Going beyond the wardrobe
Wardrobe planning is often the first thing on clients’ minds before a photoshoot and can be super fun to plan. I love creating wardrobe-inspiration content, like the 10 fun boudoir outfit examples I shared on the blog last month.
But I think it’s easy to forget that boudoir is about SO much more than what you’re wearing or what your body looks like.
Boudoir is about capturing your radiance, inside and out.
No matter what you're wearing, your photoshoot will capture what makes you you: your energy, your emotion, your values, what you feel proud of, what inspires you, what you love about yourself in this season of life.
So keep scrolling to see a few of my favorite elements to consider when preparing for a boudoir session - that have nothing to do with wardrobe!
Boudoir session planning, beyond the wardrobe
1. What to do with body hair
People assume you shouldn't show body hair in boudoir, but that assumption is harmful and just not true! If you're waffling on whether or not to shave before a session, check out my blog post all about body hair.
2. Choose an intention
Know your why for doing boudoir. Create a list with 2-3 intentions for your session, and share it with me! I personalize each session to ensure your portraits reflect your intentions.
Still searching for your why? That's okay! Check out my resource on the top reasons to do boudoir, including good reasons, the not so good reasons, and everything in between.
3. Pick your type of boudoir session
Outdoor boudoir • Studio boudoir • Flower boudoir • Minimalist boudoir
Do you want your boudoir session to take place outside? Do you want to experience my one-day signature boudoir session at the studio (which I think everyone should experience at least once!)? Do you want to incorporate flowers, fabrics, or focus on just one or two looks with my minimalist session? Picking the session type will help create the scaffolding for your session and shape the story your portraits tell.
4. Prepare your mind and body
From hydrating your skin in the weeks leading up to your session to eating a nourishing meal and practicing self-kindness on the day of your photoshoot, check out my resource on how to prepare holistically for boudoir.
5. Consider your favorite kinds of boudoir photographs
Classic • Lifestyle & Storytelling • Clean & Minimal • Sculptural & Fine Art • Figure Details
The different types of boudoir photographs refer to the artistic photographic approaches I can take when composing and designing images. After all my years of working as a boudoir photographer in Minnesota, there are several distinct aesthetic approaches to boudoir photography that I love to create with clients - check out my blog post all about helping you decide which type (or types!) of boudoir photographs you resonate with most.
6. Set aside these misconceptions
There's no one “right” way to approach boudoir, but there are some misconceptions out there about boudoir that I encourage folks to set aside before their boudoir session (for example, boudoir doesn't have to involve lacy lingerie!). Read my blog post to hear me myth-bust the biggest misconceptions about boudoir.
7. Plan what to do after your session
I love offering clients a full-day boudoir experience, and the little break between your photoshoot and portrait reveal can be a wonderful time to relax, treat yourself to lunch or coffee out, or do something you love just for yourself. If you're looking for recommendations, check out the guide for what to do after your Minneapolis boudoir session on my blog!
8. Consider doing boudoir again
“Is boudoir a once in a lifetime experience, or can you come back?”
The answer is yes, and yes! For some folks, boudoir is a magical one time experience. And for many folks, coming back 2, 3, even 4 times or more is so meaningful. It feels truly special to photograph the same client through different seasons of their life. The creative potential is endless – in fact it seems to grow exponentially over time!
Learn more about the boudoir experience for returning clients on my blog.
