Goddess Ready: Your Ultimate Boudoir Preparation Guide
Let’s Get Glam
Get ready for an unforgettable experience with Chelsey Michon Hall Photography! This guide is your ultimate blueprint for making the most of your upcoming boudoir session.
I’m here to help you prep like a pro, so let’s dive in and get you all set for your big day!
Are you ready to unleash your inner goddess? Let’s do this!
Prioritizing Consent: Your Comfort Comes First
In my studio, every aspect of the session is conducted with utmost respect for my clients' comfort and boundaries. I prioritize client consent above all else, ensuring that every step we take is approved and aligned with their preferences. I, as the dedicated boudoir photographer, will be present throughout the session, ready to assist and guide while always prioritizing the client's comfort and well-being. Your trust and comfort are paramount, and I am committed to creating a safe and accommodating environment where you can feel at ease and fully in control.
Embark on your boudoir journey
Embark on your boudoir journey
4-6 Weeks Prior
Dream: Begin your journey by envisioning your ideal boudoir session. Dive into your imagination, shop your closet, and explore Pinterest for inspiration. Let your dreams guide you towards creating the perfect vision for your session.
Shopping: If you've explored your closet and are craving a few more options or something fresh for your shoot, it's time to hit the shops. Not sure where to start? Check out our quick guide on shopping for your body type and discover some great places to find the perfect pieces for your boudoir session.
Outfits: When it comes to outfits for your boudoir session, think outside the box! What makes you feel sexy? Whether it's a large sweater, your partner's favorite sports jersey, a sexy blazer, or something entirely personal, bring it along. This session is all about your vision, and I'm here to bring it to life. If you're gifting these images for your wedding, consider bringing along your veil, honeymoon lingerie, or even your something blue to add an extra special touch.
Schedule Appointments: Ensure you're camera-ready by scheduling any necessary beauty appointments, such as haircuts, color treatments, waxing or sugaring, manicures, pedicures, and facials, within the week or two leading up to your boudoir session. Treat yourself to some pampering and step into your session feeling confident and radiant.
Beyond the Session: As you anticipate your boudoir session, it's also essential to consider how you'll showcase your stunning images afterward. Will it be through a luxurious album, striking wall art, or perhaps digital images? Start envisioning the perfect display for your cherished memories, ensuring they're beautifully presented for years to come.
Oval or Apple Goddess
Got those gorgeous curves with a softer waistline? You’re rocking an oval or apple shape! Let’s elongate that frame and show off your assets. Go for V-neck bodysuits, waist-defining corsets, and scoop neck or strapless tops that draw the eye upward, highlighting your beautiful features and keeping the focus away from the midsection. You’re going to look stunning!
Rectangle Radiance
If your hips, waist, bust, and shoulders are all in harmony, you’re likely rocking a rectangle body shape! For your boudoir session, let’s create those sultry curves. A push-up bra is your secret weapon for unleashing your inner vixen. Ruffles or ruching around the bust, or even a belt at the waist, will work wonders to accentuate and add dimension. Let’s turn that straight-line silhouette into a show-stopping masterpiece!
Triangle or pear Perfection
If your hips are broader than your shoulders, you’re rocking that gorgeous pear or triangle shape. We all secretly wish we had a booty as stunning as yours! But if you’d like to shift the focus upward, a plunging neckline or a push-up bra will do the trick, highlighting your beautiful chest. And don’t shy away from a slimming corset to create a balanced, hourglass look. You’re going to slay your session with confidence and grace!
Inverted Triangle Temptress
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you’ve got that striking inverted triangle shape. Let’s draw attention downward to your slender waist and hips! Low-rise panties paired with a matching balconette bra are perfect for creating balance. Cami sets and halter tops are also your best friends, beautifully complementing your shape. Just a tip—avoid thick straps or boatneck lines, as they can add width up top. You’re going to look absolutely mesmerizing!
Wardrobe for Your Body Type
HOURGLASS Hottie
If your hips and shoulders are about equal with a beautifully defined waist, you’ve got that coveted hourglass shape! Let’s make those curves the star of the show. Think garter belts, corsets, teddies, or anything that hugs your figure—these will highlight your stunning silhouette. Just a heads-up: steer clear of babydolls, as they might hide that gorgeous waist of yours!
Where to Shop?!
Best Rack Around : NOVA LOCAL Specialty women’s bra and lingerie boutique for all women
Adore Me : versatile, affordable classic lingerie, and bar and panty sets
Savage X Fenty : Rihanna’s lingerie line, every day to bold, confident provocative pieces for all body types
Honey Birdette : High end provocative lingerie and luxury bedroom accessories
Victoria’s Secrets : Worlds largest lingerie retailer, fashion inspired intimates
Aerie : Everyday woman style. Cozy comfortable lingerie
Lounge Underwear : Bold, playful and always sexy luxury lingerie. Comfort made sexy
Wolf & Whistle : Sustainable lingerie. Quirky and flirty to sexy and naughty.
Playful Promises : Pinup and playful, bold and flirty, luxury lingerie for all body types
For Love & Lemons : Woman led, sweet, innocent but sexy lingerie
Tisja Damen : Handmade high end luxury lingerie
Agent Provocateur : Fearless femininity with a punk heritage lingerie
Journelle : Female driven, fashion focused lingerie for luxury and everyday
Torrid : Plus size, curvy girl lingerie
Appointments: Have you scheduled your appointments yet? If not, now's the time to get them on the books.
Bye, Bye, Bloat: Now's the perfect time to assess your diet and make any necessary adjustments if certain foods tend to upset your stomach or cause bloating. We want you to feel your most confident on the day of your shoot, so cutting out potential triggers beforehand can help ensure you're feeling your best.
2 weeks prior
3-5 days prior
Moisturize: It’s time to prioritize skincare by waxing, shaving, sugaring, etc. But don't forget your best friend: lotion! Make sure to moisturize daily, and twice if possible. Hydrated skin not only feels smoother but also ensures a radiant glow for your session.
Nails: If you're considering getting your nails done, neutrals are the way to go. Opting for neutral tones ensures your nails complement any outfit choice and won't distract from the focus of your boudoir session.
Natural Glow: Steer clear of tanning beds, lotions, or spray tans before your session, as they can result in an unnatural orange hue that's difficult to correct in post-production. Your natural beauty shines brightest, so come as you are and let your authentic self take center stage during your session.
H2O: Water is your new best friend as you prepare for your session. Stay hydrated by drinking lots and lots of water to flush your body of toxins and ensure you're feeling your best on the big day.
Tags: Before your session, remember to remove all price tags and even permanent tags from your lingerie. These tags can be visible in the photos, distracting from the overall aesthetic. Keeping things clean and tag-free ensures a polished and professional look for your images.
Final Outfits: It's time to select your final outfits! Choose your top picks, but feel free to bring a couple of extras just in case. During your hair and makeup session, we'll review your outfits together and finalize your choices, ensuring you feel confident and fabulous for your session.
Stretch: Stretching is a must! While boudoir may seem effortless, trust me, you'll feel it the next day. Dedicate time to stretching over the next few days. Whether it's yoga, Pilates, or a stretching video, prioritize flexibility to ensure you're feeling your best for your shoot.
1-2 Days Prior
Moisturize & H2O: Prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water and moisturizing your skin generously. Keeping your body hydrated and your skin supple will ensure you're feeling and looking your best for your session.
Stretch: Keep up with your stretching routine! Stretching regularly will help ensure you're prepared and poised for your special day.
Boudoir Bag: It's time to pack your boudoir bag with everything you'll need to feel confident and fabulous. Below, you'll find a detailed checklist to ensure you have everything you need packed and ready to go for your unforgettable boudoir experience.
Relax: Take a few moments to relax and breathe before your session. Get excited for the incredible experience ahead! This is your time to shine, so let your excitement build as you prepare to step into the spotlight and capture your beauty.
Boudoir Bag — Unique Attire
Lingerie shouldn't be the only thing you pack in your boudoir bag. Don't forget these essential items!
Hosiery! Every woman wants to elongate their legs. VienneMilano are the best on the market. Order here... www.viennemilano.com
Heels Heels Heels! Regardless if you are not a high heel kinda gal, bring those sexy heels you’ve always wanted to wear! They are going to boost your booty and make those legs look long and lean. The higher the heel the better (you don’t have to walk in them) and closed toe always looks best.
Unique Accessories that make you, YOU. Jewelry you wear daily, a robe, knee high socks, favorite sports jersey, button down shirt, over sized sweater, leather jacket, a hat, jeans, etc! What makes you feel sexy?
Ensure you pack your favorite lotion, essential makeup items, or any hair accessories you'd like to incorporate into your boudoir session.
Last tip... Simplicity is key! We want YOU to be the main focal point in your images. Your wardrobe is here to accentuate you!
Day of
Arrival: I suggest arriving a few moments before your session to enjoy a moment of relaxation before we get you into hair and makeup. Together we will select your favorite outfits and determine your hair and makeup style.
Hair & Makeup Prep: please arrive with a clean and moisturized face. Our skilled hair and makeup artist will take care of the rest, ensuring you look and feel your absolute best!
Comfort: While you're getting pampered, opt for something loose and comfortable to wear. This ensures you won't have any lines when we dress you in your boudoir outfits, allowing for a flawless and seamless transition.
Breakfast: Opt for a light meal to avoid bloating, but make sure to eat something to fuel your session. Trust me, you'll need the energy as we'll be burning those calories during the shoot.
Strike a Pose: Throughout the session, I'll be there to guide you every step of the way. No need to be nervous or worry about posing—just relax and let me take care of everything. Girl, I've got you covered!
Relax: Last but certainly not least, it's time for you to relax and feel like a total goddess. This is your moment to shine, so sit back, enjoy being pampered, and embrace your inner queen!
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. And the beauty of a woman, with passing years, only grows."
— Audrey Hepburn