Pre-shoot Prep: Everything you need to know

I know. It feels super overwhelming! You’re not used to being photographed in your underwear, so what should you do (or not do) in the days leading up to your boudoir shoot? I promise it’s not as intense as it feels. There are just a few things you’ll want to keep in mind leading up to your photoshoot.

Get Some Rest

I know you’re anxious and like a kid on Christmas Eve, it might be hard to sleep but get some rest! You’ll need the energy come shoot day and will want to look rested in your images.

Avoid Alcohol & Smoking

Besides the general obvious reasons, your skin and editor (ME) will thank you! Anything that dehydrates you will show in your skin. Also, we are typically bloated after we drink alcohol and no one wants the extra bloat. Loads of salty food also contribute to dehydration as will smoking and vaping.

Drink Water

While we are talking about being dehydrated, DRINK WATER! It will help offset anything that dehydrates or bloats you but seriously, just do it. Your skin and body will thank you come shoot day.

Moisturize

Use your favorite moisturizer the morning of your shoot. If you’re using our makeup artist, arrive makeup free and ready to be glammed up.

Avoid Major Hair Changes for at least 10 days

This isn’t the time to impulsively try a whole new hairstyle. Avoid new dramatic haircuts, highlights, balayage, dye or perms. Give yourself ten days as a buffer just in case there’s a hair related catastrophe, so you have time to get it fixed or find a really good wig. This assures you won’t hate your hair in all of your photos.

Get Your Nails Did

Treat yourself! Get a mani/pedi 1-2 days before your shoot. Your hands and feet will be visible in some of your shots so why not make sure they look their best. You’ll want to make sure the bottom of your feet look top notch too as they will make their appearance! We like to recommend picking a timeless polish that coordinates with your lingerie. You can’t go wrong with a french tip, soft pink, nude or classic red. Matching fingers and toes is also recommended but if your signature look is blue nails, do it! This is about you being you!

Hair Removal

If you shave, do so no earlier than the night before your shoot. Make sure you address any areas you would normally shave (don’t forget that big toe! LOL). Prefer to wax? Schedule your waxing appointment for 2-4 days before your shoot. This gives your skin time to calm after the waxing. If you don’t typically remove your hair, don’t. There’s no rule that you have to, just remember, if it’s on your body, it will likely show up in your photos.

To Tan or Not To Tan

Tanning is absolutely not necessary, so don’t feel like you need to! All skin tones are beautiful to us and we’d rather you look like yourself than experiment. That said, if you do tan, do so no sooner than 5 days before your session. Stick with a method that you’ve used before and avoid tanning your face if possible. Typically faces end up a bit splotchy which will make for more work in the makeup chair.