Preparation Guide
Table of Contents
Setting Aside The Time
Honestly, I’ve found that giving yourself real breathing room on both sides of the session changes everything about how it feels. I always tell my clients to block off some time beforehand so you can get ready without that rushed, frantic energy, and then a little cushion afterward to just let it land and unwind. Otherwise, the excitement can leave you feeling scattered or like you’re already behind on the rest of your day. It’s about letting the whole thing move at a pace that actually serves you instead of adding more pressure.
Before you even head my way, it helps a ton to get the everyday stuff handled first. Work, deadlines, those tasks that like to creep back into your head at the worst moments. Take care of what you can ahead of time. The less you have hanging over you, the easier it is to actually drop in and be present once you’re here.
And if you’ve got a household running with little ones or pets, a bit of planning goes a long way. Line up someone solid to keep their routines moving the way they normally do. For the kids, someone who can step in and make their day feel steady & cared for. Same with the four-legged family. Find someone who actually enjoys dogs or cats and will spoil them properly while you’re focused on yourself. That way you’re not worrying from a distance about whether everyone’s okay.
When all of that is sorted, you get to walk in without those invisible strings still pulling at your mind. No quiet background hum reminding you about the emails or the laundry or whatever’s waiting back home. You can actually be here. In your body. Relaxed & open & ready to feel sexy without all the usual mental noise getting in the way.
This time is for you. A chance to turn the focus inward, to celebrate how you look and how you feel in your skin, and to explore what it’s like to be seen and appreciated in that way. When you give yourself the space to prepare properly on both ends, you actually get to enjoy it. The nerves turning into excitement. The way your body responds when it’s not distracted. That’s what I want for every client who comes through here.
Preparing Your Body
People sometimes assume getting ready for a boudoir session means trying to whip yourself into some kind of fitness model. That’s not what this is about at all. We’re not here to change your body into something it isn’t.
Building a bit of stamina & flexibility helps when we’re working through different poses together. Being able to move with the camera takes a mix of strength and ease in your body. A gentle, consistent exercise routine gives you that.
One of the nice side effects of getting your body moving enough to break a sweat is how it shows up in your skin. Things clear out, and you tend to get that healthy, natural glow that comes from actively taking care of yourself. It’s one of those visible reminders that your body likes the attention.
I usually recommend starting simple with walking & stretching. Walking gets your blood flowing while clearing your head at the same time. Stretching adds flexibility, so your muscles are ready to settle into poses without becoming tight or stubborn.
If you have the time, and it feels good to you, adding in some yoga or Pilates can build on that. Yoga brings that mind-body connection that often shows up as more presence and depth in front of the camera. Pilates helps with core strength & control, so poses feel more supported and graceful. But there’s no pressure to add anything extra if walking & stretching are already working for you.
Skin
I try to keep skin retouching pretty minimal and true. I only clean up temporary things like random blemishes or spots that pop up. That’s why it helps when your skin is already in a good natural state before we shoot. It lets you feel more at ease with how your skin actually shows up in the photos.
Drinking plenty of water is one of those simple things that makes a real difference. It keeps your skin hydrated from the inside, which shows up as that healthy glow. I always encourage clients to make sure they’re getting enough in the days leading up to the session.
Processed foods tend to stir up inflammation, which can show as dullness, puffiness, or breakouts. Cutting back on those and leaning more toward whole foods, vegetables, and fruits (the ones your body actually handles well) helps a lot. They’re full of antioxidants that support your skin and help it deal with everyday stress & toxins.
Also, beauty sleep is not a fabricated belief. Giving your body real rest the nights before lets it do the repairing & refreshing it needs. You tend to look & feel fresher when you’ve actually let yourself recover.
If you’re hoping for a bit of a sun-kissed look, I recommend keeping any tanning light and giving it at least a week before the session. That way you avoid tan lines, sunburn, or irritated skin showing up in the photos. Natural sun or professional tanning is usually better than self-tanners or sprays, which can sometimes pull orange or stain things.
And if you want that warmer tone without the tanning part, I can usually create it with lighting and editing. A lot of clients prefer that route because it doesn’t put any stress on your skin at all.
If your skin tends to run dry, regular moisturizing helps keep it comfortable. Exfoliating can bring out fresher skin underneath, but try to do it a few days before we shoot, so there’s no redness or sensitivity left.
Face
A facial before the session can really help you feel good going in. Regardless of whether you book something at a spa or keep it simple with an at-home version, it gives your skin that fresh, healthy glow and lets you unwind a bit beforehand. If we’re doing a boudoir getaway, spa time is usually included, but you can always do something easy at home if that feels better for you.
Eyebrows are worth paying attention to since they shape your expressions. Just make sure you give yourself a few days after grooming so any redness has time to settle before the shoot.
Tired eyes have a way of showing up even when you’re doing your best. Eye creams can help, and a simple mix of coffee grounds with a little water works well as a quick morning treatment to bring down puffiness and make you look more awake & refreshed.
Makeup is another piece to think about. Unless we’re going for that raw, no-makeup look, having a professional do your makeup can take a lot of pressure off. Especially if you’re not super into doing it yourself or want something that brings out your features in a way that feels natural and confident on camera.
Hair
For your scalp hair, a good cut that frames your face, a color that suits your skin, or a deep conditioning treatment can make it look healthier and more vibrant are all options to improve it. I usually recommend having it styled the morning of so it catches the light nicely and looks its best while we’re shooting.
When it comes to body hair, everyone has their own comfort level and that’s completely fine. A lot of clients choose to do a full-body wax because it gives smooth skin and lets the light moves over your body. If you go that route, try to schedule it a few days before so any redness or irritation has time to settle.
Some women prefer to keep their natural body hair, and that’s a valid choice too. Choose whatever makes you feel good in your own skin. If you’re keeping some hair, especially down there, a gentle trim can help it look neat with whatever lingerie or outfits you’re planning. That way nothing peeks out awkwardly unless that’s something you specifically want.
Nails
I also recommend getting a manicure & pedicure before the session. Your hands and feet show up in quite a few of the photos, so having them look neat and cared for helps you feel more confident and comfortable while we’re shooting.
The nail color you choose is also important. White tends to look clean & soft, black can add a little edge or moodiness, red is bold and seductive, and natural tones keep things subtle. Even just a clear polish keeps your nails from looking dull and helps them catch the light. Shellac is a good option if regular polish isn’t working well for you or if you want something that lasts longer without as much damage. It gives a nice glossy finish and tends to be gentler on your nails while still looking polished.
If your nails are dry or brittle, it can help to look at what you’re eating. Nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, & vitamin A from meat, seafood, & poultry often make a noticeable difference in how strong and healthy your nails are.
Hands and feet end up in a lot of the shots, so make sure they look good!
Preparing Your Mind
Getting your mind ready is just as important as the physical prep. I always encourage clients to take a little time beforehand to settle into the idea of the session and what it’s really for. Which is meeting yourself where you are right now and giving yourself permission to enjoy this time. You don’t need to be in some perfect place or have everything figured out. You just have to be willing to show up for yourself and let the experience be what it is.
When your mind feels a bit calmer, it’s so much easier to relax in front of the camera. You can actually be present in your body instead of getting caught up in your thoughts. That’s when the confidence and that sense of empowerment really get to come through.
The photos are part of it, sure. But what I really care about is how you feel during and after the session. That’s the part that tends to stay with people the most.
Visualization & Positive Affirmations
Taking time to picture how you want the session to feel can make a real difference. Imagine walking into the studio feeling calm & open. The lights on your skin, music you vibe with playing in the background, and any nerves just fading as you settle in. Picture yourself moving naturally, without overthinking every pose or worrying about how you look from every angle.
It also helps to visualize how you want to see yourself through the camera. Not some perfect version of you, but the version that feels confident and at ease in her body. That mental picture can make it easier to actually step into that feeling when you’re here with me.
Pairing that with a few simple affirmations can quiet the self-doubt that tends to creep in. Things like “I am radiant,” “I embrace my sensuality,” or “I am worthy.” Say them to yourself while you’re getting ready or looking in the mirror. They don’t have to feel completely true right away. It’s more about giving your mind a kinder, more supportive message than the usual critical one.
The whole point is to help you feel a little more comfortable & present during the session. When your mind isn’t fighting you the whole time, it’s a lot easier to relax, enjoy being seen, and actually have a good experience.
Practice Mindfulness & Gratitude
You know how nerves like to show up right before something different, even when you’re excited? A little stillness and mindfulness can really help with that. Even just a few minutes slowing down and focusing on your breath can calm the jitters and get you feeling more grounded & present by the time you arrive.
Once you’re in that space it gets so much easier to stay in your body instead of getting stuck in your head the whole time. That shift shows up in how comfortable you feel in front of the camera and how natural you move. You end up looking more like you, the true you.
Gratitude helps too. Taking a moment to appreciate your body for carrying you through everything, or acknowledging how far you’ve come just to get here, it can shift how you see yourself. Not about pretending the hard parts didn’t happen. Just about recognizing the strength it took to show up and giving yourself a little credit for it.
Your mind & spirit deserve that same kindness. Being thankful for the way you think, the things you’ve learned, and the part of you that keeps going even when it’s tough, that makes it easier to be gentle with yourself during the session.
I always encourage clients to try mindfulness exercises before. Could be a short meditation, just sitting with your breath for a few minutes, writing down a couple things you’re grateful for, or taking a quiet walk. Whatever helps you feel a little more at home in your own skin. That kind of mental prep matters just as much as choosing what to wear or doing your makeup. It lets you walk in feeling more like you.
Preparing Your Outfits
Choosing outfits for your session starts with the mood you’re going for. A hint of seduction, a sweet playful innocence, or raw erotic empowerment, whatever feels true for how you want to show up. The pieces you pick should match that energy so it feels natural the moment you put them on.
Your fit makes such a difference in how comfortable you feel in front of the lens. If the clothing is too loose, your shape gets lost. Too tight and comfort disappears. The balance is where everything feels like it was made for your body. There are plenty of options online. Though with online shopping, it’s common to land a little off on one side or the other, but don’t worry, we can always work with whatever you bring.
Boudoir isn’t only about lingerie either, not even close. Depending on the story you want to tell, you can go with pieces that feel warm & comforting with a playful spark. An oversized sweater that slips just enough to tease, knee-high socks for that bubbly energy, a soft dress that adds lightness and movement, each one can play its part in helping you feel at home in what you’re wearing.
And the accessories are what pull it all together and make it personal. Jewelry can be those little details that say something without you having to. A necklace that brings elegance, bold earrings that let your personality shine through, a simple bracelet that feels graceful, or a choker if you’re leaning into something a bit more seductive & edgy. They help everything feel complete so you can walk in feeling like the version of you that wants to be seen that way.
Depending on the type of boudoir session and your preferences, here are things you can bring:
Lingerie: Bras & Panties, Teddies, Babydolls, Etc.
Lingerie Add-ons: Stockings, Garters, Robes, Etc.
Non-Lingerie: Oversized Shirts, Sweaters, Dresses, Etc.
Slippers / Flip-flops
Stilettos / Heels
Jewelry: Necklaces, Rings, Bracelets, Etc.
Props & Toys
Other items you can bring, but I can also provide:
Body Oil
Body Wipes
Body Tape
Hint: Check out my Amazon Boudoir Storefront for my recommended items and brands.
Hint: There is a session add-on that includes take – home lingerie that we can try on and decide on during the session.
Remember This
I’m not standing above you in any of this. I’m right here beside you. Your partner through the whole thing, someone you can trust, and a collaborator in shaping the session to feels like yours. We’re creating it together, which means your thoughts, your worries, and what you’re hoping for all help guide us. The more we talk about things upfront, the more comfortable & confident you’ll feel once we start shooting.
It’s so normal to feel that swirl of nerves mixed with excitement when you’re about to step into something that takes you out of your usual routine. I get it. It’s a big thing, and your body and mind are reacting to that. That’s part of why I always come back to carving out time for yourself before the session.
At least a full day if you can, where you let everything else fall away for a bit. Put on music that lifts you, meditate if that’s what helps you relax, or just sit & breathe. Breath work is one of the easiest ways to quiet the noise and get back into your body. You’re putting time, money, & a piece of yourself into this, so it’s worth giving it space to flourish. Just don’t let the buildup of anticipation turn into stress that steals from the experience. It’s going to unfold the way it’s meant to.