items. As well as your own Foundation and Powder, just in case.
3. My Client Closet
I also have a ‘Client Wardrobe’ stocked with Corsets, Kimonos, Fabric, Wraps, Jewelry, and other props to choose from as well. So, if you don’t have a whole lot, don’t worry! Don’t feel like you have to buy out an entire store. When I say you have 3-5 ‘looks’, a look can be just a long string of PEARLS.
4. Check all your Clothes and Accessories beforehand.
If you’re bringing shoes, take the stickers off the soles and make sure they’re not too scuffed. Make sure your nails are in pristine condition — you really don’t want half-painted nails in your photos. Cut the tags off the backs of your clothes if they’re going to show through. And the night before your shoot, make sure you’re organized with everything you need in one place. I know you’re like me and would hate to get to a place having forgotten something important!
5. Don't get caught up in the inspiration
By all means, check out pinterest, instagram, and any other websites for inspiration pictures, but don‘t get caught up on them. Have an idea of the feel you want for your session and a few poses you would like to try. But, try to let your session be organic, so that the inspiration is you, not someone else!
We'll actually use pinterest during your style consult to perfectly describe the feel of your session and to narrow down some selections for hair, makeup, and lingerie.
6. Bring something meaningful to you and/or your significant other!
Believe me, it doesn't have to be all lingerie and stilettos. This serves as a great way to personalize your shoot. It may be lingerie your husband gave you on your first anniversary, or a vintage charm bracelet you found on a scouting expedition while on vacation. One client brought her husbands’ ties to wear…and nothing else.
I've had nerdy couples bring video game gear, fun t-shirts and props. I even had one girl bring in hot Jalapenos because of an inside joke between her and her spouse!
7. Remember - This is For You
Boudoir is a very raw, intimate, empowering experience. Women are coming to my Studio to feel beautiful, because somewhere down the line they have felt otherwise. If ever someone has told you that you are not good enough, not skinny enough, or not pretty enough, you WILL prove them wrong! I see women leave my studio feeling beautiful, feeling confident and loving themselves. Even if you first book me, wanting to get something for your second half or wave it off saying that you don’t have a significant other to do this for; Boudoir is a very beautiful experience for YOU and you should do it for YOU!
Timeline
5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
~ If you wax, do so a few days before your shoot to avoid any bumpiness or redness.
~Make sure your eyebrows are nicely shaped and groomed.
~If you’re planning to visit the salon for a haircut or color, then give yourself a few days to make sure you are happy with it.
~Be sure to get a salon manicure and pedicure for a flawless finish.
~Stay out of the sun – while a base tan will be nice in photos, red, blotchy skin will not.
~PLEASE – DO NOT SPRAY TAN.
~Drink plenty of water for luminous skin.
~LOWER your salt intake and AVOID alcohol if you’re worried about retaining water.
~Try on your outfits and lingerie to make sure they fit properly; remove all tags and labels.
~Steam or iron your ensembles and hang them properly so they keep their shape as you travel to the studio.
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SHOOT
~ Bathe, shave and moisturize.
~Double-check everything is properly packed and ready for the shoot: heels, jewelry, accessories, props.
~Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the studio without stressing.
~Check weather and traffic reports to ensure you have allotted enough time for unexpected delays.
~Enjoy a relaxed, quiet evening. Plan for a good night’s sleep – eight hours is ideal.
THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT
~Use clear deodorant PLEASE.
~Wear loose-fitting clothing to your session to avoid red marks on your skin (no jeans, tight socks or tight clothing, for instance).
~Eat something light but filling before you leave the house.
~Arrive with a clean and moisturized face and CLEAN, DRY HAIR (important!).
-Bring your own Foundation and Powder, just in case. But if you don't have any, don't worry.
~Most important: Take a deep breath and RELAX. It’s completely normal to be a wee bit nervous before your shoot, but please don’t worry because you will be in very good hands. We will show you exactly how to pose and work with you to get the perfect shot