You booked it. Your date is on the calendar, your heart did a little flip, and now your brain is going “okay but what do I actually DO before this?”
Good news. Preparing for a boudoir photoshoot is way less intense than the internet makes it sound. You do not need a juice cleanse, a new body, or a personal trainer. You need a little planning, some water, a good night of sleep, and a photographer who has your back on the day.
I have been a photographer for 17 years and my studio photographs over 200 women a year, so I have seen every prep move that works and every one that backfires. Here is the exact timeline I would give my best friend.
TL;DR:
- 4 to 6 weeks out: book any hair color or cut, and start drinking more water.
- 2 weeks out: pick your outfits (or plan to use our client closet), and book your wax.
- 1 week out: nails, brows, and no new skincare experiments.
- The night before: sleep, loose clothes, no tight socks or bra straps.
- Day of: show up with clean hair and a bare face. Our pro glam team does the rest.
4 to 6 Weeks Before: The Big Stuff
This is when you handle anything that needs time to settle.
- Hair color and cuts. Book your color about 1 to 2 weeks before your shoot so it looks fresh but not “I just left the salon an hour ago.” If you are thinking about a dramatic change, do it now so you have time to fall in love with it (or fix it).
- Start hydrating. I know, I sound like your mom. But skin that has had water for a few weeks glows under studio lights in a way no highlighter can fake.
- Move your body in a way that feels good. Not to change it. Just because you will walk in feeling more like yourself. A walk, a dance class, a stretch. That is it.
Please hear me on this: you do not need to lose a single pound for your session. The women who love their galleries the most are the ones who came as they are.
2 to 3 Weeks Before: Outfits and Waxing
- Plan your looks. Think about the vibe you want. Soft and romantic? Moody and bold? Playful? Pick two or three looks that feel like different sides of you. My what to wear guide breaks down what actually photographs well.
- Or skip the shopping completely. Our client closet has over 400 pieces in sizes XXS to 6X. Robes, bodysuits, lace sets, the good stuff. Lots of my clients bring one or two sentimental pieces and let us style the rest. Wondering about robes? Here is my take on satin vs silk.
- Try everything on. If you are bringing your own pieces, make sure they fit comfortably. Too tight equals lines and pinching. Comfortable equals confident.
- Book your wax. If waxing is your thing, schedule it about 3 to 5 days before your shoot so any redness has time to calm down. Never wax for the first time right before a session. Your skin needs to know you first.
1 Week Before: The Details
- Nails. A clean manicure goes a long way because your hands are in a lot of shots. Neutrals, nudes, reds, and classic French all photograph beautifully. Chipped polish is the only real no.
- Brows and lashes. Get your brows done about 3 to 5 days before. If you want lash extensions, get them a few days out so they are settled. Our glam team can also add strip lashes on the day.
- Spray tan (optional). If you love a tan, get it 2 to 3 days before so it has time to even out, and ask for a natural shade. Skip anything too dark or orange. Studio light is honest.
- No new skincare. This is not the week to try that viral peel your coworker swears by. Stick with what your skin already loves.
- Save some inspo. Screenshot a few poses or vibes you love. It helps us understand what makes you light up.
The Night Before: Treat Yourself Like the Main Character
- Sleep. Actual sleep. Put the phone down. Your eyes will thank you.
- Wear loose, comfy clothes. Tight socks, leggings, and bra straps leave marks on your skin that take hours to fade. Show up in something soft and loose, think sweats and a zip up.
- Go easy on the salt and the wine. Both can make you puffy. A mimosa on set is a whole different story, we love a celebration.
- Wash your hair unless your stylist has told you otherwise. Clean, dry hair gives our glam team the best canvas.
- Pack your bag so the morning is calm, not chaos.
What to Bring on Shoot Day
- Your outfits and any sentimental pieces (a jersey, his shirt, your wedding veil, anything that means something to you)
- Heels if you love them (we have options too)
- Any jewelry you want to wear
- Water and a snack
- Your favorite playlist, if you want to hype yourself up
- Loose, comfy clothes to arrive in
What you do NOT need to bring: your own makeup artist, a suitcase of new lingerie, or any posing knowledge.
The Day Of: Show Up and Let Us Take It From Here
This is my favorite part. You get to walk in and hand over the wheel.
- Arrive with a bare, moisturized face and clean hair. Professional hair and makeup is included in every full experience at my studio, so you do not need to do a thing. Our glam team, Ty and Mariam, know exactly how to make your skin look incredible under studio light.
- Eat a real breakfast. A session day is a few hours of fun, and hangry is not a vibe.
- Leave the nerves at the door (or bring them, we can handle it). Almost every woman who walks into my studio is nervous. By the second set, they are laughing and asking for one more look. If that is you, read I want to do a boudoir session, but….
- You never have to know how to pose. I direct every angle, down to your chin and your fingertips. Curvy and want ideas? These plus size boudoir poses are ones we use all the time.
Want to see what the whole day feels like? Here is a peek at what it is really like behind the scenes.
Things I Would Skip Before a Boudoir Shoot
- Crash diets or skipping meals
- A first time wax, peel, or facial the week of
- A super dark spray tan
- Tight clothes on the way to the studio
- A dramatic hair change the day before
- Comparing yourself to anyone else’s gallery
Ready to Put a Date on the Calendar?
If you have not booked yet, this is your sign. Browse our Collections, check out our payment plans, and book a free phone consult. We will walk you through everything, including the full prep guide our booked clients get.
Still shopping around? Here is how to choose a boudoir photographer in Chicago and what a boudoir photoshoot costs in Chicago.
FAQ
How far in advance should I prepare for a boudoir photoshoot?
Start about 4 to 6 weeks out with hair color, cuts, and hydration. Waxing, nails, brows, and any tan happen in the last week.
Should I lose weight before a boudoir shoot?
No. Come as you are. Posing, lighting, and a great glam team are what make the photos, not a number on a scale.
When should I get waxed before a boudoir session?
About 3 to 5 days before, so any redness has time to settle. Never try waxing for the first time right before your shoot.
Should I do my own makeup for boudoir?
Not at Bri Valiente Boudoir. Professional hair and makeup is included in every full experience, so arrive with a clean, moisturized face and clean hair.
What should I wear to the boudoir studio?
Loose, soft clothes like sweats and a zip up so you do not get marks from tight waistbands, socks, or bra straps.
Do I need to buy lingerie for my boudoir photoshoot?
No. Our client closet has over 400 pieces in sizes XXS to 6X. Bring any sentimental pieces you love and we will style the rest.
