I am so glad you asked!

Boudoir: Empowerment Session

Boudoir is a bad ass way to take some "me time" away from work, the kids, wedding planning or your seemingly never ending list of things to do. 

It's difficult in the "everyday real world" getting through the day and still internally feeling beautiful. I personally love these sessions because they mean more than just capturing gorgeous images to give to your husband, fiancé, boyfriend/girlfriend, or whoever you want - they are about giving back YOU to yourself.

Bringing back the intensity and fire that has been lying dormant in your spirit for far too long.

The most important information of all...

Before I get started on anything I want to emphasize that the more genuine to your personality and personal style you are the more successful of a boudoir session you will have. You will feel comfortable and much more relaxed than you would if you went into the day feeling like you were playing dress up.

These things really do show in the images we create, so be you!

Because we've all got nerves going into this...

I was once YOU too...

I personally had one done for my husband, and I was so incredibly uncomfortable at first. It was for Valentine's Day. I had seen a discounted session being offered and it had been something he personally asked for repeatedly. I never felt comfortable enough in my own skin to do it or commit. So I booked the session without him knowing and made up an elaborate story as to where I was going and what I was doing. I was easily 217 lbs at the time. I was in a personal depth of depression and just a slump. I over thought the entire thing for the next 2 months all the way up to the actual session date. I thought to myself... these are going to be a complete bust... this isn't going to be good... what if she doesn't know how to capture my body type.... but it turns out, I felt so good after them. I didn't feel like I looked like a hot mess mom of 2, a self doubting queen of insecurities... I felt gorgeous... and it felt good!!

The vibration leaving my photoshoot inspired me so much and I hadn't even seen my photos yet!!!

My goal for your photoshoot...

I believe in uplifting and creating a comfortable atmosphere for all clients so that you feel like your most authentic, real, honest self and so it's captured in the photos!! My goal is for clients to come into their session and feel like they're hanging out at a friends house. I never make you pose in any weird movements or anything you do not feel 100% confident in, if you hate the pose or suggestion we move on. Because if you feel uncomfortable and lack the confidence for a specific pose- that is going to show in your photograph. I always encourage you to pose however you want and base it solely on how comfortable you feel with it; but I WILL help pose you in the most flattering way possible! Because again.... I got YOU boo!

Let's talk strategy..

I recommend taking to the internet to see some photos and get some ideas. You can head over to some of my previous boudoir posts on my social media outlets/groups to check them out or scan Pinterest for some ideas. Pinterest is particularly handy for this. Find boudoir images that you are drawn too and figure out what they have in common, if anything. Do the have similar poses? Do they have similar colors? Do they have similar hair or makeup? (I like to keep the session as natural as possible, fun and sexy, lots of laughter). From here you can begin to visualize what type of session you want.

Are you more into the tom-boy vibe or do you want something a little more va-va-voom?

Do you like images that are more minimalistic and clean?

Vibrant and colorful?

Dark and gritty?

To keep the photos timeless and something you’ll love even years on try to keep the accessories to a minimum and stay away from anything too trendy or cliche.

What to wear...

The best place to start shopping is your own closet. That's right, I said it. You probably already have what you need! But to really take on the whole experience... shop until you drop haha! What would you choose to wear if you wanted to look and feel your very best? Have fun and be adventurous here. Hit the shops with an honest, fashion-savy friend. Try to find outfits and lingerie that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and outstandingly sexy. Lingerie can be super hot, but sometimes a pair of cotton panties and a tight white t-shirt can be even sexier! Whatever you decide to wear just make sure you are choosing something that feels like you! Personalize your day by bringing along something that’s meaningful to both you and your significant other. This could be anything from a necklace that they gave you for your anniversary to his favorite oversized shirt. The classic button up he wore on your wedding day, his favorite team jersey, or his favorite bottle of whiskey.

Once you are booked...

• Make sure to book your hair and makeup apt so you end up with someone you’re comfortable with that gets your vision.
• Book your waxing (if you do so) for one week prior to our session.
• Book a haircut/color if you choose to do so one week prior to our session.
• Get that mani-pedi one or two days prior to our session.
• Discuss shoot locations with your photographer to have a good understanding of the styling and vibe you’re going for.
• If you are going to tan, spray tan, or apply tanning lotions- do it at the LEAST 2-3 weeks or more prior to your session. You do NOT want to look orange, streaky, and Lord have mercy does it stain.

THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SHOOT…HAIR, NAILS AND SKIN-OH MY!

• Drink Plenty of water, we all know that water gives us glowing skin so start now on making sure to avoid alcohol and sugary/diet drinks.
• Waxing. If you do so, make sure to have it done a few days before your shoot to avoid any redness or bumps associated with it. This includes your eyebrows.
• If you are having your hair cut or colored, give yourself a few extra days to make sure you love it.
• DO NOT SPRAY TAN, I repeat, DO NOT SPRAY TAN. Anything from streaks to the skin showing up much more orange in camera, it’s just not a look you’re going to want to have in your images.
• Try on your outfits/lingerie one last time to make sure everything fits, remove all tags (including the inside labels).
• Book a reservation at a great new restaurant or an old fave for the night of your session for you and your significant other or girl-friends. Just plan on making a date night after your boudoir session. You are going to look amazing so make the most of it!

1-2 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR SHOOT…

• Get those nails done – any sooner than this and they may chip and we want them looking fresh to death.
• Scrub down. Find a nice sugar or salt scrub and exfoliate that skin. We want that good glow going on for the photos.
• Shave and moisturize.
• Pack everything you will need to bring to the shoot. Heels…check! Touch up makeup…check! Lotion... check! Jewelry... check!
• Make a playlist on your phone or send it to me and I will have it prepared. And I'm not talking about a playlist that "gets you in a spicy mood" just make one with music you like. Songs you like to listen to on a round trip, night out with the girls, or something that you know the words to. Although, if you want spicy... we can do that too!!!
• Be sure to bring more outfit options that you think you will need. That way you and your photographer can go over everything together before the session and decide what outfits will work the best.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the hotel/studio/location of your choice without stress. Double check those travel times.
• Get a good nights rest.

The day of...

• Eat light throughout the day, but please do make sure you are eating.
• Use only clear or no deodorant.
• Get a lil’ bottle of champagne or your favorite drink of choice to take the edge off!
• Have you ever looked in the mirror after you take off tight clothing like socks, bras, panties, tight pants? Yeah, those red marks we want to avoid them. Come to the shoot naked, only kidding, but please do wear loose-fitting clothing. Try to go without a bra especially!
• Hair and makeup should be completed at least 30 mins prior to our session beginning.
• RELAX! It’s completely normal to be nervous in front of the camera. Give me 10 minutes and you’ll be laughing and be totally in the moment enjoying feeling sexy and having fun!

Disclaimer:

Every client I've ever shot once, has definitely been back for multiple rounds or intends to come back & do it again.