For the Men...
A Prep Guide for anyone Male Identifying and/or They/them
There is a World of information out there if you’re a woman (or female identifying) and you’re wanting a Boudoir Session. From makeup tips, to what to wear, even down to when to shave or wax. Not so much when you’re a guy, though....
I know, I’ve looked long enough
But, guys, your prep can be just as confusing or in depth as womens!
So, I wanted to create a comprehensive guide for the Dudes who want a Boudoir Session
(or Dudeoir, if you’ve ever heard that term before)
SKIN
Men don’t typically request Makeup and Hair for their day, but Styling is actually included with my Full Boudoir sessions. We normally do light touch ups on coloring or slight shaving to straighten if need be. But if you want to get Glammed up, please let us know beforehand, so that we can plan out looks!
So, usually, my male clients don’t have the avantage of a nice layer of makeup to smooth out all their imperfections, razor burn, breakouts, etc etc etc, like the Ladies do. So, one of the biggest tips I have is to work on your Skin!
During the editing process, when skin is dry it’s a nightmare to try and fix. So moisture is a big thing!
1-2 weeks before your session, start applying a nice light weight moisturizer all over, every night (and/or after every shower).
Another key element to help out that moisture level is WATER.
Say it with me, “Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate!”
1-2 weeks before your session, start to DOUBLE your water intake.
If you already don’t drink a lot of water, go for AT LEAST 8 tall glasses a day. If you don’t like water, try flavoring it! I do and drink a gallon of water a day (I won’t tell if you don’t )
HAIR
If you are a fairly furry person, or even ust partially furry, what’s your favorite style preference?
Some love the hair, some hate it. As with everything about this session, it’s all about You and what you prefer! That being said, a little ‘maintenance’ goes along way. Remember you are having a photoshoot, style your grooming the way you want it to be!
If you wax, be sure to wax at least 3 days beforehand. Waxing often leaves some redness, irritation, and bumps. Let’s let those cool down before your session. So, schedule your waxing service for a couple of days prior to your session.
I definitely do not reccomend waxing especially for this if it’s your first experience
If you shave (body hair, not facial hair), try to time it for 24-48 hours prior to your session.
Be sure if you want things neat, to take time to trim, if you neither want to wax or shave!
Any hair cut or styling that you wish to schedule, be sure to schedule for the week before your Boduoir session. That way you have time to get used to it and for it to get a bit more natural for your session (unless you’re wanting to go for a specific look)
I’m asked a lot about ‘Manscaping’ for your Private area. This is a personal preference for you and how you like to wear your hair. But, whatever you do choose to do, make it look ‘intentional’. If you want it to look shaved, take the time to shave carefully and evenly. If you want to Rock the Bush, mabye just trim a bit for evenness. My team and I don’t have any opinions on the style you would like to present, we just want you to feel comfortable and prepared so that you’re comfortable and confident for your Session!
Don’t be afraid to schedule a manicure or pedicure for your hands and feet as well. Take this time to pamper yourself and if it’s a detail you’d notice in your photos, be sure to get those fixed up!
WHAT TO WEAR
Now, that is a Big question with many many different answers.
How do you want to feel? Who and/or what vibe/feeling do you want to portray in your Session?
I have some men who come to the studio and want to shoot in the super glam boudoir sets and subvert societal gender norms with vibrant makeup, fishnets, and glitter. Now, figuring out prep for those sessions are easy, peeps can go through my Regular Tips & Tricks. But, for regular guys it can actually sometimes be even harder to figure out what to wear.
A big thing to look through, for inspiration, is what do the guys in Magazines wear? Think those high end underwear or cologne ads.
An open button down, rolled up to the elbows, open tie draped around the shoulders, with a pair of slacks unbuttoned at the waist…
Low hung jeans and some cowboy boots…
An open shirt over some tight boxer briefs….
to just a sheet or even nothing at all
…………………
Here are some items to think about bringing, when preparing:
suspenders
ribbed cotton tank tops or ‘beater’ tank top)
bow tie
regular tie
nice shoes to start out wearing and/or have in the picture area
cowboy boots and/or hat or any other cowboy details if you’re into that Southern Life
button ups
tight jeans
belts
Sports wear/jerseys, footballs, other sports items if they’re important to you
Uniform *
Any personal items/special quirky items that are unique for you and your personality
_______________
When in doubt, check out my
Male Boudoir Inspiration board
*With any official uniforms (police, fire dept, military, etc) we can always shoot with those WITH THE PROVISION that everything identifiable to you, your department, or specific devision, be hidden or photoshopped out. This is for your job security.
UNDERWEAR
Just like with hair preference, what you wear down there is all up to you and what you’re comfortable in….
But
in my experience, boxer briefs are one of the easiest to shoot, baggy enough to be comfortable but tight enough to show definition and be photogenic. Boxers unfortunately are super baggy, unflattering and usually the equivalent of wearing a paper bag (check out that top shot where I Didn’t prep my client beforehand)
And items like tighty whities and speedos and the like are ok in specific outfit choices. Lets talk about it during your Style Consult, if you want to ask opinions on specifics!
Last but not least, never forget those personal items. I’ve had a guy come in with a literal replica of Thor’s Hammer. So, don’t be nervous to tell me your ideas, I’ve seen it all!
LAST MINUTE DETAILS
Some people’s stress reaction to nudity or exposure during their photo session is to become aroused. This is normal. It is OK to take a break, and it’s also OK to simply carry on with the session. It’s completely up to you and what you’re comfortable with. I and my assistant are completely professional and dont get embarrased easily, don’t worry!
Everyone has different coloration of the skin in the private area. Some darker, some lighter. This is completely normal.
Don’t worry about posing or acting awkward! I will be walking you through every single pose and prompt to capture the best poses for your portraits. A lot of the time I will put you in a pose and then give you an action or scenario. Then I’ll bounce around you, all up and down on a step ladder to capture all the best angles for you.
This can definitely be a vulnerable experience; and that you’re placing an incredible amount of trust in myself and my team. We never share your images, behind the scenes captures, anything, unless You give us permission. We do love if you share your images yourself, but you’re never under any obligation to! And if you do want to sign a model release, you get to specify what Type of Model Release (Custom or Full)
ALL SUMMED UP
Schedule any hair appts 1 week before session
Start drinking Double your water intake 1-2 weeks before your session
Start moisturizing daily 1-2 weeks before your session
Wax 3 days before your session
or Shave 1-2 days before your session
Have any clothing or accessories prepared by the day before your session
Day Of: No tight clothing (including socks and shoes) as they can leave indents. Bagy attire and flip fops are ideal
Make sure your hair is trimmed, neat, and styled the way you would like for your shoot. We will have some items to help style, day of, as well if need be.
I can’t wait to see you for your Session!
And if you haven’t booked your session yet and want to: