Outdoor boudoir packing list
What should I bring to my outdoor boudoir session?! This is a super common question I hear from clients before their outdoor session. It’s also a great question because outdoor boudoir can look and feel quite different from my studio sessions. Outdoor boudoir sessions are weather and location dependent, so they tend to be less predictable and a little more in flux than studio sessions, but that spontaneity also adds to the magic of having a photoshoot in the gorgeous great outdoors!
While my studio sessions have a number of amenities readily available (including my kitchenette, well-stocked toiletry cabinet, and studio layering wardrobe), the amenities accessible for your outdoor session can really vary based on the location, so it’s more important to plan ahead for these sessions. Based on the many outdoor boudoir sessions I’ve photographed and feedback from clients, I’ve made a packing list with the top 10 most essential items to bring for your outdoor boudoir adventure!
Outdoor Boudoir Packing List:
Your outfit options
Just like any boudoir session–outside or in my studio–we’ll start the session by talking through your outfit options. All of my sessions have time for 3-5 looks or outfits, though I find many of my outdoor boudoir clients end up wearing 2-3 outfits. Having fewer outfits can create a slower pace for the session and allow for unrushed travel time between photoshoot spots, and I find that outdoor boudoir often fits well with a calmer pace for the session. Many folks end up bringing more outfits than they will wear during their session, and I’m always happy to help you make your final decisions before we begin.
Accessory/layering pieces
In addition to your outfits, bring along any layering pieces (think comfy cardigan, silky robe, off-the-shoulder t-shirt, etc.) or accessories (a favorite necklace, sunhat, or cozy blanket) that you're hoping to include in your portraits. While I tend to encourage folks to limit the number of accessories they bring so that the portraits don’t feel too cluttered, if there are one or two elements that you'd like to bring along, be sure to pack those up as well!
Something to change in/under
While some outdoor boudoir locations may have access to a cabin or a restroom for changing, many are fully immersed in nature, so I recommend thinking about how/where you want to change between your different outfits. In order to have more privacy, I’ve had some clients bring an oversized dress or robe to change beneath. Other folks have brought along a large blanket or sheet, which I’m happy to hold up to give you extra privacy as you change. For folks who aren’t comfortable changing outside, I'll work with them them to select a photoshoot location that has access to a restroom/changing room.
Something to wear between photoshoot spots
Depending on your outdoor boudoir location, there can be a fair amount of walking involved as we move to various photoshoot spots for different looks. Many folks choose to be barefoot for their photographs, but I highly recommend bringing comfortable shoes to wear in-between looks! Depending on the temperature or how public of a location we’re in, I also recommend bringing a robe or some comfy clothing to slip on as we travel from spot to spot.
Hair/makeup items
Be sure to bring along any personal care items you may want during the photoshoot, including a hairbrush, lipstick, makeup, a small mirror, etc.
Bug spray
Because we live in Minnesota and because many of my outdoor boudoir sessions are in more remote, nature-filled spots, depending on the time of year of your photoshoot, it may get a bit (or a lot!) buggy.
Sunscreen
During your outdoor session, we may be in sun-exposed spots for several hours, so be sure to wear and/or bring sunscreen.
Snacks & Water
Since outdoor sessions involve being outside and moving for a few hours, I highly recommend bringing along a water bottle and some snacks to munch on between outfits. It takes energy to be photographed, so it’s important to stay fueled and hydrated!
Tote/Duffel bag:
While for my studio sessions, I encourage clients to bring clothing pieces hanging in a wardrobe bag, for outdoor sessions I encourage folks to bring one large tote bag, duffel, or backpack to hold all of your items. The simpler your packing is, the easier it will be to walk to different portrait spots. If you can avoid bringing along multiple bags and hangers, I promise it will pay off with extra comfort and ease!
A sense of adventure, flexibility, and inspiration
A big part of the magic of outdoor boudoir comes from it being more spontaneous and less predictable than a studio session. For outdoor sessions, we may have to adapt our plan depending on the weather or linger at a spot to wait for people to leave or for the sky to reach its sunset glow. This flexibility also means that we will find magic: we may notice new, lovely spots as we’re walking to use as a photoshoot location, and there's something so incredible about the fluidity to the day. As a nature-lover myself, I think outdoor landscapes are so full of inspiration, so I encourage you to bring an eye for unexpected beauty and a fun sense of adventure on your outdoor boudoir day!